Explore the storied history and cultural treasures of Pompeii, the Vatican, and the Roman Empire. Balance architectural landmarks with the natural beauty of the Isle of Capri’s rugged coastline, and the seaside villages and cliffs found along the Amalfi Coast. See the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, the treasures of Pompeii in an archeological museum, and a 13th-century castle in Naples. Tour the city of Pompeii, preserved under volcanic ash for nearly 2,000 years. Travel by jet boat and high-speed train, and catch the views from glorious private villas on this Rome, Amalfi Coast, and Capri journey.

Itinerary

Day 1: Buon Giorno Italia
Tour begins at Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino one hour after the arrival of our-selected flights. Travel south through the Campania countryside to the Amalfi Coast. Enjoy the company of your fellow travelers at the evening welcome reception and dinner.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Lodging: Le Agavi Hotel a Positano, Italy

Day 2: Amalfi Coast drive
Drive along the Amalfi Coast, one of Europe’s most dramatic shorelines. See the brightly colored houses set on towering cliffs above the sea, and the houses in the town of Amalfi built between the 10th and 13th centuries. Visit Villa Rufolo, the former residence of several popes, offering perhaps the best view on the coast. Lunch today is at a local restaurant where you'll get a real taste of Italy. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to find your own special views.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Le Agavi Hotel a Positano, Italy

Day 3: Ruins of Pompeii & jet boat from the Amalfi Coast to Capri
Visit the excavated ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii, which was buried under ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. Tour highlights include Teatro Grande, capable of seating 5,000 people, and Villa dei Misteri, featuring one of the ancient world’s largest paintings. Leave the Amalfi Coast and travel by jet boat to the Isle of Capri, viewing its jagged coastline studded with grottoes. Upon arrival, you'll be picked up by convertible taxi - your transportation for the next two days - and taken to the Grand Hotel Quisisana; it is one of the most celebrated hotels in Europe.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Grand Hotel Quisisana, Capri, Italy

Day 4: Isle of Capri
A Capri tour explores the island’s history and natural beauty. Visit Villa San Michele, built in the late 19th century atop Roman palace ruins in the town of Anacapri. Attend a lecture on contemporary Italian society at a private villa overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, then enjoy the rest of the day as you please on the Isle of Capri.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Grand Hotel Quisisana, Capri, Italy

Day 5: Archaeological Museum in Naples
Head back to the Amalfi Coast and the city of Naples. A sightseeing tour shows you Teatro San Carlo, Italy’s oldest opera house, and Castel Nuovo; view landmark sights such as Posillipo, Piazza del Plebiscito, and the district of Santa Lucia. A guided visit of the  Museo Archeologico Nazionale showcases the treasured artifacts of Pompeii and Herculaneum. This afternoon, say goodbye to the beautiful Amalfi Coast and travel first class on the high-speed Eurostar train to Rome.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Hotel Splendide Royal, Rome, Italy

Day 6: A day in Rome
In Rome, see Circus Maximus, the 4th-century BC stadium where chariot races were held, and view the ancient ruins – temples, monuments, and Senate House – of the Roman Forum. See Trajan’s Forum and the Imperial Palaces, and visit San Pietro in Vincoli. Tour the Colosseum, opened in AD 80 for gladiator battles.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hotel Splendide Royal, Rome, Italy

Day 7: Visit the Vatican
Explore the rich treasures of Vatican City, starting at the Vatican Museums. Take a guided tour of the Candelabra Gallery, the Map Gallery, and the tapestries. View the art and architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica. In the Sistine Chapel, gaze in amazement at Michelangelo’s frescoes of The Last Judgement on the altar and Genesis on the ceiling. Enjoy the farewell dinner tonight along the Appian Way.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Splendide Royal, Rome, Italy

Day 8: Ciao Rome
Rome, Capri and Amalfi Coast tour ends at Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino 2 1/2 hours before the departure of our-selected flights. If you are departing at other times, you must secure your own transportation to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast

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