Italy: Southern Culture and Amalfi Coast

Discover the ancient monuments of the city with this interesting walking exploration. Set off with your knowledgeable guide for the open-air market at Piazza Campo de Fiori with its colorful displays of fruits, vegetables, crafts, and other items. Browse through the market as you take a short break before heading on to bustling Navona Square. Stroll around looking at the fountains, churches, and palaces around the square that are the works of famous artists such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini. Walk on till you come upon the magnificent Pantheon, once a temple devoted to pagan deities that now serves as a Christian basilica. Saunter past Palazzo Madama, the seat of the Italian senate, and the Column of Marcus Aurelius constructed in honor of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. Leave behind Palazzo Montecitorio, the seat of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, as you make your way to the famous shopping street of Via Condotti with its exclusive boutiques. Amble to the end of the street to the iconic Trevi Fountain made famous by the 1960 movie La Dolce Vita. You could throw a coin into the fountain before heading on to the Spanish Steps with its sloping staircase and the elegant Barcaccia fountain. (Half Day; Private Activity & self organized transfer if required; Fitness Level: Moderate. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for church visits.)

Visit the glorious Vatican Museums, an expansive complex that houses the world’s largest private art collection across 54 galleries and two papal palaces. Admire the stunning architecture and the elegant décor as you enter the premises and walk through the corridors. Accompanying passionate expert guides, absorb centuries of history via anecdotes and hidden details that bring the art to life, showcasing the power and politics of the Vatican City. Amid this treasure trove of priceless art including works by master painters and celebrated artists, see magnificent frescoes, rare sculptures, and prized paintings. Navigate the many rooms including favorites such as the Gallery of the Candelabra, Gallery of Tapestries, and the Gallery of the Maps featuring painted topographical maps of Italy. Take a break at the airy Belvedere Courtyard. Stepping inside the Sistine Chapel, marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings. Observe scenes from the Old Testament, with hidden symbols of Judaism. Continue further to the ornate St Peter’s Basilica, considered the world’s largest and the most important church, thanks to the crypt that serves as a site of pilgrimage for Catholics. After browsing Bernini’s Baldachin, climb the dome for a close look at the ceiling mosaics, and enjoy the best view of Rome, concluding an experience of a lifetime! (Half Day; Time: 1430 hrs; Shared Activity with max group size 12 guests; One way shared transfer to the meeting point from centrally located hotel; Fitness level: easy-moderate, Please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Please wear appropriate clothing – shorts, miniskirts and uncovered shoulders are not allowed in the Basilica – and comfortable walking shoes. If St. Peter’s Basilica is being used for a religious ceremony or function, the tour will continue outside.)

Set off to explore the historic ruins of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pompei. Walk around the remnants of a civilization destroyed fully by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. See the awe-inspiring site of an ancient city frozen in time after it was buried under 13 to 20 feet (4 to 6 m) of volcanic ash and pumice. Accompany your guide cum archeologist around the western part of town as you listen to details about how life in this splendid city was before the tragedy. Wander among the ruins of important buildings such as the thermal baths, the Basilica, the bakery, the forum, and houses before you resume your onward journey. (En route Activity; Duration: 2 hrs; Fitness Level: Easy. Private English Speaking Guide & Entrance Fees included.)

Meet your driver and guide at the hotel. With your guide, you will board the local hydrofoil ferry along the scenic coastline to the island of Capri. Arriving at Marina Grande you will disembark ready to explore the island. With your guide you’ll be able to visit the village of Anacapri, located 550 m (1,800 ft) above sea level, where you can take an optional chairlift ride to Monte Solaro (the highest mountain on Capri). You will also visit Villa San Michele and the Axel Munthe Gardens which offer some of the best views of the island. Continuing on to Capri town, you will visit the main square Piazza Umberto I or ‘La Piazzetta’ which, as the exit point of the funicular from Marina Grande, is a hub of activity and where restaurants and ice cream shops surround the imposing clock tower. You will then stroll through the winding streets, lined with shops, that lead to the beautiful Augustus Gardens where you can soak up the landscape and views of the iconic Faraglioni rocks. You will then have some free time to explore the island and find a shady spot for lunch (not included). Finally, you will rejoin your guide and board the hydrofoil ferry back to the coast where you will meet your driver and transfer back to your hotel. Please note that from November to February the chairlift is closed so you will not be able to go up the Monte Solaro. (Full Day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Moderate. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Public hydrofoil/ferry tickets included. This tour is subject to weather conditions.)

Learn the art of making authentic Neapolitan pizza at the cooking school of the Oasi Olimpia Relais boutique hotel. This culinary school is located in SantAgata sui due Golfi village near Sorrento, not far from the Amalfi Coast town. Your Italian culinary experience begins with your expert Pizzaiolo (pizza chef) instructing you on the secrets of making soft and delicious dough. While waiting for the dough to rise, take an educational walk through the property orchards and organic produce gardens. Learn the secrets to selecting the right ingredients. On your return, stretch the leavened dough, sauce it and season it with your choice of ingredients. Then bake it in a specially constructed wood-fired oven and wait for it to be cooked to perfection. Once ready, taste and share your pizza creations with the chef and your co-participants. (Duration: half day; Shared activity; Private transfers; Meal included: pizza; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance)

Set off to explore the picturesque Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with this full-day tour of three major towns. Drive along the stunning cliffs with the ocean waves crashing at the bottom as you make your way to the charming town of Positano. Wander up the steep streets of the town that are home to numerous cafes and boutiques. Breathe in the aroma of freshly baked goodies as you make your way to the famous pebble stone beach which is also a favorite of celebrities. Resume your journey to the town of Amalfi that was at the heart of a powerful maritime republic from the 9th to the 11th century. Make use of the two hours on hand to see major landmarks such as the Byzantine cathedral and the maritime museum. Get back in the car and journey on to Ravello that perches up high along the coastline. Explore Villa Rufolo, a 13th-century mansion with exquisitely laid out gardens and panoramic views of the coast, that once inspired German opera composer Richard Wagner. Embark on the journey back to Sorrento along the coastal road that affords awe-inspiring views of the landscape. (Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Admissions not included; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Here are our recommendations on what you can do in Sorrento. Visit Marina Grande, a former fishing village in one of the prettiest parts of town. Here you can enjoy a typical Sorrentine meal at a family-run seafood restaurant while watching the fishing boats bob in the water. You can also sunbathe on the jetty. Browse the collection of clocks and ceramics at Museo Correale di Terranova that is rife with Japanese and Chinese ceramics. Stroll through the museum gardens and take in the views of the coast. Stop at Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea, which houses a beautiful collection of marquetry furniture. You’ll also find 19th century paintings and photographs that depict the town and the surrounding landscape. Head to Basilica di Sant’Antonio, the town’s oldest church, which has two whale ribs in the lobby. Stroll through the town center and wander the cobbled backstreets looking for souvenir and antique shops. Along the way, stop to enjoy a shot of ice-cold limoncello. (Self-explore Activity; Transfers, entrance fees and meals are not included; Choose what best suits your interests and pace from our recommendations; Please note that you may not be able to do all recommended activities)