7-Night Southern Italy's Joyous Grace

Day 2

Accommodation

Tranquil Country Inn - Paestum, Campania Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:00 pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00 am.

Daily Itinerary

Exciting Naples - Mysterious Pompeii - Ancient Paestum

After breakfast, we’ll take a walking tour of Naples, that historic center with pizzazz. Our local guide will lead us through a winding maze of streets on our way to Cappella Sansevero. This sculpture of The Veiled Christ is considered by many to be one of the finest in the world. Then we’re off to Pompeii. People were caught in the middle of their daily lives when the volcano erupted. See a marble bar, the hotel, the people, the chariot ruts... After our tour, we head to the town of Paestum, a World Heritage Site, for our lodgings. We’ll have the evening at leisure to think about those people who lived so long before us. Fascinating. Breakfast is included.  

Pompeii Trivia:
Q. What is the story of Pompeii?
A. Pompeii was a flourishing resort town, south of ancient Rome, nestled along the coast under the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius. Sometime around noon, when the town was busy, on August 24, 79 BC, a huge volcanic eruption occurred, showering volcanic ash over the city. The following day, skies were filled with blistering-hot gasses. The people were crushed beneath a blanket of ash. Pompeii slept for centuries, preserving its history. In the 1700’s, that Greco-Roman city was uncovered, and the world was amazed. A forum, amphitheater, lavish villas, a bakery with bread still in the oven, grand public buildings, houses of ill repute, and shops dating to the 4th century BC were found, all frozen in time.  Pompeii supported between 10,000 and 20,000 people when it was destroyed, and today it is a UNESCO site. 

Overnight Location

Paestum, Campania Region

On the Map: Called Poseidonia by the Geeks, Paestum is an ancient city in southern Italy near the west coast. It is 22 miles southeast of Salerno, 61 miles south of Naples, and 5 miles south of the Sele River. It is on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in Southern Italy.

Poseidonia was founded about 600 BC by Greek refugees, and by 540 it was flourishing. In 400 BC it was taken over by the Lucanians, an indigenous Italic people, and its name was changed to Paestum. It is renowned for three Greek temples. The first is the Temple of Hera, built around 550 BC by the Greek colonists. The second Temple of Hera was built around 460 – 450 BC and is an architectural wonder. On the highest point of town is the Temple of Athena, built in 500 BC. During the medieval era, this was used as a Christian church. There are also marvelous painted tombs in Paestum.

Day 3

Accommodation

Refined Coastal Hotel - Minori, Campania Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:00 pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:30 am.

Daily Itinerary

Ancient Paestum - Amalfi Coast Minori

After a fine breakfast, our local farmer awaits. Buffaloes in Italy? Yes! We’ll watch the careful preparation of extraordinarily light mozzarella cheese. Then we head to Paestum, which was a major Greek city on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Our tour guide will tell us the story of three magnificent temples, dating from 550 to 450 BC, plus the Roman Forum, the Amphitheater, and the people who lived there. Even the paved roads are intact. From Paestum, we head back to the farm for delicious produce and local fare. Let’s get into a cooking lesson, savor the fruits of our meal, and enjoy eating with our delightful host family. Feeling happy and full, we go to our next destination, lovely Minori on the Amalfi Coast. Breakfast and Lunch are included.

Paestum Trivia:
Q. Which Greek Temples are in Paestum?
A. There are three, the most recent being the Temple of Athena, built in 500 BC. It was created in a style that transitioned between the Doric and Ionic. Later it was used as a Christian church; three Christian tombs were found in the floor. In the middle of the site is a Roman forum and foundations of buildings remain, as well as part of an amphitheater. Interestingly, a road was built across the temple site in 1930, burying its northern half. The civil engineer who was responsible for that was tried and convicted for wanton destruction of a historic site, and he received a prison sentence. 

Overnight Location

Minori, Campania Region

On the Map: Minori is a comune in the province of Salerno, in the Campania region of southwest Italy. It is 1 ½ miles east of Amalfi and 40 miles south of Naples. As part of the Amalfi Coast, Minori is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Minori was an ancient, upscale Roman resort town. A patrician villa, dating from the 1st century, was discovered there. The natural beauty, views, and landscape are ideal. It has a long, and delicious culinary tradition, and for that reason it is called the “City of Taste,” or the “Eden of the Amalfi Coast.” Minori is also known for its welcoming charm.

Day 4

Accommodation

Refined Coastal Hotel - Minori, Campania Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:00 pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:30 am.

