Pompeii, Capri and the Bay of Naples

Pompeii, Capri and the Bay of Naples

The Bay of Naples boasts a rich history, influenced by invasions from Greeks, Phoenicians, Saracens, and notably the Romans, who established villas here over 2000 years ago.

Sorrento gained popularity in the late 18th century, attracting European aristocracy with its mild climate and stunning scenery. Today, it features charming cobbled streets, vibrant flowers, and delicious aromas from various restaurants and cafes.

The legendary Amalfi Coast is celebrated for its dramatic limestone mountains and serene blue Mediterranean waters, while Capri is known as the Garden of Eden, popular with celebrities. Dominating the skyline is the active volcano Vesuvius, famously erupting in 79 AD and preserving Roman Pompeii remarkably.

Few places blend such historical significance with breathtaking beauty like the Bay of Naples.

What's Included

• 7 nights in 3-star to 4-star accommodation
• Return flights & transfers
• 6 Included experiences
• Breakfast & dinner
• Hotel Michelangelo is on a B&B basis
• Checked Luggage
• Expert Tour Manager
• All additional taxes
• Visit the stunning island of Capri and discover its natural beauty.
• Soak in the sights of Sorrento on a walking orientation tour of the town.
• Embark on a guided tours of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the breathtaking Amalfi coast.
• Visit the beautiful Rufolo Gardens with stunning views over the coastline.
• Enjoy an authentic farm lunch in the Sorrento countryside.

Day 1 - Arrival in Sorrento

On arrival in Naples we'll transfer to Sorrento, where we'll stay for seven nights.

Day 2 - Walking Tour of Sorrento

Spend your first day exploring Sorrento on a guided tour, before enjoying an afternoon at leisure.

Our first day in this centuries-old resort is at a suitably relaxed pace, beginning with a short walking tour. The Romans appreciated Sorrento’s many qualities and the area is dotted with the remains of elegant shops selling luxury leather goods and shoes, and cosy restaurants nestling in tall buildings with faded facades in typically Mediterranean shades of ochre, yellow and magenta.

The region has a long history of lemon cultivation, with highly prized Sorrento lemons given their own protected IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) status in the same way as Parma ham or balsamic vinegar from Modena. Sixty percent of lemon production goes into making limoncello liqueur, but in Sorrento it seems that anything can be made from the local citrus fruit, including soaps, cosmetics and, of course, ice-cream.

The rest of the afternoon is free to explore at your own leisure.

Day 3 - Pompeii

Discover the story of Pompeii and its fate, exploring the ancient site and its collection of ruins.

Most people know the story of Pompeii and its fate, but today this site is so much more than a collection of ruins. Our guided tour of the Roman town highlights its astonishing state of preservation – even if you aren’t especially interested in history, you can’t fail to be impressed by its scale – streets, temples, baths and even the amphitheatre remain largely intact. Much of our knowledge about the Roman way of life, their habits, social structure, class system and domestic arrangements has come from Pompeii. Many buildings still have murals and mosaics, while others inscribed with graffiti describing political events, romantic entanglements and even gossip of the time. You can even see traffic-calming measures and a one-way system! Although endlessly fascinating, Pompeii is also slightly eerie, particularly when you see the pained facial expressions of Vesuvius’s victims preserved for eternity.

Day 4 - Capri

Take a short boat ride to the world-renowned island of Capri to uncover its charm.

The island of Capri is renowned the world over, and today we take a short boat ride to discover its charms. It has long been the most desirable part of the Bay of Naples, attracting Roman emperors – Tiberius made it his home and ruled the empire from here – writers such as DH Lawrence and George Bernard Shaw, Hollywood stars and numerous other luminaries who have sought inspiration here. It’s easy to see why Capri is so adored; as we approach you’ll see small fishing boats bobbing on the water, with whitewashed shops and restaurants lining the busy quayside against a backdrop of towering cliffs.

The main town is perched on a hill looking down on the quaint harbour below and you’ll have some free time to explore the island, maybe join a boat trip around the island, explore the island at your own will or make your way to the famous Blue Grotto – the large sea cave that takes its name from the incandescent blue light that bathes the cavern.

Day 5 - Free Day

Enjoy a free day in Sorrento to spend at leisure.

Today is a free day to spend at leisure in Sorrento, perhaps to browse the numerous boutiques or enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the many restaurants that Sorrento has to offer.

Day 6 - Amalfi Coast and Rufolo Gardens

Experience the sublimely beautiful Amalfi coast, and visit the exquisite Rufolo Gardens in Ravello.

Today you’ll have a chance to experience the sublimely beautiful Amalfi coast at first hand as we wind around spectacular pine-clad cliffs that tumble down into the turquoise Mediterranean. Our coastal drive takes us above the exclusive resort of Positano … haunt of celebrities, we continue our drive just inland to the stunning village of Ravello, with its awe-inspiring location perched like an eagle’s nest on a shelf above Amalfi affording amazing views. It has an ambience all its own, with an enchanting main square, a 13th-century cathedral and the Villa Rufolo, which was once the centre of a city-state and is now an interesting collection of medieval buildings, statues and terraced gardens (it was also the inspiration for elements of Wagner’s opera Parsifal).

We’ll then the historic Rufolo Gardens, located in the centre of Ravello, one of the most popular destinations on the Amalfi Coast. Stroll round the Villa’s impressive gardens with stunning views of the coastline stretching towards Salerno and the beautiful blue bay. Dating back to the 13th century, the villa and gardens were built for the prominent Rufolo family, who were wealthy merchants. Over the centuries, the villa fell into disrepair until it was restored in the 19th century keeping much of its striking medieval architecture. Here you can follow pretty pathways and uncover beautiful, original structures dotted around the gardens, as you draw closer to the famous Belvedere overlooking the coast towards the seaside towns of Minori and Maiori.

Day 7 - Authentic farm lunch

Escape the hustle and bustle of Sorrento town and enjoy an immersive day exploring the surrounding countryside.

This morning, we'll visit Herculaneum, like Pompeii, it was buried when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, smothering everything. It wasn’t until the first major excavation commenced in the 18th century that the hidden secrets of this ancient settlement were revealed. Our local guide will bring the history of Herculaneum to life. As you walk around this wonderfully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site you’ll appreciate just how much volcanic waste had to be excavated to uncover what we can see today. It maybe less well known than Pompeii, but the state of preservation of the building sat Herculaneum is generally far superior, so it’s certainly worth the visit.

After our visit, we will drive back to Sorrento, winding through the hills and lemon groves, to enjoy an authentic farm lunch featuring delicious, locally produced ingredients at a rustic, family-owned working farm. You will be able to enjoy the tranquil countryside setting and take in the views looking down towards the Mediterranean sea and the Bay of Naples, before experiencing an authentic farm lunch using delicious locally produced ingredients in a rustic, family-owned working farm. Here you will also learn how mozzarella is made using traditional techniques, you will also be able to enjoy a tasting of locally produced olive oil, plus of course the local limoncello.

Day 8 - Return home

Head to the airport to begin your journey home.