Amalfi Coast History & Culture Tour

What to expect on this itinerary
Your custom-tailored history and culture tour of the Amalfi Coast celebrates exciting heritage that stretches from the Bay of Naples to Salerno Bay and immerses you in the splendors of villages that are edged with citrus groves, narrow alleys, and sensational ancient ruins. Stroll along seaside footpaths that lead to elegant cathedrals, and discover the grandeur of Magna Graecia that is hidden in the plains of Campania. You can also bask in incredible flavors of world-renowned cuisines as you gather inspiration from tradition. From ceramic artisans to enchanting seaside views, the Amalfi Coast demonstrates Italy’s indelible culture, history, and charm.
Customizable Itinerary
Naples - Arrive in Naples with an Immersive Cooking Class
The city of Naples captivates visitors with its brilliant, bustling streets that lead to seaside esplanades and views to the infamous the volcanic peak of Mount Vesuvius. The gleaming palaces and villas will cast a wide net near magnificent churches and celebrated pizzerias, the latter filling the air with the aroma of savory sauces and melted cheese. Cultures from the Byzantines to the French still influence the city’s heritage and architectural splendor with gorgeous facades that line the cobbled lanes of the center.
Your flight will land at Naples International Airport, where your private transfer will meet you upon arrival and escort you to the comforts of your luxury accommodation. You will settle into the cozy ambiance of your hotel before meeting your private chef for an immersive introduction to the renowned flavors of Campania. You will learn the history of pizza in Naples in connection to the former Kingdom of Italy as you mix water, flour, and salt while making the dough. When the pizza is assembled, you will have the chance of cooking the dish in a woodfire oven where you will add an extra layer of flavor. Finally, you will sample the iconic pizza recipe, noticing the crunchy curst that will be complete with a tangy flavor and brought together with a savory and bright tomato sauce.
What's Included:
Naples - Discover the History of Naples on a Full Day Tour
Ravello - Explore the Heritage of the Bay of Naples at Pompeii
Ravello - Enjoy a Guided Heritage and Wine Tour of the Amalfi Coast
Ravello - Visit Paestum, Sample Buffalo Mozzarella, and Local Chocolate
Ravello - Embrace Traditional Crafts and Culture on the Amalfi Coast
Ravello - Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Explore the captivating ancient history on display in Pompeii, where daily life has remained preserved for 2,000 years beneath layers of pumice and ash
- Discover the treasures on display in the fascinating National Archeological Museum of Naples, such as the mosaic of Alexander the Great
- Witness the spectacular Greek temples that rise out of the plains of Campania at Paestum, representing the best-preserved Greek ruins on mainland Italy
- Indulge in the immersive heritage of the Amalfi Coast during a guided wine tasting where you will sample the famous protected flavors that are produced in the region
- Delight in the robust tastes of celebrated buffalo mozzarella when visiting a family-operated farm that will be highlighted by the chance to sample buffalo milk chocolate
- Learn the art of crafting and painting ceramic tiles under the guidance of an artisan craftsman, preserving the tradition of Vietri sul Mare
- Enjoy the thrill of making your own personalized pizza under the instruction of a private chef with insight into the history and heritage of pizza in Naples
- Indulge in the grandeur of the Amalfi Coast when exploring the town of Amalfi, unveiling the former glory of the ancient maritime powerhouse
- View the exceptional detail and elegant craftsmanship of Sammartino’s Veiled Christthat is displayed in the Cappella Sansevero
Detailed Description
The beauty of Italy encourages a leisurely pace during your 7-day cultural history tour of the Amalfi Coast. The famous splendor of the towns that overlook the Tyrrhenian Sea will enchant you with promises of ancient cities that are shaped by the landscape in addition to the preserved culinary recipes that are defined by the seasonal, fresh, and local ingredients. The limestone cliffs will plunge into bright blue waters, accentuating the pristine Mediterranean ambiance. Here, life revolves around the picturesque piazzas and seductive sounds of waves that splash against the various beaches.
Your exploration of the Amalfi Coast’s illustrious history and rich culture will begin with your arrival at Naples International Airport. Two nights in Naples provides an immersive experience of the bustling streets and charming vibrancy that spread from the charismatic harbor to the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. Your guided tours will provide first-hand insight into the heritage of cooking in Naples, which has amassed unique customs that pull inspiration from the various cultures that once occupied the region while simultaneously remaining connected to the roots of Southern Italian cuisine. Traversing the city with a local guide will offer a different perspective of the cultural heritage of the city center that is complete with artistic churches, marvelous art, and remarkable architecture. An escorted tour through the National Archeological Museum will demonstrate the remarkable, artistic history of the region and its connection to the greater Mediterranean civilizations throughout ancient history.
