6-Day Rome, Sorrento and The Amalfi Coast (Add-On)

DAY 1: ARRIVAL

Arrive independently in Italy’s capital city of Rome, or add the option of booking an airport transfer to your trip and be driven to your hotel. Spend your first night at a hotel in the centre of Rome, surrounded by culture and history in equal measures.

DAY 2: THE VATICAN AND THE HEART OF ROME

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be met by a private guide and join a small group tour of the Vatican; an independent city-state in the centre of Rome that is home to the famous Vatican Museum and stunning Sistine Chapel. Your guide will give you unique insight into the collections and masterpieces of the Vatican Museum such as the Raphael Rooms, and lead you through the ornate Sistine Chapel that is home to Michelangelo’s finest frescos.

Your tour will end with the famous St Peter’s Basilica, which is considered by many to be one of the most magnificent churches in the world. After this, you will have the evening to yourself to continue exploring Rome, and another night in your hotel.

DAY 3: ROME AND POMPEII

After another delicious Italian breakfast at your hotel, you will travel via high-speed train from Rome to Naples. Here, you will be met by a private driver who will take you to the historic town of Pompeii.

Once a holiday resort for wealthy Romans, Pompeii is now famous not only for its volcanic destruction but also for the remains of the civic buildings that can still be seen in the town, showcasing some of the Roman Empire’s finest architecture. Another must-see on your list is the House of Mysteries; a building named after the murals depicting the initiation rites of a cult of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and madness.

Pompeii is also known for the historic graffiti that can still be found on the walls of the majority of its buildings, preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. At the time of the eruption, there were elections meant to be happening in the town and so much of the graffiti is related to political figures and events, as well as some cruder writing!

After your tour of Pompeii, you will continue driving through Campania to Sorrento and arrive in the late afternoon at your hotel, giving you time for a quick siesta before heading out and choosing a spot for dinner in the evening.

DAY 4: FREE TIME

On the fourth day of your tour you will have the time to explore Sorrento under your own steam, choosing what you want to see and where you want to go. In the morning, venture out after breakfast and visit a cafe for coffee, or just walk the streets to soak up the local atmosphere and get a real feel for where you are staying.

Sorrento is also an excellent location to take a day trip to the island of Capri from, known for both its breathtaking landscape and impressive shops and hotels. You can also visit the famous Blue Grotto, and witness the incredible turquoise light that floods the underwater cave twice a day.

Return to Sorrento in the evening if you have been away, and enjoy a special evening meal in the town that features the finest local ingredients, giving you a real taste of the area.

DAY 5: AMALFI AND RAVELLO

On your fifth day, you will be met by another personal drive guide to take you around the Amalfi Coast and to the resort town of Ravello, visiting scenic spots and enjoying the local cuisine that the area is famed for.

The Amalfi Coast is steeped in history and famed for its landscape, and you can learn about the area’s dramatic past as you visit its collection of towns and explore some of the ancient sites and buildings. Ravello offers culture as well as history; the town was known as a prime destination for musicians, writers and artists in the past, including the legendary operatic composer Richard Wagner.

After you have soaked up the artistic atmosphere of Ravello and visited some of its ancient villas, you will return to Sorrento for your final night of the tour.

DAY 6: DEPARTURE

After breakfast at your hotel, you will arrange an independent transfer back to the airport to depart from Italy, or continue your holiday.