DAY 4: ROME → NAPLES

Midday, make your own way to Rome Termini station to board the high-speed train to Naples (1 hour 10 minutes’ journey in 2nd class with a reserved seat). On arrival at Stazione Centrale di Napoli, make your own way to your hotel and check in.

Enjoy your first free exploration of this vibrant and authentic city, the capital of southern Italy dominated by the majestic Mount Vesuvius. Spend the afternoon strolling along the seafront (Lungomare) with breathtaking views of the gulf, exploring the colourful and lively streets of the Spanish Quarter (Quartieri Spagnoli), admire the majestic Piazza del Plebiscito, one of the largest squares in Europe, and discover the Castel dell’Ovo, a medieval fortress perched on a rocky islet. In the evening, sample a genuine Neapolitan pizza at one of the city’s historic pizzerias (Da Michele, Sorbillo, Di Matteo) to enjoy an authentic wood-fired Pizza Margherita or Marinara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Included:

• Breakfast
• 1 x journey on the high-speed train from Rome to Naples in 2nd class
• Night at Hotel Sant'Angelo Palace or similar

DAY 5: NAPLES

Your Campania ArteCard (valid for 3 days) grants you access to over 80 cultural sites in Naples and throughout Campania, with free or reduced-price entry and public transport included. Start with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, one of the finest archaeological museums in the world, housing the treasures of Pompeii and Herculaneum with their spectacular mosaics – including the famous Alexander the Great – colourful frescoes and everyday objects frozen in time by the eruption of Vesuvius.

Next, visit Castel dell’Ovo, which offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Gulf of Naples, then immerse yourself in the authentic Neapolitan spirit as you stroll along Spaccanapoli, the straight thoroughfare that runs through the UNESCO-listed historic centre. Lose yourself in the maze of bustling alleyways on Via dei Tribunali, lined with pizzerias and Baroque churches; admire the Duomo di Napoli, home to the relics of San Gennaro (the city’s patron saint), the Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo with its unique diamond-pointed façade, the magnificent cloister with its colourful majolica tiles at Santa Chiara, and discover the workshops producing Neapolitan nativity scenes (presepi), a fascinating traditional craft. Take a gourmet break at the historic Gambrinus café (since 1860), savour a flaky sfogliatella at Attanasio or a rum-soaked babà at Scaturchio. At the end of the day, head up to the Certosa di San Martino on the Vomero hill to admire the most beautiful sunset over Naples, the gulf and Vesuvius.

Included:

• Breakfast
• 1 x Campania Arte Card including 5 admissions to sites of historical and cultural interest (see description)
• Night at Hotel Sant'Angelo Palace or similar

DAY 6: NAPLES

Your Campania ArteCard is still valid. Make the most of it to explore Naples further by visiting the sumptuous Palazzo Reale with its royal apartments, the magnificent Teatro San Carlo (one of Europe’s finest opera houses), the fascinating Catacombs of San Gennaro (an underground network dating back to the 2nd century), or the splendid Galleria Umberto I with its spectacular Art Nouveau glass roof. Explore authentic neighbourhoods such as the Rione Sanità with its remarkable street art, the chic Vomero district offering panoramic views, or the picturesque little fishing port of Marechiaro away from the crowds.

You can also take an optional excursion to the spa island of Ischia with its thermal gardens and fine sandy beaches, the authentic island of Procida with its pastel-coloured houses and unspoilt fishing village atmosphere, climb Mount Vesuvius to the crater for a 360° panoramic view of the gulf, or visit Herculaneum, a less crowded alternative to Pompeii but just as fascinating with its multi-storey houses, mosaics and remarkably well-preserved frescoes (entry included with the ArteCard). Between visits, try some Neapolitan specialities: spaghetti alle vongole (with clams), parmigiana di melanzane (aubergines) or frittura di pesce (fried fish from the gulf). In the evening, enjoy a nightcap on the Lungomare whilst admiring Vesuvius under the stars.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Night at Hotel Sant'Angelo Palace or similar

Optional:

• Optional excursions to Ischia, Procida, Mount Vesuvius, or Herculaneum (at additional cost)

DAY 7: DEPARTURE FROM NAPLES

Transfer independently to Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP).

Included:

• Breakfast

DAY 2: ROME

Today, Rome is yours to explore at your leisure. With your Hop-on Hop-off pass, discover the city’s iconic sights at your own pace with audio commentary in English. Hop on and off the bus as often as you like to explore the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre of the ancient world where gladiators once fought, and the Roman Forum, the former political and religious centre of Imperial Rome.

Continue on to Vatican City to admire the majestic St Peter’s Basilica with its dome by Michelangelo and the famous Vatican Museums, home to the sublime Sistine Chapel. Stroll through the Spanish Steps and their 135 flower-lined steps, offering a magnificent view of the city, then lose yourself in the historic centre to discover the legendary Trevi Fountain, where tradition dictates that you throw three coins to ensure you return to Rome, the Pantheon with its dome pierced by a fascinating oculus, and Piazza Navona, a majestic Baroque square adorned with the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers. Between visits, enjoy a pizza al taglio (by the slice) or some artisan gelato for a typically Roman gourmet break.