Transfer to Ravello for four nights by way of Pompeii, where you will take time to embrace the captivating homes, streets, and shops that uncover the secret daily lives of famous figures. The town of Ravello will become a stunning base from which to explore the surrounding Amalfi Coast with a gorgeous panoramic view of the shoreline and a quiet atmosphere. You will enjoy your time with a private guide as you wander the streets of Ravello and visit the town of Amalfi before sampling a selection of local wines that are known for their flavor and significance.
Finally, stroll through the Paestum Archeological Park with a private guide where you will gain deeper insight into the Greek settlements that were once located in Italy. You will also have delightful demonstrations from artisan artisans that make buffalo mozzarella and chocolate using buffalo milk. Your final day along the Amalfi Coast will take you to Vietri sul Mare, which is a town that is famous for its ceramics. Here, you can partake in a ceramics lesson and enjoy the casual seaside atmosphere of the antique streets. You can always extend your vacation with a focus on the history of Puglia or the culture of Piedmont to further experience the marvelous heritage of Italy. Don’t take just our word for it - consider reading some of our travelers’ reviews of Italy.
Starting Price
$3,200 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Verified Traveler Reviews
Based on 425 reviews
Zicasso’s travel company helped us plan and execute a vacation to the Amalfi Coast. The travel specialists suggested sites and arranged hotels, ground transport, and guides. It was all accomplished flawlessly; we had a perfectly paced itinerary.
Not only were the drivers well experienced with the incredible labyrinth of roads along the coast and in Sorrento and Positano, where we stayed, but they were also great sources of local colorhighly experienced with the incredible labyrinth of roads along the coast and in Sorrento and Positano, where we stayed, but they were also great sources of local color and conversation, and, above all, they conversation, and, above all, showed their love for the country and region.
We had several guides who were spot-on, including an archaeology graduate for Pompeii and Herculaneum, and an incredible historian on a walking tour of Naples.
The hotels were wonderful, with experience and professionalism throughout.
The drive along the coast to Amalfi and Ravello was spectacular!
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My husband and I were thrilled with our recent trip to Italy that Zicasso’s travel designer put together. We began by attending a family friend’s wedding, held in Ravello, on the Amalfi Coast. Due to my husband’s mobility issues, we were met by a driver and headed to the Amalfi Coast. The driver was first class and the trip was very comfortable.
After the wedding festivities, we were able to have the most wonderful experiences visiting the towns of Amalfi and Positano, and our base for one week was in beautiful Sorrento. We attended a cooking class and enjoyed eating what we prepared. We had in-depth learning opportunities in Naples and Sorrento. Every guide we had spoke excellent English and was so knowledgeable. We especially enjoyed Pompeii! A super-fun day was had on the small group tour of Capri. The crew was fantastic and very accommodating in consideration of my husband’s mobility issues.
From beginning to end everything went well. The use of a messaging app was great for making sure everyone was on the same page.
The only thing that was a disappointment was the pizza in Naples. It wasn’t the best.
The hotel in Sorrento was phenomenal - it couldn’t have been better. The view of Mt. Vesuvius from our balcony helped create memories we will have forever. The hotel in Rome was also very nice. It was right in the middle of the main attractions.
We are very happy with our experience with this travel company and would not hesitate to recommend it!
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Overall, our trip was terrific. Some specific things that contributed:
Our assistant at the airport when we arrived in Rome was so helpful. She was able to quickly get us through passport control/customs, which looked like it saved us between 30 and 60 minutes by not having to wait in line.
All three hotels were very nice, particularly the service and the included breakfast. However, the WIFI service at the hotels in Rome and Naples was very inconsistent.
The guided tours and tour guides were excellent, and all were very knowledgeable. The hospitality of the family on the farm tour was amazing. Our Naples walking tour, Rome golf-cart tour, and Pompeii tour guides were also terrific.
The transfers were very professional and each driver was friendly and informative. We particularly enjoyed our driver for the Amalfi Coast tour and transfer from Sorrento to Naples.
The communication through WhatsApp was very good, with almost immediate responses.
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I can confidently say that Zicasso's travel specialist is truly dedicated to providing her clients a luxury experience. From the outset, we had a 20-minute call where she wanted to learn about our dream vacation and get to know us. She was attentive to every request we made and organized our itinerary accordingly. During the trip, she texted us daily to inform us about our drivers and guides for the next day. Additionally, she checked to ensure our trip was progressing smoothly.
