Scenic Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast

Day 1

After our early departure, we travel south for our ferry crossing, arriving in France before heading to our overnight hotel this evening.

Day 2

We continue our journey over the Italian border and onto our overnight hotel in Tuscany, where we enjoy this evening's dinner.

Day 3

After a leisurely start this morning, we continue our journey towards our hotel in Castellammare di Stabia, nestled in the Bay of Naples, where a welcome drink greets us on arrival for a six-night stay.

Day 4

Today's full-day excursion takes us to charming Sorrento, starting with a two-hour guided walking tour. As you walk through its lemon tree-lined streets, explore Sorrento's old-world traditions, elegant Baroque architecture, and fascinating history, blended with delightful small-town coastal life. Cobbled alleys are teeming with shops and renowned restaurants, whilst you'll find stunning views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius can be found from vantage points throughout the town. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to meander your way through the atmospheric piazzas or magnificent Marina Grande, perhaps sampling some of the city's most delicious produce, including pizza, seafood, gelato and Sorrento's famous limoncello, a liquor made from locally-grown zesty lemons.

Day 5

Explore the amazing Amalfi Coast by road and sea today! Our day starts with a scenic drive along this picturesque coastline, one of the world's most spectacular and a UNESCO World Heritage site in its own right. Fantastical rock faces plunge vertically into the sea, and breathtaking bridges span deep gorges, all while driving alongside gentle hillsides covered in vineyards, fruit and olive groves that are teaming with activity.
As we continue our journey towards Amalfi, winding roads offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding region, including the sights of Positano, home to a collage of ice-cream-coloured houses. As we arrive in Amalfi, the namesake of this stunning coastline, you'll be greeted by the sight of the town's grand medieval cathedral before boarding our sightseeing cruise to Maiori, perfect for snapping photos of your stunning surroundings.

Please note: a local coach will undertake the excursion along the Amalfi Coast.

Day 6

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore your resort of Castellammare Di Stabia in your own time today. Alternatively, why not join our optional excursion to the magical island of Capri? After making the journey by boat across the Bay of Naples, you'll find one of the most beautiful islands in the world and one of Italy's most exclusive holiday destinations, made famous by Roman Emperors and the rich and famous alike. Upon our arrival in Marina Grande, you'll be flanked by the yachts of Hollywood stars and international jet setters as you board our guided tour of the island by minibus. Our journey takes us up the slopes of Monte Solaro to Anacapri, a pretty hillside village where you'll explore narrow cobbled streets, picturesque plazas and traditional artisan workshops. You can also enjoy free time in Capri's old town, where meandering pedestrian routes can take you to the fantastic Augustus Gardens, which overlooks Dame Gracie Fields' villa, 'La Canzone del Mare' or the 'Song of the Sea', and the Faraglioni rocks. If you're looking for a more relaxed end to your day, why not enjoy a cappuccino in one of the stylish pavement cafes in the 'Piazza' or browse some fabulous shops and chic designer boutiques?

Day 7

Join us as we travel to the awe-inspiring Roman ruins of Pompeii. Petrified for over two thousand years, enjoy an expertly guided tour exploring the city's fascinating maze of streets, which are forever frozen in time by a volcanic eruption by nearby Mount Vesuvius. Rediscovered over four hundred years ago and with expert excavations beginning in the eighteenth century, Pompeii is the birthplace of modern archaeology, with discoveries being made every day. From here, we continue past the brooding hulk of the still-active Mount Vesuvius to the colourful city of Naples, often considered Southern Italy's capital. With its mild climate, rich history, and numerous attractions to explore, Naples has drawn tourists from all over the world for centuries. The city centre has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to mysterious churches, catacombs and caves. Don't forget to seek out some delicious traditional pizza - it was invented here!

Day 8

Relax in your resort of Castellammare di Stabia with a day at leisure. Home to a large seafront promenade, it offers marvellous mountain and sea views across the Bay of Naples. On clear days, you might see as far as Mount Vesuvius and the volcanic island of Ischia. The resort's atmospheric centre is spattered with popular bars, gelato shops and restaurants for you to enjoy. For those looking for an adventurous day, why not take the opportunity to hop on board the cable car to Monte Faito? After climbing over a kilometre above sea level, enjoy breathtaking views of the beautiful coastline and surrounding spectacular landscape. This evening, we have a farewell dinner with sparkling wine and live music at our hotel.

Day 9

We bid 'arrivederci' to our hosts and begin the drive north to Rome, one of the world's finest cities with legend and mythology in every direction. Labelled the 'Eternal City' by its ancient inhabitants, Rome is the birthplace of the Roman Empire and is Italy's capital city; here, we have arranged a guided walking tour that takes in some of its famous landmarks, such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, before continuing our journey to our overnight hotel in Tuscany.

Day 10

After breakfast, we depart Tuscany and begin our journey north to our penultimate overnight hotel.

Day 11

Our journey continues to our final overnight hotel in France.

Day 12

We return home by ferry and road today.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner