Alexander+Roberts
Sorrento and Pompeii
Day 1: Welcome to Naples + Transfer to Sorrento, Italy
You'll be warmly greeted upon arrival at the airport or rail station in Naples. Then setting out in your own chauffeured car, you'll skirt the Bay of Naples traveling southeast to Pompeii. Two thousand years ago, Pompeii was a thriving port and sophisticated Roman city with an estimated population of more than 10,000 residents. But in the year 79 AD, a cataclysmic eruption buried the city and thousands of its inhabitants under 13 to 20 feet of volcanic ash. These ruins were first discovered in the late 1500's, but systematic excavation did not begin until 1738. Today, the vast archaeological site at Pompeii is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site; indeed, it's remarkably preserved villas, frescoes, baths and other public buildings offer an almost you-are-there look into the life and culture of ancient Rome! With your own private guide, your tour of Pompeii will be enhanced by historical narratives and gripping stories that bring the ancient city and its long-ago inhabitants to life.
After sightseeing, continue your journey around the Bay of Naples to Sorrento, a picturesque coastal resort set on the southern shores with spectacular views of Mt. Vesuvius and the Bay. Check in to your choice of hotel in the heart of town and enjoy the rest of this day to relax or explore the town at your own pace.
Day 2: Sorrento Walking Tour + Free Time
Sorrento has long been popular with travelers on holiday! But despite its continued appeal over the centuries, it retains all the charms of a classic Mediterranean town. Setting out this morning with your in-the-know personal guide, you'll enjoy a walking tour along its cobblestone streets, passing through its graceful plazas to admire the town's handsome villas and enchanting gardens. After sightseeing, the rest of this day is yours to enjoy as you wish.
Day 3: Sorrento at your Leisure
This entire day is yours to relax and do as you please. There are wonderful cafes and restaurants to try and many shops, galleries and boutiques to explore at your own pace. If you prefer additional guided sightseeing, we offer a variety of optional excursions including the Isle of Capri and a tour to the enchanting coastal resorts of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. Meals B
Day 4: Back to Naples
After breakfast, your car and driver will take you to rail station or airport in Naples. Meals B
Sorrento
Sorrento is a town of extraordinary beauty and is known as a popular gateway to Italy's most spectacular stretch of coastline - the Amalfi Drive lined with fishing villages and famous resorts. The seaside resort of Amalfi sits with weathered houses scrambling up steep cliffs. Visitors marvel at its location and its magnificent cathedral. The religious sanctuary of Cloister of St. Francis is worth a visit. The tiny, exclusive resort of Positano has its famous world-class hotel, San Pietro. Excavations of the ruined city of Pompeii, which was destroyed in 79 A.D. during the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius, give visitors a vivid impression of life in a very wealthy ancient city and the tragic end of its population. The Isle of Capri ranks as one of the most beautiful islands and has captured visitors for centuries with excellent climate, spectacular landscape and fantastic sea caverns. Capri has lavish villas, elegant hotels, chic boutiques and quaint restaurants. Museo Correale contains a death mask of poet Torquato Tasso and some special editions of his works, pictures, furniture and porcelain.
Excursions
Sorrento: The Ancient City of Pompeii - 6 Hours
Sorrento: The Ancient City of Pompeii - 6 Hours
Travel outside along the coast today with your driver to the ancient site of Pompeii where your expert local guide will meet you to explore this most famous of places. The extensive and varied ruins of Pompeii now provide us with a rich history of life at the time of the Roman Empire. There are theatres, thermal baths, shops and lavish dwellings, many of which have been incredibly well preserved. After your visit you will have time at leisure for lunch before returning to your cruise ship in Sorrento.
Highlights:
- Visit the incredibly preserved Roman city of Pompeii
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking guide at the Pompeii site (3 hours)
- Entrance fees to the Pompeii site
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Sorrento: The Iconic Amalfi Coast - 6 Hours
Sorrento: The Iconic Amalfi Coast - 6 Hours
Today meet your English-speaking driver-guide and private vehicle for a half-day excursion along the stunning Amalfi Coast taking in the villages of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. The Amalfi drive is the most romantic drive in Italy, following the road snaking along the edge of the rocky cliffs that plunge straight into the sea. Amalfi is the coast's largest town and home to the magnificent 10th-century Duomo fronted by a beautifully coloured 13th-century facade. Also be sure to admire the amazing views from Ravello’s Villa Ruffolo.
Highlights:
- Drive along the magnificent Amalfi Coast, stopping at Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking driver-guide throughout the tour (6 hours)
- Entrance fees to the Villa Ruffolo
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Sorrento: Capri Exploration by Private Motorboat – 8 hours
Sorrento: Capri Exploration by Private Motorboat – 8 hours
Explore the island of Capri in style today as you take a cruise in your skippered private motorboat. As you circle the Island of Capri you will be able to stop at Marina Piccola, a delightfully picturesque inlet that provides the Caprisi and other sun worshippers with their best beach – it is also safe for swimming. The entire cove is romantically lined with stabilimenti – elegant bathing lidos.
We suggest lunch at Al Gallo D’Oro (payable locally), which serves an excellent selection of local fare.
Travelling west, pass the beach of Marina Grande and of Bagni di Tiberio. Continue to the next stretch of coastline which consists of the high calcareous cliff with fissures and grottoes covered by lush, indigenous vegetation.
Enjoy time at leisure for shopping or perhaps a lazy swim from the boat before cruising back to Sorrento.
Highlights:
- Private skippered motorboat to explore the beautiful island of Capri, including Marina Piccola and Marina Grande.
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- 34-foot (1-4 pax) or 43-foot (5-6 pax) private motorboat with English-speaking skipper (8 hours)
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities