The Charm of the Amalfi Coast

The Charm of the Amalfi Coast

Imagine a land where rugged coastlines melt into butter-soft sands and sinuous cobblestones lead to dreamy vistas. Where the remnants of ancient civilizations hum with history and villages are graced with artistic inspiration. From your base in Vietri sul Mare, treat yourself to the indelible spirit of the Amalfi Coast. Amid soothing, lemon-scented breezes, you’ll fall into a relaxed rhythm, filling your days with archeological treasures, authentic Italian cuisine and the region’s unforgettable wonders! On the Amalfi Coast, the possibilities are endless!

Trip Itinerary:

August 28 Depart gateway city

AHI FlexAir passengers depart for Naples, Italy. Please check your luggage from your gateway city to your arrival city. Your claim checks should have the following airport code: NAP.

August 29 Naples, Italy | Vietri sul Mare

Arrive at Naples Capodichino International Airport. Proceed through immigration to the baggage claim area and retrieve your luggage. After completing customs, AHI FlexAir passengers traveling on flights that qualify for the group arrival transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased seats on the group transfer should exit the baggage claim area and proceed to the Arrivals Hall, where an AHI Travel representative will meet you.

Transfer to the Hotel Raito in Vietri sul Mare. Please note, if you arrive before check-in time, your room may not be immediately available.

Gather this evening to get acquainted with your fellow travelers and Travel Director at a Welcome Reception and Dinner.

August 30 Ravello | Amalfi | Positano

Start each day with a delicious breakfast served at your hotel.

The Charming Amalfi Coast. Experience the serpentine Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Not only does the Amalfi Coast boast some of Italy’s most spectacular scenery, but it is also considered by many to be the most magnificent stretch of coastline in all of Europe. The Italians nicknamed this shoreline, “The Divine Coast,” because of its scenic grandeur, amazing vertical landscape and varied architecture. Begin in Ravello, perched high on a rocky spur overlooking Amalfi and the Mediterranean Sea. Because of its rich artistic heritage, captivating natural beauty, exceptional landscapes and breathtaking gardens, Ravello has intrigued and inspired writers, actors, artists, musicians and composers alike. Visit the 13th-century Villa Rufolo, featuring a square courtyard, two Arab-Norman style towers, marvelous Oriental arcades and magnificent gardens. When German composer Richard Wagner visited in 1880, he declared that he had found his magical garden of Klingsor, which was immortalized in his operatic masterpiece, “Parsifal.” (Moderate)

Continue to Amalfi town and take a short orientation tour to see the lively piazza and Cattedrale di Sant’ Andrea. Next, board a boat for a ride to Positano. During your boat ride, notice the charming villages and pastel-colored villas clinging to the cliffs — a true sight to behold. Arrive in pretty Positano where gardens climb hillsides and dramatic terraces are draped with pink bougainvillea. This celebrated seaside resort has inspired many artists and writers over the years. (Moderate)

Enjoy a delectable dinner at a local restaurant. The cuisine here has been influenced by the many populations who passed through this fertile land over the centuries. There are three dominant elements to the region's cooking: olive oil; the many vegetable gardens arising from this fertile ground; and durum wheat, the base ingredient for bread and many types of pasta.

August 31 Paestum

Paestum. Visit the old city of Paestum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded in the seventh century B.C. but abandoned in the ninth century A.D., this Greco-Roman city was overgrown by vegetation and forgotten for 1,000 years. The spectacular site features ancient defensive walls, the standing remains of three major Doric-style temples and a variety of impressive ruins. (Moderate)

Enrichment: Meet the People. Dine on regional cuisine during a group lunch. Meet a few of the employees or owners of the restaurant and learn about their lifestyles and experiences.

Enrichment: The Wonders of Naples’ National Museum. Prepare for tomorrow’s visit to this renowned museum by learning about its collections of art and artifacts.

Dinner is at leisure this evening. Perhaps you’ll try pasta prepared “ai frutti di mare” and a glass of refreshing limoncello, the favorite flavors of this coastal region!

