Enjoy glorious days of magnificent art, architecture and panoramic views as you explore "the Eternal city" of Rome, and spend five leisurely nights on southern Italy's breathtaking Amalfi coast with its stunning vistas of the Mediterranean Sea. Discover the ruins of Pompeii; explore the most well preserved Greek temples outside of Greece while in Paestum, and visit the stunning hilltop village of Ravello. In Rome, you will enjoy a panoramic tour highlighting the well-known sites of Classical Rome, including the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, as well as the beautiful Trevi Fountain. In the seaside resort town of Sorrento, watch local artisans demonstrate the art of inlaid wood making. Learn about Italy’s artisan way of life with visits and tours of a local buffalo milk mozzarella factory, and a traditional ceramic factory. This vacation includes free time to explore the Mediterranean island of Capri and to explore the ceramic shops and cafes of Amalfi. In colorful and vibrant Naples, enjoy a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, one of the finest in the world.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Overnight Flight - Your adventure begins with an overnight flight to Italy. Journey through southern Italy and experience its rich scenery, art, culture, food and wine! Witness the breathtaking scenery of the Amalfi Coast, discover the ruins of Pompeii, explore the most well preserved Greek temples outside of Greece while in Paestum, and visit the stunning hilltop village of Ravello. In addition, participate in an exclusive visit to a traditional ceramic factory, taste the local lemon liquor, and visit a local mozzarella cheese facility.
Day #2 Arrive Rome, Italy - Your tour begins in Rome. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring local delicacies and wines.
Day #3 Rome - This morning you may wish to participate in an optional tour to the magnificent treasures of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. Later, enjoy a panoramic tour of Classical Rome featuring the Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, and the Arch of Constantine. Contemporary Rome is highlighted through the legendary Trevi Fountain.
Day #4 Rome - Ravello - Vietri-sul-Mare - LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate while in Italy! Depart Rome and journey south to the Amalfi Coast. In the picturesque village of Ravello you will visit the magnificent gardens of the Villa Rufolo with its spectacular panorama. Your day ends in the beautiful town of Vietri-sul-Mare, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Day #5 Vietri-sul-Mare - Sorrento - Vietri-sul-Mare - Begin your day exploring the popular seaside resort town of Sorrento. Here you’ll visit a local factory and watch a demonstration of the art of inlaid wood making. This afternoon, take some time to explore this charming town on your own.
Day #6 Vietri-sul-Mare - Paestum - Vietri-sul-Mare - After breakfast, visit a nearby local ceramic factory to learn about this important regional craft. Next, learn about one of Italy’s most famous products during a tour of a local buffalo milk mozzarella factory. Your day will continue with a visit to Paestum where a local guide will escort you through some of the best preserved Greek temples outside of Greece. End your day with dinner at a popular local restaurant.
Day #7 Vietri-sul-Mare - Capri - Vietri-sul-Mare - Delight in a boat trip (weather permitting) to the wonderful Mediterranean island of Capri. A local guide provides an interesting tour of this paradise island. Later, enjoy free time to explore the town of Capri, shop its elegant designer shops, or sip a coffee in the Piazza and watch the world go by.
Day #8 Vietri-sul-Mare - Pompeii - Vietri-sul-Mare - Experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii at the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. Soak in the history of the preserved original buildings of a typical Roman town 2,000 years ago. A local guide will provide an in-depth view of this remarkable archeological sight. Next you will return to Vietri-sul-Mare where you will enjoy free time to explore the town square, ceramic shops and cafes.
Day #9 Vietri-sul-Mare - Naples - Winery - Rome - Bid farewell to the Amalfi Coast this morning and proceed to colorful and vibrant Naples. Enjoy a visit to the fascinating National Archeological Museum, one of the finest in the world. Before departing for Rome, stop at a local winery at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius to savor the famous Lacryma Christo wines and enjoy a typical Neapolitan lunch. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a marvelous trip to Italy.
Day #10 Rome - Tour Ends - Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.