Southern Italy offers a genuine contrast to the icy elegance of the North as this is a land that has no time for the inauthentic. This luxurious, 14-day tour of the Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily’s capital is handcrafted to reveal what is unique about the South while offering all the sights, sounds, and flavors that have made Italy one of the most sought after destinations in Europe. From the heights of Mount Vesuvius to the depths of the Grotta Azzurra, this adventure will...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Naples – A Neapolitan Welcome
Italy is a land that is steeped in history and tradition, and nowhere is this more evident than in the sunbaked cities of Southern Italy. Hugging the West Coast of the Italian peninsula, Naples has had a front-row seat for the dramatic history that this region has seen as the centuries have passed. Today, Naples represents the third largest metropolitan area in Italy with significant urban sprawl, surrounding the original structures of the city. Situated on the Northern end of the Gulf of Naples, its strategic position has made it a sought after city for merchants, traders, and generals before international travelers discovered its host of culinary treasures. Your private transfer will meet you at Naples International Airport and escort you to your luxurious hotel, which will be located close enough to the port for you to experience the charms of the city but just far enough away to avoid the noise and bustle of incoming cruise ships and freighters.
After you have had a chance to settle into your conveniently located accommodation, you will be met by your helpful guide who will provide you with an introductory tour of Naples, beginning at the church of San Domenico Maggiore. The spirit of Southern Italy will quickly express itself to you through the casual conversation of locals who rarely fail to pause and exchange a few words with their neighbors no matter how busy they are. Carved out of the surrounding neighborhoods, the Piazza del Plebiscito offers some relief from the jumble of narrow alleys and stunning views of the Royal Palace of Naples. As you acquaint yourself with this charming corner of Italy, the history and architectural splendor that surrounds you will leave no doubt in your mind as to why the city center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
What's Included:
Day 2
Naples – Dig Into History at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale
Day 3
Naples – Witness Nature’s Power on a Day Trip to Ruins of Pompeii
Day 4
Naples – Stroll the Old City Center of Naples
Day 5
Sorrento – Stretch Your Legs on the Slopes of Mt. Vesuvius
Day 6
Sorrento – Practice the Passeggiata in Sorrento’s Center
Day 7
Capri – Marvel at the Mediterranean Splendor of Capri
Day 8
Capri – Enjoy a Boat Tour of the Grotta Azzurra
Day 9
Amalfi – Dive Into the Coastal Brilliance of the Sorrentine Peninsula
Day 10
Amalfi – Brave the Waves on a Boat Excursion of Amalfi Coast
Day 11
Amalfi – Meander the Hiking Trails Surrounding Amalfi
Day 12
Palermo – Immerse Yourself in the Dramatic History of Palermo
Day 13
Palermo – Visit the Palatine Chapel and Norman Museum
Day 14
Palermo – A Sicilian Send-Off
Trip Highlights
- Unearth hidden treasures from Italy’s colorful past in a visit to the Italian National Museum of Archeology
- Wander the crisscrossing alleys and streets of Naples’ Centro Storico and sample some of the classic Italian cuisine that can be found here
- Observe the tragic remains of Italy’s volcanic past in a visit to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and the well-preserved relics of the past
- Experience the pristine views of the Bay of Naples and the Sorrentine Peninsula from the slopes of the imposing Mt. Vesuvius
- Witness the proud maritime tradition of Sorrento and enjoy an evening stroll, or passeggiata, through the neighborhoods to witness the impressive works of local artisans
- Discover your sea legs on a ride to the island of Capri and marvel at the stunning seascape that can be found on a tour of the Grotta Azzurra
- Immerse yourself in an exploration of the rugged mountains and precipitous drops of the Amalfi coastline.
- Delight in Sicily’s proud history and vibrant culture through a visit to the Palatine Chapel and the Museum of Norman History
Detailed Description
Italy has long been a destination location for travelers hoping to experience the best of Europe. Contrasting the verdant beauty of the North, the rugged, Southern landscapes and sea fairing communities offer much to the traveler who is hoping to catch a glimpse of the Mediterranean past while enjoying the comfort of modern amenities. As August has long been the vacationing month for locals, early Spring and Fall remain the best times to visit these destinations because you can combine the promise of summer warmth with the absence of crowds. Southern Italy has long seduced visitors from all walks of life from queens and emperors to pilgrims and traveling artists.
