Day 1 : Welcome to Rome
Transfers to your hotel depart from Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Join your Travel Director at 17:30 to explore the Eternal City, passing the renaissance palaces and baroque churches scattered throughout the city. Get to know your fellow travellers over a pleasant Welcome Dinner as you dine at your hotel's restaurant, Unique al Palatino.
Accommodation : Kolbe Hotel Rome.
Day 2 : Across the Apennines to the Trulli Town of Alberobello Relaxed Start
Head southeast, through the sun-baked landscapes to the region of Puglia and its most spectacular town, Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.With your Local Expert, explore the small, white-washed stone houses - known as Trulli - which are clustered together throughout the city and built entirely without mortar.
Accommodation : Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello.
Day 3 : Exploring Alberobello Relaxed Start
This morning is yours to enjoy at leisure. For your Dine-at-Home experience, you are welcomed into a local family's home. See Nonna making orecchiette pasta and join her for a traditional freshly prepared southern Italian meal.
Accommodation : Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello.
Day 4 : Free Time in Alberobello Relaxed Start
The day is free for you to enjoy this extraordinary town as you wish. Why not join an Optional Experience to the stunning city of Ostuni? With its dazzling white-washed houses and fascinating history, it is a true delight.
Accommodation : Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello.
Day 5 : The Sassi di Matera and Sorrento
Visit Matera with a Local Expert for an in-depth exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Sassi — a labyrinth of cave dwellings, churches, staircases and arches, hewn out of solid rock. You may recognise Matera as the biblical backdrop from the film ‘The Passion of the Christ.’ Continue on to the small village of Grottole, a once-thriving community which has lost much of its activity and population. Meet Andrea, a local striving to bring back the traditional way of living here. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, explore the historic old town to learn about the fascinating history of the village, then enjoy a light lunch with wine, helping to preserve the local culture. Later, journey onward to clifftop Sorrento.
Accommodation : Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento.
Day 6 : Capri, The Isle of Dreams
Cruise by jetfoil across the impossibly blue sea to the sun-drenched island of Capri. On arrival, journey in style to Capri Town by open-top taxi and meet your Local Expert for an orientation walk of the narrow streets. Explore Capri with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the immaculate Gardens of Augustus with a Local Expert and admire the views over Faraglioni Rocks, or alternatively, enjoy a tasting of Capri's famous lemon liqueur - limoncello. After exploring the winding cobbled streets, descend to the port by funicular before returning to Sorrento where you are at leisure for the rest of the day.
Accommodation : Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento.
Day 7 : The Amalfi coast and Positano Relaxed Start
Travel along Italy’s finest coastline, the Amalfi Coast. Stop for a bird’s-eye view of the terraced houses of Positano before venturing in to the heart of the town. There’s time to be tempted by the boutiques before returning to Sorrento to enjoy stunning views down to the clear waters of the Bay of Naples. Maybe relax over coffee and contemplate your options. You could stroll down to the harbour, visit the Church of St. Francis, take a swim from the foot of the cliffs or just relax and enjoy the warm, southern sunshine.
Accommodation : Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento.
Day 8 : On to ill-fated Pompeii and Rome
Journey north to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, eerily preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Your Local Expert will walk you along the ancient streets to explore some of the shops, villas and temples of this once-bustling city, and you will have the chance to see colourful frescoes that have been hidden for centuries. Later you will continue on your journey north, passing beneath the striking hilltop monastery of Monte Cassino on your way back to Rome. This evening, in the heart of the Eternal City, you are treated to a quintessential Italian experience – fine food, wine, music and a private performance of enchanting operetta for your Celebration Dinner.
Accommodation : Kolbe Hotel Rome.
Day 9 : Arrivederci Roma
Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 and 09:30.