Off Season Naples and the Islands of Ischia, Capri & Procida

This morning, set off on a private tour of the city’s historic centre with a local guide. While exploring the maze of streets lined with churches, convents, palaces and squares, it’s easy to see why the area has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll take paths that date back to Greco-Roman times, enter churches whose doorways are watched over by angels, explore Italy’s liveliest markets that truly encapsulate the Neapolitan way of life, and visit the great Gothic basilica of Santa Chiara. We can also arrange for you to take a private tour of the city by Vespa.

It’s time to leave Naples behind and head to Ischia, which you’ll reach by hydrofoil. When you arrive, pick up your rental car and drive to your scenic accommodation for the next three nights. For dinner this evening, enjoy a meal of exceptional Italian cuisine made with local produce.

Born of a volcanic eruption, Ischia boasts landscapes of steep hills, winding roads, mysterious caves, olive groves, fishing villages and flower gardens. Meanwhile, the island’s thermal pools, basins and hot springs have been renowned since ancient Roman times for their therapeutic properties. Needless to say, the island has an air of tranquillity that’s a welcome change from the Neapolitan hustle and bustle.

After a delicious breakfast of homemade pastries this morning, you’ll spend half a day visiting the Aragonese Peninsula and its famous castle. Perched on a volcanic rock, the castle was the only shelter for Ischia’s inhabitants until two centuries ago. Your visit will introduce you to some of the most fascinating parts of Italian history as you take in defensive structures, churches, prisons and frescoes. We can also arrange for you to take part in a medieval writing session where you’ll have the opportunity to mimic the work of the scribes and produce a special souvenir to bring home. We can also arrange for you to take a guided hike on one of the island’s volcanoes. When you return from your outing, you’ll have the rest of the day to spend enjoying everything Ischia has to offer at your leisure.

You’ll spend a free day today on Procida, a laid back island where you can sip cappuccinos on the marina, dine on fresh sea urchins and enjoy salty afternoons by the sea. This island is a real taste of Italy, full of beautiful medieval alleyways, colourful fisherman’s houses and historic buildings. Hop onto a scooter and make your way to the beaches before sampling some local seafood and granita in a restaurant at the water’s edge.

This limestone island off Sorrento has long been adored by musicians, artists and lovers. Its ornate villas are a tribute to the beauty of the island, while its pathways promise sea views and the heady scent of Italian vegetation. You’ll discover this beautiful area by boat today, from the historic Via Krupp footpath to the contemporary Casa Malaparte and the dizzying Villa Jovis, once home to the Roman Emperor Tiberius. You’ll take this sparkling tour of Capri in a private gozzo boat, beach towel in one hand, glass of lemon juice in the other. We can also arrange for you to hike on the Path of the Forts with a private guide.

This limestone island off Sorrento has long been adored by musicians, artists and lovers. Its ornate villas are a tribute to the beauty of the island, while its pathways promise sea views and the heady scent of Italian vegetation. You’ll discover this beautiful area by boat today, from the historic Via Krupp footpath to the contemporary Casa Malaparte and the dizzying Villa Jovis, once home to the Roman Emperor Tiberius. You’ll take this sparkling tour of Capri in a private gozzo boat, beach towel in one hand, glass of lemon juice in the other. We can also arrange for you to hike on the Path of the Forts with a private guide.

Today, you’ll take your final boat trip to reach the mainland and Naples, where you’ll spend the night in a city centre hotel. You’ll have your last day in Italy to spend at your leisure. For an afternoon stroll, choose from the beautiful Lungomare di Napoli seafront walk or the popular Spaccanapoli route, which leads you past many of the city’s important landmarks. This evening, enjoy a canzonetta or bel canto concert, sit down to dinner in the small fisherman’s village of Marechiaro, or spend a lively last few hours on Riviera di Chiaia or Piazza Bellini.