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25-Day The Best of Italy

Customisable Itinerary
4.6 • 20 travellers have booked with Mari L.

Trip Overview

This is definitely one of the best adventures in Italy for people who want to discover this beautiful country and learn more about its history. During this tour, you will explore many medieval buildings that were built as far back as 1648, ancient towns and many more hidden treasures that will uncover the very best of Italy.

During your stay in Italy, you will not only discover and learn about its historic past, but you will also discover its delicacies. Italy is well known for its good food - pasta, pizza, gelato and much more.

Taking this 25-day trip which ventures from Lake Garda to Venice, Bologna, Florence, Volterra, Pisa, Siena, Assisi, Rome, Naples and of course, the stunning Amalfi Coast, will be a great opportunity for you to understand and explore both the tradition and cuisine to experience the best of Italy.

Sightseeing
Culture & Arts
Cycling
Food & Drink
Beach & Sea
Outdoors & Nature

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Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Torbole

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Arrive in Torbole

Today upon arrival in Verona, your private driver will greet you and take you from Verona to Torbole on Lake Garda. You'll have the rest of the day free to relax at your hotel or explore the area on your own.

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    Accommodation

    Eco Hotel Bonapace

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Verona to Nago–Torbole

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    Destinations

    Torbole

Day 2

Explore the Riva del Garda by E-Bike

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Explore the Riva del Garda by E-Bike

Enjoy a rented e-bike for a full day and take a ride on the Garda cycle path that goes from Riva del Garda to Limone Sul Garda, with some portions almost hung above Lake Garda. Cycling on the Ciclopista del Garda, the cycle path built 60 meters above the lake, 2.6 metres wide, will make you feel like floating on steep cliffs. In the late afternoon and evening, you'll have free time to spend as you wish to explore the area or relax at the hotel.

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    Accommodation

    Eco Hotel Bonapace

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    Activities

    Torbole and Riva del Garda by E-Bike

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Torbole

Day 3

Travel to Venice

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Travel to Venice

On your way with a private driver between Torbole and Verona, your driver will take you to the most significant views of Verona for a short tour of about two hours in the city during which you'll visit the famous Juliet House and the Arena di Verona. You'll then board a train to Venice, a short 1.5-hour journey away. Upon arrival in Venice, you'll check into your hotel then have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to explore on your own.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel Gardena Venice3 star

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    Activities

    Juliet House

    Arena di Verona

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Eco Hotel Bonapace to Verona Train Di Braceschi Lorenzo

    Train from Verona to Venice

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Torbole

    Verona

    Venice

Day 4

Venice Sightseeing

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Venice Sightseeing

Along with your local guide, you will explore Venice. Your guide will show you the halls of power, taking you back to a very particular historical context: the European Middle Ages. You'll visit the Palazzo Ducale, that was, for centuries, the seat of Venetian political power. Admire its splendid rooms, plastered and packed with hundreds of masterpieces. You'll then move onto Saint Mark's Basilica, a masterpiece of Byzantine art.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel Gardena Venice3 star

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    Activities

    Venice Sightseeing Tour: Doge's palace and St Mark Basilica

    Saint Mark's Basilica

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Venice

Day 5

Free Day in Venice

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Free Day in Venice

Today, you'll have plenty of free time to discover the city of Venice on your own. Venice is a magnificent city built on over 100 islands, often referred to as the 'floating city'. It is a winding route of canals and bridges accessed by long-tail boat, its creativity, history and architectural beauty will charm you into discovery. The city bursts with museums, bridges, piazzas, basilicas and beautiful houses to explore.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel Gardena Venice3 star

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    Activities

    Venice

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Venice

Day 6

Venice to Bologna by Train

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Venice to Bologna by Train

Today, you'll begin your day by travelling by train from Venice to Bologna. Upon arrival, you'll hop on a bus to visit FICO Eataly World on a one-hour shared tour. FICO Eataly is a unique park focused on biodiversity and agriculture. It includes a 20,000-square-metre farm where cattle, stables and fields for vegetables can be visited where the main products are grown. Upon arrival at your hotel in Bologna, the rest of the day will be free to relax.

