Italy from Sorrento to Rome

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Naples, Italy.

Upon arrival in Naples, you’ll be met by a Mayflower Cruises and Tours representative who will assist with the transfer to your hotel in Sorrento, gateway to the Amalfi Coast. The remainder of the day is free to become acquainted with this charming town, sprinkled with lemon and olive groves, in a spectacular cliff-side setting. This evening, join your Tour Manager for an included dinner. Meal: D

The day begins with a guided orientation tour of Sorrento. As you stroll through the pedestrian streets, filled with local shops, see the main sites, including Piazza Tasso, the entrance to the old quarter. See the Basilica of Saint Anthony, patron saint of the city, whose bones lie in the crypt below. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to further explore the charms of the area. Meals: B

Discover Amalfi’s stunning coastline with miles of hairpin turns offering spectacular vistas. See rocks plunging vertically into the sea; charming fishing villages with quaint harbors; houses nestled high in the rocky cliffs – all contrasting dramatically with the beautiful, twinkling, blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea far below. Upon arrival in Amalfi, enjoy free time for lunch on your own, and to walk through the town, seeing its greatest attraction, the Duomo, which dominates the central piazza. After experiencing Italy’s “coast with the most”, return to the hotel in Sorrento for an evening at leisure. Meal: B

This morning, set off on an excursion to Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to visit the most important and interesting archaeological museum in the world. The story of the rise and fall of this ancient city comes to life as your local guide explains the events of that fateful day while you stroll through the grounds of this amazing site. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remarkable relics, many fully intact, from this once prosperous city. Return to Sorrento mid-afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. This evening, enjoy an included dinner in Sorrento. Meals: B, D

The island of Capri is an area of breathtaking beauty with olive trees, grapevines and flowers providing a Mediterranean charm. Today’s excursion begins with a short drive to the harbor in Sorrento to board the hydrofoil. Traverse the pristine water, in various shades of blue and emerald green, as you approach the picturesque island. You’ll have time to explore Capri, and travel via mini-van to Anacapri, the highest town on the island. Wander through the town and absorb the local atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. Return to the hotel in Sorrento for an evening on your own. Meal: B

After breakfast, depart Sorrento and travel to Rome. Along the way, stop at a local farm for an included lunch of typical regional fare and a sampling of the locally produced buffalo-mozarella cheese. Meals: B, L

The historic monuments you’ve heard and read about come to life on your guided tour of the Eternal City. From Palatine Hill, one of the Seven Hills of Rome, see the Roman Forum 130 feet below, and the Circus Maximus. Visit the Coliseum, one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering, and imagine what it was like in its heyday when gladiators fought to the death. As you walk through the Roman Forum, you will be strolling amongst historic ruins of political buildings, shrines, temples and monuments, some dating back to the first kings of Rome. After a morning of historic discovery, enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure. Meal: B

A culinary adventure is in store for today. Attend a cooking class where your instructor teaches you how to prepare homemade Italian pasta during this hands-on experience. Discover all the secrets of the dough, from the flour to the cutting. At the end of the lesson, relax and enjoy lunch, dining on the pasta dish you just created! Buon appetito!
Meals: B, L

This morning, enjoy a guided visit to the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church and the smallest independent state in the world: Vatican City. During the guided visit of the Vatican Museums you’ll walk through halls containing some of the most priceless art treasures in the world. The highlight of the visit may be the Sistine Chapel which houses the single most impressive work of art by Michelangelo. Inside St. Peter’s Basilica, experience the magnificence of Bernini, Michelangelo, and other great artists of the Roman Renaissance and Baroque periods. Be sure to see Michelangelo’s famous statue, Pietá, created by the artist when he was only 25-years old. Returning to Rome, the final afternoon is free to explore independently before the farewell dinner this evening. Meals: B, D

As you bid “arrivederci” to Italy, transfer to the airport and leave with wonderful memories of the scenery, culture, monuments, and history you encountered during your travels through this amazing country. Meal: B