Naples & Amalfi Coast Tour
May 18-31
Rome, Naples, Pompei, Sorrento, Capri
& Amalfi Coast (Positano, Praiano, Amalfi and Ravello)
14 days / 13 nights
La Dolce Vita Touring offers truly independent tours. No tour guides, no group leaders: Experience the freedom of solo travel where you have the time to go where you want to go, meet who you want to meet, and do what you want to do. With the La Dolce Vita Touring In-depth Cultural tour to Rome, Naples, Pompei, Sorrento, Capri and Amalfi Coast, you have a 14 days tour package. It includes 4 and 5 star hotels accomodation as well as meals, comfortable and fast domestic transportation by car, train, ferry, boat or plane, sightseeing tours with local guides and activities where you'll get to skip those long lines! With La Dolce Vita Touring you get to travel in style independently, see the famous sights you've read about, and order additional services while still having the freedom to do what you want. Start from ancient Rome and travel to Naples to try the best pizza, explore the ruins of Pompeii, enjoy a boat trip to beautiful Sorrento and Capri to see the unique caves and grottoes, travel to romantic Amalfi Coast with the best beaches and colorful towns of Amalfi, Positano and Ravello and try most beloved drink: limoncello.
ITINERARY
Rome 3 nights.
Day 1:
Arrival at any time to The Sina Bernini Bristol in Rome, the iconic 5-star hotel with over 140 years of rich history and considered to be one of the Eternal City’s luxury hôtellerie milestones. With its strategic position facing the stunning Piazza Barberini, located at the beginning of Via Veneto , lo The Sina Bernini Bristol in Rome is the iconic 5-star hotel with over 140 years of rich history and considered to be one of the Eternal City’s luxury hôtellerie milestones. With its strategic position facing the stunning Piazza Barberini, located at the beginning of Via Veneto and a few steps from Piazza di Spagna and the Trevi Fountain, this luxury hotel has one of the most enviable locations in the Eternal City.
Day 2:
You will explore (by your own or with our small group) the Vatican museums, see St. Peters Basilica and marvel at masterpieces of Michelangelo and Bernini. After late lunch, enjoy a walking tour to see Spanish Steps and Trevi fountain, admire beautiful Piazza Navona and the historic Pantheon.
Day 3:
After breakfast you will visit the luxurious Borghese Gallery, one of the most famous art galleries in the world. It is located in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana. The gallery houses a considerable part of the Borghese collection of paintings, sculpture and antiquities, begun by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the nephew of Pope Paul V (reign 1605–1621). Not only the gallery attracts thousands of visitors, but also astonishing green gardens that surround it in the third largest park in Rome, on the territory of which the Galleria Borghese is located. Paintings The Borghese Gallery is an elegant palace and world-wide famed art museum with exceptional paintings by artists as Bernini, Caravaggio, Canova and Raphael. It is one of the must-visit places during your trip to Rome. Sculptures Many of the sculptures are displayed in the spaces for which they were intended, including famous art works by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Most artworks are from 16th and 17th centuries. After late lunch you will visit the breathtaking Palazzo Barberini. Among all Roman Baroque palaces, Palazzo Barberini stands out for its striking design, paintings, and cultural influence. This 17th-century palace is best known for its picturesque Piazza, and its two famous fountains — Triton Fountain and Fontana Delle API. The Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica located inside the Palace is the house of the main national collection of older paintings in Rome.
Day 4:
Naples 3 nights.
After breakfast, you'll head to Roma Termini train station and catch your high-speed train down to Naples, the journey taking just over an hour. Check in to the gorgeous Eurostars Hotel Excelsior located on the seafront next to the iconic Castel dell'Ovo, Eurostars Hotel Excelsior is the first building to welcome visitors to Naples who arrive by sea. With spectacular panoramic views of the Vesuvius, the Gulf of Naples and the paradise islands of Ischia and Capri, the Excelsior enjoys an enviable, unrivalled and privileged position. Naples sits on a bay near the still-active Mount Vesuvius, which buried nearby Pompeii in 79 CE. There's a lot to see and do here, so make the most of your time in Naples with these suggested activities: visit the National Archaeological Museum. In the evening, we recommend going for a stroll along the Caracciolo e Lungomare di Napoli, a waterfront promenade to enjoy the great views of Vesuvius then heading to the Quartieri Spagnoli, a lively commercial hub, for dinner at a trattoria to enjoy a fantastic meal in the birthplace of pizza, on the way, stop at the Toledo Metro station, the Stazione della Metropolitana dell'Arte, to see beautiful mosaic inlays.
