Cultural Highlights & Picturesque Amalfi Coast, Italy

This brilliant trip begins in Sorrento, from where you'll visit the intriguing ruins of Herculaneum and climb to the summit of Vesuvius, Europe’s only active volcano, to take in the magnificent views across the coastal plains and the Bay of Naples. You'll also visit Naples, one of southern Italy’s most captivating and lively cities, where a visit to the magnificent archaeological museum offers an insight into the regions rich past. A train journey then takes you to the fascinating ancient remains of Pompeii.

You'll take a hydrofoil ferry to the beautiful island of Capri, take a boat trip (weather permitting) and perhaps visit the famous Blue Grotto, before returning to the Italian mainland. You'll then travel east, to the fascinating ancient Greek ruins of Paestum, before heading to the delightful town of Amalfi and its gorgeous coastline. There will be the chance to walk through this most peaceful and idyllic of landscapes, or perhaps take some time to explore the towns. This tour combines exploration with relaxation, through a land of astonishing beauty, where the ancient and the modern live side by side amidst a landscape of olive groves, fertile seascapes and volcanic mountains.

Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1 - Join tour Naples

Day 2 - Visit National Museum of Naples
This is perhaps one of the most important museums in Europe, where the collections range from antique marbles and bronze sculptures to stunning mosaics.

Day 3 - Visit Herculaneum and transfer to Sorrento
Buried by Vesuvius, the city is now a great place to see materials and items preserved by the volcanic mud.

Day 4 - Hydrofoil to Capri
Use a hydrofoil to cross the Gulf of Naples, and visit the island of Capri.

Day 5 - Visit Pompeii, Climb Vesuvius
Take a guided walk around the city before hopping on a bus to Vesuvius and climbing the rim of the volcanic crater, with fantastic views of Pompeii in the distance.

Day 6 - Drive to Scala via Paestum
The ancient site of Paestum contains some of the best- preserved Doric temples in Europe, particularly the Temple of Neptune and the Basilica of Hera.

Day 7 - Free day in Amalfi

Day 8 - Tour end Naples

This trip is rated 'Moderate to Strenuous'

Moderate: Involves some longer walks at low altitudes. (4-6 hrs/day, below 3000m). Some previous hillwalking experience is beneficial, but walks should be within the capabilities of those who lead a normal active life. Tours may contain optional strenuous days, and we would advise that you tone up your fitness before you travel.

Strenuous: A trip for those with more experience and a higher level of physical fitness is required. You can spend around six to eight hours a day walking, involving inclines of up to 900m. Another aspect of this trip is that you'll spend numerous days walking withotu rest days, thus a good level of stamina is essential.