Sun-Soaked Escape to Naples, Capri & the Amalfi Coast - 8 Days

Highlights

• Spend a day exploring the islands of Ischia and Procida by private yacht
• Hike the famous Path of Gods along the Amalfi Coast from Positano
• Sit down to a gourmet lunch and a limoncello tasting in Amalfi
• Follow a local guide in search of Naples' best pizza Margherita

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Naples, Explore the City

Ciao, and welcome to Italy! Your dream southern Italian vacation starts in Naples, the country's third-largest city that still has a raw and seductive edge. On arrival, a private driver will transfer you 30 minutes to your accommodation in the city center. Naples sits on an expansive blue bay near the still-active Mount Vesuvius, which famously buried the nearby Roman city of Pompeii in 79 CE. There's a lot to see and do here and the rest of today is yours to explore the city, eat fantastic pizza, and chase down historical sites.

You could use the afternoon to visit the ancient archaeological site of Pompeii and step down real Roman streets. Or stay in the city and seek out the Naples Archaeological Museum, where you'll find Roman, Greek, and Renaissance-era ruins, including Pompeii artifacts. In the evening, stroll along the Caracciolo e Lungomare di Napoli, a waterfront promenade, then head to the Quartieri Spagnoli to find dinner at a local trattoria. On the way, pause at the Toledo Metro station, the Stazione della Metropolitana dell'Arte, to see beautiful mosaic inlays.

Day 2: Insider's Naples Walking Tour, Free Afternoon

Naples is one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban areas in the world, and this morning you'll go beneath the surface to explore evidence of ancient civilizations with a local private guide. The city was first settled by Greeks in the ninth century CE and the whole city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to 470 CE. With three castles, a royal palace, and more churches and cathedrals than you can imagine, there are endless sights to explore. Step down Naples' winding cobblestone streets in search of various landmarks.

After three hours, you'll wave goodbye to your guide and inevitably end up at a top Napolese pizza spot for lunch. This is the birthplace of pizza, so there's no better place to enjoy a piping hot serving of the classic pizza Margherita, topped with bufala mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. After, the afternoon is yours to explore again. You could tour the Castel dell'Ovo, a seaside castle located on the former island of Megaride, or see the 16th-century Museo Cappella Sansevero, home to thousands of veiled sculptures. Or why not go underground to explore a network of tunnels and passageways under the city streets?

Day 3: Boat Transfer to Capri, Explore the "Pearl of the Mediterranean"

After breakfast, wander down to the port and take a two-hour boat transfer to the island of Capri. Enjoy the ride across the Gulf of Naples as you jet toward the luxurious island, considered the "pearl of the Mediterranean." This popular vacation destination, which sits on the southern end of the bay, has attracted crowds for millennia. In fact, the top tier of the ancient Romans built summer villas here. On arrival, make your way to your accommodation and drop off your bags.

The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. You could drop by the Marina Grande and Marina Piccola harbors, promenade along the villa-lined Belvedere of Tragara, and see the ruins of ancient Roman villas. Venture up the hill to Anacapri to see the Piazzetta and Augustus' Garden, and see the best views of the Faraglioni Rocks. Capri is gorgeous from the water, so you could join a boat tour to see the famous Blue Grotto. Or treat yourself to a shopping spree at the luxe boutiques in town, then take yourself for a chic waterfront dinner.

Day 4: Day Trip to Ischia & Procida by Private Yacht

Day 5: Boat Transfer to Positano, Hike the Path of Gods 

Take in the deep color of the Tyrrhenian Sea as you cruise from Capri to Positano on the Amalfi Coast today. You'll pass by dramatic coastal cliffs before arriving at the charming village where colorful buildings cascade down to the sparkling sea below. Positano's steep streets and staircases are flanked by wisteria-draped hotels, restaurants, and boutiques, begging to be photographed. A transfer will help take your bags to your accommodation, then you'll lace up your sneakers for this afternoon's hiking adventure along the aptly named Path of the Gods.

This 3.5-hour famous hiking route links the mountainous village of Agerola to Positano, walking rocky slopes that seem suspended between sky and sea. A private hiking guide will transfer you to Agerola, then lead the way through Mediterranean scrub and vertical cliffs to the charming hamlet of Nocelle, and finally into Positano. Listen to the myths and legends, regional history, and tales of nature as you hike this breathtaking path. Once in Positano, you'll have earned an Aperol spritz as you put your feet up for some people-watching in one of the town's sun-drenched squares.

Day 6: Boat Transfer to Amalfi Coast, Limoncello Tour & Tasting

After breakfast, head down to the sea again for a quick 20-minute transfer to the other large Amalfi Coast town—Amalfi. Located about 7.5 miles (12 km) east along the coast from Positano, Amalfi is famous for its lush landscapes, lemon groves, terraced vineyards, warm hospitality, and fresh seafood, and staying in both destinations means you'll experience it all. Keep your eyes peeled as you cruise from one town to another via the water, spotting small villages and hamlets tucked into the dramatic landscape. Once in Amalfi, drop off your bags and go explore the town's charming streets.

Amalfi is famous for its lemons, and (more importantly) limoncello. This afternoon you'll venture to a special restaurant to experience a gourmet lunch based around the citrus fruit, learning about how the Mediterranean climate and the thick and fragrant skin of the local lemon variety produce the beloved artisan lemon liqueur. You'll end the experience with a tasting, and receive a special recipe so you can try to recreate the tart but refreshing aperitif at home.

Day 7: Transfer to Naples, Authentic Pizza Tour

Say farewell to the Amalfi Coast when a private driver collects you for the one-hour transfer back to Naples. Along the drive, enjoy glimpses of Mount Vesuvius and the forested hills and rocky peaks of Valle delle Ferriere National Park all while knowing the fun isn't over yet. After dropping your bags at your accommodation, step out for a quick Italian espresso and meet your local pizza guide.

Everyone knows Naples' most famous food—but this afternoon your guide will deliver a tasty pizza education at the source! You'll learn about how the introduction of the tomato and mozzarella birthed the modern pizza we know today, and how the pizza Margherita was crafted here in honor of Queen Margherita in 1889. This recipe is so important to Naples that it holds UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage" status. You'll taste variations, such as deep-fired pizza that was invented during World War II, then round out the experience with a very special dessert and coffee at the city's most historic café.

Day 8: Depart Naples

It's the final morning of your Italian getaway. When the time is right, a private transfer will take you from your hotel to Naples International Airport in time for your departing flight. Safe travels!

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