Day 5:
You’ll relax and explore by your own (optional) or you’ll explore with our small group the ruins of Pompeii, a once-flourishing Roman coastal city that was famously buried under ash and volcanic debris by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The ash, which killed many of Pompeii's residents, acted as an archaeological time capsule, preserving many of the city's original buildings completely intact. You'll stroll the remains of Pompeii's ancient streets, which are lined with well-preserved villas, shops, public buildings, and plazas. Free afternoon.
Day 6:
Stroll down Spaccanapoli which runs through the Old Town; see work by Caravaggio in the Pio Monte della Misericordia church and visit the magnificent Naples Cathedral and Chiesa dei Girolamini. See the underground world of Naples Sotterranea and visit Via San Gregorio Armeno, a street lined with workshops creating nativity scenes. This street is 6 meters wide and runs for 2km from Piazza Gesu Nuovo where it is called Via Benedetto Croce, changes name to Via S. Biagio dei Librai and continues across Via Duomo becoming Via Vicaria Vecchia going out of the old town. It is the main stretch for tourists which splits the center of the historic old town (centro storico) in half. The street was one of three Greco-Roman parallel main streets originally called Decumanus inferior. The street is not only an attraction in itself but is conveniently close to many of the city’s top attractions like Santa Chiara, San Biagio Maggiore and several of the well known city squares. It is a straight narrow cobbled street running through a vibrant, colorful, noisy and exciting neighborhood also referred to as Spaccanapoli. The street will take you passed palaces, churches, shrines, stores, bars, restaurants and artists’ workshops. Start exploring the street from Piazza San Domenico Maggiore. Spaccanapoli is a foodies heaven, there are many authentic restaurants as well as excellent pastry stores like Scaturchio known for its sfogliatelle and babba.
*The itinerary also includes The Cappella di San Severo, The Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta or Duomo di San Gennaro and Teatro di San Carlo.
*The Cappella di San Severo house of The Veiled Christ-Cristo Velato a 1753 marble sculpture by Giuseppe Sanmartino.
The Veiled Christ is considered one of the world's most remarkable sculptures, and legendarily thought to have been created by alchemy. Sculptor Antonio Canova, who tried to acquire the work, declared that he would willingly give up ten years of his life to produce a similar masterpiece. The Cappella de San Severo also houses thirty works of art, among which are three particular sculptures of note. These marble statues are emblematic of the love of decoration in the Rococo period and their depiction of translucent veils and a fisherman's net represent remarkable artistic achievement. The Veiled Truth (Pudicizia, also called Modesty or Chastity) was completed by Antonio Corradini in 1752 as a tomb monument dedicated to Cecilia Gaetani dell'Aquila d'Aragona, mother of Raimondo. The 1753 Christ Veiled under a Shroud (also called Veiled Christ), by Giuseppe Sanmartino, shows the influence of the veiled Modesty. The Release from Deception (Disinganno) completed in 1753–54 by Francesco Queirolo of Genoa serves as a monument to Raimondo's father. The ceiling, the Glory of Paradise, was painted by Francesco Maria Russo in 1749. The original floor (most of the present one dates from 1901) was in black and white (said to symbolize good/evil) in the design of a labyrinth (a masonic symbol for "initiation"). In the basement there is a painting by the Roman artist Giuseppe Pesce, Madonna con Bambino, dating from around 1750. It was painted using wax-based paints of Raimondo di Sangro's own invention. The prince presented this painting to his friend Charles Bourbon, king of Naples.
