Luxury Escape to Southern Italy: Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Agropoli & Rome - 10 Days

Highlights

• Wander Rome's cobbled streets, sip spritzes, and toss coins in the Trevi Fountain
• Cruise to idyllic Capri and savor the views from the Gardens of Augustus
• Visit a winery on the Amalfi Coast and relax in Sorrento's charming piazzas
• Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans and Greeks at Pompeii and Paestum

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Rome, Explore the "Eternal City"

Benvenuti in Roma! Often described as a "living museum," Rome's charm lies in its enticing mix of ancient history, art, culture, and sunshine-filled piazza lifestyle, which continues to captivate visitors from all over the world. Upon arrival at the airport, enjoy a private transfer through Rome's roads lined with ubiquitous umbrella pines to your central hotel. Settle in and relax, then head out to experience the "Eternal City."

Start with aperitivo in Piazza Navona, a grand square famous for its Fountain of the Four Rivers and lined by Baroque architecture. Toast your Italy trip with a spritz and nibble on delicious antipasti, then wander the maze of alleyways and cobblestone streets toward the Pantheon. The famous ancient temple is the dramatic focus of the Piazza della Rotonda, and even 2,000 years later, it's still used for services and worship.

As dusk falls, stroll over to Bernini's Trevi Fountain, where a coin tossed inside the waters is said to seal your return to Rome. Then, spend the rest of the evening dining on Roman delicacies in the elegant Jewish Quarter, established in 1555 CE and famed for its leafy cobbled streets and terrific gastronomy. Finish with a walk to Gianicolo Hill to see the sunset, where you can even glimpse the twinkling St. Peter's Dome in the Vatican. 

Day 2: Train to Naples, Guided Tour of Pompeii, Transfer to Sorrento

Take one last stroll along the River Tiber and admire Rome's cityscape as you transfer to Termini Station, then board a first-class high-speed train to Naples. In just over an hour, you'll arrive in the southern capital of Italy's Campania region and gateway for stays on the Amalfi Coast. You'll enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in Sorrento, with a stop en route to visit one of the country's most astonishing archaeological sites.

Walking through the remains of Pompeii's ancient streets is a fascinating and sober experience. The ash and volcanic debris that flowed from Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE preserved many of the town's structures entirely. Hear from your private guide about daily life in Pompeii prior to the eruption and explore the shops, villas, and plazas frozen in time. 

Arrive in Sorrento, and the rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. The town is a favorite with Italian and international vacationers and is known for its beautiful views, tranquil atmosphere, and terraced lemon groves. Check into your hotel, and when you're ready, get your bearings with a stroll through the atmospheric squares. In the evening, dine on local specialties, including gnocchi alla Sorrentina (tiny potato dumplings with tomatoes and bufala mozzarella) and scialatielli alle vongole (spaghetti-like pasta with clams). Finish with a glass of limoncello, the town's famous lemon liqueur. 

Day 3: Cruise to Capri, Explore the "Isle of Sirens"

Set sail for the "Isle of Sirens" this morning and head to Sorrento's port, where you'll board a ferry and cross the cobalt blue waters past the Amalfi Coast to Capri, known locally as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean." You'll arrive at the Marina Grande harbor, where the day is yours to explore the island at your leisure. Head first to the quaint village of Anacapri perched toward the top of the island. Here, you'll see the beautiful sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius that prompted Emperor Tiberius to build twelve villas on the isle.

Stroll Piazza Vittoria and stop for a gelato before taking the chairlift from Anacapri to Mount Solaro. At 1,932 feet (589 m) above sea level, it's the island's highest point and offers astonishing views across the bays and over to the Calabrian mountains. When you're ready, make your way back down and enjoy lunch overlooking the coastline. After a wander around Capri's chic Old Town, don't miss a trip to the Gardens of Augustus. These beautifully manicured Mediterranean gardens provide the world-famous shot of the dramatic Faraglioni Rocks below.

Day 4: Transfer to the Amalfi Coast, Winery Visit & Tasting

This morning you'll depart Sorrento for three nights on the Amalfi Coast. Sit back and relax as your driver transfers you through this idyllic stretch where tumbling pastel-hued houses meet hairpin bends and sweeping views over the Mediterranean. Along the way, you'll stop for a light lunch and wine tasting at one of the region's acclaimed wineries in Furore. Set above a fjord with a sprinkling of cottages clinging to the rock face, the tiny town's dramatic location and steep slopes, combined with the sunny weather and warm winds from the Gulf of Salerno, create ideal vineyard conditions.

It's here that you'll tour the estate and cellars (uniquely placed within the cliff face) of the Marisa Cuomo winery. Learn about the traditional techniques and innovative methods that have earned the winery both national and international recognition, and finish with a tasting of the vineyard's red, white, and rosé wines, accompanied by a selection of locally produced formaggi (cheese) and salume (salami).

Afterward, it's a short drive to your hotel, and the rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. Relax and soak up the rays at Arienzo Beach in Positano, stroll the steep cobbled streets and alleyways covered in fuchsia bougainvillea, and when the sun dips, find a terrace with enchanting sea views and settle in for dinner and drinks al fresco. 

