Overview

This is truly a destination that has a "wow" factor! There is so much to see that one visit can never suffice, but always leaves a lasting impression.

The stunning Sorrento peninsula forms has been designated a World Heritage site and together with the bay of Naples forms the backdrop to this exciting destination. Dominated by Mount Vesuvius, the ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii have been preserved as a snapshot in time; Sorrento is a bustling town and a fine base from which to explore the region, while the Amalfi Coast and the Isle of Capri all contribute to make this a memorable tour for your group.

There are many opportunities for visits; this tour has been designed for a less formal delivery to take advantage of the fascinating historical sites of the area. As you are spoilt for choice, an itinerary will be created to tailor for specific group requirements and interests. The region has a wonderful Mediterranean climate and so whilst there may be rain in early spring or late autumn, a visit is ideal at any time.

Accommodation

Hotel Flora

4 Star

This hotel offers elegant accommodation that is a 10 minute walk from the town centre. Student rooms are for 2-4 persons with accompanying adults being provided with twin/single rooms. All have private facilities.  Meals are taken in the restaurant with panoramic views across the Bay of Naples to Vesuvius. The public areas are very spacious with a sweeping staircase, Hollywood style, a bar and a meeting prom that can be used for in-house activities or studies.

Hotel Villa Gardenia

3 Star

+

This is a family run hotel about 10 minutes from the town centre and owner Gaetano and his staff will extend a warm welcome.
Student rooms are for 2-4 persons with teachers having twin or double rooms; all rooms have en-suite facilities. Meals comprise a breakfast buffet, packed lunch and 3-course dinner. There is a meeting room, bar and lounge area with satellite TV. Outside there is a swimming pool available to guests depending upon the time of the year and tennis courts (bring your own equipment). The hotel has recently been renovated and refurbished to a high standard.

Hotel Londra

3 Star

The hotel is located in a quiet position of the town about 15 minutes from the town centre and you can be assured for a fine welcome from the staff. The accommodation is of a good standard with student rooms for 2-4 persons and teachers in twin/single rooms. All rooms have private facilities. Meals are full board with a packed lunch for the middle of the day – the food is varied and plentiful. Facilities include a bar with TV, a lounge and garden area.

Sample Itinerary

• Day 1

  Fly to Naples and transfer to your hotel. Depending upon the time of arrival it may be possible to include a visit/excursion.
• Day 2

  The Amalfi Coast. Drive to the village of Positano which appears to cling to the cliffs. Explore the narrow quaint streets. Return to the coach and continue to Amalfi. Short guided walking tour of the town. Enjoy the town, beach or go shopping. On return visit a local farm to find out how mozzarella cheese is made and how olives are traditionally pressed.

  Eve: In-House
• Day 3

  The Isle of Capri. Boat trip to and around the island. Visit the hilltop town and spend time window shopping among the designer boutiques.

  Eve: Pizza and gelatti in a local trattoria.
• Day 4

  Drive to Pompeii for a guided tour that includes the forum, amphitheatres and plaster casts of the victims of the eruption of 79AD. Continue to Vesuvius National Park and the crater of the only active volcano on mainland Europe. Visit a pasta factory.

  Eve: Disco
• Day 5

  A guided tour of Herculaneum in the morning. Travel around the Bay of Naples to Pozzuoli to visit a magnificent amphitheatre that is remarkably intact and/or Solfatara, dying volcano. Transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK.

  This is a suggested itinerary only and can be of any length, combined in a variety of ways and be tailored to include the geographical excursions and visits that you require. Any quotation will INCLUDE excursion and entry fees as stated in the itinerary. We will provide a guide price for any additional visits/activities.

Excursions

The visits listed below are not exhaustive. If a particular visit is wanted, then we will include it. Please note that visits on the days of arrival and/or departure will depend upon flight times.

POMPEII AND HERCULANEUM.

On August 24^th, 79AD the world stopped for the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. A violent earthquake triggered a massive eruption that, it is estimated, released 4kms³ of ash into the atmosphere in less than a day, blocking out the daylight and changing the weather pattern for years afterwards. The people of Pompeii were showered with pumice and ash whilst Herculaneum was buried by rivers of boiling mud. Restoration began in 1631 but it would take another 300 years to reveal the whole story that is so well preserved today.

AMALFI COAST.

The coastline between Sorrento and Amalfi is spectacular. The vertical cliffs and small inlets are dotted with villages that cling to the cliffs. Positano is just such an example and worth a visit for its narrow quaint streets, church and volcanic shingle beach. The largest town is Amalfi with its winding alleyways, terraces of vines, olives and lemons and a beautiful cathedral. In summer months it’s possible to return to Sorrento by sea and appreciate the dazzling limestone cliffs, bedding planes, joints that are home to the highly adapted Mediterranean vegetation.

ISLE OF CAPRI.

The chic and fashionable Isle of Capri is a short distance from the Sorrento coast and is connected by a regular ferry service each day. We recommend that you take boat trip around the island to appreciate it from the water, rather than the well known visit to the Blue Grotto which is usually, busy and brief. The old town is located at the top of the island and can be reached by bus, on foot (strenuous walk) or the funicular railway. There will be time to find out more about the island and for some window shopping amongst the designer boutiques.

MOUNT VESUVIUS.

Mount Vesuvius is part of a complex of major and minor volcanic centres that are still active today. Famous for the catastrophe that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum, Vesuvius last erupted in 1944 emitting pyroclastic flows and lava. It is a mountain that is closely monitored as there are approximately 4 million people living in the immediate area on the “crowded coast”. Your visit will take you through the Vesuvius National Park, past the lava flows of 1944 and from the “near summit” car park you walk to the crater rim of the only active volcano on mainland Europe. The Park Rangers will meet the group and impart their knowledge about this dormant volcano where there are still fumaroles, tuff and pumice to find and splendid views of Pompeii, Heculaneum and the Bay of Naples on a clear day.

SORRENTO.

The town has been a popular Italian holiday resort for decades. Located amongst the vineyards and lemon groves, Sorrento is an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area. From Piazza Tasso several narrow streets radiate towards the old port. Here you will find the perfect place for gifts to take home and there are also designer outlets – something for everyone. Almond cakes and the sweet-sour liqueur Limoncello are traditional products.

SOLFATARA.

Located on the opposite side of the Bay of Naples to Sorrento, Solfatara is a dying volcano in the Phlegrean Fields. This is an area of bubbling mud, solfataras and fumaroles – a small, but still live, volcanic area. It is still possible to experience seismic shakes along a nearby fault line and students will see the instruments that record the rising gases and detects Bradeiism. This is the rise and fall of land levels with the volcanic activity that has affected the area for centuries.

CAMPEI FLEGRI.

In the area around Pozzuoli on the opposite side of the Bay of Naples the Campei Flegri area is an old volcanic area that enables students to understand the volcanic history of an area that includes extinct craters and crater lakes.

PAESTUM.

Paestum is an ancient Greco-Roman city in the Campania region of southern Italy, about 40 km south of Salerno. It was settled by Greek colonists in the 6th century BC, and later occupied by Lucanians, Romans and Christians. Malarial swamps led to the abandonment of the city in the 9th century AD, but also helped preserve the ancient city's finest artifacts. Today, Paestum boasts three well-preserved Doric Greek temples, ruins of ancient houses and a museum containing Greek artifacts. As an extra bonus, the site is off the beaten tourist path and is often deserted.