Rome to Sicily

Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Brimming with ancient ruins and religious monuments, Rome still pulses to the beat of modern life and is packed with designer shops, restaurants, cafes and exciting nightlife. There are no activities planned until your welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, so you can arrive any time. There are so many things to do in Rome – the Colosseum, the Forum, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti, Piazza Venezia, the Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica – so arriving early is recommended. Don’t forget to do as the Romans do and sip an espresso at one of the tiny streetside cafes or sample the many flavours of gelato that colour the city (Trastevere is a great spot for dining). For those captivated by the Eternal City, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit.

Travel by train to Naples, a raucous city that overflows with passion, tradition and gastronomy. Naples was carved out by many empires of the past and by merchants and pirates from across the world: Romans, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Venetians, Spaniards, Normans and Africans. Its evocative, historical old centre is a World Heritage-listed area and the famous Spanish Quarter is still one of the most densely populated residential areas in Europe. Take an orientation walk with your leader through the city center and the Spanish Quarter, and finish your walk with something special. Naples is the birthplace of pizza, so why not head to one of the many pizzerias and taste what's truly some of the best in Italy. Later in the afternoon, board a train to the time capsule of Pompeii, in the shadow of Mt Vesuvius. Your accommodation is perfectly located right near the entrance to the archaeological excavation site.

The small town of modern Pompeii has a wonderful Old Town square – the perfect place to spend some time with the locals, drink an authentic Italian coffee and watch the world go by. Today’s highlight is a guided tour of the ruins of ancient Pompeii. Until 79 AD, Pompeii was a thriving Roman trading centre, but it was frozen in time when Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying 2000 people and their homes under a layer of ash. The city was never rebuilt and largely disappeared from people’s minds until the ruins were rediscovered in the 18th century. Immaculately preserved ruins include villas, temples, theatres and bustling markets, providing insights into how Romans lived, worked and interacted 2000 years ago. The remainder of the day is yours to relax, or if you like, you can visit the nearby Herculaneum, renowned for its fossilised archaeological treasures.

A private transfer will take you up the mighty Mt Vesuvius this morning, where you’ll meet a local volcanology guide. Ascend to the summit of Mt Vesuvius for staggering 360-degree views over the Bay of Naples and into the steaming crater. Although Mt Vesuvius is still considered to be an active volcano, the last eruption was in 1944 and there's no sign of lava. See firsthand the awesome power of the volcano that engulfed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 AD. In the afternoon, travel by private vehicle to the resort town of Sorrento. People have been coming to the peninsula and islands of the Sorrento region for at least 2000 years. There are many options in this small seaside town with its fine piazzas, maze of old streets, sidewalk cafes and shops. The area is famous for its lemon groves, which produce the famous limoncello liqueur. Consider heading out to try some tonight.

You have a free day to explore the cliffside town of Sorrento today. Maybe stroll along the marina or cool off in the waters of the small beaches. Visiting Capri is another option, accessible by a hydrofoil. Natural grottoes dot Capri’s rugged coastline, while inland, narrow roads wind through fragrant citrus groves and past villages of flat-roofed white houses. In Capri, you can take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto (La Grotta Azzurra), where the water shines with an extraordinary blue translucence – a result of the refraction of the sunlight outside. End the day the Italian way with a demonstration of Gelato making with your group.

Arrive on the Amalfi Coast after a short journey by private vehicle. The Amalfi peninsula is a land of rocky coasts, cliff-top vistas, azure seas, tiered lemon groves, whitewashed villages and bright blue skies. If you're after a relaxing walk with a few cultural highlights, stroll from one side of Amalfi town to the other and visit the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea and the Chiostro del Paradiso. If you want something more active, maybe embark on a walk through the Valley of Mills. Alternatively, catch a bus up the Valley of Dragons to reach Ravello. For centuries, its lofty position and sunny, dry climate have made it an appealing place for writers, artists, musicians and travellers. Tonight, you'll stay in Minori, just a 15-minute bus ride from Amalfi (the bus fare is included). Unlike bustling tourist hotspots, Minori offers privacy and equally breathtaking views while being just a short walk from the beach.

This morning, take the short bus ride to Amalfi Town. Your leader will take you for a half-day hike along the narrow trail of the famous Sentiero Degli Dei (the Path of the Gods) which, until quite recently, was followed by mules and donkeys as they traversed the dramatic landscape. This path winds its way through unique scenery and boasts unrivalled views along the coast. Walk through forests and fields of wildflowers, olive groves and vineyards, past ancient stone huts and beside sheer walls of granite. See the local farmers tending their crops by hoe and herds of goats feeding beside the trail. The trail ends in Positano, where there will be ample time to explore and maybe take a dip in the sea. Return to Minori by ferry and bus. As tonight marks your final evening together, maybe gather your fellow travellers for a celebratory feast to cap off your Italian adventure.

Today morning after breakfast, take an organized transfer to Naples. You'll be given all necessary instructions, but please note your trip leader will not travel with you. Naples – the vibrant city celebrated as the birthplace of pizza. Naples is also known for its rich history and is home to many narrow, winding streets and ancient churches. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, perhaps stroll along the coast and find a little eatery for a pizza dinner, a glass of local wine and a view of the Gulf of Naples.