Italy Tour for Seniors: Rome, Maiori, and Sorrento

The influence of Rome can be felt throughout Italy and Western Europe with art, architecture, and culture that contain hints of the heritage of the empire that are more than 2,000 years old. Medieval buildings will line cobbled streets that lead to open piazzas that will be decorated with gorgeous fountains. Your private transfer will meet you at Fiumicino Airport upon your arrival to Rome and escort you into the heart of the city center. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure to enjoy the fascinating ambiance of the Eternal City. An ancient Egyptian obelisk stands at the center of St. Peter’s Square, and the Colosseum towers over the ruins of the Roman Forum. The gilded mosaics on the façade of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere will beautifully glint in the sunlight.

The aromas of roses and freshly made pasta will drift through the streets, stemming from a collection of scattered florist vendors and restaurants that serve traditional Roman cuisine. For a unique introduction to the artistry of Rome, you can visit the Jesuit church of Saint Ignazio. The seventeenth-century décor will become an illusion of magnificent proportions along the ceiling that will fool your eyes into seeing a dome using trompe l’oeil painting techniques. The splendid depiction of the life of Saint Ignatius will feel as though it opens the building into the sky with fantastical floating cherubs, saints, and geometric accuracy that shapes the illusion of turning the vaulted ceiling into a dome.

In the morning, the scent of espresso and pastries will filter through the streets of Rome, casting refreshing aromatics across the pizzas. Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby after breakfast eager to introduce you to the iconic marvels of the city including the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. Upon reaching the Trevi Fountain, you will find the breathtaking detail of a Baroque masterpiece that blends with alluring mythology. The fountain was crafted in the eighteenth-century AD to cover the mouth of a first aqueduct. The commanding figure of Oceanus stands at the center, purveying his maritime kingdom of horses, tritons, and shells. The sunlight will shine against the coins that fill the basin from when visitors throw their loose change over their shoulders as a promise that they will return to Rome.

In the afternoon, your exploration of Rome will take you into Vatican City, which is the world’s smallest, independent state. The stunning architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica will capture your attention at the edge of the elegant piazza with a dome that was designed by Michelangelo, which stands more than 448 feet tall. You will discover the special collection and treasures that are inside the basilica before entering the captivating museum galleries where you will find ancient artifacts from Egypt, preserved objects from the Etruscans, and the works of master Renaissance masters like Michelangelo and Giotto.

The magnificent work of Raphael was preserved in the apartment of Pope Julius II that contains the fresco School of Athens. The Renaissance masterpiece will bring bright color into the room and embodies the Renaissance ideals of blending classical depictions of humanity with the forward thinking of philosophy and the Christian faith. Your guide will provide deep insight into the hidden messages of the fresco including how Raphael used his celebrated contemporaries as stand-ins for classic Greek figures; he used Leonardo da Vinci for Plato and Bramante as Euclid.

The morning in Rome’s Jewish Ghetto will fill with the aromas of a buttery pastry dough that is mixed with hints of sweet and sour black cherries. The mouthwatering scents will derive from a famous bakery that produces a traditional, sour cherry tart that can be made more decadent with the addition of creamy ricotta cheese. Your private driver will meet you in the hotel lobby after breakfast and escort you south toward the Amalfi Coast where you will first stop at the incredible Royal Palace of Caserta. The impressive regal complex contains more than 1,200 rooms with a garden that envelops more than 296 acres. You will have a fabulous view into the grandeur of the former, royal Bourbon family estate that dates back to the seventeenth century with apartments that are adorned with marble, decorated with frescoes, and furnished with the elegant pieces that represent the opulence of the time period.

Your private guide will lead you through the sophisticated galleries and into the breathtaking gardens that feature nearly two miles of Baroque fountains and pools. The Fountain of Ceres will catch your eye as it depicts the goddess of the fields as she is surrounded by intricate nymphs, cherubs, tritons, and dolphins. The cascades will trickle into the long pool that frames the collective sculptures and offers a stunning view to the background waterfall from the Caroline aqueduct.

You will arrive in the charming town of Maiori in the afternoon and revel in your introduction to the hidden splendor of the Amalfi Coast. A medieval castle will nestle above the enchanting streets of the former fishing village, and the mountain ridges will host olive trees, vineyards, and lemon groves that thrive on the terraces. The Tyrrhenian Sea will provide the perfect setting in which you can relax and explore the winding lanes in addition to the surprising remains of the Villa Marittima Romana, which is a seaside mansion that once belonged to an influential member of the Roman imperial court.

Your private driver will meet you at the hotel in the morning and take you on a scenic drive between Maiori and Amalfi, ascending inland on the mountainous road to reach the elegant ambiance of Ravello. The town is perched on a plateau at nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, offering spectacular views of Amalfi Coast’s splendor. The irresistible allure of the town has captured the imaginations of musicians like Wagner and Toscanini as well as writers like Virginia Woolf. The façade of the eleventh-century cathedral will overlook the main plaza of Piazza del Vescovado, and the scent of lemons and oranges will wash over the cliff’s edge terrace of Villa Rufolo. Here, you will be able to bask in the marvelous panorama of the coastline and the mixture of Moorish-Norman influences that decorate the garden of the thirteenth-century villa.

You will continue to the fascinating town of Amalfi, after which the coast was named. The gorgeous architecture that lines the narrow lanes and highlights the lavish design of the cathedral will embody the former power of one of Italy’s first maritime republics. A pebbled beach will contain colorful umbrellas that shade rows of lounge chairs where locals and visitors can indulge in the relaxing Mediterranean ambiance. The original, ancient arsenals near the Fontana del Popolo will reveal where the former republic built their warships. Charming shops will line the Piazztta dei Dogi alongside welcoming cafes that will brim with the aromas of fresh seafood that have been with lemon. You can marvel at the beauty of the majolica tiles that line the thirteenth-century bell tower, offering a view into the marvels of Baroque, Italian artistry that is displayed inside the cathedral.

