Overview
On Easy Exploring trips we rely on private transfers, easy strolling, and the occasional local train to explore the cities, towns, and countryside, returning each evening to our charming, premier-level inn. With the support of your tour leader and an expert, energetic local guide to show you all the wonders of the region, you’ll find yourself falling in love with this relaxed mode of travel. You can join one of our scheduled small groups, or we can organize a private tour for couples, families or groups.
The Amalfi Coast…one of the most beautiful coastlines on the planet, with views as unbelievable as they are breathtaking.. You’ll explore tiny pastel villages perched precariously on impossibly steep hillsides that plunge into the blue water of the Mediterranean. You’ll wander the amazing city of Pompeii, preserved by a volcanic eruption and covered in ash for almost 2000 years. And you’ll be enchanted by the timeless ambiance of the Isle of Capri, playground of the rich and famous since the age of the Roman Emperors. You’ll be pampered with premier 4-Star accommodations, private transfers, and an expert local guide to show you the secrets of the area. You’ll soon understand why this is one of our most popular places to visit…and re-visit!
True to our “Get Lost” philosophy, we’ll ease into the pulse of the Italian experience and find the real Italy…we’ll walk the walks, feast on the food, meet the people, and live the life.
Tour Dates & Pricing
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Ben Venuti in Sorrento!
You should plan to arrive in the enchanting seaside city of Sorrento by midday at the latest. Be sure to arrive in plenty of time to check into your 4-Star hotel and still have time to relax before meeting your traveling companions at the "get-acquainted" party and dinner which starts in the early evening. (When you book your tour, we can help you make arrangements for transferring from your arrival airport to the hotel in Sorrento.)
After our orientation party/meeting we'll take a nighttime stroll through Sorrento's bustling streets to one of our favorite local restaurants where you can relax and recharge at our group "get-acquainted dinner". Plate after plate of incredible food will magically appear in front of you, all you have to do is make it disappear! Sorrentine cuisine reflects the best of classical Southern Italian dishes, and many of the most famous of these are at their peak here! Spaghetti with tomato sauce, stuffed eggplant, mozzarella cheese, seafood of every kind, and the world's best pizza, pulled steaming hot from wood-fired ovens! The volcanic soil gives incredible flavor to all of the fruits and vegetables grown on the slopes overlooking Sorrento, and the grapes are no exception! Along with the food, the wines of Campania will be a wonderful discovery, as some of Italy's best (but least known outside of Italy) vintages are produced here. Experiment and enjoy!
To top off your first night in Italy we'll join the locals for the traditional after-dinner passagiatta (stroll) and perhaps visit our favorite gelato bar! All of the great food and wine will ensure that you sleep well tonight!
Day 2 - Isle of Capri
After breakfast this morning you'll visit the quaint fishing village of Marina Grande to board your private boat for a scenic ride to the Isle of Capri. Your captain will take you on a tour around some of Capri's iconic coastal cliffs before you go ashore, where private cars will await to whisk you from Capri's port to the beautiful town of Anacapri, perched high along the slopes of the island's mountainous terrain. Your private guide will take you on a marvelous tour of the island, with the possibility to take a chairlift to the peak of Monte Solaro, with stunning panoramic views of the mainland! You'll feel like a native as you ride the tiny island bus down to Capri-town, where you'll have a tour of the neighborhoods and sites of this timeless village. You'll also have time on your own to Get Lost and explore. Keep a sharp eye out, as this place is definitely the haunt of the rich and famous, as it has been for over 1000 years! You can easily shop til you drop, with every major fashion house in Italy represented here, often with tiny little shops barely large enough for their goods. You can be sure to find the perfect cafe to have a cool glass of wine and people watch, or enjoy a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean.
Later you'll board your private boat for the ride back to Sorrento. Tonight is free for dinner, your guide can direct you to one of their favorite haunts. Sorrento has an abundance of excellent restaurants, from simple family-style pizzerias to elegant fine dining.
Day 3 - Vesuvius and Pompeii
The still-active volcano of Mount Vesuvius dominates the landscape here, rising over Naples and the bay like a brooding giant. At its feet lies the ancient ruined city of Pompeii, a fascinating archaeological site that met its doom on August 23, 79 AD, when the eruption of Vesuvius buried the city of 20,000 inhabitants and entombed their culture for nearly 2000 years. Here, like nowhere else in the world, it's possible to see how the people of ancient times lived their daily lives. We will have our own private guide while exploring Pompeii, and if time permits we can wander the huge town on our own as we try to imagine what life was like 20 centuries ago.
After Pompeii you'll jump into 4x4 vehicles for an adventurous ride up the slopes of the crater! The climb is steep but the views are worth it. Your volcano guide will meet you for a short tour of the spectacular landscape. You'll also have free time to explore, take photos, and try to get your breath back! Don't worry, you'll soon be relaxing at a local winery for a tasting of their best vintages, and enjoying some of the areas best cheeses and salami.