Here are some highlights:
Rome: We were greeted at the airport by our agent, who expedited our passage through passport control. The following day, we started our exploration at the Vatican. Our agent had purchased our tickets in advance, allowing us to skip the line. She also planned the remainder of our self-guided tours of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and other ancient sights. We accomplished so much in just two days!
Florence: We took part in a pasta-making class with a chef who was fantastic! Her husband was also quite charming. Our experience there was truly wonderful. Special thanks to our driver, who was incredibly helpful and informative.
Sorrento (Amalfi Coast): We began with a visit to Pompeii, where our guide, also arranged by our agent, was spectacular! His passion and extensive knowledge made the experience enjoyable. Next, we had a fun blind wine tasting. When we arrived at our amazing hotel, we were greeted with a surprise.
While in Rome, we encountered a minor issue, which our agent resolved quickly. She even went above and beyond by ordering us a bottle of prosecco to celebrate. We also took a car tour of Positano and Ravello, guided by a local from Ravello who was informative, knowledgeable, and delightful. We loved her! Our day ended with a lovely sunset cruise off the coast! Both days had excellent drivers.
This trip was a dream come true for my husband and me. Without a doubt, our agent made it the luxurious experience we desired. I highly recommend her and her team!
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This was possibly the best trip of my life!
Once I arrived in Venice and put myself in the hands of Zicasso’s tour company, I was supremely well taken care of.
I left my passport on the plane, so I was held up in the airport for probably two hours. This was the first time I used the emergency number (or the chat app). The communication was answered immediately and we were able to let my first guide know I was being held up. I thought the first person who helped me was just someone to get me to the hotel, but she was also a guide in the sense that she described many of the things we saw on the way to the hotel. A very pleasant and gracious guide who made sure also that I was prepared for where to be the next day. It was a very great first experience of the tour company’s service.
Throughout this adventure, the guides were outstanding, the hotels were located practically on top of the interesting sites (especially in Rome) and very pleasant to be in.
Also, I continued to use the emergency number or the chat app multiple times. They were very responsive, very pleasant, and perfectly helpful each time. I don't know if I was high-maintenance compared to other clients the tour company has had, but though I felt like it in my mind, I was treated completely graciously each time.
I loved every destination and I loved having a structured tour, combined with a good portion of free time to explore on my own. Perfect.
I was very well guided on each travel day, being met by drivers to drop me off and to pick me up, and the train travel was very fun.
I think there was only one guide who I thought was just going through the motions, but all the other guides were the height of professionalism. I loved being met by our guides at Doge's Palace, which was absolutely outstanding. Walking around old Florence was great fun! The drive out to San Gimignano and Siena was well-planned and well-guided! In Rome, the guide who took us to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill was outstanding, and it was a great outing. (I had also already pretty much visited all the sights since my hotel was practically in the middle of it all.)
The trip to the Vatican was a whole other story. Unfortunately, I forget that guide's name. This guide was also excellent—entertaining, informative, approachable, and professional. The trip to the Amalfi Coast was a long train ride, followed by a very long car ride, but it was worth it. What a beautiful setting! My trip to Capri was absolutely fulfilling and I was a little sad to say goodbye to the guide—we connected with him so well. The next day was our boat tour from Sorrento to Amalfi and Positano. I absolutely enjoyed being guided by our guides! On the way back after that beautiful excursion, we were just cruising along the water, 1970s music playing, wind rushing by and I had a peak moment of happiness. Truly.
This trip was as if the tour company had read my mind and provided even more than I had imagined. I come away deeply grateful.
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Zicasso matched us up with two Italian travel agencies. We provided our dates of travel and approximate travel budget per person. Each agency gave us a preliminary itinerary. We were able to request changes to the itinerary and then chose the one that we preferred. The communication through the Zicasso website was easy and comprehensive.
Our entire trip went off without a single problem. We stayed at a very nice apartment in Rome, 1,000 feet from the Colosseum. We had very knowledgeable private tour guides for the Colosseum and the Vatican, allowing us to skip all of the entrance lines. We had private transfers from the airport to the apartment and from the apartment to the train station. We took a train from Rome to Naples and had another private transfer to a very nice hotel in Ravello. We did a private boat tour of the Amalfi Coast with a captain and a first mate. Drinks and snacks were included. We did a guided hike, which ended at a farm-to-table lunch. We spent a morning in Pompeii, followed by a local wine tasting and lunch.
Every part of the vacation exceeded our expectations. The accommodations were fantastic. The planned activities were just what we were looking for. We still had enough free time to explore on our own and choose which restaurants we wanted to eat at each evening. I feel like we got a great deal for what we paid and would definitely book a vacation through Zicasso again.
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