*The Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta or Duomo di San Gennaro is a medieval cathedral established in the 4th century but the baptistery is the only surviving part of the original structure. The present building is in the Gothic-style and was completed in 1323. Antonio Baboccio redesigned the west façade in 1407 following damage from an earthquake. Again in 1877-1905 the façade was renovated by Enrico Alvino. The portal has survived from the medieval structure. The church has a large nave with over 100 granite columns brought from the Africa and the Far East. Most of the interior décor is in the baroque-style. There are portraits of saints by Luca Giordano and the beautiful ceiling mural is by Fabrizio Santafede (1621). The Basilica di Santa Restituta or Capella di Santa Restituta is the site of the original church and is off to the left side of the nave; it is the oldest church in Naples. You can see part of an Early Christian mosaic floor; columns from an earlier Greek temple and a Roman floor mosaic in the excavations in the crypt. In the Reale Cappella del Tesoro di San Gennaro you can see lavish decoration, frescoes by Domenichino and Giovanni Lanfranco, altar pieces by Domenichino, Massimo Stanzione, Jusepe Ribera and Francesco Solimena and Cosimo Fanzago bronze work. The cathedral holds a vial of Saint Januarius (Saint Gennaro) blood. Gennaro was a former Bishop of Naples and is now the city’s patron saint. On the saint’s day (September 19), December 16 and the first Sunday in May each year the miracle of the blood is said to occur here when the blood liquefies. Gennaro lived during a period of Christian persecution at the hands of Emperor Diocletian. Gennaro was instrumental in saving many Christians from the authorities. In 304AD he was arrested and thrown to the lions which bowed down to him. The authorities then had him beheaded. The cathedral holds the relics of Gennaro including his head. In addition the cathedral holds ancient Roman excavations in the crypt.
*Teatro di San Carlo 1737: The most ancient Opera House in the world comes to light. Next to Plebiscito Square, one of the symbols of Naples, stands the shrine to Italian opera, whose foundation precedes the Scala theatre in Milan by 41 years and the Fenice theatre in Venice by 55 years. It was in 1737 that the first king of Bourbon, Charles III became the promoter of a project that combined magnificence with amazement and became a clear sign of his power: a theatre! It was the architect Giovanni Antonio Medrano, the Spanish colonel brigadier stationed in Naples, who was responsible for the design. The work was contracted to Angelo Carasale who completed the "real fabrica" in about eight months at a cost of over 75.000 ducats, according to contemporary accounts. Medrano's design was of a hall of 28.6 x 22.5 mt, with 184 boxes distributed in six tiers and a Royal box for ten people, for a total amount of 1379 seats. The opening evening of November, 4th, the sovereign's name day, was celebrated with the performance of Achilles in Sciro by Pietro Metastasio, with music by Domenico Sarro and "two dances as an intermezzo" created by Francesco Aquilante and scenes by Pietro Righini. At that time, women used to play the main character of operas, so Achilles was interpreted by Vittoria Tesi, called "La Moretta", with the primadonna soprano Anna Peruzzi, called «la Parrucchierina» and the tenor Angelo Amorevoli.
Sorrento 3 nights.
Day 7:
Go aboard a 50 min. Ferry from Naples to Sorrento. Sorrento is a long-time favorite with Italian and international vacationers for its beautiful views, tranquil atmosphere, and terraced lemon groves. After check in to Villa Silvana Relais nestled on Sorrento Natural Cliff and gifted by a breathtaking view on the Gulf of Naples, take a quick stroll around town to explore the city's focal point, the Piazza Tasso, a central square built over a gorge that splits the city. Other notable sights in and around Sorrento include the nearby bay of Marina Piccola, the ruins of Villa Pollio in Capo di Sorrento, the church monastery San Francesco d'Assisi, the 11th-century Duomo, and the Basilica di Sant'Antonino. The latter houses the remains of Saint Anthony, Sorrento's patron saint who died in the 7th century. The town of Sorrento dates back to 600 BC, but it’s best known for its main produce – lemons and oranges. It was here , in Sorrento, that limoncello, Italy's most famous liqueur was invented (although it’s up for debate, since Sorrento, Amalfi, and Capri all claim its ancestry). Limoncello is a traditional yellow liquor made from lemon zest, water, sugar, and alcohol. It has an intense lemon flavor and can be enjoyed as an aperitif or a digestive. As a digestive, limoncello should be a darker color, lightly into the greenish color. As you continue exploring the streets of Sorrento, you’ll see many interesting architectural pieces with a mixture of styles ranging from Gothic, Renaissance to the Arab influences. The ones to especially look for are the 16th-century Sedile Dominova “Noble Seats” – a loggia with painted frescoes, the 14th-century Correale Palace, and the unique 13th-century Veniero Palace. Another architectural and historic highlight not to be missed is the Sorrento Cathedral, a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to Saints Philip and James. In Piazza Tasso, the central square of Sorrento, you’ll find the Baroque Church del Carmine, Museum Correale, and monuments of Sant'Antonino Abate and Torquato Tasso. If you have extra time I recommend taking a walking tour through the gorgeous chain of Monti Lattari (Milky Mountains). It’s name comes from the rich vegetation used for sheep, goats and cows. The milk produced in Milky Mountains is the best for buffalo mozzarella cheese. Buffalo mozzarella cannot be refrigerated, this is why you have to get it here.