Day 4 - The Amalfi Coast
Today you'll roll up your sleeves and learn to cook, Napolitano-style! After enjoying all of the wonderful cuisine from this area for the last few days, you'll be eager to find out how it's done. Best of all, you'll have a superb meal of local specialties that you prepared yourself! Regional wines and cheeses will be present as well. After stuffing yourself at lunch, you can sit back and relax in your private coach as you experience one of the world's most stunning drives, the Amalfi Coast Drive! Winding hundreds of feet along the cliffs on the south side of the Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast Drive is an engineering wonder, passing through small villages sprinkled along the way, and providing endless breathtaking panoramic views. Eventually you'll arrive at your home for the next two days...the picturesque town of Amalfi, nestled in a deep gorge along the coast.
After checking in to your 4-Star hotel, you're free to wander the town and find the perfect spot for dinner. Seafood is king here, with the "catch-of-the-day" coming right off the boats in the harbor.
Day 5 - Amalfi and Ravello
Today your guide will lead you on a fascinating tour of some of the most interesting gems of the coast. First you'll explore the narrow streets of Amalfi, full of shops and people, all seeming to converge at the town center of the Piazza del Duomo. From this square, a massive flight of steps leads to the impressive Cathedral of St.Andrew. You will then travel further south to another jewel in the Amalfi crown, Ravello. The town has been a destination for artists, musicians, and writers, including the likes of Grieg, Boccaccio, Woolf, Mirò, Bernstein and others. Adjacent to the Ravello Duomo, is the Villa Rufolo, that dates back to the year 1200. During your visit to the villa, you will feel the thousand years of Arab cultural influence. The main building, which contains a chapel and a reception hall, is built on three levels which in the past hosted high ranking persons such as Pope Adrian IV and King Robert of Anjou. Perhaps the most iconic part of the villa is the famous terraced garden that overhangs the sea.
Tonight you'll have a special dining experience as your guide will take you to one of the area's best restaurants. After all your adventures today it will be a welcome chance to sit back, relax, and enjoy the cuisine. An after-dinner gelato at an outdoor cafe in Amalfi's Piazza del Duomo, people-watching and listening to the sound of the water from the marvelous fountain, might be the perfect end to an exciting day on the Amalfi Coast!
Day 6 - Napoli
It’s true what the guide books say about Naples. It may not have the romance of Venice or the style of Rome, but what it does have is bags of character. It’s gritty. It’s noisy. And in places it’s eyebrow-raising. But that’s where the appeal lies. This is an authentic slice of southern Italian life that’s well worth exploring - and this tour takes you to all the best bits.
During your tour you’ll visit places like the Maschio Angioino and Piazza del Plebiscito to see the San Carlo Royal Opera House and Galleria Umberto I. You’ll also have time to explore Piazza del Plebiscito on your own. Continue your visit exploring the famous Bourbon Gallery, an amazing space under the Monte Echia area. It was born as a military passage to connect the Royal Palace to Morelli street, using underground tunnels and water tanks of the old Carmignano aqueduct (1627-1629) Then, after only 2 years, work stopped because of political-economic reasons, primarily the unification of Italy. In WWII the Tunnel and other cavities were used as shelters during allied and German bombardments. This tour starts from Vico del Grottone and, through a set of 18th century stairs, goes down to old water tanks of the Carmignano aqueduct.
As this is your last night, your guide will take you to an exceptional local restaurant for your farewell dinner. These are always fun affairs, with much toasting. laughing, and remembrances...and of course plenty of excellent food and wine as well!
Day 7 - Arrivederci Napoli!
After breakfast this morning you'll have a group transfer to the airport in Naples.
What´s Included
- 3 Nights, Double Occupancy Accommodations at a 4-star Hotel in Sorrento
- 2 Nights, Double Occupancy Accommodations at a 4-star Hotel in Amalfi
- 1 Night, Double Occupancy Accommodations at a 4-star Hotel in Naples
- Meals as Specified, 6 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners, 2 wine tastings
- Welcome Dinner in Sorrento
- Dinner in Amalfi
- Farewell Dinner in Naples
- Cooking Class and Lunch in Sorrento
- Full Day Tour to Capri by Private Boat
- Guided Tour of Pompeii
- 4x4 Vesuvius Tour
- Wine Tasting on Mount Vesuvius
- Full Day Tour of Amalfi Coast
- Tour of Naples and Bourbon Gallery
- Transportation once the tour has begun. The motorcoaches and vans we use are modern, air conditioned and roomy. Our tour groups are usually between 8-18 people so we always have plenty of room to get comfortable.
- All train, ferry, hydrofoil, coach and taxi transfers as specified in itinerary.
- Group departure transfer to Naples airport
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified in itinerary
- A lifetime of unforgettable memories!
What´s not Included
- Airfare package
- Arrival transfers, tour begins at the hotel in Sorrento in the afternoon of Day 1, and the tour ends at the airport in Naples on the morning of Day 7.
- Meals where not mentioned.
- Beverages at meals unless specified in the itinerary (water and wine included at all group meals)
- Gratuities for porterage, local guides, coach drivers, etc.
- Trip Cancellation /Interruption and Medical Insurance (strongly recommended), call for details
- Single Supplement Charge
