Pompeii, Capri & the Bay of Naples

Pompeii, Capri & the Bay of Naples Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Sorrento

  On arrival in Naples we'll transfer to Sorrento, where we'll stay for seven nights.

• Day 2: Walking tour of Sorrento

  Our first day in this centuries-old resort is at a suitably relaxed pace, beginning with a short walking tour. The Romans appreciated Sorrento’s many qualities and the area is dotted with the remains of elegant shops selling luxury leather goods and shoes, and cosy restaurants nestling in tall buildings with faded facades in typically Mediterranean shades of ochre, yellow and magenta. The region has a long history of lemon cultivation, with highly prized Sorrento lemons given their own protected IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) status in the same way as Parma ham or balsamic vinegar from Modena. Sixty percent of lemon production goes into making limoncello liqueur, but in Sorrento it seems that anything can be made from the local citrus fruit, including soaps, cosmetics and, of course, ice-cream.

• Day 3: Pompeii

  Most people know the story of Pompeii and its fate, but today this site is so much more than a collection of ruins. Our guided tour of the Roman town highlights its astonishing state of preservation – even if you aren’t especially interested in history, you can’t fail to be impressed by its scale – streets, temples, baths and even the amphitheatre remain largely intact. Much of our knowledge about the Roman way of life, their habits, social structure, class system and domestic arrangements has come from Pompeii. Many buildings still have murals and mosaics, while others inscribed with graffiti describing political events, romantic entanglements and even gossip of the time. You can even see traffic-calming measures and a one-way system! Although endlessly fascinating, Pompeii is also slightly eerie, particularly when you see the pained facial expressions of Vesuvius’s victims preserved for eternity.

• Day 4: Capri

  The island of Capri is renowned the world over, and today we take a short boat ride to discover its charms. It has long been the most desirable part of the Bay of Naples, attracting Roman emperors – Tiberius made it his home and ruled the empire from here – writers such as DH Lawrence and George Bernard Shaw, Hollywood stars and numerous other luminaries who have sought inspiration here. It’s easy to see why Capri is so adored; as we approach you’ll see small fishing boats bobbing on the water, with whitewashed shops and restaurants lining the busy quayside against a backdrop of towering cliffs. The main town is perched on a hill looking down on the quaint harbour below and you’ll have some free time to explore the island, maybe join a boat trip around the island, explore the island at your own will or make your way to the famous Blue Grotto – the large sea cave that takes its name from the incandescent blue light that bathes the cavern.

• Day 5: Free day

  Today is a free day to spend at leisure in Sorrento, perhaps to browse the numerous boutiques or enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the many restaurants that Sorrento has to offer.

• Day 6: Amalfi Coast and Rufolo Gardens

  Today, experience the stunning Amalfi Coast firsthand as we wind past pine-clad cliffs and turquoise waters. We’ll pass Positano and head inland to Ravello, perched high above Amalfi with breathtaking views, a charming square, and the historic Villa Rufolo. Explore its medieval architecture and terraced gardens, including the famous Belvedere overlooking the coast towards Minori and Maiori.

• Day 7: Authentic farm lunch

  This morning, explore the remarkably preserved ruins of Herculaneum with a local guide, uncovering its fascinating history buried by Vesuvius in 79 AD. Then, return to Sorrento for a rustic farm lunch made with fresh local ingredients. Enjoy mozzarella-making, olive oil tasting, and a sip of limoncello, all in a peaceful countryside setting overlooking the Bay of Naples.

• Day 8: Return home

  Head to the airport to begin your journey home.