Whether the culinary charm of Naples to the rural beauty of the Amalfi Coast, there is something for everyone on this 14-day tour of Southern Italy, and you should leave plenty of space on your camera to capture the countless moments that you will undoubtedly encounter. The first leg of your journey will introduce you to the Bay of Naples and the surrounding cultural and geologic history that has been the subject of books, songs, and film for generations. A side jaunt up the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius will then offer a panorama of one of the must-see destinations on this tour.
The second leg of your adventure comprises of visits to the island of Capri and the Amalfi Coast, which is where the rugged mountains plunge into the waters of the Mediterranean and the local villages offer quaint and quality samples of local ingredients and dishes. Boats and cars will be your primary modes of travel, and you will always be steered by the most experienced hands. A trip to Sicily will almost seem like another country as the extravagance of Capri is replaced by the rustic charm of Palermo, which is a city that claims to have been the most conquered of any in Europe.
Consider learning more about our travelers’ best Italy vacation activities by reading their Italy travel reviews.
Starting Price
$6,300 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.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.9 stars based on 5952 reviews.
Zicasso’s travel company was wonderful in planning our trip on short notice and in line with our requests and preferences. Their suggestions of what to do and where to stay were perfect. And when we accidentally got off on the wrong island, the travel company quickly got us new ferry tickets to get to the right place. It was all seamless.
Reviewed By Sherry G.
This trip was the greatest week of our lives! Everything planned was better than I could have imagined. The private drivers being coordinated behind the scenes made the trip so easy and removed all the stress of trying to navigate a new country. Every driver and our tour guide was so nice and I feel like we made friends with all of them.
My favorite part of the trip was definitely the cooking classes and that every tour was private and intimate for my wife and I. The connections Zicasso’s travel agent hooked us up with made the trip the most memorable experience. Our travel agent and the travel company took special care of all the tiny details of the trip; our hotel knew it was my birthday and had a special surprise for me! I’m beyond thankful for the perfect honeymoon they provided my wife and I.
Reviewed By Branson S.
The accommodations and private tours were worth the extra money. Our drivers were professional and helpful.
Reviewed By Claudia R.
The overall trip was great. The weather was terrific and the countries we visited had so much to see. Zicasso's tour company did a good job of balancing relaxation with fun. Each of the guides we had was so pleasant and shared so much information with us. They were very attentive to our needs.
Reviewed By Nisha V.
Wow, where to begin. This trip was an absolute dream.
When I first spoke to Zicasso’s travel consultant, I told her my main travel concern: traveling with nine- and 15-year-old boys as a single mom in Italy. I was excited to take the trip with them, but I really needed something that was meticulously planned to take away the nerves of having to navigate alone with two kids. She listened and executed the most beautiful trip.
She planned activities that captured the attention and imagination of a fourth grader and a teenager. And the experiences were unique. Probably the highlight of the trip was a truffle hunt with the hunter and his dog in the countryside outside of Florence. My oldest wants to move to Florence and start hunting! We had a personalized cooking class, a private Vespa tour of Rome, and a delicious and informative art and food tour, among other amazing experiences. As we were sending photos back home, I got so many requests for our itinerary because it was so special and unique. Both boys were hard-pressed to choose which part they liked best.
The hotels she selected were beautiful, comfortable, and right in the heart of the cities and attractions we wanted to see. When we encountered a small hiccup (by our hotel, not our travel agent), I contacted her and she responded right away, getting us a free room upgrade and free dinner! We felt very taken care of.
Aside from the amazing activities and locations we saw, the trip was fantastic because everything was so seamless. We always had a private driver arranged, pre-booked train tickets, and even someone to make sure we made it on time for our flight home. I never had to worry about a thing. It was also telling that every tour guide we interacted with had only glowing things to say about our travel agent and her keen attention to detail and organization.
If you're planning on visiting Italy, this travel company is the travel agency you need to select. It takes any of the stress and guesswork out of the travel process, and all you have to do is show up and enjoy.
Thank you so much! You helped us make some amazing memories!
Stephanie
Reviewed By Stephanie S.
This was possibly the best vacation we have ever taken. A fitting trip to mark our 25th anniversary, we will remember our days in Positano and Sorrento forever. Everything was perfect and the service and support were extraordinary.
Zicasso's travel specialist and the other people were always super-helpful and friendly. The hotels they chose for us in particular were exactly what we wanted. I can’t think of a single issue. Transport, transfers, etc., were perfect. The only bad part was that we had to return to normal life afterwards! We highly recommend our travel company to anyone! Grazie mille!
Reviewed By Mauro A.