DAY    3            DAY TRIP TO POMPEII
Today 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 20,000 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.  We will also explore the Villa of the Mysteries outside the city walls. The murals of this patrician villa depict the initiation of a young woman into the cult of Dionysus. Late this afternoon we will return to Sorrento.

DAY    4            DAY TRIP TO THE AMALFI DRIVE & PAESTUM
This morning we will drive south along the spectacular Amalfi Drive, undoubtedly Italy’s most spectacular coastline.  We will make a stop at the picturesque towns of Positano and 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    5            SORRENTO
Our day today will be free to explore the area at our leisure and your guide will be at available to offer any suggestions and assistance. In the evening, we will also enjoy our second concert performance in the Sorrento area.

DAY    6            SORRENTO AREA - NAPLES - ROME (3 NIGHTS)
Today we will journey north to the Eternal City of Rome. We will also visit the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, which contains many of the treasures unearthed at Pompeii and Herculanuem.  Tonight we will take a Walking Tour from Castel Sant’Angelo over the River Tiber to Piazza Navona, an elegant square built on the site of Emperor Domitian’s ancient stadium.  In addition to admiring Bernini’s fountains and the local artists’ works, you may also wish to sample the world famous ‘tartufo’ ice cream that originated here for your first ‘taste’ of Rome!

DAY    7            ROME
Rome is so rich in art treasures that many consider it to be the most magnificent city in the world.  Our sightseeing in Rome begins with a visit to the great Colosseum, the symbol of Rome’s eternity, where over 50,000 spectators watched gladiators fight.  Nearby stands the Roman Mamertine Prison, known as ‘the hole’ for the small opening in the floor through which prisoners were thrown into the cramped cells below.  Past inmates include Saints Peter and Paul.  We will then enter the ruins of the Roman Forum with its many temples, basilicas and triumphal arches. Above is Palatine Hill, where impressive ruins of the emperors’ villas remain.  We will view Trajan’s Column and Markets and the dazzling 19th century white marble Vittorio Emmanuele Monument, before we walk into the quiet recesses of the oldest known Jewish Ghetto.  We will pass some of the oldest ruins in Rome in Piazza Largo Argentina on our way to the best-preserved monument of ancient Rome, the Pantheon.  Once dedicated to all the gods and now to St. Mary and all Martyrs, the temple was originally built in 27 BC.  Rebuilt by Hadrian over a century later and converted into a church in the 7th century, the Pantheon is a masterpiece of architecture with its huge hemispherical dome. It also contains the tombs of the kings of Italy and that of the artist Raphael.

DAY    8            ROME
Our day at the Vatican City will begin in St. Peter's Square. The majesty and gigantic size of St. Peter's Basilica upon entry is unforgettable. It contains many treasures and masterpieces, including the famous Pieta by Michelangelo, the tomb of St. Peter and Bernini’s magnificent Baldacchino. The Vatican Museums house one of the most impressive collections in the world including Michelangelo's extraordinary ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and the magnificent Raphael Rooms. On your final evening in Rome, we will take a walk to the Spanish Steps before winding through the narrow streets that lead to the Trevi Fountain, where it is traditional to toss a coin into the fountain to ensure a return to the Eternal City.

DAY    9            DEPARTURE FROM ROME
Our enjoyable and rewarding tour will come to an end as our tour manager/guide accompanies us to the airport for the return flight home.