Day 8:
Explore by your own (optional) or you’ll take a Day Boat Tour from Sorrento to Capri. In the morning, you'll catch a hydrofoil to Capri, about a 20 minute ride. Spend the day enjoying the sunshine and clear blue waters of Capri Island. Known locally as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean," the ancient Greeks called it the "Isle of Sirens." Capri sits on the south side of the Gulf of Naples and has been a popular vacation destination for millennia. The ancient Romans, in fact, built summer villas here for the Empire's VIPs. Capri is a bustling town almost entirely given over to tourism. Most of the walking around Capri is past designer boutiques, luxury hotels, and restaurants. But explore beyond and you’ll discover that Capri is full of unique natural wonders. Venture through the Via Camerelle to Via Tragara and the Via Matermania and follow the signs leading to the Natural Arch – the monument made of rocks. Natural Arch is a highly recommended tourist attraction, frequently seen in paintings. The view up here is absolutely breathtaking! And the best part of it is the world famous azure sea which gives Capri its name – the Blue Island. Close to the center of Capri are the Augustus Gardens, made up of a series of flower-decked terraces overlooking the Bay of Marina Piccola to the right and the Faraglioni to the left. Just outside of Augustus Gardens is the Carthusia perfume shop. If you want an authentic souvenir to bring home from Capri, Carthusia shop is the place to go. The visit to the shop will educate you on the legend of the very first perfume of Capri, made by Carthusian monks. The old tradition of perfume production is perpetuated to this day, the same methods are still used to produce the perfume. The finished product is hand-wrapped and makes for quite a lovely gift. Afterward, we recommend spending the remainder of the afternoon soaking in the sunshine on the beach, before catching the hydrofoil back to Sorrento for the evening. Back in Sorrento, head to a waterfront restaurant for dinner and be sure to try Spaghetti e Vongole (spaghetti with clams), a local favorite that can't be missed.
Day 9:
Enjoy exploring by your own. Amalfi Coast 3 nights.
Day 10:
Go aboard a 1 hour Ferry from the Marina Piccola Port in Sorrento to the Amalfi Port. After a leisurely breakfast, it's time to make your way down and around the Sorrentine Peninsula to the Amalfi Coast. This stretch of coastline south of Naples is renowned for its exceptional beauty and iconic medieval cliffside fishing villages. Lemon groves and sprawling summer villas cling to the steep cliffs that lead to sparkling blue waters. After check in to Hotel Aurora set in a unique location facing directly onto the beach and just a few minutes walk from the centre of Amalfi, take a stroll around the town’s cobbled streets to the seaside square, you’ll see a famous Statue of Flavio Gioia. It can be found in the center of the round-about by the coast. From the square you can enjoy the beautiful views of the rugged green hills and azure waters. If all the walking makes you hungry, be sure to stop at one of the small pastry shops to enjoy some local pastries that are made on site. Or venture over to a cafe for a taste of a locally procured fish-based gourmet dish and a sample of the legendary limoncello. Relax and enjoy the rest of the day! Amalfi, the town which lends its name to the entire coast. Rich in history and culture, Amalfi is the main municipality of the Amalfi Coast, extending itself over 50 kilometers from Vietri sul Mare to Positano. Amalfi is a famous touristic center and the most heavily frequented by travelers. One of the reasons for that is the fact that Amalfi is a major intersection for nearly all modes of transportation carrying travelers between islands and towns. Visit the architectural treasures like the Cloister of Paradise, the 9th century Duomo di Amalfi, and the Medieval Cathedral of Saint Andrew. Speaking of Saint Andrew, there’s a festival held in the town of Amalfi on the 27th of June commemorating the miracle that happened on the same day in 1544 when St. Andrea saved Amalfi from the attack of a Saracen fleet. There’s a procession that takes place during the festival with a silver statue of St. Andrea being carried through the town’s streets. The most spectacular part of the festival is when the carriers of the statue run up a long stairway in less than thirty seconds while the marching band plays music and the people shout and clap their hands. It’s truly an experience like no other. If you want to remember your trip to Amalfi, St. Andrea Festival is an event not to miss.