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    Accommodation

    I Portici Hotel4 star

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    Activities

    FICO Eataly World

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    Transportations

    Train from Venice to Bologna

    Bus from Bologna to FICO World EatalyOptional Activity

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Venice

    Bologna

Day 7

Food Tour of Bologna

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Food Tour of Bologna

Today, you'll get to know Bologna through one of its greatest passions - food! During this shared guided tour of a group no bigger than eight people, you'll start the day the Italian way, with 'cappuccino e cornetto' - a coffee and a croissant. You'll then visit a pasta factory and have a tasting of cured meat, Parmigiano and Aceto Balsamico. You'll sample three famous homemade pasta dishes at a typical trattoria and a slice of Roman pizza.

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    Accommodation

    I Portici Hotel4 star

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    Activities

    Daylight Food Tour of Bologna

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Bologna

Day 8

Bologna to Florence

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Bologna to Florence

This morning after breakfast, you'll catch a train from Bologna to Firenze. Upon arrival in Florence, you'll make your own way to your hotel where you'll check-in and then have the rest of the day free to explore Florence. Florence is renowned as one of the most cultural and historical cities in the world and is packed full of amazing architecture and places of significance.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel Palazzo Vecchio3 star

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    Activities

    Free Time in Florence

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    Transportations

    Train from Bologna to Florence

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Bologna

    Florence

Day 9

Florence Sightseeing

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Florence Sightseeing

This morning you'll join a small group guided tour of Florence and the Uffizi Gallery. With a local guide, you'll explore the heart of the Renaissance city and the Uffizi Gallery. Florence was a very powerful and rich city, home of the Medici family and many great artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. During this guided visit, you will learn about centuries of history from the Roman era to modern times.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel Palazzo Vecchio3 star

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    Activities

    Walking Tour of Florence

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Florence

Day 10

Florence to Volterra Self Driving and Free Time

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Florence to Volterra Self Driving and Free Time

This morning, you'll pick up the pre-arranged rental car up in Florence. The car will be a Fiat 500X (or a similar example of a compact 5-door, petrol or diesel with air conditioning). You'll then drive two hours to your next destination, Volterra. Volterra is a pretty town in the province of Pisa where it is still possible to enjoy the atmosphere of an ancient medieval village, particularly known for its Etruscan origins and for the numerous archaeological finds belonging to this era.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel Antica Badia3 star

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    Activities

    Free Time in Volterra

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    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Florence to Volterra

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Florence

    Volterra

Day 11

Pisa & Lucca Sightseeing

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Pisa & Lucca Sightseeing

Everyone knows Pisa and its leaning tower, but you often forget that the tower is, in fact, the bell tower of the splendid Cathedral Santa Maria Assunta. Pisa has many other hidden treasures, its palaces and churches that you will discover along a stroll in its centre. You'll travel by private car form Volterra with your private guide to explore Pisa and Lucca. A charming Tuscan landscape will be the frame to your day, spent relaxing in the company of a knowledgeable guide.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel Antica Badia3 star

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    Activities

    Leaning Tower of PisaOptional Activity

    Pisa BaptisteryOptional Activity

    LuccaOptional Activity

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    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Volterra to Lucca

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Volterra

    Pisa

    Lucca

Day 12

San Gimignano & Chianti

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San Gimignano & Chianti

Today, you'll discover Tuscany and its beautiful landscape even more. The small town of San Gimignano is a remarkable example of medieval architecture in Tuscany. Known for its towers, of different heights because it was supposed to represent the importance of the family that ordered the construction, the silhouette of San Gimignano is unique. Enjoy a typical wine in Chianti, known as one of Italy's most famous wine-producing regions.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel Antica Badia3 star

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    Activities

    San Gimignano

    Chianti

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    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Volterra to San Gimignano

