Best of Amalfi Coast Tour: Amalfi, Sorrento, and Capri

In the morning, the sunlight will wash over Michelangelo’s dome that crowns St. Peter’s Basilica at more than 448 feet tall. The neighborhood bars will fill the streets with the aromas of fresh espresso and sweet brioche. You will travel by train and private transfer to the Caserta Palace, which is the largest palace in the world by volume. The Baroque design dates back to the 18th century when Charles VII desired a palace to rival Versailles. Caserta possesses 1,200 rooms and 34 grand staircases with a façade that strikes an imposing figure at 820 feet long.

In the Palatina Library, you will find frescoes that decorate the walls and depict the signs of the zodiac and constellations. The true grandeur of the palace will come into view when you reach the gardens, which stretch for nearly two miles with waterfall and fountain adornments. At the far edge of the park, you can see the waterfall that is fed by the Carline aqueduct. In the foreground, the fountain of the three dolphins gushes water into a pool nearly 10 feet deep.

At breakfast, you will find the alluring aroma of freshly brewed espresso as it blends with the scents of the sea and fragrant citrus, which derives from the nearby lemon groves. Your guide will meet you in at the hotel and escort you to Naples for a full-day tour of Campania’s capital city and the former center of the Kingdom of Naples. After an exploration of the historic streets, you will arrive at the National Archeological Museum for insight into the timeline of the city, from ancient life to the Baroque elegance.

The treasures on display in the galleries include the Farnese collections that feature sculptures like the colossal Hercules, which is a statue that was discovered at the Caracalla Baths in Rome and stands over 10 feet tall. Your guide will also point out the stunning mosaics from Pompeii, including Alexander’s Battle, which is a piece that depicts the former emperor as he fights the Persian Army,. You will continue to a private kitchen in the afternoon for a pizza-making class, where your instructor will guide you through making dough and assembling the pizza in a step-by-step process until you create the perfect Neapolitan pizza.

After breakfast, you will venture to Pompeii with your guide for a private tour of the infamous city that was covered in pumice and ash after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. You will step back in time as you walk along the sprawling cityscape that was rediscovered in the 18th century. The main square of the Forum offers a glimpse of the social, political, and religious heart of life in Pompeii, while colonnades enclose the square and lead to the northern section that is crowned by the Temple of Jupiter. The nearly-10-foot tall base of the temple remains standing and contrasts the remaining Ionic columns that connote the Temple of Apollo.

At the Teatro Grande, you can stand on the top row of the theater, which once held up to 5,000 spectators, to enjoy the commanding view that sweeps across the Bay of Naples to the peak of Mount Vesuvius. You will continue to Herculaneum, which was destroyed in the same eruption and buried in up to 98 feet of pumice and ash. Lava quickly filled the streets and homes of the city, which helped encase the city, preserving wooden furniture, textiles, preserved food, houses.

Chestnut forests, precipitous volcanic rock, and thriving vineyards spread across the interior of Ischia near the foothills of Monte Epomeo while the Tyrrhenian Sea splashes against the treasured beaches. After breakfast, you will take the ferry to Istria and settle in to the comforts of your luxury accommodation that overlook the water in the captivating town of Sant’Angelo. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure to bask in the beauty of the island at your preferred pace, from lounging on the sand of Spiaggia dei Maronti to strolling through the gardens of Giardini Ravino.

For a unique look at one of the marvels of the island, you can visit Baia di Sorgeto, which is a natural bay that reflects the treasured thermal baths of the volcanic landscape. You can travel down the 300 steps to reach the lovely village of Panza, where you will find naturally heated water that spills into the rock pools at the edge of the isolated cove. The mixture of hot thermal water and the refreshing sea creates the perfect temperature in which you can relax and bask in the wonders of island life.