Day 11:
Day Boat Tour from Amalfi to Ravello This charming little town sits high in the mountains, 350 meters above sea level, offering stunning views of the Amalfi Coast and the Bay of Salerno. Apart from great vistas and natural beauty, Ravello is famous for two magnificent garden estates. The romantic garden of Villa RufoloI, which famously served as an inspiration for Richard Wagner’s opera “Parsifal”, and Villa Cimbrone with its extravagant gardens, proclaimed by a famous writer Gore Vidal to be the most beautiful place ever visited. Villa Cimbrone estate offers great views looking over the Amalfi Coast, and at the end of the garden is the Terrace of Infinity – the best spot on the entire coast for photographers, dreamers, and lovers. Ravello is also home for Amalfi Coast's most beautiful cathedral, the 11th-century Duomo di Ravello. Step inside and you’ll immediately get a sense of the splendor as you see beautiful mosaics, richly decorated spiral columns and many fascinating works of art from the Middle Ages. Stop at Piazza Vescovado, which is pretty much the beating heart of Ravello. There’s a handful of quaint bars, like Caffe Duomo, where visitors stop for drinks and icy treats like gelato or granita. You can also have something more substantial like a panini or a quick pasta and enjoy a cup of good, strong espresso or limoncello.
Day 12:
Explore by your own (optional) or you can enjoy with our small group a Day Boat Tour from Amalfi to Positano. With its steep geography and vertiginous houses that tumble down to the sea in colorful cascade, Positano is the star of the Amalfi Coast. Since the first half of the twentieth century Positano has been attracting large numbers of tourists who come here for sunny weather, azure sea, stunning views, and overall southern Italian charm. For souvenir and gift shopping, check out the many shops selling locally crafted goods. One of the most popular things to buy in Positano is handmade sandals. You’ll find dozens of different styles here and can even get a made-to-measure footwear that usually takes a couple of days to produce. Rome 1 night.
Day 13:
We will take a 1:15 hour comfortable suburban ride from Amalfi to Naples to take our 1:10 hour high speed train to Rome. Check in again to the Sina Bernini Bristol in Rome and then we will go for an unforgettable walk and farewell dinner in Trastevere to enjoy Traditional Roman Cuisine. A walk through the narrow cobbled streets of the Trastevere shows hidden treasures such as modest medieval churches, small shops with the most unusual objects, or even some scenes of everyday life seemingly taken from a forgotten age. The Trastevere is one of the best areas for dining in Rome making it very pleasant for a walk through its streets, especially as night falls and the time for supper approaches. What to see in the Trastevere: The life of the neighbourhood is especially concentrated around the Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, where you can see the ancient Basilica of Our Lady in Trastevere. The great fountain in front of the temple serves as a meeting place, a resting spot, or simply somewhere to have an ice cream on a hot day.
Day 14:
After breakfast you will be transferred to Leonardo Da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino to take your flight back to home.
Our fantastic tour comes to an end after our breakfast. Your La Dolce Vita Tour advisor is available to help you with any post tour planning including airport transfers, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead.
Arrivederci!
Itinerary specifics subject to change. For the best experience, capacity is limited to travelers per tour. Choose to join other travelers or form your own group with a minimum of 6 travelers.
May 18-31
OTHER INFO:
* There is a dress code for churches and basilicas. Shoulders and knees must be covered, shorts, miniskirts, and sleeveless shirts are not permitted. It is recommended that you not take large bags on tours that include churches as storage is not always available
* Please wear comfortable footwear as the tours on your vacation involve a lot of walking
* The team at La Dolce Vita Touring is absolutely flexible and will customize your vacation to suit your personal needs. Are you traveling with children? We will provide the necessary assistance to adjust our packages to ensure that your vacation is truly memorable!