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Volterra

    San Gimignano

    Greve in Chianti

Day 13

Explore Siena & Monteriggioni

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Explore Siena & Monteriggioni

Today, you'll explore the wonderful cities of Siena and Monteriggioni. Siena, one of the most famous cities of Tuscany with the Piazza del Campo and theatre of the famous Palio, a horse race held in the streets of the city. After a walk through the narrow streets of Siena, you'll have a look at the impressive and imposing Duomo, built of white and black stones. You'll then travel to Monteriggioni before heading back to Volterra.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel Antica Badia3 star

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    Activities

    Half-Day Tour to Siena and San Gimignano

    Piazza del Campo

    Monteriggioni

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Volterra to Monteriggioni

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Volterra

    Siena

    Monteriggioni

Day 14

Pienza to Perugia to Assisi

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Pienza to Perugia to Assisi

This morning you'll make your way to Assisi, your next destination. En route, make several stops in various Tuscan towns. The Valley of Orcia, south of Siena, is a concentrate of 'all things Tuscany': cypresses, white roads, hills covered with vineyards, and here and there pretty mansions that dominate the countryside. It is also a region filled with remarkable small villages like Montepulciano, Pienza and San Quirico d'Orcia which you'll visit on this journey.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel Sorella Luna3 star

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    Activities

    Pienza, Perugia & Assisi

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    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Volterra to Assisi

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Volterra

    Pienza

    Assisi

Day 15

Explore Assisi

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Explore Assisi

Today, you'll discover the city of Assisi. Assisi stretches on the slopes of Mount Subasio, above the plain where the Topino and the Chiascio flow. Although it can boast a Roman origin, the present aspect of Assisi, both of the buildings and of the urban fabric, has certainly been determined by medieval development. Admire its many beautiful buildings and its church. The rest of the afternoon will then be free to spend as you wish.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel Sorella Luna3 star

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    Activities

    Free Time in Assisi

    Basilica di San Francesco di AssisiOptional Activity

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Assisi

Day 16

Civita di Bagnoregio to Tivoli to Rome

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Civita di Bagnoregio to Tivoli to Rome

This morning drive from Assisi to Rome and take a tour of the cities of Civita di Bagnoregio and Tivoli. Civita di Bagnoregio is a fine example of a late medieval village that has remained unchanged over time. It is located on a tuff hill at 443 metres above sea level, squeezed between the two ravines of Rio Chiaro and Rio Torbido. Next, visit Tivoli where you'll explore the beautiful villas, Villa Hadrian and Villa d'Este before arriving in Rome and returning your car.

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    Accommodation

    Casa di Nancy Apartment

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    Activities

    Civita di Bagnoregio Tour

    Tivoli Tour

    Villa d'Este

    Villa Adriana

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    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Volterra to Tivoli

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Assisi

    Civita di Bagnoregio

    Tivoli

    Lazio

    Rome

  • notes icon
    Notes

    Return Rented Car

Day 17

Vatican City Sightseeing - The Best of Italy!

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Vatican City Sightseeing - The Best of Italy!

This morning, take a shared guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica. The Vatican Museums are a labyrinth of artworks, guiding visitors through building after building; masterpiece after masterpiece. You'll then head to the Sistine Chapel to lay eyes on the most famous ceiling completed by Michelangelo in 1512. You'll finish the tour at St. Peter's Basilica.

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    Accommodation

    Casa di Nancy Apartment

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    Activities

    Vatican Museums

    Sistine Chapel

    St. Peter's Basilica

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Rome

    Holy See (Vatican City State)

Day 18

Rome Sightseeing Tour

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Rome Sightseeing Tour

This morning after breakfast, you'll head to a meeting point to join this shared guided tour of the key symbols of Rome. The tour starts at the Colosseum, where you will take a journey back through Roman history. After you're finished exploring the ancient theatre where gladiator games once took place, you'll visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Another two important iconic symbols of Rome that you may already recognise.

