Compare Rome to Amalfi by Intrepid Travel vs Amalfi Coast by Travelsphere

Day 1 Rome

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.

Day 2 Naples / Pompeii

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.

Day 3 Pompeii

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.

Day 4 Mt Vesuvius / Sorrento

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.

Day 5 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.

Day 6 Amalfi Coast

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.

Day 7 Positano / Amalfi Coast

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.

Day 8 Amalfi Coast

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. As there is so much to do along the Amalfi Coast, you may want to consider extending your stay here. If you need to organise additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Day 1: UK/Naples

Depart on your scheduled flight to Naples. On arrival in the Amalfi Coast you’ll transfer to your hotel, which is surrounded by deep blue waters, pretty beaches and lush green hills dotted with lemon and orange groves.

Settle in at your 4-star hotel, your base for the next seven nights, before enjoying dinner this evening.

Day 2: Amalfi and Ravello

To help you get to know this beautiful region of Italy we include a three-quarter-day excursion to the picturesque town of Amalfi, which is beautifully situated between the mountains and the sea.

It is dominated by an impressive marble Romanesque cathedral which is said to hold the remains of St Andrew. You will continue to the cliff-top town of Ravello, perched high above Amalfi overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Here you’ll find the wonderful gardens of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo and an impressive cathedral.

Day 3: Sorrento

Spend time at leisure in Minori today or perhaps you’ll join our optional tour of Sorrento. This lively resort, which is set above the Bay of Naples, has long been the haunt of the rich and famous.

On your full-day visit you’ll see some truly stunning scenery as well as a fantastic variety of elegant restaurants, pavement cafes and shops selling all manner of items from hand-made sandals to bottles of the locally-produced lemon liqueur, limoncello – an ideal souvenir to take back home.

Day 4: Positano

Enjoy a day at leisure in your resort today.

Alternatively, you could choose to join an optional excursion to Positano. The journey will take you along the scenic Amalfi coastline, which offers spectacular views. Poised on towering cliffs, Positano is one of the region’s most exclusive resorts. As you explore you’ll discover many chic designer boutiques or perhaps you’ll choose to relax on the beach. This excursion will operate by boat or by coach depending on the weather conditions.

Please note that winter departures will be to Salerno to see the lights display.

Day 5: Capri

Sail to the enchanting island of Capri – a favoured spot of the international jet-set from the 1950s to the present day and the destination for today’s full-day optional excursion.

From the picturesque port of Marina Grande you will visit the hillside village of Anacapri and the wonderful Gardens of Caesar Augustus. You’ll also see the distinctive Faraglioni rocks in the company of a Local Guide.

You may find yourself lured into the exclusive boutiques of Capri Village or maybe you’ll take the chair lift (payable locally) from Anacapri to the highest point of the island from where you’ll get the chance to admire spectacular views across to the mainland.

Day 6: The Amalfi Hills

If you want to explore a little further, today’s included excursion offers you the chance to soak up the spectacular scenery of the Amalfi coastline as you head to a winery in the hills, where you can sample local wine and enjoy a spot of lunch – the perfect way to round off your Italian holiday.

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish. Why not take some time to relax and soak up the sun by your hotel’s swimming pool or on the nearby beach.

Day 7: Pompeii

Today we include a wonderful half-day excursion which is sure to be one of the highlights of your holiday. You’ll visit Pompeii, the famous Roman town that was frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD.

What remains is a fascinating collection of ruins which offer a remarkable insight into the last days of the people who lived here. In the company of a knowledgeable Local Guide, you’ll have the opportunity to wander around its ancient streets where you can admire villas decorated with brightly coloured mosaics, Roman baths, an impressive amphitheatre and bakeries which still have their bread ovens and flour grinders steadfastly intact.

The rest of the day is free for you to do as you wish.

Day 8: Naples/UK

Today you’ll transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Please note: For winter 2018 departures, the Positano optional excursion will be replaced by Salerno and the winter lights display.