* Contact La Dolce Vira Touring for customization options on your vacation
FAQ
When should we start planning our trip?
Ideally, we ask for at least 3 months' advance notice, especially in the high season (May through September). Arrangements can be made on shorter notice, but you run the risk of missing out on the availability of our favorite hotels and guides. We want the best for our clients, and the more time we have, the more we can guarantee just that.
What are La Dolce Vita Touring's payment terms?
We require a 20% deposit upon approval of your vacation package. The balance is due 45 days prior to your date of travel.
Should I purchase travel insurance?
We strongly encourage you to buy travel insurance at the time of booking, in the event you must cancel and forfeit funds or in the unfortunate case of injury or loss. We offer travel insurance through out partner, Allianz.
What kind of information will we receive before our trip?
Approximately one month prior to your departure date, you will receive a La Dolce Vita Touring Travel Packet consisting of a detailed day-to-day itinerary, our list of recommended restaurants, a “Helpful Hints Guide” for Italy, and your specific destinations, plus detailed information and contacts for your accommodations, tours and transportation.
Can you give me a cost breakdown of my customized vacation and what is included?
The vacations we create are bundled packages and therefore we do not provide a cost breakdown. Our local suppliers give us bundled prices for the services provided and we do the same for our clients. We simply arrange for all your accommodations, transportation, local tour guides, restaurant reservations, and any other fun activities and experiences from the moment you arrive until the day of your departure.
VACATION PRICES
Starting at:
group size / price per person
1 - $11,199.00
2 - $10,640.00
3 - $10, 241.00
4 - $9,500.00
5 - $8,941.00
6 - $8,382.00
7 - $7,369.00
8 - $7,291.00
Minchu M. Mendive - Certified Travel Advisor
CANCELLATION POLICY
La Dolce Vita Touring Cancellation Policy With respect to any Shore Excursion or Walking Tour booked with La Dolce Vita Touring, at least 24 hours notice must be provided to obtain a full refund. If less than 24 hours' notice is provided, no portion of your payment will be refundable. The following cancellation policy will apply with respect to any of the Vacation Packages on the website or a Customized Vacation Package booked with La Dolce Vita Touring.
1. Notice. Your notice of cancellation must be in writing (email will suffice), received during La Dolce Vita Touring's normal business hours, addressed to the electronic contact information provided on the Site.
2. Cancellation Fee. Except as otherwise provided in the voucher and in each case subject to the exceptions in Section 3 below, the following cancellation fees will apply:
* A non-refundable deposit of 20% is due at the time of confirmation
* For a cancellation between 30 to 21 calendar days before the tour begins: You will be charged a 40% cancellation fee.
* For a cancellation between 20 to 8 calendar days before the tour begins: You will be charged a 60% cancellation fee.
* For a cancellation between 7 days to the day the tour begins: No refund will be given. * Refunds. Refunds will not be made until your payment has cleared, and any objection or chargeback period has expired. Exceptions are made under documented extenuating circumstances.
3. Tickets. Under no circumstances may you change or cancel an event that includes the sale of a ticket to a museum, a theater, musical or sport event. Ticket sales are final and cannot be changed once the purchase has been confirmed. If, before the execution of the purchased service, your payment via credit card or other payment mechanism is revoked or is not honored, this will be considered as a cancellation and the above cancellation fees will apply. The cost of museum tickets is always refunded when the museums are unexpectedly closed.
HOTELS
Tour Hotels In case you wish to book pre- or post-tour hotel accommodations, please let us know if you need help.
FLIGHTS
Our price tours don’t include airfare, so your flight arrangements and transfers are completely up to you. Most tour members arrange to fly into and out of Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO) choose "multicity" on flight-booking websites. Booking round-trip to one city will require a connecting flight, train trip, or additional overnight stay in Italy. We suggest arriving a day before your tour begins to allow ample time to get over jet lag and be well-rested for the first few days of your tour. For more information about transportation options for getting to and from your tour, contact your La Dolce Vita Touring advisor.
