Best of Rome to the Amalfi Coast Tour

The ancient marvels of Rome will continue to capture your attention after breakfast when your guide takes you from the comforts of the hotel dining room and into the Colosseum and Roman Forum. The dazzling walls of the magnificent amphitheater stand 157 feet tall and will cast shadows over the forecourt that leads to the entrance to the Roman Forum. Your guide will introduce you to the center of ancient Roman life by walking you through the scattered ruins and triumphal arches that connote the former grand temples, markets, and courts. You will walk along the Via Sacra to reach the second-century Temple of Antonius Pius, who ruled Rome with the help of his wife, Faustina.

Your guide will provide remarkable insight into the structure and its greater significance during the Roman Empire while also pointing to the fascinating artistry that has been preserved for nearly 2,000 years. The six Corinthian columns that decorate the front portico symbolize the importance of the structure through the intricate details with which they were crafted. You will also pass the quintessential Corinthian columns of the former Temple of Castor and Pollux, which reach nearly 40 feet tall and demarcate the center that was once used for contributions.

The beauty of the Eternal City’s history derives from a mixture of ancient ruins, modern culture, and the long, swelling heritage of the Catholic Church. Your guide will meet you at the hotel after breakfast for an exciting excursion into the historic and artistic depths of Vatican City, which is the home of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. The massive dome that was designed by Michelangelo crowns the sixteenth-century house of worship and stands 448 feet above the Egyptian obelisk that rises out of the heart of St. Peter’s Square. Your guide will first lead you into the captivating basilica before guiding you into the stunning galleries of the celebrated Vatican Museum.

The remarkable galleries will showcase the historic power of the church across Europe and the Mediterranean for millennia. The culmination of the tour will take place in the enchanting ambiance of the Sistine Chapel. Your guide will offer great commentary on the history of the chapel as well as on the artwork that adorns the walls and ceiling. Standing beneath the dramatic ceiling that was designed by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512 will nearly bring tears to your eyes as you notice the vibrant colors and intricate details that depict Creation from the book of Genesis.

In the morning, you will find the aromas of fresh espresso and flaky cornettos emanating from the corner bars across the city. Locals will sip their freshly brewed coffee and nibble on their sweet pastries before work, offering a touch of traditional Italian culture to the early hours of the day when your private transfer meets you at the hotel. Today, you will travel outside of Rome to reach the grandeur of the Royal Palace of Caserta, which covers a spectacular 2,529,519 square feet, which is spread across five floors that feature 1,200 rooms. The masterpiece of Baroque architecture creates an illusion of multidirectional space in one of the world’s largest royal residences ever built, boasting exuberant marble floors, regal frescoes, monumental paintings, and lavish and preserved furniture from past periods.

Your guide will escort you into the captivating decadence of the eighteenth-century palace where you will explore a number of rooms before venturing into the treasured garden, which resembles a decorative park. You will have a stunning view of the seemingly endless greenery from the terrace with the central water feature leading from the base of the palace and into the mountain at the edge of the garden. You will be able to hear the splashing whitewater from the artificial waterfall that filters into a 1,723-foot long viaduct, which feeds elegant fountains that adorn the hidden corners of the park.

After settling into the comforts of your hotel in charming Sorrento, you will meet your private chef for an enlightening lesson on crafting the perfect Neapolitan pizza. Your chef will offer delightful commentary on the history of pizza in Italy, commenting on the specific pizzas for which much of the country is known. You will follow your chef’s guidance on crafting a light and flaky dough before mixing the traditional tomato sauce. After you top the dough with sauce and cheese, you will cook it in a customary wood-fire oven, enjoying the aromas of yeas, charred wood, and melting cheeses before sampling your delicious, traditional creation.

In the morning, the golden Mediterranean sunlight will spread across the shores of Sorrento, which is nestled between the bordering seaside cliffs that reveal the charming marina, ancient defensive walls, and a selection of classic palaces that lead to the city center at Piazza Tasso. After breakfast, your private guide will lead you from the elegant seaside city of Sorrento to the fast-paced streets of Naples. The charismatic ambiance of the old city derives from the ships that wade in the harbor, scattered palaces that decorate the disparate hills, and classic centers where narrow, cobbled lanes lead to delicious bakeries that fill the air with the aroma of fresh sfogliatelle. Your tour of Naples will begin at the National Archeological Museum, which was established in the late eighteenth century.

The extensive collection will immerse you in the grace and grandeur of ancient life around the Bay of Naples that stems from the Greek settlers in the eighth century BC. Your guide will seek out the highlights of interest to you, beginning with the famous Farnese Bull. The sculpture was crafted in the second century BC as a Roman copy of the original Greek statue. The massive marble artwork depicts the mythological episode of Dirce, who was tied to the horns of a bull as punishment. You will notice the rich detail of the characters, including the musculature of the bull.

You will return to Sorrento later in the day where you will meet your private chef for an indulgent lesson in making traditional Italian gelato. The possible flavor combinations will captivate you as you learn the basics for crafting the perfect, refreshing dessert using milk, cream, sugar, and custard. The chef will recommend utilizing the local flavors around the Bay of Naples, which will result in a mouthwatering lemon gelato that will erupt with an extraordinary balance between tart and sweet.

In the morning, your guide will meet you at the hotel in Sorrento and lead you into the ancient world along the Bay of Naples, beginning with Pompeii. The fascinating city was preserved beneath nearly 20 feet of pumice and ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. You will follow your guide along the cobbled lanes for insight into the daily lives of Roman citizens, merchants, and slaves.

You will reach the House of the Citharist, which is one of the largest constructions in the city that covers 8,858 square feet. The lavish dwelling contains a central open courtyard that is surrounded by a shading roof and filled with a swimming pool. Your guide will not only point out the elaborate architectural design of the villa but also the discovery of the ancient graffiti that has been uncovered around the home.

You will continue to the less-visited but equally captivating city of Herculaneum, which was also preserved in ash and pumice after the volcanic eruption of 79 AD. As you walk into the depths of the former port city, your guide will point out the former water line versus the current water line which are more than a half-mile apart from each other. The covering from the volcano acted as an airtight seal that protected the perishables from the elements and time, resulting in preserved furniture, wooden roofs, staircases, and frescoes, as well as jars that were filled with wine and olive oil. When you reach the baths, your guide will point out how water from a deep well once filled the pool through a network of pipes after being heated by a large furnace. A marvelous geometric pattern continues to decorate the floor with vivid black and white colors in addition to images of dolphins, vases, and tridents.

In the morning, your private driver will escort you from the beauty of your hotel in Sorrento to the luxurious charms of your accommodations in Positano, which is the most westerly town on the Amalfi Coast. This is where you will begin your exploration of the famous highway that stretches alongside the dramatic maritime cliffs and then plunges into the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The golden Mediterranean light will glint against the ceramic majolica tiles that decorate the cupola of Santa Maria Assunta. The aroma of the sea will blend with the refreshing scent of lemons that emanate from the groves that thrive on the mountain terraces, and narrow lanes will weave between the pastel-colored houses that ascend the steep slopes to provide dramatic views of the horizon.

You will continue to the elegant town of Ravello, which is located nearly 1,200 feet above sea level atop a seaside plateau. The treasured town retains a quiet allure that is removed from the bustling pace of the beaches and town along the shoreline. The Duomo at the heart of Piazza Vescovado was constructed in the eleventh century and remains the spiritual heart of the town’s casual ambiance. The bronze door dates back to the twelfth century and represents one of the two-dozen original bronze doors still in existence in Italy. After exploring the streets of town and the floral aroma of the lupines that grow near the bell tower of Saint Pantaleon, you can indulge in the panorama from Villa Cimbrone’s Belvedere of Infinity, where classical busts layer the foreground with perspective against the background of craggy coast, pastel-shade villages, and the azure Tyrrhenian Sea.

You will take the ferry to Capri in the morning where you will travel between the seaside cliffs that stand 200 feet above sea level. A funicular will climb the steep slope that leads from the natural marina to the main plaza of Piazza Umberto I. The scent of fresh cappuccino and delicious chocolate cake will drift from the cafes that line the square.

The remainder of the day will be yours to explore, discover, and delight in the endless charms of the island that have captivated Roman emperors and international stars alike. The ambiance of Capri Town will feel luxurious with elegant restaurants and lavish boutique shops that line cobbled lanes. You can venture off the beaten path and along stairs that were constructed more than 3,000 years ago by settling Phoenicians. The tranquil charisma of the smaller town will juxtapose the lively streets of Capri Town.

You will have an immersive experience strolling along unobstructed views around the peaceful piazzas that are lined with bougainvillea and blossoming geraniums. Majolica benches will shimmer in the sunlight as the chairlift carries people to the peak of Monte Solaro, which offers spectacular panoramas across the Gulf of Naples. The charming Church of San Michele Arcangelo rises above Piazza San Nicola with Baroque elegance that was crafted between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The majolica floors feature incredible images that depict Adam and Eve as they were expelled from Eden.

The fascinating Greek settlements across Italy will demand your attention at the largest-preserved complex on the mainland at Paestum. Your private guide will take you along the scenic drive around the Amalfi Coast before venturing inland through the lush plains of Campania. The illustrious, Doric temples that are connected to Magna Graecia date back to the sixth century BC. You will follow your guide on an elaborate tour that focuses on the stunning ancient life of the Greco-Roman city.

Inside the Museo di Paestum, your guide will take you on a highlight tour of the sensational artifacts that have been unearthed and preserved inside the galleries. A majestic fifth-century fresco that illustrates the Tomb of the Diver expresses the detail of the physical human form that is focused on the grace of movement by depicting a man who is diving into curling waves.

You will continue to a local family-owned farm to learn how to craft delicious buffalo mozzarella, which is safeguarded in Italy as a Protected Designation of Origin specialty food produce. You will find the water buffalo grazing on the grassland, spanning the century-old farm before your guide provides information on how to properly craft the celebrated regional cheese. You will watch the demonstration as your guide utilizes milk, rennet, citric acid, and salt to make the buffalo mozzarella. At the end of the demonstration, your guide will offer a tasting of the freshly made cheese. This is when you can notice the delightful, springy texture that gives way to a luscious creaminess and a floral, milky flavor.

On your final morning in Positano, you will notice the aromas of cornettos that are stuffed with chocolate cream drift out of the bakeries of Positano in addition to the stoic waves of the Tyrrhenian Sea as they lap against the sands of the Spiaggia Grande. Artisan workshops that craft unique majolica ceramics will open their doors to passersby, and more adventurous travelers will find the hidden stairwell, which leads to the popular trail that winds along the upper mountain slopes, known as the Path of the Gods. Your private transfer will greet you in the hotel lobby after breakfast and escort you around the Bay to reach Naples International Airport for your flight home. You can always extend your time in Italy with a discovery of the gorgeous shores of Calabria or by visiting the ancient towns of Puglia.