With a wealth of unique landmarks, historic churches and eminent museums, Italy is a premier destination for a cultural trip. First-time travelers to Italy may wish to focus on two main areas in order to get the most out of their trip and both Rome and the Amalfi Coast are excellent choices. Watch history come to life as you visit the iconic monuments of Rome’s city center including the Colosseum, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican Museums. You will have plenty of time at leisure to explore the city center independently and visit Rome’s best museums such as the Borghese Gallery or the Capitoline Museums. Once you finish in Rome, you will stop in Pompeii for a private walking tour of the archeological ruins, a truly unique experience. Afterwards, the final portion of your vacation will be dedicated to the Amalfi Coast where you will visit famous towns such as Positano and Amalfi admiring the architecture of the area as well as local churches and museums. Conclude your trip with a day excursion to the breathtaking island of Capri with its historic villas, lush gardens and unforgettable panoramic views. This unique 8-day itinerary will expose you to the best of Rome’s historic monuments as well as the charming atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast, a winning combination!
From ROME to SORRENTO
PACKAGE HIGHLIGHTS:
Rome, Pompeii, Vesuvius, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Positano, Amalfi, Capri, Anacapri
TRAVEL ITINERARY:
Day 01: ROME
Once you arrive in Rome, make your way to your hotel accommodation located in the historical city center. After checking in at the hotel, you will have the rest of the day free to start exploring the highlights of Rome. You may wish to see some of Rome’s open-air monuments, such as Piazza Navona or the Spanish Steps, or stop by one of Rome’s many museums, such as the Capitoline Museums. This evening you will enjoy your first dinner in Rome at a local restaurant followed by an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 02: ROME
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then begin your day with a self-guided tour of Rome’s most famous sights. Within walking distance of your hotel, you will find a number of renowned landmarks including the Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza del Popolo. No matter how you choose to spend your morning, be sure to stop by the Trevi Fountain in order to toss in your coin. If you happen to be in Rome on a Wednesday morning, you may wish to attend the weekly Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square (please ask Trips 2 Italy for assistance in securing Papal Audience tickets at no charge). Break for lunch at a family-owned restaurant and then in the afternoon you will be off to the Catacombs. Along the way you will have the chance to see a few of Rome’s prominent religious sites such as the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Basilica of St. John Lateran and the Holy Stairs. Next, a walking tour of the Catacombs will expose you to the rich history of these ancient underground burial sites used by the early Christians. Afterwards, return to Rome where you will have the option to freshen up before dinner at a local trattoria. Then, consider a post-dinner stroll to admire Rome’s famous monuments by night and to sample some delicious gelato.
Day 03: ROME
Start your day off with a nice breakfast and then you will have the morning at leisure to continue exploring Rome’s historical city center. We recommend a visit of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, which will transport you back to the time of the ancient Romans (optional tour, not included). If you prefer to admire more artwork, you could visit the Borghese Gallery instead, which hosts an impressive collection of Renaissance art (optional activity, not included. Museum entrance reservations required). Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then your afternoon will be dedicated to the Vatican Museums. You will join a guided walking tour of the complex and will admire many highlights including the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel. The tour also includes an interior visit of St. Mark’s Basilica. Once the tour concludes, you will be able to further explore the Basilica on your own, admiring its many chapels and perhaps heading to the top of the dome for a unique view of Rome. Afterwards, feel free to continue exploring the Vatican area; there is much more to see, such as the area around St. Peter’s Square and the Castel Sant’Angelo, which at one time was a Papal fortress and today is a museum. Once you are finished, return to your hotel and then enjoy a nice dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 04: ROME, POMPEII, VESUVIUS, SORRENTO
After breakfast you will check out of your hotel and say “Arrivederci” to Rome before departing for Pompeii via private vehicle. After arriving in Pompeii, you will enjoy a private walking tour of the archeological ruins exploring the ancient streets and learning about the eruption of Mount Vesuvius that destroyed the city and surrounding area in 79 AD. Afterwards, take a break for lunch then meet back with your driver who will take you directly to your hotel in the center of Sorrento. Complete check-in at the hotel then take a nice stroll through the city center followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 05: SORRENTO COUNTRYSIDE
After breakfast this morning you will depart on an excursion to discover the scenic towns of the Amalfi Coast. Your first stop will be picturesque Positano, resting on a cliff above the sea and offering unforgettable views. You will have time at leisure to explore the town and may wish to visit the main church, Santa Maria Assunta, with its colorful dome. Next, you will travel to Amalfi where you will explore the historic streets of this former Maritime Republic. Be sure to visit the Cathedral with its unique façade and the Cloister of Paradise, which is a remarkable example of Moorish architecture. Taste the local Limoncello liqueur before returning to Sorrento in the afternoon. Freshen up at the hotel and then go out for dinner at a family-owned restaurant followed by a good night’s rest at your hotel.
Day 06: SORRENTO, POSITANO, AMALFI
After breakfast at the hotel you will spend the day visiting the iconic cliffside towns of the Amalfi Coast. Your first stop will be Positano, famous for beautiful coastal views and the colorful maiolica dome of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Enjoy the Positano’s romantic atmosphere before continuing on to Amalfi where you will explore the town’s winding streets taking in historic monuments such as the Cathedral and interacting with the friendly locals. Do not miss your chance to taste locally-made Limoncello, a lemon liqueur, and be sure to visit the town’s boutiques to shop for artisan goods. Return to Sorrento in the late afternoon to enjoy dinner followed by an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 07: SORRENTO, CAPRI
Today after breakfast you will travel to the picturesque island of Capri. The island has been a vacation destination for centuries and even the Roman Emperors would spend their summers in Capri. The island is divided into two towns, Anacapri (the upper part) and Capri (the lower part). You will have time to explore the unique sights of both towns including the breathtaking Villa San Michele in Anacapri and the Gardens of Augustus, which offer incredible views of the sea and the famous Faraglioni rock formations, in Capri. Be sure to spend some time at the Piazzetta, considered to be the heart of Capri, as well as the local artisan workshops. In the late afternoon, you will return to Sorrento for your final dinner. If you have not done so already, we recommend a fresh seafood dinner at a restaurant on the waterfront.
Day 08: SORRENTO
After your last breakfast you will check out of the hotel, signaling the end of the tour and our services.
PACKAGE START AT $3,955.00
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
- 4 nights accommodation in 4 Star Hotel in Sorrento
- Daily Buffet Breakfast
- 3 dinners and 1 lunch
- Visit of the Vatican, entrance fee included
- Visit of the Ancient Appia and Catacombs, entrance fee included
- Visit of Villa Borghese & Castel Sant'Angelo, entrace fees included
- Visit of Pompeii and Vesuvius, entrance fee included
- Visit of the Amalfi Coast
- Visit of Capri and Anacapri
- 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 to 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 with Driver for transfers.
-Available all year around on request.
-Minimum number of participants: 2 people.
-Meeting with our host assistance on your arrival day in Rome for your itinerarys briefing.
-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. Childrens, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).