The boutiques along the narrow pedestrian lanes will open in the morning, and locals will enjoy espresso along the fashionable cobblestones of Piazzetta Ottorino Troia. When you are ready, you will take the ferry to Capri for a day of discovering the famous neighboring island. Capri has enchanted visitors for thousands of years, from Roman emperors to Hollywood royalty. The idyllic island will welcome you with a funicular that leads to the Piazzetta, where café tables crowd the cobbled square. The main lanes of Capri Town embody elegance with boutique shops that are typically decorated with bougainvillea and manicured trees that provide shade beneath the Mediterranean sun.

You will quickly find the allure of the island when visiting the Giardini di Augusto. The gardens were founded by the Roman emperor, Augustus, and possess a series of flowered terraces. The aromas of blossoming flowers will accentuate the panoramic view that encompasses the famous Faraglioni sea stacks, which is a set of three limestone stacks that rises out of the water. Your marvelous view will sweep from the peak of Mount Solaro to the colorful homes that line the water at the bay of Marina Piccola.

You will return to Italy’s mainland after breakfast, where your private transfer will meet you at the marina and escort you to the enchanting town of Ravello, which is located 1,198 feet above sea level. The town sits above rows of orange and lemon groves that offer tremendous views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The irresistible beauty of the town has attracted artists, from Wagner to Escher and Virginia Wolf, whom each found inspiration in the history of the architecture and pristine charm of the surrounding landscape.

The Cathedral was built in the 11th century and retains its original triple-arched marble portal that is accentuated by its 12th-century bronze doors. You will also find inspiration at Villa Rufolo, where you can stroll along foundations that date back to the 13th century and reflect the influences of Moorish and Norman cultures. The cliff edge terrace will offer an immaculate panorama across the cobalt hues of the sea. In the evening, you will meet your cooking instructor for a private lesson in making pasta. As you learn the art of crafting the perfect Italian pasta for any meal, you can sample local cheese for deeper insight into the flavors that shape Campania food culture.

The Amalfi Coast is famous for its seductive landscapes that are pressed against the tranquil sea. The terraced gardens, vineyards, and orchards frame the colorful towns and line the reflective waters. Your private driver will meet you at the hotel and lead you to the famous coastline for a full day of exploring the towns along the 25-mile road that connects Positano to Vietri sul Mare. In the main town of Amalfi, you will find remnants of its former power, dating back to the 11th century and embodied in the central Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea.

The white and black lines of the façade frame the 62-step staircase that leads to the main entrance. The magnificent bronze doors were commissioned in 11th-century Syria and represent the maritime trade from which the power of the city sprang. The delightful town of Positano acts as the western gateway to the Amalfi Coast and climbs the hillside with pastel-colored houses. The dome of the Byzantine church of Santa Maria Assunta glints in the sunlight from the decorative majolica tiles, and the winding lanes of the town possess hints of citrus aromas, which stem from the cafes that overlook the wading boats in the marina.

Today, you will venture into the rural plains of Campania in the morning with your guide to visit the stunning collection of ancient Greek temples that mark the former settlement of Paestum. The life of Magna Grecia will come into view as you witness the wonders of Greek design centuries before the emergence of Roman power. The UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 6th century BC, and your guide will lead you on a remarkable immersion into the historical and architectural details of the temples, beginning with the Temple of Neptune, which was built in the 5th century BC.

The limestone structure is the largest and best-preserved temple in Paestum. The double rows of columns create an inner chamber where a deity once stood. Contrary to the name, the temple was actually dedicated to the goddess, Hera. The massive structure boasts a length of 195 feet long by 80 feet wide. You will continue your exploration of Campania’s plains with a visit to a local dairy farm that is known for producing delicious buffalo mozzarella. Your guide will lead you on an insightful tour that follows the steps that result in the famous regional cheese, which is celebrated for its creamy and tangy flavors.

In the morning, the Infinity Terrace connected to the botanic gardens of Villa Cimbrone will offer a spectacular view of the water. Busts decorate the wall, providing one of the most photographed views in the world. The aroma of freshly brewed espresso will be accompanied by warm sfogliatelle as it fills the air before your private transfer meets you at your hotel. When you are ready, you will make your way to the Naples Airport for your flight home, bringing an end to your time among the Amalfi Coast.