Included:

• Breakfast
• 1 x ticket valid for 24 hours for the Rome Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus
• Night at Hotel Tuscolana or similar

DAY 3: ROME

Make the most of this day at your leisure to revisit your favourite spots or explore new treasures in the Italian capital. You can choose to visit the prestigious Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and its legendary ceiling painted by Michelangelo, or take a trip to Tivoli to discover Hadrian’s Villa, the spectacular remains of the emperor’s residence, and Villa d’Este with its Renaissance gardens and hundreds of fountains listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For a more authentic experience, take a stroll through the historic Jewish quarter, wander the colourful alleyways of Trastevere with its craft markets, or climb the Janiculum Hill to enjoy the most beautiful panoramic view of Rome for free. Archaeology enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Baths of Caracalla, an imposing thermal complex from the Roman era. In the evening, settle into a traditional enoteca to sample wines from Lazio accompanied by Italian cold cuts and cheeses.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Night at Hotel Tuscolana or similar

DAY 4: ROME → NAPLES

Midday, make your own way to Rome Termini station to board the high-speed train to Naples (1 hour 10 minutes’ journey in 2nd class with a reserved seat). On arrival at Stazione Centrale di Napoli, make your own way to your hotel and check in.

Enjoy your first free exploration of this vibrant and authentic city, the capital of southern Italy dominated by the majestic Mount Vesuvius. Spend the afternoon strolling along the seafront (Lungomare) with breathtaking views of the gulf, exploring the colourful and lively streets of the Spanish Quarter (Quartieri Spagnoli), admire the majestic Piazza del Plebiscito, one of the largest squares in Europe, and discover the Castel dell’Ovo, a medieval fortress perched on a rocky islet. In the evening, sample a genuine Neapolitan pizza at one of the city’s historic pizzerias (Da Michele, Sorbillo, Di Matteo) to enjoy an authentic wood-fired Pizza Margherita or Marinara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Included:

• Breakfast
• 1 x journey on the high-speed train from Rome to Naples in 2nd class
• Night at Hotel Sant'Angelo Palace or similar

DAY 5: NAPLES

Your Campania ArteCard (valid for 3 days) grants you access to over 80 cultural sites in Naples and throughout Campania, with free or reduced-price entry and public transport included. Start with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, one of the finest archaeological museums in the world, housing the treasures of Pompeii and Herculaneum with their spectacular mosaics – including the famous Alexander the Great – colourful frescoes and everyday objects frozen in time by the eruption of Vesuvius.

Next, visit Castel dell’Ovo, which offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Gulf of Naples, then immerse yourself in the authentic Neapolitan spirit as you stroll along Spaccanapoli, the straight thoroughfare that runs through the UNESCO-listed historic centre. Lose yourself in the maze of bustling alleyways on Via dei Tribunali, lined with pizzerias and Baroque churches; admire the Duomo di Napoli, home to the relics of San Gennaro (the city’s patron saint), the Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo with its unique diamond-pointed façade, the magnificent cloister with its colourful majolica tiles at Santa Chiara, and discover the workshops producing Neapolitan nativity scenes (presepi), a fascinating traditional craft. Take a gourmet break at the historic Gambrinus café (since 1860), savour a flaky sfogliatella at Attanasio or a rum-soaked babà at Scaturchio. At the end of the day, head up to the Certosa di San Martino on the Vomero hill to admire the most beautiful sunset over Naples, the gulf and Vesuvius.

Included:

• Breakfast
• 1 x Campania Arte Card including 5 admissions to sites of historical and cultural interest (see description)
• Night at Hotel Sant'Angelo Palace or similar

DAY 6: NAPLES

Your Campania ArteCard is still valid. Make the most of it to explore Naples further by visiting the sumptuous Palazzo Reale with its royal apartments, the magnificent Teatro San Carlo (one of Europe’s finest opera houses), the fascinating Catacombs of San Gennaro (an underground network dating back to the 2nd century), or the splendid Galleria Umberto I with its spectacular Art Nouveau glass roof. Explore authentic neighbourhoods such as the Rione Sanità with its remarkable street art, the chic Vomero district offering panoramic views, or the picturesque little fishing port of Marechiaro away from the crowds.

You can also take an optional excursion to the spa island of Ischia with its thermal gardens and fine sandy beaches, the authentic island of Procida with its pastel-coloured houses and unspoilt fishing village atmosphere, climb Mount Vesuvius to the crater for a 360° panoramic view of the gulf, or visit Herculaneum, a less crowded alternative to Pompeii but just as fascinating with its multi-storey houses, mosaics and remarkably well-preserved frescoes (entry included with the ArteCard). Between visits, try some Neapolitan specialities: spaghetti alle vongole (with clams), parmigiana di melanzane (aubergines) or frittura di pesce (fried fish from the gulf). In the evening, enjoy a nightcap on the Lungomare whilst admiring Vesuvius under the stars.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Night at Hotel Sant'Angelo Palace or similar

Optional:

• Optional excursions to Ischia, Procida, Mount Vesuvius, or Herculaneum (at additional cost)

DAY 7: NAPLES → SORRENTO

Pick up your car hire (optional but recommended) and set off for the Amalfi Coast. On the way, make a must-see stop at the archaeological site of Pompeii (entry included with your ArteCard) to explore this Roman city buried by the eruption of Vesuvius on 24 August 79 AD. Explore the Forum, the political and religious heart of the city; the patrician villas with their vivid, well-preserved frescoes; the thermal baths, theatre and amphitheatre; the cobbled streets with their chariot ruts and shops; the poignant casts of the victims; and the famous Villa of the Mysteries with its enigmatic frescoes (allow at least 3–4 hours for the visit).

