Highlights
- Happy by day two or we'll bring you home with a full refund
- Full-day visit to the stunning island of Capri
- Walking orientation tour of Sorrento
- Guided tour of Pompeii
- Full day tour of the breathtaking Amalfi coast
- Tour of the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum and explore Naples with a local guide (2023 only)
- Visit the beautiful Rufolo Gardens with stunning views over the coastline (2024 only)
- Enjoy an authentic farm lunch in the Sorrento countryside (2024 only)
- The Signature Tour option includes all of the above as well as:
- Wander a rustic lemon and olive grove in the company of the family who have owned it for generations, followed by an authentic lemon-inspired lunch with locally-sourced ingredients (2023 only)
- Eat delectable traditionally wood-fired pizza in the city of its creation, soaking up the atmosphere of an authentic Naples pizzeria and enjoy a skilful cooking demonstration (2023 only)
- Relax aboard a private boat cruise to experience glamorous Capri’s iconic island shores from a different perspective
- Enjoy a wine tasting and light lunch at a local winery (2024 only)
- Listen to the enchanting sounds of Three Tenors in Sorento, with a music selection inspired by the original trio (2024 only)
Inclusions
- The price of this holiday is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin room. Single and sea facing rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement.
- For 2023
- The price includes return flights, seven nights with breakfast and dinner, all local taxes and transfers, all tours as mentioned, entrance to Pompeii, Herculaneum and the services of a Riviera Travel tour manager.
- For 2024
- The price includes return flights, seven nights with breakfast and dinner, all local taxes and transfers, all tours as mentioned, entrance to Pompeii and Rufolo Gardens, an authentic farm lunch and the services of a Riviera Travel tour manager.
- Please note: Stays at the Michelangelo are on a bed-and-breakfast basis - a dining option is available for 3 nights from £60pp
1
Arrive at the airport for your flight to Naples. On arrival we transfer by coach to Sorrento, where you have a choice of carefully selected hotels to stay for seven nights.
2
Morning Our first day in this centuries-old resort is at a suitably relaxed pace, beginning with a short walking tour. The Romans appreciated Sorrento’s many qualities and the area is dotted with the remains of elegant shops selling luxury leather goods and shoes, and cosy restaurants nestling in tall buildings with faded facades in typically Mediterranean shades of ochre, yellow and magenta. The region has a long history of lemon cultivation, with highly prized Sorrento lemons given their own protected IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) status in the same way as Parma ham or balsamic vinegar from Modena. Sixty percent of lemon production goes into making limoncello liqueur, but in Sorrento it seems that anything can be made from the local citrus fruit, including soaps, cosmetics and, of course, ice-cream. Afternoon The rest of the afternoon is free to explore at your own leisure.
3
Most people know the story of Pompeii and its fate, but today this site is so much more than a collection of ruins. Our guided tour of the Roman town highlights its astonishing state of preservation – even if you aren’t especially interested in history, you can’t fail to be impressed by its scale – streets, temples, baths and even the amphitheatre remain largely intact. Much of our knowledge about the Roman way of life, their habits, social structure, class system and domestic arrangements has come from Pompeii. Many buildings still have murals and mosaics, while others inscribed with graffiti describing political events, romantic entanglements and even gossip of the time. You can even see traffic-calming measures and a one-way system! Although endlessly fascinating, Pompeii is also slightly eerie, particularly when you see the pained facial expressions of Vesuvius’s victims preserved for eternity. Signature Experience: Enjoy a guided wander amongst a rustic lemon and olive grove in the hills of Sorrento, followed by an authentic lunch with locally-sourced ingredients by the family who have owned it for generations.
4
Today is a free day to spend at leisure in Sorrento, perhaps to browse the numerous boutiques or enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the many restaurants that Sorrento has to offer.
5
The island of Capri is renowned the world over, and today we take a short boat ride to discover its charms. It has long been the most desirable part of the Bay of Naples, attracting Roman emperors – Tiberius made it his home and ruled the empire from here – writers such as DH Lawrence and George Bernard Shaw, Hollywood stars and numerous other luminaries who have sought inspiration here. It’s easy to see why Capri is so adored; as we approach you’ll see small fishing boats bobbing on the water, with whitewashed shops and restaurants lining the busy quayside against a backdrop of towering cliffs. The main town is perched on a hill looking down on the quaint harbour below and you’ll have some free time to explore the island, maybe join a boat trip around the island, explore the island at your own will or make your way to the famous Blue Grotto – the large sea cave that takes its name from the incandescent blue light that bathes the cavern. Signature Experience: Sit back as we take to the glistening waters off Capri’s spectacular coast for a special cruise aboard a private boat. Enjoy Capri from a different perspective and take in the most magical of views of this glamorous island.
6
Today we drive north around the bay to the cosmopolitan city of Naples, whose UNESCO-listed historic core is recognised for its wealth of monuments. During our walking tour of the old town, a local guide will share fascinating stories about the city’s millennia of history, the local culture and, naturally. Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, Naples’ beautiful main square, is flanked by the Gothic Santa Chiara basilica, which is a rare example of medieval architecture in Naples, and the stunning Gesù Nuovo church, whose 15th-century façade is studded with small pyramids – a style typical of the Venetian Renaissance but less known in the south. The past is very much still alive as we stroll along Via dei Tribunali, the main east-west street during ancient Greek and Roman times; today it remains the beating heart of old Naples and where pizzerias and family-owned shops jostle for attention amidst centuries-old ruins. Another highlight is San Gregorio Armeno, the city’s delightful Christmas street filled with colourful shops dedicated to the festive season – at all times of the year. We’ll witness firsthand the lively symphony of locals chattering with shopkeepers, enjoying cups of strong coffee and going about their day. Naples is renowned for its ancient charms, but its exciting modern face has also gained quite a reputation – since parts of the city have been rejuvenated, it’s now one of Italy’s must-see destinations. There’s free time after the tour, so why not try an authentic Neapolitan pizza which the city is so famous for. Naples’ magnificent cathedral is worth a visit even if it’s just to marvel at its gleaming neo-Gothic façade. Fans of the poet Dante Alighieri won’t want to miss Piazza Dante, where his statue stands proudly overlooking the locals who often meet here. Beneath the square, a metro station doubles as a contemporary art gallery with world-class installations. Later we visit Herculaneum – known locally as Ercolano – located in the shadow of mighty Mount Vesuvius. Like Pompeii, it was buried under scalding mud and ash when the volcano erupted in AD79, smothering everything from complete streets and houses to small metal objects and textiles, and sealing them in an airtight tomb. It wasn’t until the first major excavation commenced in the 18th century that the hidden secrets of this ancient settlement were revealed. Our local guide will bring the history of Herculaneum to life. As you walk around this wonderfully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site you’ll appreciate just how much volcanic waste had to be excavated to uncover what we can see today. It may be less well known than Pompeii, but the state of preservation of the buildings at Herculaneum is generally far superior, so it’s certainly worth the visit. Signature Experience: After the morning walking tour of Naples, enjoy lunch in the authentic atmosphere of a typical Neapolitan pizzeria. Watch how the professionals create this world-renowned food and dine on the most delicious pizza you’ve ever tasted, traditionally cooked in a wood-fired oven in the city of its birth. Perhaps opt for a classic Margherita; simple, but sublime, and by popular legend, named in honour of the Queen of Italy, Margherita of Savoy, in 1889.
7
Morning Today you’ll have a chance to experience the sublimely beautiful Amalfi coast at first hand as we wind around spectacular pine-clad cliffs that tumble down into the turquoise Mediterranean. Our coastal drive takes us above the exclusive resort of Positano … haunt of celebrities, we continue our drive just inland to the stunning village of Ravello, with its awe-inspiring location perched like an eagle’s nest on a shelf above Amalfi affording amazing views. It has an ambience all its own, with an enchanting main square, a 13th-century cathedral and the Villa Rufolo, which was once the centre of a city-state and is now an interesting collection of medieval buildings, statues and terraced gardens (it was also the inspiration for elements of Wagner’s opera Parsifal). Afternoon We arrive back in Sorrento mid-afternoon, with the rest of the day free.
8
After breakfast, we'll head to the airport for your journey home to the UK.
3* Villa Maria - Sorrento
Why choose this hotel? We selected the Villa Maria because of it’s friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and excellent central location, next to the maze-like old town. About the hotel The three-star Hotel Villa Maria provides all the comforts of a modern, purpose-built property. The bedrooms are simply furnished and of course have a private bathroom, air-conditioning, safe and TV. Please note the use of air-conditioning in hotels in Italy is at the hotel’s discretion and is normally restricted to the summer months (mid-May to mid-September), depending on the temperature. The hotel has a good quality restaurant serving a buffet breakfast in the morning and a delicious varied menu for evening meals. Spend your free time relaxing in the extensive bar and lounge area. Complimentary Wi-Fi available in the common area. The rooftop swimming pool and adjacent sun terrace is the ideal spot to soak up the sun, equipped with sun-loungers and umbrellas. Pool towels are available at €2 per towel per day. Please note that the pool will be open during the summer months, depending on weather conditions. Can I upgrade my room? Yes! Room upgrades are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. Contact the Reservations Team to request an upgrade. Location The hotel is ideally located just 500m from Piazza Tasso, the lovely main square in the centre of Sorrento. There are endless stylish boutiques nearby, plus many cafes and bars to sit back enjoy a coffee in true Italian style.
4* Superior Grand Hotel Aminta - Sorrento
Why choose this hotel? Our experienced product managers chose this hotel for its wonderful position that offers a breath-taking panorama of the Sorrentine Peninsula, Mount Vesuvius and the deep blue Bay of Naples. About the hotel The beautiful four-star Grand Hotel Aminta is one of the finest hotels in Sorrento. The elegant pastel décor has been carefully chosen to accompany the natural beauty of its surroundings. Spacious public areas within the hotel create an aura of relaxation and the panoramic window lounge offers you a seat in the 'living-room of the world'. The hotel offers comfortable twin, double and sole-occupancy rooms that are all tastefully furnished. All rooms offer direct-dial telephone, fridge, hairdryer, satellite TV and safe. Please note that the use of air-conditioning in hotels in Italy is at the hotel’s discretion and is normally restricted to the summer months (mid-May to mid-September), depending on the temperature. Enjoy views over the Bay during dinner thanks to the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows. The chefs prides themselves on preparing and serving traditional cuisine for dinner taking inspiration from local dishes, whilst a sumptuous buffet is provided at breakfast. The hotel has a wine cellar with a vast selection of wines, which you can take a look around at any time. Gluten-free and vegetarian diets can be catered for, though the menu may be limited. Take a dip in the hotel’s large, heated outdoor swimming pool and enjoy a drink from the poolside bar after your day of exploration, or simply relax under the sun one of the comfortable loungers. Pool towels are provided for free. Please note that the pool will be open during the summer months, depending on weather conditions. Location The hotel provides a courtesy shuttle bus service to Sorrento town throughout the day and evening. The journey lasts around 10 minutes. You can also reach Sorrento on foot, taking around 30 minutes along the scenic footpath. Please note that the shuttle bus is a timed service that may vary. Can I upgrade my room? Yes! Room upgrades are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. Contact the Reservations Team to request a Sea View, Sunrise View or Sunset View Room.
4* Grand Hotel Vesuvio - Sorrento
Set amongst lovely gardens with its own olive and citrus groves, this traditional hotel enjoys views over the Bay of Naples. Guests can take the regular courtesy bus into Sorrento or take the 20-minute walk into town. Dine in the refined ambience of the hotel’s restaurant serving local and Italian cuisine then retire to the bar for a digestif while taking in the wonderful view. All the air-conditioned rooms are furnished in a fresh Mediterranean style with safe, minbar and flat screen satellite TV.
3* Grand Hotel Europa - Villino Maria - Sorrento
Sitting directly opposite the Grand Hotel Europa Palace, the Villino Maria villa benefits from the use of the same four-star facilities, dining and swimming pool just a short walk away. Standard rooms in this villa feature a town view, airconditioning, minibar and satellite TV.
Grand Hotel President
The Grand Hotel President is nestled amongst beautiful gardens, so there are plenty of areas to relax and take in those views during the day - by the pool or in the gardens - with a poolside bar close at hand to serve you a tantalising cocktail. And in the evening, you can relax and enjoy those views from the spacious Lounge Bar which also has an outside terrace. Then retire to your comfortable bedrooms with traditional Mediterranean décor, brightly tiled floors and wood furnishings. The twin and double rooms come with air-conditioning June to September, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, a safe and a hairdryer. Buffet breakfasts and waiter-served dinner are served in the hotel's Verdemela restaurant, with a buffet evening once a week. The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle bus into the centre of Sorrento so exploring on your own during time at leisure is always an option. Location Description High on a hilltop, the Grand Hotel President overlooks the turquoise waters of the Sorrento Peninsula and the rocky coastline of the Gulf of Naples offering some of the best views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
4* Hotel Michelangelo - Sorrento
*Please note This hotel is offered on a bed and breakfast basis, a dining option is available for 3 nights from £60pp. Why choose this hotel? The hotel was chosen by our team of experts for its central location literally just a few minutes’ walk from Piazza Tasso, the hub of local life. Set back from the road, the hotel is situated opposite some lemon gardens, promoting a real haven of tranquillity. About the hotel Originally structured around the 7th-century stone tower, the property has a unique heritage. The bedrooms are light, spacious and airy with evident excellent attention to detail. Their understated elegance makes extensive use of dark woods, local terracotta tiles and tasteful fabrics. The rooms are all air-conditioned and have a hairdryer, satellite TV, telephone, min-bar and safety deposit box. To unwind at the end of the day, relax in the comfortable lounge or take a dip in the swimming pool surrounded by geraniums, jasmine and oleanders, giving that wonderful Mediterranean aroma to the whole scene. On the roof there is a sun terrace with sun loungers and views to the sea. Please note that the pool will be open during the summer months, depending on weather conditions. Pool towels are provided free of charge. This hotel is offered on a bed and breakfast basis, a buffet breakfast is served each morning in the hotel’s restaurant, whilst a dining option is available for 3 nights from £60pp. This is a waiter service and includes choice of tasty starters, mains and desserts. Some dietary requirements can be catered for, though the menu may be limited. Please note the use of air-conditioning in hotels in Italy is at the hotel’s discretion and is normally restricted to the summer months (mid-May to mid-September), depending on the temperature. Can I upgrade my room? Yes. Room upgrades are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. Contact the Reservations Team to request an upgrade. Location Nestled in a leafy setting away from Sorrento’s main thoroughfare yet just minutes from the vibrant Piazza Tasso, the hotel is well-located in the heart of the town.
3* Grand Hotel Hermitage - Sorrento
The warmest of Italian welcomes awaits when you arrive at the family-owned Grand Hotel Hermitage and you can be assured of the most gracious hospitality throughout your stay. This traditional hotel enjoys a spectacular, peaceful location, nestled high in the hills of St Agata away from Sorrento’s vibrant bustle, with an outdoor pool and terrace where you can while away a lazy afternoon taking in the views. A private path allows an easy and scenic stroll under shady trees to the pretty village of Sant Agata sui due Golfi. Sip an aperitif on the lovely terrace as you take in the panorama, and you’ll enjoy a first-class attentive service in the hotel’s restaurant serving local and Italian menus. All the air-conditioned classically styled rooms are comfortably furnished and feature a balcony.
4* Hotel La Vue D’or - Sorrento
Why choose this hotel? Set in its own grounds, adorned by a wealth of terracotta potted flowered shrubs, what really sets the hotel in a class of its own is its lovely location, set behind the town of Sorrento, on surrounded by beautiful undulating countryside. Our team of experts selected this hotel for its amazing views of Naples, together with the Bay, Vesuvius and Sorrento itself. About the hotel Built in a style typical of the region, it has benefited from a most sympathetic renovation programme by the professional family owners, with the result an absolute delight, and in exceptional taste. The lounge, bar and public rooms are very comfortable using traditional tiled floors, wrought iron staircases and chandeliers with original, exposed stonework adding to the relaxed charm which permeates the entire property. The restaurant is very good quality with the emphasis both on local and international specialities. A Breakfast buffet is provided in the morning, and the evening meal is waiter service. The restaurant can cater for a gluten free and vegetarian diets though the menu may be limited. The rooms themselves are extremely comfortable making use of cool pastel colours throughout with lovely bathrooms and air-conditioning. All double and twin-bedded rooms have a balcony with delightful countryside views. Single bedded rooms have either a valley, garden or poolside view. The outdoor pool and terrace is the ideal place to enjoy a drink after the day’s sightseeing. There will be a charge for swimming pool towels of €2 per towel per day. Please note that the use of air-conditioning in hotels in Italy is at the hotel’s discretion and is normally restricted to the summer months (mid-June to the end of September), depending on the temperature. Can I upgrade my room? Yes! Room upgrades are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. Contact the Reservations Team to request an upgrade. Location The hotel, perched on the hills above Sorrento, is an excellent base away from the crowds with lovely views over the Bay. There is a local bar to enjoy a drink just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel and a free shuttle bus for easy access to the town. Please note that the shuttle bus is a timed service that may vary.
4* Grand Europa Palace - Sorrento
Why choose this hotel? Our experienced product managers selected the Grand Europa Palace Hotel for its prime location on a cliff-top, offering the most breathtaking, uninterrupted sea views. You can feel the hotel’s elegance and charm from the moment you walk into the opulent reception area and throughout your stay here. About the hotel Directly on the cliff top with uninterrupted views across the Bay of Naples to Vesuvius, the centrally positioned four-star Grand Hotel Europa Palace enjoys one of Sorrento’s most breathtaking vantage points. During the 19th century, some of the town’s oldest, most sumptuous private villas were sympathetically converted into this fine hotel, which also features pleasant Mediterranean gardens. Inside, the design of the large public areas retains the style associated with the ‘Grand Tour’ – lavish Venetian glass chandeliers grace the coved ceilings, paintings adorn the walls, seating is on tasteful high-backed chairs and sofas and tall windows are dressed with light-coloured curtains, while bronze and marble sculptures line the hotel’s wide corridors. The Grand Hotel Europa Palace, which consists of two restored villas, offers a choice of four-star accommodation in the main building, as well as three-star accommodation in the Villino Maria, its sister property just across a pathway opposite. Standard rooms are available at both villas, while sea-facing rooms are in the main building only. All rooms are air-conditioned with minibar and satellite TV. Please note that the use of air-conditioning in hotels in Italy is at the hotel’s discretion and is normally restricted to the summer months (mid-May to mid-September), depending on the temperature. Both villas have full access to all the excellent facilities of the Grand Hotel Europa Palace, including an opulent reception area, restaurant and private pool. Accessed by a lift, the Grand Europa Palace’s pool is decorated with Roman-style columns and located just a few steps from the sea. With the poolside bar at hand to serve you a revitalising cocktail, it’s an idyllic spot to relax and take in the sensational Mediterranean vistas. Please note that the pool will be open during the summer months, depending on weather conditions. Please note that the use of air-conditioning in hotels in Italy is at the hotel’s discretion and is normally restricted to the summer months (mid-May to mid-September), depending on the temperature. The hotel restaurant offers breakfast plus a varied dinner menu, including a buffet of starters and desserts with a choice of delicious mains. Gluten free, vegan, diabetic and vegetarian diets can be catered for although the menu may be limited. Please note that this hotel is a popular venue for weddings and on occasions the evening meal will be taken in the hotel’s second dining room. Take a lift down to the hotel’s private pool, surrounded by Roman columns, to enjoy a well-deserved relaxing moment on the private lido, just steps from the sea. The poolside bar is at hand to serve you a chilled cocktail after a day of sightseeing. Please note that the pool will be open during the summer months, depending on weather conditions. Can I upgrade my room? Yes! Room upgrades at the Grand Europa Palace Hotel are on a request basis and are subject to availability. Contact our Reservations Team for pricing and to request either a Classic Garden View Room, Superior Sea View Room, Junior Suite with Sea View or Executive Suite. Location The hotel is located just a short walk away from the main square, Piazza Tasso, with the historic centre of Sorrento talking only 5 minutes.