Italy
The appeal of Italy is abundant, with picturesque scenery, ancient temples, and the chance of viewing and touching the works of men who have produced some of the greatest masterpieces of Western art and culture. The protection afforded by the Alps, and the warm waters of the Meditaerranean Sea which bathe Italy's coasts, provide the stunning scenery and mild climate of the country.

EXPLORING CAMPANIA

Campania's spectacular natural beauty and unparalleled wealth of archaeological excavations are explored on this contrasting and special tour.

Tour Highlights Pozzuoli and Herculaneum visits • Amalfi Drive & Paestum • Island of Capri • Ascent of Mt Vesuvius • Pompeii

DAY 1 DEPARTURE FROM LONDON, FLY TO NAPLES ON TO SORRENTO
Today we will fly to Naples from London. You will be met at the airport by your tour guide and bus driver and transferred to your hotel in the cliff top town of Sorrento, our base for the next five nights, which overlooks the Bay of Naples and provides some of the most beautiful views in Europe. In the evening we will enjoy an evening stroll around this lovely town.

DAY 2 POZZUOLI AREA - SOLFATARA - HERCULANEUM - SORRENTO
This morning we will tour the ancient sights at Pozzuoli, such as the Amphitheatre, one of the largest in Italy, and the Temple of Serapis. As we leave town, we will stop at the Solfatara Crater that still emits the streams of steam that have been used for medicinal purposes since Roman times. We also visit Herculaneum, buried in mud in the same cataclysm that destroyed Pompeii and whose ruins poignantly reveal a vanished civilization.

DAY 3 DAY TRIP TO THE AMALFI DRIVE & PAESTUM
This morning we will drive south along the Spectacular Amalfi Drive, undoubtedly Italy’s most spectacular coastline. On route we will make a stop at the picturesque town of Amalfi before continuing to Paestum, founded by the Greeks around 600 BC, and one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. The Temple of Neptune was built in the 5th century BC in a pure Doric style and is among the best preserved temples in either Italy or Greece. Other highlights include the Basilica, dedicated to Juno and the fascinating Museum.

DAY 4 DAY TRIP TO MT. VESUVIUS & POMPEII
This morning we make a visit to the top of Mt. Vesuvius itself before we head south to the magnificent Roman ruins at Pompeii, which give a fascinating glimpse into Roman life. In 79 AD, the fury of nearby Mt. Vesuvius was unleashed upon this prosperous city, killing its 2,000 inhabitants and burying it under pumice and ash. Today, the excavations reveal the ruins of the city’s amphitheaters, forum, baths, streets and splendid houses, some with their frescoes still visible. Finally we explore the Villa of the Mysteries outside the city walls.

DAY 5 DAY TRIP TO CAPRI: ‘THE ISLAND OF DREAMS’
Today we make an early start to the port of Sorrento for an excursion to the beautiful Island of Capri, which has always been so attractive to visitors that have included emperors and kings, writers and artists. Next we take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto before taking the funicular up the steep cliff side to the town of Capri and the famous Piazza Umberto. From there we will take a Walking Tour through the narrow passageways to the other side of the island to the Belvedere di Tragara, which overlooks the majestic Faraglioni rocks. There will be some free time to visit one of the perfume factories, and to browse around the market, before we hike up to the Villa Jovis.

DAY 6 SORRENTO - NAPLES – LONDON
Today we will return to Naples Airport. En route we will visit the National Archaeological Museum, with its Roman and Greek sculpture. This museum contains one of Europe's most valuable archaeological collections particularly notable are the select Farnese acquisitions and the mosaics and sculpture excavated at Pompeii and Herculaneum. Your enjoyable and rewarding tour will come to an end as your tour guide accompanies you to the airport for the return flight home.

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