September 1 Naples

Naples and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale. Naples, the capital city of Campania, welcomes visitors with its vivacious spirit. Founded in 750 B.C., Naples is big, energetic and noisy, but also very friendly, a city where Neapolitans enjoy life and possess a singular charm. Travel back in time with a visit to the Museo Archeologico Nazionale. With its collection of art and objects from Herculaneum and Pompeii, it is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world. Even the building itself is impressive, built in the late 16th century as the home of the royal cavalry. Then embark on a panoramic tour of Naples. Admire impressive views of the city and the entire Bay of Naples from atop Posillipo Hill, and enjoy the sights of Castel Nuovo, San Francesco di Paola, Teatro di San Carlo and Piazza del Plebiscito. (Moderate)

Sample the local specialty, Neapolitan pizza, for lunch. Pizza was born in Naples — genuine Neapolitan pizza is unbeatable!

Return to Vietri sul Mare and enjoy dinner at leisure this evening.

September 2 Vietri sul Mare

Free Time: Join the Elective Activity to the Isle of Capri or choose to stay in Vietri sul Mare for leisure time today.

Elective Activity: The Isle of Capri. Travel by hydrofoil to the enchanting Isle of Capri, a celebrated resort since the time of the Roman Republic. Sail along the Capri coast, spying hidden swimming coves, caves and grottos, and see why the island is described as “a piece of paradise fallen from the skies.” Back on land, stroll through Capri’s scenic lanes or browse elegant boutiques on Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Camerelle, Capri’s main streets. There are many shops selling souvenirs, bottles of limoncello and colorful ceramics. Pay a visit to the Augustus Gardens, incredible terraced gardens full of bougainvillea vines, marbled statues and lily ponds. The gardens offer a spectacular sea-side spot for viewing the famous Faraglioni, a trio of iconic rocks rising from the sea. (Moderate) Available at an additional cost.

Enrichment: The Horror and Splendor of Mount Vesuvius. This compelling lecture will provide context for tomorrow’s visit to Herculaneum and Pompeii. Learn about the tragic effects of the first-century eruption of Mount Vesuvius and its impact on these ancient cities.

This evening, gather at a local restaurant and enjoy dinner with your group while sharing experiences of the day.

September 3 Herculaneum | Pompeii

Herculaneum and Pompeii. Spend a full day exploring the ancient Roman cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii, which were destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79. The small seaside town of Herculaneum was preserved by mudflows while Pompeii, the larger of the two cities, was covered by ash. The resulting preservation of these two cities is unlike anything else in the world. Today, they are famous as an excavation site and outdoor museum that reveal how the people of this ancient Roman settlement lived 2,000 years ago. See everything from mosaics to furniture and frescoes as you tour the Forum, baths and houses, and unearth a history lesson like no other. (Moderate)

Relax over lunch at a Pompeii restaurant during your excursion.

Enrichment: Contemporary Italy. Get engaged in a discussion about Italian society, life in Campania, the current political and economic situation in Italy and the country’s future challenges.

September 4 Sorrento

The Green Side of Sorrento. Head inland to the rolling hills and visit a traditional rural farm. Enjoy an intimate connection with the region where agriculturists have a true passion for the land. Tour groves of olive trees and see how olive oil is produced to create its perfect balance of flavors. See the production of Fior di Latte, a soft cheese that is similar in texture to mozzarella, and delight in a tasting of locally made products. (Mild)

Free Time: Spend your final afternoon at leisure in Vietri sul Mare. Perhaps purchase a few souvenirs from the city’s many boutiques and shops.

This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception and Dinner.

September 5 Depart for gateway city

After breakfast, bid farewell to the charming Amalfi Coast. AHI FlexAir passengers traveling on flights that qualify for a group transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased seats on the group transfer depart for Naples Capodichino International Airport for your return flights home. Your Travel Director will provide the details.

Map:


Back to all trips