Daily Itinerary

Amalfi Coast Minori - Gorgeous Ravello and Tramonti - Amalfi Coast Minori

Today’s first stop is the hilltop town of Ravello, called “The City of Music.” While there, we’ll visit Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo. Ravello, with its enchanting mountaintop setting and serene coastline, has inspired artists for eons. Next, we go to a local lemon orchard for a zesty tasting—this area is world famous for products from these heady-scented orchards. This is the ideal place for a limoncello tasting as well as surprising specialties made with lemons. We’ll retreat to our Minori hotel for the evening. This town, unlike its more glitzy neighbors, is relaxed and graceful. And you will fall in love with its sea views. Breakfast is included. 

Amalfi Coast Trivia:
Q. Why is the Amalfi Coast famous?
A. A visit to the Amalfi Coast is to discover the most idyllic and scenic hillsides in Italy, to travel winding coastal roads with unparalleled panoramas, and to explore romantic historic attractions that are loved the world over. Magnificent views, landscapes, villages, and ancient sites have earned their place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Mediterranean vistas of coastal mountains plunging into the sea, picturesque towns and lush forests, plus the heady scent of citrus is what you’ll find on the Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Coast towns include Positano, Praiano, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Agerola, Amalfi, Atrani, Ravello, Scala, Minori, Maiori, Tramonti, Cetara, Vietri sul Mare… and more!

Overnight Location

Minori, Campania Region

On the Map: Minori is a comune in the province of Salerno, in the Campania region of southwest Italy. It is 1 ½ miles east of Amalfi and 40 miles south of Naples. As part of the Amalfi Coast, Minori is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Minori was an ancient, upscale Roman resort town. A patrician villa, dating from the 1st century, was discovered there. The natural beauty, views, and landscape are ideal. It has a long, and delicious culinary tradition, and for that reason it is called the “City of Taste,” or the “Eden of the Amalfi Coast.” Minori is also known for its welcoming charm.

Day 5

Accommodation

Refined Coastal Hotel - Minori, Campania Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:00 pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:30 am.

Daily Itinerary

Amalfi Coast Minori - Legendary Amalfi and Positano - Amalfi Coast Minori

Celebrated for its natural diversity, dramatic cliffside location, and its Mediterranean climate, Amalfi has been a favored playground for wealthy Europeans since the 15th century. The piazzas are shady and sun-drenched. The beach is beautiful. We will tour both. Afterward, we head to Positano. Enjoy leisure time here, strolling through this idyllic town. The Rolling Stones were inspired to write songs here. Movie director, Franco Zeffirelli, owned a villa here for 35 years, and hosted many film stars and authors. Wandering the town, you understand its creative soul. After leaving, we learn intricate ceramic decorating from a Minori artisan. Dive into a beautiful restaurant, relax, and smile. Breakfast is included.

Minori Trivia:
Q. What kind of cuisine does Minori have?
A. It is a foodie paradise. Minori is known throughout Italy as “The town of good taste,” but pasta is its specialty. During the Bourbon era, Minori was the center of pasta and pastry creations for the Kingdom of Naples. Flour mills dotted the town, and they were powered by the Rheggina River. Pasta was hung to dry in the city’s sunny parks, and terraced gardens were loaded with citrus fruits. Limoncello is this area’s legendary liqueur. Minori loves its food and has an annual food festival called GustaMinori.

Overnight Location

Minori, Campania Region

On the Map: Minori is a comune in the province of Salerno, in the Campania region of southwest Italy. It is 1 ½ miles east of Amalfi and 40 miles south of Naples. As part of the Amalfi Coast, Minori is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Minori was an ancient, upscale Roman resort town. A patrician villa, dating from the 1st century, was discovered there. The natural beauty, views, and landscape are ideal. It has a long, and delicious culinary tradition, and for that reason it is called the “City of Taste,” or the “Eden of the Amalfi Coast.” Minori is also known for its welcoming charm.

Day 6

Accommodation

Refined Coastal Hotel - Minori, Campania Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:00 pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:30 am.

Daily Itinerary

Amalfi Coast Minori - Dazzling Capri - Amalfi Coast Minori

On this blissful day, we’ll take a short ferry to the fabled Isle of Capri! A funicular takes us right to the heart of Capri’s town center. We’ll get oriented with a guided stroll around narrow lanes that wind by traditional whitewashed homes and businesses, cafes, and boutiques. Now you have time to explore on your own. Shops and cafes beckon you. Walk a little farther, and you reach quiet, bougainvillea-draped villas. Back at the funicular, take in the panoramic terrace view of the marina all the way to the Bay of Naples. Walk up a flight of steps, and you’re at the town’s lovely church, the Chiesa di Santa Stefano. When we return to Minori, indulge in joy, Italian style, and dip into the colorful restaurant you’ve been dreaming about.

