From ROME to ALBEROBELLO

PACKAGE HIGHLIGHTS: 
Rome, Pompeii, Vesuvius, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Positano, Amalfi, Capri, Anacapri, Matera, Alberobello, Ostuni

TRAVEL ITINERARY:

Day 01: ROME
After landing in Rome, collect your checked luggage and travel to the historical city center via private car transfer. Once the check-in process is complete, you will have the remainder of the day free to start visiting the highlights of the Eternal City, many of which will be within walking distance of your hotel. A few suggestions include Rome’s outdoor monuments, such as Largo di Torre Argentina or the breathtaking Piazza Navona, which is considered to be among the most beautiful squares in the city. To learn more about Rome’s history, consider visiting one of the city’s many museums such as the Capitoline Museums or the National Etruscan Museum. If you are looking for a leisurely activity, head to the Gardens of Villa Borghese where you can take a nice stroll and unwind in the greenery. Afterwards, return to your hotel to freshen up before your first dinner in Rome. Visit one of Rome’s many historic trattorie for the chance to sample delicious local specialties such as carbonara (pasta with cured pork, cheese, eggs and freshly ground black pepper). Once you finish dinner, enjoy a romantic walk along the Tiber River to admire the beauty of Rome under the moonlight before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 02: ROME
Once you finish breakfast at the hotel, travel to the Colosseum area where you will join a small group walking tour to discover the secrets of Ancient Rome. After meeting with your guide and the rest of the group, head into the Colosseum thanks to your skip-the-line entrance reservations. As you explore the different levels of the Colosseum, you will learn about its rich history and its functions during the time of the Ancient Romans. The next stop will be the Roman Forum, which served as the cultural and political hub of Ancient Rome. As you admire the ruins of many ancient structures, your guide will recount interesting anecdotes concerning daily life in Ancient Rome. At the end of the tour, be sure to climb to the top of the Palatine Hill where you can enjoy stunning views of the ruins from above. Break for lunch at a historic restaurant or for a quick bite consider tasting some of Rome’s street food, such as Roman pizza.
The afternoon will be open for additional exploration of Rome’s city center on your own. Visit any of Rome’s other outdoor monuments that may capture your interest, such as the Spanish Steps or the Trevi Fountain (do not miss your chance to toss a coin into the fountain with your significant other!). For a romantic activity, make your way to the Altar of the Fatherland and take the elevator to the panoramic terrace where you can share unbelievable views of Rome’s skyline. In the evening, travel to the Trastevere area, which is one of Rome’s most characteristic neighborhoods, to partake in an unforgettable walking food tour. Along the way, discover the history of Rome’s traditional cuisine and sample many delicacies including cured meats and cheeses, local pastas and street food. Saving the best for last, the tour concludes with a stop at a gelateria where you will learn about artisan gelato-making in Rome and taste some of the best gelato in the city. Afterwards, return to your hotel for a good night’s rest.

Day 03: ROME
After a refreshing breakfast at your hotel, head to the Vatican area for your next walking tour. Upon arrival, meet with your guide and the rest of the group then skip the general entrance and begin your visit of the Vatican Museums. As one of the largest museum complexes in the world, the Vatican Museums are filled with breathtaking paintings and sculptures from antiquity through the Renaissance and beyond. Follow your guide to admire many of the major highlights such as the Tapestry Gallery and the Raphael Rooms. Time will also be dedicated to the remarkable Sistine Chapel where you can admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces. The final stop of the tour will be St. Peter’s Basilica, a grand church that is also filled with notable works of art, such as Pietà by Michelangelo. After exploring the Basilica with your guide, the tour will end and you will be free to continue your visit on your own. Consider climbing to the top of the massive dome or heading down to the underground crypt area where several Popes have been buried. Then, you may wish to spend some time in St. Peter’s Square where you can admire the massive colonnade. When you finish visiting the square, be sure to stop by a local trattoria to share a nice lunch with your significant other.
In the afternoon, continue your independent sightseeing tour, perhaps visiting the famous Castel Sant’Angelo, which served as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian before being converted into a Papal fortress. Snap a few photos of the castle and of the bridge directly in front of it that is lined with stunning marble sculptures of angels. Afterwards, cross over the bridge to return to Rome’s historical city center. In the early evening, consider stopping by a local bar to partake in the popular social activity known as “aperitivo”, pre-dinner drinks accompanied by a buffet of small plates. Spend the evening interacting with the locals before returning to your hotel for the night.

Day 04: ROME, POMPEII, SORRENTO
Once you finish breakfast, check out of the hotel then meet with your private driver. Together you will travel south to begin the next part of your Italian adventure. After passing under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, stop in Pompeii to visit the archeological ruins of this once-powerful Ancient Roman city with a private guide. As you explore the ancient streets, learn about daily life in Pompeii up to the fateful eruption in 79 A.D. while your guide provides fascinating historical context. At the end of the tour, enjoy time at leisure for lunch and to continue exploring independently. Then, meet back with your driver and travel to Sorrento, a charming coastal town facing the Bay of Naples. Upon arrival in Sorrento, check into your hotel and then the remainder of the afternoon and evening will be at leisure. We recommend taking a long stroll through the city center to admire some of the main monuments and interact with the locals. In the evening, stop for dinner at a restaurant along the water for a romantic dinner featuring a local specialty such as fritto misto (mixed fried seafood). Afterwards, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 05: SORRENTO, ISLAND OF CAPRI
Enjoy a refreshing breakfast at your hotel and prepare to depart on a full day excursion to the Island of Capri. Meet with the rest of the group and the boat captain then you will sail through the blue waters of the Mediterranean. Upon arrival in Capri, you will have time at leisure to explore the island independently. Consider buying tickets (not included in the travel package) to visit the famous Blue Grotto (weather and sea conditions permitting), which is a sea cave that is illuminated in a brilliant blue light when the sun’s rays hit the surface of the water. After visiting the grotto, continue exploring the island, which is divided into two parts (Capri and Anacapri), at your leisure. A fun activity could be to take the panoramic chairlift from Capri up to the summit of Mount Solaro on Anacapri. Here you can enjoy some of the most romantic views on the island. Afterwards, stop by a few of the artisan shops to purchase locally-crafted goods such as handmade sandals and limoncello. In the late afternoon, meet back with your group and the captain at the dock in order to return to Sorrento. Celebrate your final evening in this remarkable town during a romantic dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 06: SORRENTO, AMALFI, MATERA, ALBEROBELLO
In the morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then complete the check-out process. Meet with your private driver and enjoy a pleasant drive along the scenic Amalfi Coast. Along the way, make a stop in the town of Amalfi, which was once a powerful Maritime Republic. You will have time at leisure to explore the highlights of Amalfi, such as the Duomo or the Cloister of Paradise. Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant and then meet back with your driver to continue your journey. The next stop will be the enchanting town of Matera, which is renowned for the Sassi, prehistoric dwellings that were carved into the local tuff rock. Be sure to snap plenty of photos of this unique landscape that is sure to leave you breathless. After falling in love with Matera, continue on to the Apulia region in order to reach Alberobello where you will check into your last hotel. In the evening, enjoy an authentic dinner featuring local staples including fresh pasta, Altamura bread, local cheeses and wines. Then, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 07: ALBEROBELLO, OSTUNI
Once you finish breakfast, embark on a tour of Alberobello, a picturesque town located in the Itria Valley. Alberobello is renowned for its cone-shaped Trulli huts that can only be found in the Itria Valley. Explore the streets of this charming town and be sure to take many photos of the unique skyline. Afterwards, continue to your next stop, which is the town of Ostuni, nicknamed the “White City” due to the white buildings that compose its city center. Enjoy a nice stroll through Ostuni admiring the city’s historic monuments and the stunning views it offers thanks to its hilltop position. Afterwards, make your way back to Alberobello where you can finish up your sightseeing or partake in souvenir shopping. In the evening, enjoy a romantic dinner and toast to your unforgettable anniversary vacation with glasses full of locally-produced wine.

Day 08: ALBEROBELLO
In the morning, check out of your hotel then meet with your private driver. Together you will travel to the airport where you will board your flight home. Buon viaggio!

PACKAGE START AT $4,344.00 per person

PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Transportation by Deluxe private vehicle as per itinerary
- English speaking Host assistance on your arrival day in Rome
- 3 nights accommodation in 4 Star Hotel in Rome
- 3 nights accommodation in 4 Star Hotel in Sorrento
- 2 nights accommodation in 4 Star Hotel in Alberobello
- Daily Buffet Breakfast
- 3 dinners and 1 lunch
- Visit of the Vatican, entrance fee included
- Visit of the Ancient and Old Rome, entrance fee included
- 1 Culinary Food Tour
- Visit of Pompeii and Vesuvius, entrance fee included
- Visit of the Amalfi Coast
- Visit to Island of Capri
- Visit of Matera
- Visit of Alberobello & Ostuni
- Vat Taxes and Service Charges.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- All Land & Air prices: Additional U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines.
- Hospitality city tax which varies by city and hotel category. Where applicable, it must be paid locally at the hotel.
- Entrance Fees to Monuments or Museums, Tips, Extras.
- Beverages.
- Porterage service.
- All which is not listed under PACKAGE INCLUDES.

GENERAL CONDITIONS:
Independent tour package with private car w/ Driver for transfers.
Available all year around on request.
Minimum number of participants: 2 people.
All transfers are operated with a private transportation with English speaking Driver. Some of the excursions are operated with private guide, others are operated in conjunction with a larger group to offer the opportunity to meet other people and maintain the cost reasonable.

(*) Rate based on two adult persons sharing a double or twin bedded room with private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement. Children, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).