7-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary: Ravello & Sorrento

At breakfast, the aroma of freshly brewed cappuccino will fade beneath the familiar scent of lemons. Your private driver will meet you in the hotel lobby eager to guide you along the 25 miles of renowned Amalfi Coast highway that leads from Positano in the West to Vietri sul Mare in the East. The town of Amalfi is wedged between the green, rugged mountains and the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The colorful tower homes will reflect the traditions of one of Italy’s oldest maritime republics that dates back to the Normans, Longobards, and Saracens before the emergence of Pisa as a naval powerhouse in the twelfth century. The Duomo remains a landmark of the city with foundations that were laid in the ninth century. The multi-colored façade glints beneath the fascinating bell tower that is decorated with majolica tiles. The interior contains a lavish baroque style that is embodied in the eighteenth-century paintings of the Flagellation and the Crucifixion of the Apostle that adorn the boxed ceiling.

The neighboring sister town of Atrani will create an enchanting ambiance. Formerly a fishing village, the town has become linked with Amalfi due to its close proximity and connecting passageways. Tiny gardens and covered arcades will shape the preserved, medieval ambiance that leads to Piazza Umberto I. A small passage will lead down to the water and will overlook the receding shoreline. The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maddalena will dominate the eastern edge of town as it provides sensational panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast. Local restaurants will fill the air with the aroma of fresh seafood including the thick, short fettuccine-like noodles of scialatielli that are served with baby clams in the shell.

The island of Capri has enchanted visitors for over two millennia, from Roman emperors to Hollywood stars that are eager to relax in the stunning scenery along the steep coastal cliffs. The jagged shoreline will lead to tremendous views of the unique sea stacks and glowing caves, including the renowned glistening hues of the Blue Grotto. You will take the funicular from Marina Grande to the Piazzetta, the main square of Carpi Town. Caféswill set up tables and chairs beneath the iconic clocktower, filling the air with the aromas of fresh-baked pastries and frothy cappuccinos.

The Basilica of San Giacomo was founded in the fourteenth century and hosts a museum featuring Roman marble columns, a cloister with Renaissance design, and insight into the secluded lives of monks. You will visit Villa Jovis to stroll along one of the most remarkable Roman villas that was commissioned by Emperor Tiberius in the first century AD. The view from the edge of the garden will lead over the sheer cliff and will offer a spectacular panorama that spreads across the sea.

Upon returning to Ravello, you can partake in a unique wine-tasting experience, sampling the rich flavors that have been accumulated from vineyards along the Amalfi Coast. Grapes grown in the region have lineage dating back two millennia to the age of the Romans, with Falanghina wine being the most popular variety. The wine produced from the Falanghina grape derives from Greek origin and contains hints of citrus blossoms, particularly bitter orange. You can take a sip for yourself, where you will find the refreshing flavors of apple, pear, and hint of spice.

The “Green Island,” of Ischia will shimmer with pine trees and rich Mediterranean vegetation that rise out of the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The fragrant trees will combine with the refreshing aroma of the sea breeze to create a serene ambiance that accompanies the quiet towns, serene coves, and gorgeous beaches. Life will bustle along the Port, where shops and cafes line the narrow, cobbled lanes that lead to picturesque taverns. Local spas will capture the heat and special minerals of the natural thermal waters that originate from the ancient volcanic activity. Exploring the walkways of Ischia will lead you to the Aragonese Castle.

The foundations of the fortress date back to the fifth century BC, when they were constructed under the patronage of the Syracusan tyrant. The remaining stucco decorating the Cattedrale dell’Assunta will touch on the ancient and contemporary history of the fortress that reveals where the British shelled the island when battling the occupying Napoleonic army. A nearby selection of cafés will host marvelous terrace seating that will offer stunning views of nearby Capri. Strolling through the 64,583-square-foot Ravino Gardens will offer a new perspective on the island flora with collections of succulents and cacti that grow around the winding lanes.

In the morning, you will meet your guide and step through the entrance gates to explore the ghostly ruins of Pompeii. The interesting and infamous city has regained life through excavations after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD covered the urban landscape in ash and pumice. The entire complex encompasses 170 acres with foundations that date back to the sixth century BC. The cobblestone streets, preserved homes, private shops, and public piazzas will offer a vivid impression of life in a Roman city two thousand years ago.

The Roman Forum served as the city’s main plaza and continues to retain images of daily life. The House of the Vetti was once home to brothers that were interested in showing off their status in the middle class. The elaborate frescoes on display reflect the grandeur of their tastes, and they are accentuated by the marble decorations and glorious gardens. The triclinium contains a fresco that depicts mythological scenes.

You will continue to explore the stunning features of the landscape along the Bay of Naples with a wine tour that focuses on the ancient flavors of the region. A specific winery located along the foothills of Mount Vesuvius will capture the remarkable flavors of the mineral-rich soil as well as the ancient tastes of Roman wines. Your guide will lead you along vines where you can taste the tart, sweet juice of the grapes on the historic winery. In the tasting room, you will sample the distinct varietal first grown in the region during the fifth century BC. The dark, porous soil naturally irrigates the water and retains the humidity, resulting in white wine with a pale yellow hue and a floral aroma. When you sip the wine, you will find a flavor that is dry, slightly acidic, and that also contains hints of apricot and grapefruit.

After a delicious breakfast, your private guide will escort you away from the charming coastal setting of Sorrento to reach the fascinating ruins of Paestum, which is home to the best-preserved examples of ancient Greek ruins. The radiant architecture will tower over the lush marshland that contains elements of Greek, Roman, and early Christian embellishments.

The sun will glint against the Doric marble columns as they reflect the grandeur of settlements during Magna Graecia. The lavish example of Greek architecture in Italy was built in the fifth century BC. The Temple of Cerere was constructed in the year 500 BC and continues to showcase a transitional architectural style between Ionic and early Doric design.

Upon your return to Sorrento, you will meet with a private chef who is eager to teach you the proper ways of making traditional Neapolitan pizza. The delicious treat associated with Italy was invented in Naples in the nineteenth century, using buffalo mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil to represent the colors of the new Italian flag. Your chef will teach you how to make the dough properly, craft a delicious customary pasta sauce, and melt the creamy buffalo mozzarella over the dough as it cooks in a wood-fire brick oven. The scent of wood will fade beneath the mouthwatering aroma of crisping dough. You will then top the pizza with fresh basil, allowing the herbal taste to cut through the acidic sauce and rich, creamy cheese.

The scent of lemons will drift through the streets of Sorrento in the morning, blending with aromas of fresh sfogliatelle from the bakeries and the semi-sweet fragrance of the Tyrrhenian Sea. On a clear day, the views of Sorrento will encompass the clear water and the peak of Mount Vesuvius in the distance. Marvelous palaces that frame Piazza Tasso will reflect the history of the Byzantine design with Arab influences alongside the aesthetic of Spanish-Catalan architecture. After breakfast, your private transfer will greet you in the lobby of your hotel and escort you to the Naples International Airport for your flight home.