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    Accommodation

    Casa di Nancy Apartment

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    Activities

    Colosseo, Forum and Palatine hill with a guide

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Rome

Day 19

Rome to Naples by Train

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Rome to Naples by Train

Visit Naples, the capital of southern Italy. Explore the historic centre and its small streets full of people, the place of the Plebiscito and the Palace, the theatre S.Carlo, the oldest of Italy, the Gallery Umberto, the Castel Nuovo, the Castel dell' Ovo, the museum that houses the treasures found in Pompeii and Herculaneum.

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    Accommodation

    Culture Hotel Centro Storico4 star

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    Activities

    Naples Tour

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    Transportations

    Train from Rome to Naples

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Rome

    Naples

Day 20

Naples to Sorrento

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Naples to Sorrento

Today, you'll travel to Sorrento, your next destination which is just a short distance from Naples. Here, you'll explore more hidden treasures. Sorrento is a coastal town in southwestern Italy, facing the Bay of Naples on the Sorrentine Peninsula. Perched atop cliffs that separate the town from its busy marinas, the historic centre is a warren of narrow alleys that's home to the Chiesa di San Francesco, a 14th-century church with a tranquil cloister.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel Savoia3 star

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    Activities

    Free Time in SorrentoOptional Activity

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Naples to Sorrento

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Naples

    Sorrento

Day 21

Explore Pompeii

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Explore Pompeii

Today, you'll catch a train to explore the Pompeii Archaeological Park. In 79 AD, after centuries of rest, Mount Vesuvius awoke and a terrible eruption began. The explosions covered the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum with ash and pumice stones. For many centuries, the Roman cities remained buried until the eighteenth century, when they were discovered by chance during the construction of a well in Ercolano.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel Savoia3 star

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    Activities

    Pompeii Archaeological Park

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    Transportations

    Train from Sorrento to PompeiRequest to Book

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Sorrento

    Pompeii

Day 22

Capri Island

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Capri Island

This morning, sail to the nearby island of Capri by hydrofoil. En route, you'll be able to admire the beautiful blue waters that surround the island. From the famous Piazzetta of Capri, you will discover the East Coast of the Island. Along alleys and paths, you admire the pretty white houses of the city and the splendid coast with these reefs. You'll also have the chance to visit the famed Blue Grotto or the other village on the island, Anacapri.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel Savoia3 star

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    Activities

    Sail to Capri by Hydrofoil

    Capri

    Blue Grotto

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Sorrento

    Capri

    Campania

Day 23

Sorrento to Amalfi and Free Time

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Sorrento to Amalfi and Free Time

This morning after breakfast, you'll take a boat from Sorrento to Amalfi. Amalfi, the ancient Maritime Republic is now a beautiful little town with white houses, built along the watercourse that passes under the city. The Duomo di Sant'Andrea overlooking the square is breathtaking for any traveller who enters the heart of Amalfi for the first time. You'll have plenty of time to explore this beautiful town as you'll spending your last night here.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel Croce Di Amalfi3 star

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    Activities

    Amalfi

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    Transportations

    Boat from Sorrento to Amalfi

    Walking from Piazza Flavio Gioia to Hotel Croce Di Amalfi

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Sorrento

    Amalfi

Day 24

Positano Free Time

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Positano Free Time

Today marks your final day of this wonderful trip. After breakfast, you'll have the option to take a bus or boat to Positano, another beautiful town on the Amalfi Coast. Narrow streets, lovely churches and a picturesque beach are what you will find coming to Positano.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel Croce Di Amalfi3 star

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    Activities

    Positano

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    Transportations

    Bus from Sorrento to PositanoOptional Activity

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Amalfi

    Positano

Day 25

Departure

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Departure

Private transfer to Naples airport.

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Piazza Flavio Gioia to Naples International Airport

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Amalfi

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What’s included?

  • 24 nights accommodation
  • 30 activities
  • 24 breakfasts
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

What’s not included?

  • Airport transfer
  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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