ROME & THE AMALFI COAST

October 14-24, 2021

Group #934976

Day 4: Sunday, October 17, 2021: On a locally guided tour of Classical Rome, walk over cobblestone streets and weathered passageways to discover famous sights such as the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.  Recount the rich history of the Colosseum on an in-depth visit with a guide, walking the footsteps of former gladiators and attendees.  The evening is yours.  Perhaps you will join an optional dinner in a popular restaurant, where you’ll indulge in a hearty meal accompanied by wine and local entertainment.  (B)

Day 5:  Monday, October 18, 2021: Make the most of a free day in Italy’s capital city.  Perhaps you will join an optional tour in the morning to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, taking in world-renowned wonders such as the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s mural of the Last Judgement.  In the afternoon, consider strolling through the Borghese Gardens for views of the city’s skyline or meander through Rome’s bohemian Trastevere district.  (B)

Day 6: Tuesday, October 19, 2021: Journey to the Amalfi Coast, an iconic coastline of rocky beaches and towering cliffs.  En route, make a stop at the Benedictine monastery of Montecasino which is perched on a mountaintop that played a pivotal role in World War II.   Discover the its rich history wile exploring the monastery’s ornate chapel, peaceful courtyards, and fascinating museum.  In the afternoon, settle into the Amalfi Coast, your new home for the next 5 nights.   (B, D)

Day 7:  Tuesday, October 19, 2021:  Drive along the stunning Amalfi Coast pausing for a peek of Positano with its pastel-colored houses and pebbly beaches.  Spend time in the town of Amalfi.  A former trading hub, Amalfi is now a quiet coastal town of historic landmarks and a black-and-white marble cathedral. Explore on your own before continuing to Minori, where you’ll get to sample local specialties at a family-owned limoncello factory.  Savor a traditional Italian afternoon break at a local café and pastry shop before an evening at leisure.  (B)

Day 8:  Wednesday, October 20, 2021:  Begin your day exploring the popular and charming resort town of Sorrento.  Wander through the narrow streets of the city center, perhaps exploring the peaceful courtyard of St. Francis Church or sampling some gelato made with local lemons.  Visit a local farm and see how traditional mozzarella cheese is made by hand.  Get a taste of the product at a farm-to-table lunch before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.  (B, L)

Day 9:  Thursday, October 21, 2021:  Enjoy a day at leisure to take in the relaxing beauty of the Amalfi Coast.  Perhaps you will embark on an optional boat trip (weather permitting) to the Mediterranean isle of Capri, where you’ll enjoy a locally guided tour with lunch before setting out on your own adventure.  (B)

Day 10:  Friday, October 22, 2021:  Today, experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii in the foothills of Mount Vesuvius.  See the eerily preserved original buildings of a typical Roman town from 2,000 years ago as a local guide provides you with an in-depth historical tour of this remarkable archaeological site.  At the foot of Mount Vesuvius, stop at a local winery to savor the famous Lacryma de Christi wines and enjoy a typical Neapolitan lunch.  After some free time, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner and bid salute to the end of your Italian getaway.  (B, L, D)

Day 11:  Monday, April 27, 2020:  Your tour comes to a close today.  (B)