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, discover 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, including Pompeii, Sorrento, and Naples! On the Amalfi Coast, the possibilities are endless!

Trip Itinerary:

B | L | D denotes included breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
A special note about air: If you have purchased only the Land Program, please book flights that arrive on Day 2, the first day of the Land Program. The date is listed at the top of your Reservation Confirmation.

Activity Level ratings indicate each excursion’s physical expectations. To make the best personal choice, please evaluate each excursion’s rating and your ability to meet the tour’s physical demands. Please note, excursions on this program require: walking on cobblestones, unpaved paths and/or uneven surfaces; and getting on/off motor coaches and boats.
Mild: Walk under 1 mile on mainly flat terrain; navigate under 50 stairs; stand under 1 hour

Moderate: Walk 1-3 miles on flat/uneven terrain; navigate 50-100 stairs; stand 1-2 hours

Active: Walk 2+ miles on flat/uneven terrain, including up and down inclines; navigate 100+ stairs; stand 3+ hours

Depending on the excursion, more leisurely alternatives may be available.

Day 1 | 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.

Day 2 | Naples, Italy | Vietri sul Mare
Relais Paradiso
D
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 Relais Paradiso 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.

Day 3 | Amalfi | Positano
Relais Paradiso
B | D
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” for its scenic grandeur, amazing vertical landscape and varied architecture. Begin in Amalfi town with a short orientation tour to see the lively piazza and the 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.

Day 4 | Paestum
Relais Paradiso
B | L
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 art and artifact collections.

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!

Day 5 | Naples
Relais Paradiso
B | L
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.

Day 6 | Vietri sul Mare
Relais Paradiso
B | D
Free Time: Join the Elective Activity on 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 seaside spot for viewing the famous Faraglioni, a trio of iconic rocks rising from the sea. (Moderate) Available at an additional cost.

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

Day 7 | Herculaneum | Pompeii
Relais Paradiso
B | L
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 reveals 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.

Day 8 | Sorrento
Relais Paradiso
B | L | D
Get to Know Sorrento. Travel to cheerful Sorrento, surrounded by lemon groves. During an orientation tour, walk along the Corso Italia and Via San Cesareo. Sorrento’s magical old town is bursting with lively shops, market stalls and alfresco cafes. Along the way, snap photos of the glistening Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius in the distance.

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, followed by lunch. (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.

Day 9 | Depart for gateway city
B
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:


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