NAPOLI SOLFATARA
 

Naples was founded in 600 B.C. by the Greeks and the Romans took over in 320 B.C. so Naples is rich in history with buildings, churches and monu­ments dating back centuries. Just over an hour from Sorrento, it makes an interesting day out. On our tour, you will be able to visit the National Museum which is one of the best archeological museums in the world and to which most of the treasures from Pompei and Herculaneum have been transferred for safe keeping. There is also a priceless collection of paintings and bronze works. After visiting the museum, you will see the Royal Palace, the Piazza Plebiscito, Piazza Municipio with its huge medieval castle, the "Maschio Angioino" and the San Carlo Opera house. In the afternoon, you will drive to the area near Pozzuoli to visit the Solfatara, a sort of flat volcano where you can see boiling geysers and bubbling mud.

AMALFI DRIVE

Meeting with English speaking guide in the lobby of the hotel and departure by bus to the Amalfi coast.
The "Amalfi Drive" is said to be the most spectacular in Europe and from Sorrento, the winding cliff top road offers breathtaking panoramic views at every turn. Each spot is a world of its own, a fantastic world which dazzles the imagination and inspires unforgettable impressions.
We make a stop just above Positano, yet another splendid jewel of the coastline, which boasts picturesque pink and white villas perched dramatically on the steep hillside. Then go on to Amalfi, which gives its name to the whole coast on which it lies. Once a thriving Marine Republic, powerful and prosperous and now a thriving holiday resort. The unmistakable cluster of white tightly packed houses rising up the hillside is dominated by the beautiful Cathedral which stands superbly on the top of a great flight of steps leading up from the main square.
Housed in the magnificent cathedral are the remains of St. Andrew, the Patron Saint of Amalfi. From Amalfi we visit Ravello which nestles eleven hundred feet above the sea in the mountainside. We visit Villa Rufolo which gave the musician Richard Wagner the inspiration to create one of his most famous works. Return to Sorrento along the motorway.
 

VESUVIO

Half day tour, from Sorrento along the costal road, short the motorway driving and continue our journey up to 3000 feet above the sea level on the Mount Vesuvius. The only active Volcano on the main land of Europe. Once there we continue the last 100n feet on foot, up to a zig-zag cinder path to the crater edge, during the walk you can admire the splendid panoramic view across the Bay. On the way back to Sorrento optional stop to the Mineralogic Museum of Vico Equense.

NAPOLI FULL DAY

Full day escorted tour. Stop at the heart of the lively quarter of the city popularly known as "Spaccanapoli" for the visit of some of the most beautiful churches. The Church of Santa Chiara, with its fascinating maiolica cloister in rococo style, the best known of the 18th century churches in Europe and the Church of the Cesu Nuovo with the astonishing richness of its floral marble decora­tion. Then proceed to the Royal Palace for the visit of the Royal Apartment. Time for an optional lunch in the centre and in the afternoon a nice walk through Piazza del Plebiscite, Galleria Umberto I. Proceed by coach passing the S. Carlo Opera House, the imposing Najeuin Castle and, Posillipo from where you will enjoy the most fascinating view of the whole city of Naples from high above.

POSITANO AMALFI RAVELLO

The "Amalfi Drive" is said to be the most spectacular in Europe and from Sorrento, the winding cliff top road offers breathtaking panoramic views at every turn. Each spot is a world of its own, a fanta­stic world which dazzles the imagination and inspires unforgettable impressions. We make a stop just above Positano, yet another splendid jewel of this coastline, which boasts picturesque pink and white villas perched dramatically on the steep hillside. Then on to Amalfi, which gives its name to the whole coast on which it lies. Once a thriving Maritime Republic, powerful and prospe­rous and now a thriving holiday resort. The unmi­stakeable cluster of white tightly packed houses rising up the hillside is dominated by the beautiful Cathedral which stands superbly on the top of a great flight of steps leading up from the main squa­re. Housed in the magnificent Cathedral are the remains of the Patron Saint of Amalfi as well as Scotland - Saint Andrew. From Amalfi we visit Ravello which nestles eleven hundred feet above the sea in the mountainside. We visit the Villa Rufolo which gave the musician Richard Wagner the inspiration to create one of his most famous works. Return to the hotel.

POMPEI ERCOLANO

Full day guided excursion by coach to the famous archeological excavations of Pompei and Herculaneum. Pompei holds an intense fascination for visitors today as following the eruption of the volcano Vesuvius in the year 79 AD, the town lay buried and forgotten for hundreds of years. The town is high on the list of Wonders of the World and the excavations begun in the 18th century are still being carried out today. Our guide will take you slowly through some of the ancient streets of Pompei where you can see Baths, forums and villas built by the prosperous Romans in the year 80 Be. Marvel at the fabulously preserved frescoes which adorned the walls and floors of the villas. Even if your interests do not lie in history, this is an archeo­logical site that cannot fail to impress you. When the catastrophe of 79 AD occurred Herculaneum was submerged under a torrent of mud and lava that hardened into a soft tufa (a kind of coarse rock) that preserved many of the timber features and household objects which can be seen today. A large number of treasures still lie buried under the rock, to the extent that some families are being rehoused so work can continue. Return to Sorrento in the afternoon.

POMPEI HALF DAY

Pompei holds an intense fascination for visitors today, as following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the year 79 A.D. the town lay buried and forgot­ten for hundreds of years. The Town is high on the list of Wonders of the World and the excavations begun in the 18th century are still being carried out today. Our guide will take you slowly throughout some of the ancient streets of Pompei where you can see the baths, forums and villas built by the prosperous Romans in the year 80 B.C.Marvel at the faboulously preserved frescoes which adorned the walls and floors of the villas. Even if your inte­rests do not lie in history, this is an archeological site that cannot fail to impress you. Return to the hotels for lunch time.

ERCOLANO HALF DAY

Our journey takes us along the gorgeous coastal road through Castellammare di Stabia and out along the motorway to Herculaneum which was destroyed along with Pompei in 79 A.D., and redi­scovered in 1709. It wasa residential town sur­rounded by the villas of the wealthy Romans. When the catastrophe of 79 AD occurred Herculaneum was submerged under a torrent of mud and lava which hardened into a soft tufa (a kind of coarse rock) that preserved many of the timber features and household objects which can be seen today. A large portion of the old Herculaneum is still buried under the modem town and even today excavations are going on to discover what treasures lie buried under the rock, to the extent that some families are being rehoused so work can continue. Return to the hotel.

SALERNO - PAESTUM

About an hours drive south of Naples is another important Italian provincial capital, Salerno. In medieval times Salerno was the world capital of medicine, as the Monastery of the Benedictine monks who probably founded its medical school offered the best instruction then available. One of the most famous medical texts of that time was the ''Regimen Sanistas Salemi" written here in Latin and translated into almost every European langua­ge. In more modem times Salerno is best remem­bered for the allied troops landing on its beaches during the Second World War. To the East of Salerno, after the' headlands of Pontecagnano, Battipaglia and Eboli, is Paestum, one of the most important archeological sites in the country. Here you will see some of the best preserved Greek ruins, architecture and monuments, such as the Temple of Poseidon (Neptune) and the Basilica dating from the 6th Century. Look out for the "buf­falo" that you will see grazing on the roadside during the drive!

FAITO, FOREST and FARM

A half day excursion to admire the breathtaking panoramic views of Positano, the Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples. Going through gastronomic delights and traditions from the Sorrento Peninsula until reaching the highest peak of the Lattari Mountains, the Monte Faito. Pause for a coffee break with tasting of typical produces. Return to the hotel for lunch.

SORRENTO MUSICAL SHOW

On the stage of the theatre Tasso in Sorrento our tradition, our dances, the nineteenth-century costumes and songs such as "Iorna a Surriento" and "0' Sole mio" magically turn into a Musical. A 75 minute-performance tells the daily life of sou­thern people in 4 different scenes.

The first one represents the Sea. It's on the beach that fisherman with melodies and dances, make their toil pleasant.

COUNTRY SIDE

Half day tour escorted by guide and de-luxe motorcoach. Pick-up from hotels. Tour of the "Hills of Sorrento". Visit to a cheese factory to assist in the making and tasting of the famous "mozzarella". Stop for a· coffee-break (optional). Return to the hotel for lunch.

TOBIMAVA

Welcome on board We are offering you the possibi­lity of an unrepeatable experience aboard the Tobimava (private yacht 21 metres long for a maxi­mum of 20 people. 4 climatised cabins with 8 beds; ideal for short cruises) you will explore the most charming places, with hidden creeks and pictures­que landscapes, characteristic of our marvellous coastline. Accompanied by our crew, you will enjoy this excoursion, Sunbathing, watching mari­ne life, submerged in the still crystal waters with a chance to taste and try some local and typical pla­tes, from one of the local restaurants, tucked away on the beaches which border the intense blue seas. All of our tours, organized for your maximum comfort, depart at 10.00 am from the port of Sorrento and return at around 18.00 pm. Have a great day and enjoy yourselves. Very attractive prices.