Capri Trivia:
Q. Is it possible to get off-the-beaten-path in Capri?
A. Yes! A 45-minute walk from the center of Capri Town takes you to Villa Jovis. This is the largest, and most opulent, of Roman Emperor Tiberius’s island villas. (He had 12 villas on the Island of Capri.) Ruling from 14-37 AD, this complex is a memorial to his bizarre taste and ego. There are imperial quarters and large woodland bathing areas. The designers had to figure out how to collect and store enough water for extensive baths and gardens. They came up with a complex series of canals and storage tanks, which you can still see today. (Tiberius was known for tossing people who aggravated him off the cliff, so they were highly motivated to get it right.) The ruins of the villa are overgrown with wild plants. Walking through them is a surreal and unforgettable experience of Roman power.

Overnight Location

Minori, Campania Region

On the Map: Minori is a comune in the province of Salerno, in the Campania region of southwest Italy. It is 1 ½ miles east of Amalfi and 40 miles south of Naples. As part of the Amalfi Coast, Minori is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Minori was an ancient, upscale Roman resort town. A patrician villa, dating from the 1st century, was discovered there. The natural beauty, views, and landscape are ideal. It has a long, and delicious culinary tradition, and for that reason it is called the “City of Taste,” or the “Eden of the Amalfi Coast.” Minori is also known for its welcoming charm.

Day 7

Accommodation

Refined Coastal Hotel - Minori, Campania Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:00 pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:30 am.

Daily Itinerary

Amalfi Coast Minori - Beachside Maiori, Cetara, and Vietri Sul Mare - Amalfi Coast Minori

This is the perfect time to discover the Amalfi Coast’s hidden gem towns. Our first stop is Maiori. With the largest sandy beach on the coast, a lovely waterfront, and grand historical buildings, this town is a favorite. We’ll continue our travels with a stop at Cetara, a classic Italian fishing village. From there, we go to Vietri sul Mare, often called the ceramic capital of the world. It is most famous for secret little lanes and for handpainted, brightly-colored ceramics. This is the perfect time to pick up something uniquely Italian to take home with you.  After a full day spent taking in beauty, we’ll enjoy free time in Minori. Explore the town a bit more, or take the best nap you’ve ever had. This evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner, toast each other, and share stories. It has been a marvelous adventure. Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Minori Trivia:
Q. What is Minori known for?
A. Minori is considered by many Italians to be an ideal destination. It is quiet and doesn’t have a lot of attitude. It’s easily accessible from the coast. You get more for your money, in the way of meals and gifts, in Minori. And the sunsets have a well-deserved reputation for being unbeatable. It is an attractive little town, clean, and it’s a good seaside destination at the center of the famed Amalfi Coast. Despite the hubbub that surrounds this town, it has retained its personality as a relaxed fishing village. Here, you will still see time-worm wooden fishing boats on the beach. 

Overnight Location

Minori, Campania Region

On the Map: Minori is a comune in the province of Salerno, in the Campania region of southwest Italy. It is 1 ½ miles east of Amalfi and 40 miles south of Naples. As part of the Amalfi Coast, Minori is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Minori was an ancient, upscale Roman resort town. A patrician villa, dating from the 1st century, was discovered there. The natural beauty, views, and landscape are ideal. It has a long, and delicious culinary tradition, and for that reason it is called the “City of Taste,” or the “Eden of the Amalfi Coast.” Minori is also known for its welcoming charm.

Day 8

Daily Itinerary

Amalfi Coast Minori - Royal Palace of Caserta and Sant'Agata de' Goti - Exciting Naples

This is the final day of our tour, and we bid arrivederci to the Amalfi Coast. On our way back to Naples, we’ll stop at the 18th century Royal Palace of Caserta. This former royal residence was built by the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, and it was their main residence as Kings of Naples. Next we’ll stop at a farmhouse for exceptional Falanghina wines, produced from black grapes only in the Campania Region. We’ll enjoy a wine pairing with local produce for lunch before we travel to Naples and the end of our Southern Italy adventure.

Sant'Agata de' Goti Trivia:
Q. Is Sant'Agata de' Goti worth a visit?
A. Sant’Agata de’ Goti is a true hidden gem, captivating and luscious.Situated on the edge of Campania’s most well-loved wine country, it’s here you’ll delight in Falanghina and Aglianic wine and friendly folks. The Church of the Annunziata was built here in 1238 AD. Its interesting Roman-style fronts a Gothic interior with exceptional frescoes tucked inside.There is also the Castello Ducale, dating back to the 1100’s. The mythological creatures hidden in the frescoes are amazing. Every June the citizens gather to carpet the town with flower petals for Corpus Domini. During this celebration, paintings are made on the streets, using flowers, seeds, and leaves. Simply stunning in its simplicity and beauty.

As you'll be arriving late in the day to Naples, please ask your Authentic Destination Expert about extending your stay for a night or two, so there is zero stress about arriving at the airport in time for your flight home!

Depart From

Depart from Naples International Airport, Campania Region

Return to Naples International Airport (NAP) at least two hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure.