Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Italy – Naples – Ravello – Maratea – The Amalfi Coast
100% customisable for you
Your journey to discover Italy’s southern gems begins with a morning flight from the UK to Naples, which takes just under three hours. On arrival, collect your hire car then head to your city centre hotel, which will be home for the next two nights.
An early flight means there’s time this afternoon to explore Naples with a born and bred local. From historic palaces to the workshops of craftsmen, painters and sculptors, the very best of Naples is yours to discover. Your guide knows all the top spots, so if you’re interested in a little retail therapy, just let them know, and they’ll introduce you to the city’s best antique dealers or fashion boutiques that rival those of Rome and Milan.
When you get hungry, sample Naples’ world-famous street food, like a slice of pizza fritta (fried and filled pizza) or a gooey crocchè di patate (fried potato filled with cheese).
This morning your travel bucket list gets a big tick in the form of a visit to the once-thriving Roman city of Pompeii, which is around a twenty-minute drive from Naples. The eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD saw the destruction and burial of Pompeii along with Herculaneum and many houses in the surrounding area. Today, these remarkably well-preserved archaeological sites are accessible to the public.
In the capable hands of a private guide, wander along Pompeii’s ancient streets and between vestiges of the lost city as you get to know what life was like at the beginning of the Roman Empire. When you’ve finished exploring, head back to Naples to enjoy more of the city’s splendid views and equally splendid Neapolitan architecture – not to mention some more of that famous local cuisine.
Say arrivederci to Naples this morning as you pack up your hire car for the one-hour drive to the romantic clifftop town of Ravello. This is one of the most stunning spots on the Amalfi Coast, and you’re staying here for two nights to savour the scenery and embrace the leisurely pace of local life.
When you arrive, soak up views of the sea, city and lemon orchards, refuel with a gelato pit stop at the Piazza Duomo, then spend this evening sampling some iconic Italian cuisine at a local restaurant recommended in our Dossier.
Today is your chance to explore more of Ravello. Accompanied by a private guide, benefit from their local expertise and insight into this breathtaking town that sits suspended above the Tyrrhenian Sea. As you walk around, take in its Arab-Byzantine cathedral and Villas Cimbrone and Rufolo, both of which boast beautiful architecture and grand gardens that provide welcome respite from the sun on scorching summer days. The Belvedere at Villa Cimbrone is particularly special, offering an arresting panorama over the Gulf of Salerno that’s arguably the best on the Amalfi Coast.
It’s time to leave Ravello behind in favour of Maratea, a commune in Basilicata that’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. On the way, you have the option of stopping to explore the ancient city of Paestum with a private guide. Maratea stretches along the Tyrrhenian Coast and is dotted with oak trees, olive groves, beaches and bays. Spend three nights here enjoying its distinct tranquillity, whether that means sipping coffee in the charming main square or taking a stroll to some of its many churches. In the evening, enjoy a drink at your hotel or in a cosy bar nearby, before sitting down to a gourmet meal at one of the excellent local restaurants.
On your first full day in Maratea, get to know the area through the eyes of a local. Your guide works in collaboration with Baticòs, an NGO which supports regional environmental projects including organic agriculture, local crafts and eco-tourism. They are particularly proud of their culture, which you’ll learn all about during a tour of Aieta, a nearby village.
You have the rest of your time here to spend at your leisure. Though small, Maratea is full of places to discover, so filling your two days here will be a breeze. Hike to the top of the statue of Christ the Redeemer for dizzying views, visit the small surrounding hamlets and explore Maratea’s enchanting sea caves. Leave time for relaxing in the Piazza Buraglia and strolling down narrow streets lined with colourful buildings, and it certainly won’t take long to learn why Maratea is known as ‘the pearl of the Tyrrhenian’.
The time has come to say goodbye to southern Italy, so after a last breakfast of espresso and brioche, hop in your hire car for the one-and-a-half-hour drive to Salerno airport. After dropping off the car, whizz through the airport ready to board your three-hour flight back to the UK, the perfect opportunity to begin planning your next holiday to this endlessly enticing country…
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
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 NOW
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
