Road Tripping the Amalfi Coast: From Naples to Ravello

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, head out with a knowledgeable local guide to discover the historic centre of Naples. Take your time wandering the labyrinth of winding Greco-Roman streets, stopping to admire the many churches, convents, palaces and squares that UNESCO has declared World Heritage sites. Head down the iconic – and seriously narrow – street of Spaccanapoli to visit the Gothic Basilica of Santa Chiara. Built on ancient Roman baths in the 14th century, this immense building houses the tombs of the kings that ruled over the ancient Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Finish up with a walk down the Via San Gregorio Armeno, where you can visit the workshops that produce the famous Neapolitan nativity scenes. The afternoon is yours to play with. You can continue discovering the city independently, or hop onto an electric bike to see the seaside and the Posillipo Hill with a private guide.

Wake up bright and early this morning as today you’re heading off with a private local guide to nearby Pompeii, the famed Roman city that was tragically destroyed by a volcano eruption in 79 AD. One of the most iconic sites of the city is the amphitheatre, which rose to fame after Pink Floyd performed there for his concert film ‘Live at Pompeii’. From here your guide will lead you to the theatres, thermal baths, basilica and forum, as well as some admirable properties such as the House of Meleager, the Villa of Mysteries and the House of the Faun. Your guide is passionate about history and will give you an insight into the city’s tragic but fascinating past. Back in Naples, it’s time to get moving onto your next destination. Pick up your hire car and drive to Sorrento, about an hour-and-half drive away. Settle in for two nights in a beautiful hotel in Sant’Agnello, a small town with sheer sandstone cliffs that plunge dramatically into the azure ocean. Spend the rest of today relaxing and soaking in the views across the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, before tucking into a delicious meal at the hotel’s restaurant this evening.

Today is yours to spend discovering this beautiful sliver of the Gulf of Naples independently. Sorrento is home to a collection of harbours, both small and large, as well as the picturesque Piazza Tasso, which was named by a local poet named Torquato Tasso who is known for his 1591 poem ‘Gerusalemme liberata‘. It is also worth visiting the Cathedral of Santi Filippo e Giacomo, which dates back to the 11th century. When you’re ready for a bit of nature, head to the majestic cliffs to enjoy a leisurely stroll with breathtaking views.

You could also make use of your hire car to visit nearby sites. Within just an hour’s drive east you have Mount Vesuvius and the archaeological site of Herculaneum. And if you head east, you’ll reach the beautiful Baia di Jeranto nature reserve and the charming fishing village of Nerano. Here you can enjoy leisurely walks to admire the local flora, including myrtle, pistachio, Spanish broom, carob tree, downy oak and Aleppo pine. Wildlife lovers should also keep an eye out for Pontic gulls and kestrels in the sky and hares, weasels and foxes in the fields. For those keen to head out onto the open water, a member of our team can arrange a private cruise to Capri. Head back to your hotel in time to enjoy the local aperitif, limoncello, as the sun goes down.

After fuelling up on a delicious breakfast at your hotel, hop back into your hire car and head off to your next destination: the beautiful coastal town of Ravello. It only takes about an hour and a half to get there directly, however you’re driving along the idyllic Amalfi Coast, so a stop here and there wouldn’t go amiss and you’ll pass the towns of Positano, Praiano and Amalfi along the way. In Ravello, settle into a charming hotel in a historic neighbourhood. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing and enjoying some delicious food and drink.

The next two days are yours to spend discovering everything Ravello has to offer. Soaking in the view of the Gulf of Salerno from the belvedere of Villa Cimbrone, Terrazza dell’Infinito, is an absolute must, as is the view of the cathedral square from Villa Rufolo. The latter villa inspired Richard Wagner to create Klingsor's garden in Parsifal. Contrasting the crumbling old romantic villas is Ravello’s ultra-modern auditorium, which was built between 2008 and 2010 by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and which hosts the annual Ravello Festival. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the Cathedral and Villa Rufolo in the company of a private local guide.

You can also make use of your hire car to visit some of the towns you saw on the drive here in greater detail. Amalfi, perched at the foot of Mount Cerreto, is certainly the star of the show with its colourful houses climbing the lush emerald cliffside. A buzzing port on the luxuriant Tyrrhenian Sea in medieval times, Amalfi was a playground for the rich merchants of the Mediterranean. This period of glory and prosperity is reflected in the narrow streets, elegant properties and pristine squares of the old town. It is also reflected in the cathedral, despite the many restoration and renovation campaigns it has undergone. The nearby Cloister of Paradise reveals the interesting influence of Arab-Muslim art on 13th-century Christian architects and sculptors.