Highlights of Naples, Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast

Today involves really digging into Naples’ history and culture. A city which boasts grandeur and grit in equal measure, hopping onto a traditional Italian Vespa is a great way to discover its many charms and quirks. An expert guide will lead the private tour through the historic streets, past Piazza del Municipio, Galleria Umberto I, Piazza Trento e Trieste, Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola and Borgo Marinari. Enjoy some dolce vita during a coffee break with some Neapolitan pastries, and if the weather isn’t on it best behaviour, your Vespa will be replaced with a Fiat 500. If you fancy sampling some Italian food other than pizza (as good as it is), we can arrange dinner in the fishing village of Marechiaro (a small village in the Posillipo quarter of Naples), for some fresh seafood.

On your final day in Naples, you’re free to explore more of the city at your own pace. The Naples metro system allows you to get around easily and if you’re a culture vulture, we’d recommend visiting the Museo Cappella Sansevero. Showcasing the city’s artistic heritage, there are a number of exhibits and artworks here worth exploring. Come evening, join locals on their passeggiata (evening stroll) by the water, before chowing down on some more Neapolitan food (we promise not to judge if you’re craving pizza again).

This morning you will be privately transferred from your hotel in Naples to the small town of Sorrento on the Sorrentine Peninsula, which should take around an hour and 15 minutes. Facing the Bay of Naples, this region invites you to relax on its picturesque beaches and marvel at the magnificent views across the water. Perched atop vertiginous cliffs, the town is set among lush greenery, including citrus and olive trees, and retains its Roman origins within the winding alleyways of its historic centre. The local museum also displays vestiges of previous occupations, from the Greeks and the Etruscans.

Rise bright and early for a cruise along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world (yes, the Amalfi Coast is worthy of this accolade). Hop aboard your private gozzo (a typical Capri boat) in Sorrento and sail along the iconic coastline, stopping off in Positano and Ravello. The view of Positano from the water is a must-see, with its pastel houses clinging to the cliffs which plunge towards the sea. The town itself features steep alleyways lined with boutiques and cafes, and an ever-present scent of lemon and olive swirling on the breeze. Take a break from the water and enjoy lunch at a restaurant overlooking the twinkling Tyrrhenian Sea. Upon your return to Sorrento, relax this evening with a glass of wine and some exceptional Italian cuisine for dinner.

It’s time for the next town on your Amalfi Coast tour, so this morning you will be privately transferred the 50 minutes from Sorrento to Praiano. Another quintessential Amalfi Coast town, Praiano features white houses clinging to the cliff face, coves lapped at by turquoise waters and flowers galore. Once you’ve arrived and settled into your hotel room, you can spend some time walking along the trails which overlook the sea and enjoying the scent of myrtle and broom. In the evening, experience the cosy atmosphere of its small fishing port.

You’ll want to cram in as many scenic sights as possible during your final two days on the Amalfi Coast. Head to Ravello, one of region’s hidden gems, known for its verdant cliffside gardens. There are also a number of churches and ancient palaces here, and you won’t want to miss the Belvedere of Villa Cimbrone, with its astonishing panoramic balcony that opens onto the coast. Spend your last day relaxing on the beaches of Praiano and sampling as many Italian dishes as you can before your departure.