Continue to Massa Lubrense, a charming village perched on the heights of the Sorrento Peninsula facing Capri, offering authentic local life and breathtaking views. Check in at your hotel with a sea view and enjoy some free time to admire the sunset over the Gulf of Naples. In the evening, dine at a local trattoria with panoramic views to sample Capri-style ravioli, Sorrento-style gnocchi and chilled limoncello, the iconic liqueur made with local IGP lemons.

N.B.: You can also reach your hotel via the Circumvesuviana railway, with trains departing every 30 minutes. You may wish to stop off in Pompeii, making use of the luggage storage facility at the archaeological park.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Night at Hotel Sea Breeze or similar

DAY 8: SORRENTO ⇄ POSITANO & AMALFI

Early morning departure with transfer to the pier and boarding of a comfortable boat for a magical day along the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A scenic cruise (approx. 2 hours) taking in breathtaking scenery: the Punta Campanella marine protected area with its crystal-clear waters and vertiginous cliffs, the enchanting Li Galli islands (a private archipelago that once belonged to the dancer Rudolf Nureyev), the picturesque village of Praiano clinging to the cliff, the spectacular Furore fjord with its 30-metre-high suspension bridge, and the charming village of Conca dei Marini. Arrival in Amalfi around 11am with around 3 hours of free time to explore this former Maritime Republic: admire the majestic Duomo di Sant’Andrea overlooking Piazza del Duomo, visit the sublime Cloister of Paradise with its Moorish arches (€4), stroll through the narrow streets of the historic centre with its craft shops (ceramics, lemon products, handmade paper), stroll along the harbour and treat yourself to a gourmet break at Pasticceria Andrea Pansa (since 1830) to sample a delizia al limone.

Departure at 2 pm for Positano, the picture-postcard village with its pastel-coloured houses cascading down towards the sea. Free time to explore Spiaggia Grande with its colourful deckchairs, stroll along Via dei Mulini lined with chic Moda Positano boutiques (linen dresses) and artisanal sandal workshops, visit the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta with its majolica dome, and enjoy the spectacular views. Return in the late afternoon to the Sorrento Peninsula with a sunset cruise, followed by transfer to your hotel. An unforgettable experience amidst turquoise waters, breathtaking landscapes and timeless coastal villages.

Included:

• Breakfast
• 1 x boat trip from Massa Lubrense → Positano / Amalfi
• Night at Hotel Sea Breeze or similar

DAY 9: SORRENTO

Make the most of your hire car to explore the region at your own pace or relax at the hotel. Discover Sorrento (15 mins by car), the jewel of the peninsula, with its lively Piazza Tasso, Via San Cesareo lined with craft shops, and Marina Grande (a small fishing port accessible by lift), the gardens of the Villa Comunale offering a panoramic terrace overlooking the gulf and Vesuvius, the flower-filled cloister of the Church of San Francesco, and the mysterious Vallone dei Mulini with its abandoned mills. Go shopping for local specialities (intarsio wood marquetry, lemon products, ceramics) or visit a vineyard to discover how limoncello is made and taste the local wines.

You can also take a trip to Capri, the legendary island of emperors and celebrities, to visit the Blue Grotto with its otherworldly hues, take the chairlift up to Mount Solaro (360° panoramic views), admire the famous Faraglioni rising from the sea, stroll through the Gardens of Augustus, discover Emperor Tiberius’ Villa Jovis, and enjoy some window shopping on the legendary Piazzetta and Via Camerelle. Alternative: explore the Sorrento Peninsula by driving to Punta Campanella (lighthouse and scenic trail), Marina del Cantone (charming beach and fresh seafood lunch), the Baia di Ieranto (coastal hike to a protected wild cove), or the fishing village of Nerano, renowned for its spaghetti alla Nerano. You can also simply enjoy your accommodation, relaxing by the pool with sea views, swimming at the small, quiet beaches of Massa Lubrense (Marina della Lobra, Marina di Puolo), and admiring the sunset at Punta Campanella with views of Capri and the Li Galli islands.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Night at Hotel Sea Breeze or similar

Optional:

• Capri by boat (available at the next stage of the booking process)

DAY 10: SORRENTO → DEPARTURE FROM NAPLES

Enjoy a final Italian morning with breakfast by the sea, a last swim, or a coffee on the terrace. Return your car hire, if applicable, and transfer independently to Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP) - approx. 1 hour.

Included:

• Breakfast