Description
Drink in the Coastal Views in Italy (Europe) for Four Nights at the Corallo Hotel Sorrento in Amalfi and Two Nights at The Style Hotel in Rome for Two, Including a Driving Tour of Amalfi, a Tour of Capri and Anacapri, a Tour of Pompeii, Train Transfers from Naples to Rome, a Trastavere Walking Tour, and Your Choice of a Tour of the Vatican or the Colosseum (Land Only)
A trip to Italy should be a feast for the senses, and this one certainly is! Your eyes will thank you for breathtaking views of vibrant vegetation and multicolored towns next to the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean; your nose will savor the scents of sweet-scented wisteria along the slopes of Positano; your palate will savor splendid cuisine along the coast and in the city center of Rome; and your heart will surely fall in love with the enchantment of the Amalfi Coast, the archeological ruins of Pompeii and the ancient wonders of the Eternal City. With everything from tours and tastings, to the jewels of Italy's southern coast and Sistine Chapel, this trip will have you saying, "That's amore!"
Find la dolce vita along the Amalfi Coast and on the island of Capri! On your private full-day tour of the Amalfi Coast, your English-speaking driver will pick you up and drive you to the sophisticated resort town of Positano, where you'll visit the busy central Piazza dei Mulini and streets that lead to the cathedral, ceramic shops, fruit vendors, and apparel retail shops. The coastal town of Amalfi is situated on a seafront port and a long stretch of pebbled beach, and has interesting sights to explore, such as a spectacular cathedral along the coast, and a paper factory and museum. A slow drive uphill will lead to Ravello, a hidden treasure of the Amalfi Coast. Ravello is a rural village unspoiled by tourism, perched on top of a mountain cliff set above Amalfi and Minori, and it's famous for its breathtaking views and ancient monuments best exemplified by the gardens of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo. Your second full-day tour is an excursion to the beautiful towns of Capri and Anacapri, both on the island of Capri. Meet your guide and board a fast jetfoil to the island, and once there, catch a minibus to reach Anacapri. After a guided tour of Villa San Michele, the former dream home of the Swedish physician, Axel Munthe, spend your time however you choose. Next, take a walking tour along the famous Via Camerelle, arriving at Giardini di Augusto, and stop at the famous Piazzetta and spend some free time shopping or visiting the Blue Grotto.
While reveling in the spellbinding stretch of Italian coastline of the Amalfi Coast, you'll stay at the four-star Hotel Corallo, which is set on the sea, steeped in history, and just a few minutes from the characteristic alleyways of Sorrento. Located in the town of Sant'Agnello, this clifftop hotel features gorgeous views of the Gulf of Naples, Vesuvius and the Sorrentine peninsula. Dine on splendid Mediterranean cuisine in the terrace restaurant, and enjoy maximum relaxation in comfortable rooms.
Private transfers will take you from Sorrento to the Naples train station, with a visit to the world-famous ruins of Pompeii en route. Your guide will lead you around the archeological ruins of Pompeii, all of which have been sealed in ash since the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. A visit to Pompeii is an amazing experience of stepping back in time - you'll see the thriving Roman city frozen as it was by the volcanic eruption, before volcanic ash preserved all of Pompeii's buildings, streets, mosaics, and frescoes.
Walk, talk and taste on your walking food tour, which will take you to Rome's historic food center, Campo de Fiori, a popular food market that boasts stalls overflowing with fresh veggies, meats, and cheeses. Meander down the narrow winding lanes and small piazzas of one of Rome's most picturesque quarters, Trastevere, where you will discover the wonders from the past while making several stops to taste classic Roman dishes like pasta, pizza Bianca, fresh mozzarella, locally cured salami, and artisan gelato. This culinary journey will also take you to the Jewish Ghetto, a bohemian district south of Rome's historical center known for its vintage shops and art studios. Stop by local grocery stores and delicatessens around Piazza delle Cinque Scole for samples of specialties like risotto balls, fried artichokes and codfish. As you finish the tour, you will have the chance to rest your feet, while you enjoy a sit down dinner of authentic Italian pasta dishes, gelato and a café. The entire city of Rome can be likened to one giant museum, and it's yours to discover! If you choose a private half-day tour of the Vatican, you'll enter the medieval Renaissance walls of Vatican City accompanied by an English-speaking guide. You'll see the spellbinding Sistine Chapel and the most important collections of art in the world, as well as the Basilica of St. Peter. Treasures abound, mysteries revealed, myths and facts separated - your guide will lead an incredible lesson in art, history and architecture, as well as ancient times, the Popes and the revered artists. Start the day with a delicious breakfast in the magnificent Pinecone Courtyard. If you'd prefer to spend your half-day touring ancient Rome, you'll visit the Colosseum, the famed symbol of the Roman empire's power. The mighty amphitheater still stands after nearly 2,000 years, a compliment to the clever engineering of the Romans, then travel to the heart of ancient Rome to visit the Roman Forum, the ancient complex that offers many clues to how Romans lived, worshiped and entertained. Lastly, climb up Palatine Hill, where Romulus and Remus founded Rome, making it the favored place for emperors to build their elaborate palaces.
Your accommodations in Rome will be at The Style Hotel, set in a historically enchanting Roman building from the early twentieth century, is an elegant four-star boutique hotel with an innovative design that blends uniqueness and history with modern tastes. The property is part of the AG Hotel group which are distinguished by the bright colors of the rooms, as well as the details and atmospheres of the common areas which express a distinctive character of hospitality.
Your trip for two includes:
4 nights accommodations at the Hotel Corallo in Sorrento in a superior sea view room with balcony
2 nights accommodations at The Style Hotel in a superior room
Breakfast daily
Private full day tour to Amalfi with transfer and guide (entrance fees not included)
Full-day excursion to Capri and Anacapri with transfer and a English speaking guide (entrance fees not included)
Ferry tickets from Sorrento to Capri
Private transfer from hotel to Naples train station
One-way train transfer between Naples and Rome with a half-day tour to Pompeii enroute
Arrival transfer from Rome train station to The Style hotel
Half-day small group food walking tour
Private half-day tour to either the Vatican or the Coliseum, including entrance fees and transfers
Private departure transfer from The Style hotel to Rome Airport
Room-related taxes (including VAT)
Free concierge reservation service
Item Special Note
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Travel package is non-refundable and subject to availability. Certificates/gift cards cannot be replaced. Passport required for travel outside the U.S. Hotel may be substituted with equal or similar accommodations. Tours run on specific days of the week and at specific times, and do not operate from November to March. Local city taxes are the responsibility of the traveler and are required to be paid directly to hotel. A minimum 45 day advance reservation is required. Please email us at auction@stmaryhs.org to find out deadline to travel.