ROMA FULL DAY

This is a unique opportunity to visit the "Eternal City", one of the greatest capitals in the world and the centre of Catholicism. Rome is a bustling city with fabulous shops and boutiques but, amidst the hurry of everyday modem life, beautifully preser­ved buildings and monuments stand out on unex­pected comers, a constant reminder of her glorious and sometimes turbulent past. The day has been carefully planned to include all the most important and best known places and monuments; Villa Borghese, Via Veneto where famous stars like to meet at night, the River TIber, the Palace of Justice, Castel Sant'Angelo, St. Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum and Forum revealing the splendour of the Roman Empire and the famous Trevi Fountain. All in a day to remember! Reminder: no shorts and shoulders must be covered when visiting the chur­ches. Cameras a must. Time permitting, you may be offered a visit to the Catacombs (cost for this to be paid directly to the excursion guide).

ROMA TWO DAYS

An opportunity not to be missed-to spend a wee­kend in the Eternal City! This is your chance to see all the famous sights including the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, via Veneto, Castle St. Angelo, the magnificent St.Peter's Basilica, the Vatican City and much, much more.
You will also experience the added attraction of seeing Rome by night with a spectacular trip alongside the River Tiber to Piazza Navona. Included in the tour is an overnight stay, including dinner, in your 4 star hotel. Sunday morning is spent in the Vatican City, where if you are fortuna­te, you may hear the Pope's blessing to the nation. Do not miss this opportunity to spend a weekend in one of the world's most exciting cities. Reminder: overnight bag and passport for chec­king in at the hotel. This tour must be booked early!!
 

CASERTA CASSINO

Caserta is known as the "Versailles of Naples" because of the Royal Palace built here by Charles II the Bourbon King in the 18th Century. The enchan­ting palace overlooking the huge square is one of the most sumptuous buildings of its kind in Italy. It has over 1.200 rooms and is rich in chandeliers, richly gilded frescoes, tapestries and history. In 1945 it was the headquarters of the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in the Mediterranean. The extraordinary gardens with their crowing glory the great cascade, a waterfall 75 metres high, can be seen clearly from the palace 3 I<m away. After the splendour of the Royal Palace, we make our way to MonteCassino and the famous Abbey, which was founded in 529 by St. Benedict of Norcia. During the Second World War the Abbey was completely destroyed and has since been faithfully restored to its former glory, even with the original frescoes and mosaics pieced toge­ther again. A truly memorable day out.

CAPRI ANACAPRI

No holiday in Sorrento would be complete without a trip to the evocative island of Capri. Sail across the bay of Naples for the start of an unfor­gettable day. For so small an island, about 4 miles long and 2 miles wide, Capri has had much said, sung and written about it. First you will visit the fabulous villa of Dr. Axel Munthe, a Swedish doc­tor who's best selling book "Story of San Michele" tells of his time on Capri. His villa was built on the remains of Roman ruins and there is a beautiful shady garden with terraces affording splendid views of the island. This is optional, and the entrance fee should be paid to the guide directly. Then you go down to Capri town which is very chic with shops, hotels and restaurants lining the, winding streets. The main square Piazza Umberto I, has a pretty white church and several open-air cafes where you can sit and watch the world drift by. Leading off the square are medieval looking alleyways and arcades full of shops selling the han­dicrafts of the island, clothing, jewellery made from coral and gold, shoes and ceramics. Admire the colourful gardens of Augustus overlooking the famed Faraglioni Rocks and Marina Piccola where Gracie Fields once lived. There is free time for you to go off and admire the elegant boutiques, stroll along the cobbled streets or simply relax on the beach. There is so much to see and do on this tiny island paradise that you will be sorry to leave.

ISCHIA

Ischia is known as the Green Isle because of its lush green vegetation and it is also the only place in the area with real sandy beaches. It is a volcanic island dominated by Mount Epomeo. Our tour takes you over to Ischia by hydrofoil, a journey of one hour across the Bay of Naples. On arrival you will be given a guided tour by coach around the whole island and stops will be made at all the places of particular interest. The afternoonis yours for shop­ping or relaxing on the beach, before cruising back to Sorrento. Return to the hotels.

CAPRI & POSITANO CRUISE

    For those wanting a relaxing day out during their holiday, what better than a cruise around the famous island of Capri and a sail along the magni­ficent Amalfi coastline to the unforgettable village of Positano.

We all meet at the port of Marina Piccola, in Sorrento, then board our private boat which will take us over to Capri.

When we arrive at Capri we sail around the island, listening to a light commenary which allows us to admire the highlights of this beautiful island, such as the Villa [ovis, Blue Grotta, Villa San Michele & the faraglioni rocks. Once we have circled the island we sail over to Positano bypassing the Galli islands and dock in Positano where we stay for three hours.

This gives everyone ample time to wander through the small village admiring the positano fashions, enjoy a leisurely lunch or even swim & sunbathe. Late afternoon we set sail from Positano and sail back to Sorrento.