Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
The Highlights of Southern Italy Naples, Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast
Italy – Amalfi coast – Naples – Sorrento – Praiano
Our itinerary of essential Italian sights testifies to the greatness of the Roman Empire, featuring visits to Naples’ historic centre, as well as the iconic towns of the Amalfi Coast: Sorrento, Praiano and Ravello, which form this UNESCO World Heritage-worthy coastline. Discover the beautifully lit and sweet-scented Mediterranean landscape, with its stunning beaches, dizzying yet scenic roads, old churches, palaces and terraces that have inspired poets and musicians for generations.
Of course, Italian food (and wine) also features heavily throughout. Enjoy indulgent dinners accompanied by sublime sea views in Sorrento and sample some of the best pizza on the planet in Naples (it’s where it originated, after all).
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Your Italian adventure starts today. Depart from the UK and arrive in Naples around two-and-a-half hours later, where you’ll be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel. Since you have three nights in the city, you can spend the rest of today relaxing and unwinding after your flight.
Enjoy your first taste of authentic Neapolitan cuisine this evening, either at your hotel or at a restaurant recommended by our local Concierge. If you’re in the mood for comfort food, pizza is your best bet – this doughy dish was born here, so you won’t find fresher fare anywhere else.
It’s time to dig into Naples’ history and culture. On a private Italian Vespa tour, discover a city which boasts grandeur and grit in equal measure.
An expert guide will lead you through the historic streets, past Piazza del Municipio, Galleria Umberto I, Piazza Trento e Trieste, Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola and Borgo Marinari. If the weather isn’t at its best, your Vespa will be replaced with a Fiat 500 – another Italian classic.
If you’ve already had your fill of pizza (impossible, we know), we can arrange dinner in the quaint fishing village of Marechiaro, known for its fresh seafood.
On your final day in Naples, explore more of the city at your own pace. Why not hop on the metro in search of culture? We recommend the Museo Cappella Sansevero, which showcases the city’s artistic heritage in its exhibits and artworks.
Come evening, join locals on their passeggiata (evening stroll) by the water, before chowing down on some more Neapolitan food and toasting to la dolce vita (the sweet life).
This morning, take a private transfer from your hotel to the small town of Sorrento on the Sorrentine Peninsula. The journey should take around one 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 towering 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 fascinating relics from previous occupations, including the Greeks and the Etruscans.
Rise bright and early this morning for a cruise along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world – the Amalfi Coast. Hop aboard your private gozzo (a typical Capri boat) in Sorrento and sail along the iconic coastline, discovering the bays of Ieranto and Nerano, as well as the Li Galli islands, before anchoring in Positano.
The view of Positano from the water is a must-see, with its pastel houses clinging to cliffs that plunge into the sea. The town itself features steep alleyways lined with boutiques and cafés, alongside the ever-present scent of lemon and olive swirling in 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.
This morning, a private transfer will take you the 50 minutes from Sorrento to Praiano. Another quintessential Amalfi Coast town, Praiano features white houses clinging to a cliff face, coves lapped at by turquoise waters and flowers galore.
Once you’ve settled into your hotel room, spend some time walking along the trails overlooking the sea and enjoying the scent of myrtle and broom.
This evening, experience the cosy atmosphere of Praiano’s small fishing port.
Your final two days will be spent exploring Amalfi’s crowning jewel – Ravello. The town is known for its verdant cliffside gardens, as well as a number of churches and ancient palaces. You also won’t want to miss the Belvedere of Villa Cimbrone, with its astonishing panoramic balcony that opens onto the coast.
Why not spend your final day relaxing on Praiano’s pretty beaches? After sunning yourself on the sand, savour as much authentic Italian food as you can before your departure tomorrow.
Sadly, your Italian adventure winds down today. A private transfer will take you back to Naples, where you’ll catch your three-hour flight back to the UK. We hope you brought back enough foodie souvenirs to keep the holiday blues at bay...
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
OFF THE COAST OF NAPLES - PROCIDA ISLAND
Were you charmed by the scenery in Il Postino or The Talented Mr. Ripley? Visit the filming locations on pretty Procida, a magical island that will capture your attention from the moment you arrive. Boasting an authentic Italian feel, the isle is replete with preserved architecture, Medieval alleyways and colourful fishing houses.Riding across the island on a Vespa, it's easy to feel like you're in a film, exploring the beaches and experiencing the island's energy.
As far as food is concerned, the recipes are decided according to the catch of the day: perfect for tasting in one of the family-owned taverns or on a terrace with your feet in the water.
GUIDED TOUR OF NAPLES’ HISTORIC CENTRE
Join a private guide for a tour of Naples, a labyrinth of intertwining streets, churches, convents, palaces and squares forming a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take in the city’s wonderful contrasts, follow paths dating back to the Greco-Roman era, enter large churches adorned with angels and marvel at the constant chattering typical of Neapolitan daily life. In the narrow street of Spaccanapoli (which divides Naples) lies the great 14th-century Gothic Basilica of Santa Chiara, built on ancient Roman baths and housing the tombs of the kings of the Two Sicilies. In Via San Gregorio Armeno, visit the workshops where the famous Neapolitan nativity scenes are made.A BOAT TOUR AROUND CAPRI
Marvel at this island in the Bay of Naples on a private boat tour. See the spectacular winding path, the Via Krupp; admire the mesmerising Casa Malaparte, the famous filming location for Jean-Luc Godard's Le Mepris; and discover Villa Jovis, where the Roman emperor Tiberius once lived.
Why visit Italy with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Italy
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