You will once again return to the scenic road that is nestled against the protruding mountain ridges of the Amalfi Coast. Today, you will travel to the gorgeous town of Positano. The charismatic ambiance will take hold of you when you view the pastel-colored homes that litter the mountainous terrain and emerge from the surrounding luscious Mediterranean vegetation. The largest stretch of beach along the Amalfi Coast beckons to visitors and locals who are eager to relax in the shade of the wide umbrellas.

You will explore the winding, cobbled lanes at your leisure where you will find sophistication and magic in the collection of local shops. These will reveal the history of ceramics, leathermaking, and dressmakers that display vibrant clothing in their windows. The majolica tiles that adorning the church cupola will reflect the sunlight as it imitates the colorful elegance of the homes. Much of the joy of discovering the Amalfi Coast will derive from taking your time to experience the local culture at your preferred pace as you follow in the footsteps of artists like Picasso and authors like Steinbeck who fell deeply in love with the endless beauty of this land and sea.

In the afternoon, you will meet your private chef at a designated spot in Positano for an exciting cooking lesson, which will provide remarkable recipes that celebrate local cuisine. The private kitchen will contain the aromas of garlic, basil, and lemon. You will start your class by learning the art of hand mixing pasta, milk, flour, basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, and Parmesan cheese to create scialatielli. You will then revel in the flavors of local cheeses and charcuteries while sipping your preferred glass of wine.

The town of Vietri sul Mare is a pearl on the Amalfi coastline that rests at the base of Monte San Liberatore. The facades and church dome will shimmer with delicate glazes from adorning majolica tiles that reflect the history of the cherished art in the town. Your private driver will escort you to Vietri sul Mare after breakfast where you can discover the treasures of the Marcina district along the marina. You will also be able to view the magnificent façade of the Confraternity of the Annunciation and the Rosary, which possesses majestically painted pottery.

The ancient tower that was built to defend the coastline against Saracen pirates remains standing and will provide you with incredible views of the coast. The Provincial Museum of Ceramics will then take you deep into the tradition of sculpting, baking, and painting the popular ceramic masterpieces. You will meet your instructor for a ceramic demonstration inside a private studio where you will witness the intricate eye for detail that is required to handmake the elegant details for which the ceramics of the town are celebrated. You will first watch the demonstration and then participate in making your own ceramic work that represents your memorable visit to the often-overlooked town along the Amalfi Coast.

In the morning, your private transfer will escort you away from the Amalfi Coast to reach the Bay of Naples and the sensational town of Sorrento. The bordering cliffs will frame the former grandeur of the town that stands 180 feet above sea level. Colorful fishing boats will wade in the tranquil marina after the fishermen return from the open water with nets that will be bursting with squid, octopus, and spotted sea trout. You will continue to a family-owned farm outside of Sorrento to learn more about the special flavors of the region. The scent of olives and lemons will stem from the orchards that thrive on the property.

Your introduction to the cuisine along the Bay of Naples will begin with a cheese-making demonstration, during which you will watch the sophisticated art of making and shaping delicious buffalo mozzarella. You will sample the alluringly sweet and citrusy flavor of Limoncello, which is the famous liqueur that glows a bright yellow from clear bottles. You will crown your visit to the farm with a lesson in making the traditional Neapolitan pizza. You will begin by mixing flour and water to make a tremendous dough. The scent of charred bark will spring from the wood-fired oven. The wait will be worth it as you will enjoy a new recipe for making a savory tomato sauce before discovering the best way to shape your dough, spread it with sauce, and top it with the freshly made mozzarella cheese from earlier.

The story of Pompeii has become legendary, telling of a Roman port city that was covered in up to 20 feet of ash and pumice after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Your guide will immerse you in the ancient world of Rome, combing through the excavated neighborhoods of the fascinating city on a private tour that will reveal the daily lives of locals. Entering through the gates will take you to the civic and religious heart of the former city at the Forum. The Temple of Apollo remains a wonder as the oldest building in the city, dating back to the sixth century BC. The bronze statues of Diana and Apollo that adorn the entrance are replicas of the original, which are on display in the National Archeological Museum in Naples.

The view across the city will open to the bay where you will see the looming summit of Mount Vesuvius in the distance. You will follow your guide through the city where you will notice the faint scent of ash and soil lingering on the streets. The network of heating systems will provide different rooms with various temperatures. Gladiators once trained in the gymnasium as part of the larger Stabian complex. You will continue to the walking trail of Mount Vesuvius that will take you up a short but steep ascent to the crater rim. Your view from the rim will look down into the puffing fumaroles of the crater that are more than 1,000 feet deep.

In the morning, the bakeries around Sorrento will fill with the aromas of sfagliatelle, which is a flaky pastry that is stuffed with cream and orange zest. The old city walls near the Marina Grande will reflect the ancient history of the region with foundations that date back to the ancient Greek settlers. Regal mansions will line Piazza Tasso, and the cafes around the city will offer the refreshing aroma of freshly pressed espresso, competing with the fresh breeze that carries the scent of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Your private transfer will meet you at your hotel after breakfast and escort you to Naples International Airport for your flight home. If you would like to explore more of Italy, you can extend your trip to discover the northern coastline along the Italian Riviera or stroll along the canals of Venice’s legendary lagoon.