Day 5: Hike the Path of the Gods, Relax in Positano

Follow in the footsteps of Greek deities this morning with a walk along the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of Gods), the coast's famous trail that, according to local legend, the Greek gods walked along to reach the stretch of sea inhabited by mermaids. The path starts in mountainous Bomerano, which you'll be transferred to after breakfast. Then, it's a three-hour walk through the local forest, coastline, and lemon groves to the little village of Nocelle, but it's well worth it for the outstanding views over Positano and the Sorrentine Peninsula.

Arrive in Nocelle and either walk the 1,700 steps down to Positano or catch the local bus. Either way, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy one of the most beautiful spots on the Amalfi Coast. Refresh after your walk with a dip in the sea, then wander the cobbled streets for postcard-worthy views at every turn. You'll be spoiled for choice with dining options, so pick a place with locals and a sea view, then settle in for a leisurely lunch or dinner accompanied by a glass of local white wine. In the evening, you'll return to your hotel. 

Day 6: Explore the Amalfi Coast at Leisure

Today is yours to do as little or as much as you'd like. Start the day with a walk along the area's famous Lemon Path, a moderate 2-mile (3 km) walk that stretches from Maiori to Minori, where you'll encounter bougainvillea-strewn houses, pretty churches, sea views, and an abundance of lemon groves. Or, if a day of rest is in order after yesterday's hike, head to the Arienzo Beach Club in Positano. Away from the crowds on the main stretch, the exclusive beach club is the perfect place to relax and enjoy impeccable service as you soak up the views from your lounger.

Tonight's your last on the Amalfi Coast, and there's no better way to transfer from Positano to Amalfi than a private 1.5-hour sunset cruise along the bay. Relax onboard with a glass of Prosecco and savor the views as the soft light envelops Capri and the Li Galli islets. Gently sail across the smooth sea, and you'll see the twinkling, whitewashed Amalfi villages come to life after dusk. Spend the rest of the evening enjoying dinner and drinks on your hotel's terrace. 

Day 7: Transfer to Agropoli, Guided Tour of Paestum & Veila Archaeological Park

This morning, wave goodbye to the Amalfi Coast and meet your driver for the journey south to Agropoli, a resort town on the southern tip of the Gulf of Salerno in Italy's Campania region. It's the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the Paestum and Veila Archaeological Park, which is exactly what you'll do around an hour and 45 minutes into your journey.

In the company of an experienced private guide, you'll spend the next four hours touring the ruins of this once-ancient Greek city. Must-see highlights include the Temples of Athena, Neptune, and Hera, widely recognized as among the world's best-preserved Doric temples. Discover the Greek Forum, Amphitheater, and Comitium, and listen as your guide reveals tales of city life and everyday customs in what was known as Magna Grecia (Great Greece), the part of southern Italy conquered by the Greeks.

Afterward, you'll transfer the short distance to Agropoli, whose Centro Storico (Old Town) is a tangle of labyrinthine alleyways, churches, and plenty of local restaurants where you can sit back and relax after a day of sightseeing. 

Day 8: Free Day in Agropoli & the Cilento Coast

It's your final day in the south and yours to explore the surrounding area at your own pace. Start with a visit to the sixth-century Castello Angioino Aragonese, Agropoli's castle, which has been a fortress here since the Greek-Byzantine times. Wander the courtyard and garden and enjoy the sweeping vistas out to the coast before stopping for lunch in the Old Town. You'll find plenty of authentic restaurants, where, if you arrive early enough, you can nab a table with lovely sea views.

In the afternoon, you have several options: you can seek out the Cilento coast's wonderful beaches, such as San Francesco or Baia di Trentova, or take a taxi 20 minutes south to Santa Maria di Castellabate, one of the most romantic towns in the area and nicely away from the crowds despite its picture-perfect location. 

Day 9: Transfer to Salerno, Train to Rome, Free Time

You'll bid farewell to Campania this morning and take a private transfer to Salerno, where you'll board a high-speed train to Rome. In a couple of hours, you'll be back in the Eternal City for your final night in Italy. How you spend the rest of the day is up to you. Head along the River Tiber to the wisteria-filled back streets of Trastevere to browse the boutiques, wander the shady piazzas, and people-watch. Or stock up on foodie treats to take home with a visit to the vast covered market in Testaccio, where you'll find all manner of cured meats, artisan pasta, pestos, and chocolates.

If you're feeling peckish, the market is a great spot to try traditional Roman street food such as supplì, pizza bianca filled with stracciatella, mortadella, and pistachios, and porchetta (roast pork, stuffed and rolled with herbs). As the afternoon rolls on, go for a stroll in the buzzy Monti neighborhood, an eclectic area not far from the Colosseum, full of charming enotece (wine bars) and trendy boutiques. Sip an Aperol spritz in the piazza, then find the perfect rooftop restaurant for dinner with sunset views over the city's silhouetted umbrella pines.

Day 10: Depart Rome

Say goodbye, or ciao, to Italy for now. Take advantage of any extra time with one last morning stroll around Rome before transferring to one of the capital's two airports, where you'll catch your flight home or continue your European adventure. Safe travels!

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