Jewels of Southern Italy

Jewels of Southern Italy small group escorted tour takes you from the historic city of Naples, through the Roman ruins of Pompeii to the chic Amalfi Coast. Spend your days immersed in Greek and Roman history, take in the spectacular views of the Gulf of Naples from the coastline and taste some incredible locally grown delicacies.

For retail therapy you’ll find designer shops dotted throughout Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Foodies will enjoy dinners in agriturismos, which are local farms providing delicious rustic meals created from their own produce. History lovers will be spoilt for choice, while the modern culture and cosmopolitan areas of Southern Italy can also be explored.

What's Included:

• 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners
• English speaking guide
• Entrance fees for Pompeii, Naples, Paestum, Ravello and Amalfi
• Headsets Pompeii and Naples
• Limoncello, white fig and cake tasting
• Return flights from Bristol
• All accommodation

Day 1: Arrive in Naples

Arrive in Naples Airport where a private transfer will take you to your hotel. On arrival at your hotel, you can enjoy a welcome drink with the tour manager, as well as being introduced to your fellow travellers. Spend the evening exploring Naples at your own pace, and choosing from Naples’ many excellent restaurants for dinner.

Day 2: Naples and Pompeii

Enjoy a delicious continental buffet breakfast at the hotel before embarking on your expertly guided walking tour of Naples. Begin in the Spaccanapoli quarter, which is well known for its beauty and history. Visit the Sansevero Chapel, where you’ll find the famous Veiled Christ statue and ornately decorated interiors.

Enjoy lunch in one of the city’s excellent restaurants, before joining the tour again for the afternoon. Immerse yourself in the unique history and fascinating events of Pompeii with a walking tour. Major sights on the tour of Pompeii include the Roman Forum, the Thermal Baths and the Theatres. Wander through the commercial streets, picturing the former residents and shops before heading to Paestum. This ancient Greek city allows you to contrast the ancient Roman and Greek cultures and is full of fascinating sights.

Spend the night in a local agriturismo, Granaio dei Casabella, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner full of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included

Day 3: Paestum and Cooking class

Choose from an array of local produce at the breakfast buffet before visiting Bufalara. This tiny town is well known for its delicious, creamy mozzarella. Watch it being made by the experts before trying some of this exquisite cheese.

Meet your local guide, who will take you for an in depth tour of the ancient Greek temples and museum of Paestum. See the Tomb of the Diver, which is a monument dating back to 470 BC. It contains the best example of Greek wall painting from the fifth Century BC.

Next on your tour of Southern Italy, visit a small local farm where you can pick your own vegetables from the garden before learning to create traditional dishes in a cooking class. Enjoy your own creations at the Baronessa’s table before relaxing in the garden. Follow this with a tasting of sweet, fresh Cilento white figs.

Depart for the Amalfi Coast and your hotel in Ravello before spending the evening relaxing in this beautiful town.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch included

Day 4: Ravello

Begin the day with a breakfast buffet, before meeting your guide and setting off on a half day walking tour of Ravello. Known as the city of music, the town is home to white washed architecture nestled among the hills and overlooking the sparkling ocean below. Visit squares and gardens, as well as Villa Rufolo, where the annual Ravello festival is held. Villa Cimbrone is home to tranquil gardens which have been awarded National Park status.

Spend the rest of the day at the hotel, where you can relax by the swimming pool or enjoy its gardens. Alternatively, wander the narrow streets of Ravello, and see an optional concert in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast included

Day 5: Capri and Positano

After breakfast at your hotel, your local guide will meet you and take you to Amalfi Port, where you can take a ferry to Capri. Take the cable car into Capri town centre and begin your walking tour, which will take you through the main sights. Visit colourful Augustus Gardens and take in the spectacular views of the bay, as well as Piazza Umberto, or The Little Square. This is the ideal place to relax with a coffee as you watch the world go by. Via Delle Camerelle is full of souvenir shops and designer labels, perfect for an afternoon of retail therapy. The afternoon is yours to explore. Book an extra tour of the Blue Grotto or simply take in the pretty town of Capri.

Depart for Positano in the afternoon, taking in the views of the Gulf of Naples along the way. This chic seaside resort is ideal for relaxing on the beach, enjoying a crisp glass of wine or visiting the many shops.

Board on the public ferry to Amalfi before returning to your hotel in Ravello for dinner, via minibus.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner includedAfter breakfast at your hotel, your local guide will meet you and take you to Amalfi Port, where you can take a ferry to Capri. Take the cable car into Capri town centre and begin your walking tour, which will take you through the main sights. Visit colourful Augustus Gardens and take in the spectacular views of the bay, as well as Piazza Umberto, or The Little Square. This is the ideal place to relax with a coffee as you watch the world go by. Via Delle Camerelle is full of souvenir shops and designer labels, perfect for an afternoon of retail therapy. The afternoon is yours to explore. Book an extra tour of the Blue Grotto or simply take in the pretty town of Capri.

Depart for Positano in the afternoon, taking in the views of the Gulf of Naples along the way. This chic seaside resort is ideal for relaxing on the beach, enjoying a crisp glass of wine or visiting the many shops.

Board on the public ferry to Amalfi before returning to your hotel in Ravello for dinner, via minibus.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included

Day 6: Amalfi Coast

After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Amalfi. Visit the town’s many beautiful sights, including the Sant’Andrea Dome, a beautiful church which looks over the town and main square. You can also admire the tranquillity of the Paradise Cloister inside, with its interesting architecture and verdant green courtyard.

Next, you’ll travel to Minori, which is home to the Maritime Roman Villa. Learn about the history of the area and stop at a local limoncello producer for a delicious tasting. You’ll also visit one of the area’s most famous pastry shops for a cake tasting.

In the afternoon, take the Lemon Path, which is known for its spectacular views and fragrant citrus trees. Arrive in Maiori for some leisure time spent shopping, walking through the town and enjoying delicious drinks and snacks in the many eateries. You will then return to Ravello by minibus, before staying overnight at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast included

Day 7: At Leisure and Farewell Dinner

After a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel in Ravello, you can spend the day relaxing by the hotel’s swimming pool. Alternatively, explore its little streets and pretty architecture, pick up some last minute souvenirs and gifts or relax in a café and watch the world go by.

You will be taken to a local agriturismo for a delicious farewell dinner made up of produce grown on the farm. Say goodbye to your fellow travellers as you enjoy local wines and exquisite cuisine.

Return to your hotel in Ravello for your final evening.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included

Day 8: Return Home

Enjoy a breakfast buffet at the hotel before transferring to Naples Airport for your onward journey. Alternatively, add on another one of our Italy escorted tours, or explore the Amalfi Coast at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast included