Rome to Southern Italy

Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Crowded with ancient ruins and religious monuments, Rome still pulses to the beat of modern life and is packed with designer shops, restaurants, cafes and exciting nightlife. There are no activities planned until your welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, so you can arrive any time before then. There are so many things to do in Rome – the Colosseum, the Forum, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti, Piazza Venezia, the Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica – so arriving early is recommended. Don’t forget to do as the Romans do and sip an espresso at one of the tiny streetside cafes or sample the many flavours of gelato that colour the city (Trastevere is a great spot for dining). For those captivated by the 'Eternal City', throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit to Rome.

Travel by train to Naples, a raucous city that overflows with passion, tradition and gastronomy. Naples was carved out by many empires of the past and by merchants and pirates from across the world: Romans, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Venetians, Spaniards, Normans and Africans. Its evocative, historical old centre is a World Heritage-listed area and the famous Spanish Quarter is still one of the most densely populated residential areas in Europe. Take an orientation walk with your leader through the city center and the Spanish Quarter. Finish your walk with a visit to the statue of the Veiled Christ. This treasured piece of art was carved over 300 years ago. Its sheer beauty and serenity will surely leave you in awe. Naples is the birthplace of pizza, so why not head to one of the many pizzerias and taste what's truly some of the best in Italy. Later in the afternoon, board a train to the time capsule of Pompeii, in the shadow of Mt Vesuvius. Your accommodation is perfectly located right near the entrance to the archaeological excavation site.

The small picturesque town of modern Pompeii has a wonderful Old Town square – the perfect place to while away some time with the locals, drinking true Italian coffee and watching the world go by. Most of today will be spent exploring the ruins of ancient Pompeii on a guided tour. Until 26 August, 79 AD, Pompeii was a thriving Roman trading centre, where ordinary people went about their everyday business, but it was frozen in time when Mount Vesuvius erupted, killing 2000 people and their homes under a layer of ash. The city was never rebuilt and largely disappeared from people’s minds until the 18th century when the ruins were re-discovered. Now, you can take an unparalleled look back into the lives of ancient Romans and discover how they lived, worked and interacted 2000 years ago. The finely preserved ruins include villas, temples, theatres and bustling markets. You can also visit the Roman Forum and Basilica, temples, public baths and the tiny Odeon created for music recitals. The rest of the day is free, but if the ruins piqued your interest, head to nearby Herculaneum, which also holds a wealth of fossilised archaeological finds.

This morning a private transfer will take you up the mighty Mt Vesuvius, where you’ll meet a local volcanology guide. Ascend to the summit of Mt Vesuvius for staggering 360 degree views over the Bay of Naples and into the steaming crater. Although Mt Vesuvius is still considered to be an active volcano, the last eruption was in 1944 and there's no sign of lava. See firsthand the awesome power of the volcano that engulfed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79AD. In the afternoon, travel by private vehicle to the picturesque resort town of Sorrento. People have been coming to the peninsula and islands of the Sorrento region for at least 2000 years, and set invitingly atop dramatic cliffs over sparkling, blue waters, it's easy to see why. There are many options in this small seaside town with its fine piazzas, maze of old streets, sidewalk cafes and glamorous shops. The area is also famous for its lemon groves, producing the famous limoncello liqueur. In the evening, head out to try some of the best limoncello on offer in Sorrento.

You have a free day to explore this delightful area and the museums, galleries and piazzas of Sorrento. Perhaps stroll along the marina or cool off in the waters of the local small beaches. They’re not big on sandy beaches here, so swimming Sorrento-style is via wooden or stone bathing platforms beneath the cliffs. Taking a trip to Capri is also a great option, with a hydrofoil taking you across to the island once home to the magnificent holiday palaces of the Roman emperors. Natural grottoes pierce Capri’s dramatic rocky coastline, while in the interior, narrow roads wind through fragrant citrus groves, past villages of flat-roofed white cubist-looking houses with flower-filled gardens, and manicured towns that offer swanky hotels and chic cafes. Here, you can take a boat trip to the fairy-tale Blue Grotto (La Grotta Azzurra), where the water shines with an extraordinary blue translucence, a result of the refraction of the sunlight outside. Your leader will be of assistance and have plenty of suggestions for what to do and see today. End the day in a very Italian way with a demonstration of Gelato making.

Arrive on the Amalfi Coast after a short journey by private vehicle. The Amalfi peninsula is a land of rocky coasts, cliff-top vistas, azure seas, tiered lemon groves, whitewashed villages clinging to steep cliffs and bright blue skies. If you're after a relaxing walk with a few cultural highlights, stroll from one side of Amalfi town to the other and visit the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea and the Chiostro del Paradiso. If you’re after something more active, maybe embark on a walk through the Valley of Mills where for centuries paper mills were in operation. Alternatively, catch a bus up the Valley of Dragons to reach pretty Ravello. The French novelist Andre Gide once described this town as being ‘closer to the sky than the seashore’. For centuries, its lofty position and sunny, dry climate have made it an appealing place for writers, artists, musicians and travellers. Ravello also boasts two magnificent villas – the superb 11th Century Villa Rufolo, which was once the home of Wagner, and Villa Cimbrone, a sumptuous 19th Century mansion with fabulous gardens and unequalled views over the Gulf of Salerno. Tonight, you'll stay in Minor Town, just a 15-minute bus ride away from Amalfi Town. Just as picturesque as the tourist hotspots, this charming small town boasts more privacy and views just as good.

This morning, take the short bus ride to Amalfi Town. Your leader will take you for a half-day hike along the narrow trail of the famous Sentiero Degli Dei (the Walk of the Gods), which, until quite recently, was followed by mules and donkeys as they traversed the dramatic landscape. This path winds its way through unique scenery and boasts unrivalled views along the coast. Walk through forests and fields of wildflowers, olive groves and vineyards, past ancient stone huts and beside sheer walls of granite. Glimpse local farmers tending their crops by hoe and elbow grease, herds of goats feeding beside the trail beside their shepherds, and teams of workmen commuting by mule. The trail ends in picturesque Positano, where there will be ample time to explore and maybe take a dip in the sea. Return to Minori by ferry and bus. With tonight your last night as a group, it’s a good idea to gather your fellow travellers and head out for a feast to celebrate the end of this Italian adventure.

Today is a free day for you to explore the region surrounding Amalfi. A great way to see the beautiful Amalfi coastline and take in the sights is to board a boat – there are regular seasonal services between Amalfi, Positano and Capri. It is also highly recommended to walk down into the shaded Valle dei Mulini (Valley of the Watermills). Here you will find remnants of Europe’s earliest paper mills, strewn among thick foliage fed by the valley's streams.
You may pass locals collecting wild mushrooms and stout men carrying half their body weight in lemons on their heads. The path takes you deep into the valley and the entrance to the nature reserve of ‘Valle delle Ferriere’ (Valley of Iron). This is one of the most interesting nature reserves of the area and an ideal place for lunch. Or perhaps visit neighbouring Atrani, the best-preserved town on the Amalfi Coast, with narrow little streets and a serene town square.

You have a free day to explore Minori Town and Amalfi Town (just a 15 minute bus ride away) today. If you're after a relaxing walk with a few cultural highlights, stroll from one side of Amalfi Town to the other and pay a visit to the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea and the Chiostro del Paradiso. If you’re after something more active, maybe head out on a walk through the Valley of Mills. Alternatively, you can take a bus to the Valley of Dragons to reach pretty Ravello – for centuries, its lofty position and sunny, dry climate have made it an appealing place for writers, artists, musicians and travellers. Ravello also boasts two magnificent villas – the superb 11th Century Villa Rufolo, once the home of Wagner, and Villa Cimbrone, a sumptuous 19th Century mansion with fabulous gardens and unequalled views over the Gulf of Salerno. You could also take a half-day walk along the narrow trail of the famous Sentiero Degli Dei (the Walk of the Gods) through forests and fields of wildflowers, olive groves and vineyards.

Travel to Italy's east coast to Trani, known as the 'Southern Pearl', a scenic town with a sophisticated feel. Once an ancient trading hub, Trani is a delightfully eccentric port with a white cathedral on the seawall. The crescent-shaped marina is a great place to relax and watch the world go by. With medieval streets bathed in a rarefied light and its own sweet wine, Trani truly feels like stepping back into a 1950s movie set. When you arrive, explore the historic centre and its medieval churches on a walking tour with a local guide. The Old Town points to a time when this was a major port for merchants travelling to the Near East. Later, simply kick back on the waterfront and watch the sophisticates of Puglia clink glasses of Moscato di Trani in cosy bars.

Today is a free day to explore all that Trani has to offer. You might like to visit the dramatic Cattedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino, one of the most beautiful buildings in southern Italy. Begun in 1099 and taking over two centuries to finish, the soft white-pink limestone Norman cathedral is dedicated to the famously foolish St Nicholas the Pilgrim, whose bones lie in the crypt below the church. Inside, it is astonishingly bright and airy, and the remains of a 12-century mosaic near the main altar set off the simply furnished church. You can also head to the castle built by Frederick II, the king of Sicily, Italy, Germany, Jerusalem and the Holy Roman Emperor in the 13th century. Explore the medieval Jewish quarter, built in all-white stone, stopping by two fine synagogues: the Scola Nova and the Scola Grande. Fishermen sell the day’s catch in the marina, so maybe taste the freshness by heading for dinner and a glass of wine harbourside.

Head south and delight in the baroque architecture and atmosphere of Lecce. Lecce's elaborate ornamentation is elevated to dizzying heights, presenting the casual viewer with a feast for the senses. Sumptuous palazzi (mansions), a defensive main square, Roman ruins and magnificent allegories dancing across ornate facades make Lecce a swoon-worthy sight for any traveller. The university gives the town a lively feel, and there are little boutiques, antique shops and delicious delis to explore.

Today is a free day for you to explore Lecce. If open, maybe step beneath the city and see the restored Roman amphitheatre excavated in the 1930s. Built in the 2nd century AD, the remarkably intact horseshoe-shaped theatre seated 15,000 people. Overlooking the arena is the Colonna di Sant'Oronzo, a statue of Lecce's patron saint mounted upon a Roman column. Presented to Lecce from Brindisi, this column once stood at the terminus of the Via Appia that ran from Rome to Brindisi. The fascinating Basilica Di Santa Croce inspires varied reactions – its heavily decorated façade of sheep, dodos, cherubs and monsters is a cacophony to some, while others are drawn to the lavish brilliance. For another baroque experience, head to the Piazza del Duomo. Used in the past as a defence against invaders, the square's pleasant openness is bordered by a 12th-century cathedral, a 68 m-high bell tower, a 15th-century Episcopal Palace and an 18th-century Seminario. In the afternoon, meet up with the group again for an aperitivo with local specialties, such as friselle, taralli, puccia, bombette and burrate.

Travel by private transport to a local masseria to meet an olive oil producer, who will show you how the techniques have changed over the millennia before you're treated to a tasting. Some olive trees here are thought to be close to 3000 years old, and the farm has been active since Roman times. Then head to Ostuni and explore its narrow streets and white houses, before continuing to Alberobello, set in a landscape of olive trees and low walls dotted with unique dwellings. People flock to Alberobello to marvel at the beehive-shaped Trulli (singular trullo), which are small, dry-stone houses built from local limestone in the 14th century. The origins of the buildings are unclear, although it's possible the mortar-less dwellings were created to be easily dismantled in a feudal tax evasion scheme. Wander the Old Town quarter of Rione Monti, where thousands of Trulli (and souvenir shops) rise over the hill or head over to Rione Aia Piccola and see Trulli family dwellings. See religious and mystical symbols on the roofs, the differently shaped spires, and head to the Church de Sant’Antonio, built in the style of a huge trullo.

Transfer by private mini bus to Matera. The extraordinary sight of Matera's Old Town gives a haunting, bittersweet insight into ancient life. One of the oldest cities in existence, Matera's otherworldly drawcard is the sassi (singular sasso) – stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs overlooking a dramatic gorge. Its resemblance to Jerusalem has attracted film directors of biblical epics, but its dark interiors were the scene of shameful poverty in the mid-20th century. Duck down into the sassi through the knot of staircases and alleyways that snake through the limestone ravines, and take a guided tour to appreciate both its ancient and modern history. With over 3000 habitable caves, some dating as far back as the 8th century BC, the sassi are filled with stunning frescoed rock church complexes, exhibits recreating inhabited caves, and even a contemporary sculpture museum. The sassi are undergoing extensive restoration, and it’s now the one place in the world where you can eat at a restaurant inside a 9000-year-old dwelling! Tonight, you’ll stay in accommodation with balconies overlooking the sassi.

This morning is free for you to further explore the narrow alleyways and caves of Matera before boarding a local train to Bari at around lunchtime. Sitting on a small peninsula in the Adriatic Sea overlooking Greece, Bari is the prosperous capital of Puglia. The tangled streets of its Old Town, Bari Vecchia, conceal Romanesque churches, a riotous market, elegant medieval piazzas and a Swabian castle. The Basilica di San Nicola was built to hold the relics of St Nicholas, which were stolen from Turkey by local Bari fishermen and have made the city a place of pilgrimage since 1087. The relics are also the mainstay of Bari's biggest annual celebration, the Festa di San Nicola. The stone walls are lovely to walk around, with the sea lapping on one side and the medieval town on the other. Bari is also the perfect place to see out your last night on this trip and have a group meal by the harbour, sampling local limoncello and some of the seafood that the city is famous for.

Your journey will come to an end after breakfast today and you are free to depart at any time. If you would like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.