26 DAY TOUR STARTS 05 SEP 2021

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Seven gastronomic dinners with 1/4 bottle of wine and 1/2 bottle of mineral water included!
• Four star hotel accommodation ( bed and breakfast ). Some hotels are set in prime positions and offer excellent panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
• Modern air conditioned mini coach with English speaking tour manager.
• A wide range of local excursions available daily from all the major centres of the itinerary. These tours, provided at no extra cost, are on an optional basis.
• Scenic cruise from Salerno to the Isle of Capri.
• Funicular from the harbour of the Isle of Capri to the main town.
• Scenic train from Salerno to Pompei.

AT YOUR OWN COST

• Meals other than those included in the package. Optional group dinners in picturesque restaurants will be arranged at special reduced prices.
• Entry tickets into museums, gardens, palaces, fortresses and castles.
• Single accommodation supplement.
• Travel Insurance.

HISTORIC PROFILE

Southern Italy, together with Sicily, used to be an ancient Greek Colony, called Magna Grecia (Great Greece). Vestiges of stunning magnificence are still evident today, particularly in Paestum (just south of Naples) where we find the best preserved Greek Temples outside Greece.

Moreover in the 3rd century B.C. the Romans took over and with the fall of the Roman Empire, the Italian peninsula was invaded from the north. Soon afterwards the Arabs prevailed in Southern Italy setting up a few Emirates along its western coastline, until the Normans came down destroying the Arab towns and their mosques

Then came the Angevis (from today France), the Aragoneses (from Catalunya) and finally the Spaniards!

Spain ruled Southern Italy and Sicily from the 16th century until 1861 when the new United Kingdom of Italy was formed.

PROGRAM

Sun 05 Sep 09.00 – Passengers report to our tour guide at the Hotel Comfort, 3 km from Rome Airport. This is an excellent four star hotel and if people stay the night before they can also use the hotel shuttle (we can organize accommodation if required). Departure for Termoli, a major coastal town which encompasses a traditional medieval district circled by defense walls as well as a modern district along its shores. This is a relatively long but comfortable freeway journey. Stop for refreshments and lunch will be made en route.
17.00 – Arrival in Termoli.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included).

Mon 06 Sep 09.00 – Morning orientation in Termoli covering the main highlights and time at leisure.
13.30 – Departure for a scenic drive in the hilly countryside south west of Termoli. After driving along the shores of the unspoilt Lake Guardialfiera we continue to the picturesque town of Guardialfiera where we stop for some sightseeing and time at leisure.
17.00 – Arrival back in Termoli.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included).

Tue 07 Sep 08.30 – Freeway journey heading north to the historic city of Chieti, renowned as the Queen of the Abruzzo Region coastal district. The city is set on top of a panoramic hill (at 330 m) with the sea on one side and high rising mountains on the other. Chieti’s elegant architecture and monuments recall an ancient splendour, but the city is still very active and lively today.
10.00 – Arrival in Chieti. Local orientation and time at leisure.
13.30 – Departure from Chieti. On the way back we stop at Ortona, set on the water edge, but 80 m above sea level, boasting a panoramic promenade as well as an ancient fortress in strategic position on a cliff.
17.00 – Arrival back in Termoli.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Wed 08 Sep 08.30 – Scenic drive into the high mountain district of the Molise Region, boasting an incredible variety of picturesque unspoilt landscapes. Our itinerary will take to the historic village of Pietrabbondante ( and its archaeological park ) and then to the resort of Capracotta (at 1,400 m) where we stop for lunch/snack as well as sightseeing.
13.30 – Continuation to the spectacular village of Pescopennataro where we also stop for sightseeing before returning to Termoli.
17.30 – Arrival back in Termoli.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Thu 09 Sep 08.30 – Spectacular drive along the Gargano Promontory, south of Termoli, in the Puglia Region. Its coastline plunges into the sea quite steeply, originating plenty of cliffs, bays and beautiful grottos. After a few panoramic stops we get to Peschici, set on a cliff and featuring a picturesque downtown district. Local orientation and time at leisure.
15.00 – Departure from Peschici.
17.00 – Arrival back in Termoli.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Fri 10 Sep 08.30 – Comfortable freeway journey to Brindisi, a city of Roman origin which was the terminal of one of the major Roman roads : the Via Appia. Brindisi is the only Italian city endowed with a natural ample fjord which makes it a perfect harbour and has triggered its strategic and commercial importance for many centuries. On the way to Brindisi we stop for sightseeing and lunch at Castel del Monte, a fascinating castle built by the German Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century and listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
17.30 – Arrival in Brindisi.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included).

Sat 11 Sep 08.30 – Sightseeing orientation in Brindisi, covering the main architectural highlights of this historic city. Afternoon at leisure.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sun 12 Sep 09.00 – Easy freeway journey to Otranto, a town of ancient Greek origins, renowned for its beautiful setting on the Adriatic coast as well as its historical heritage.
10.00 – Arrival at Otranto and local orientation, followed by time at leisure.
13.30 – Departure from Otranto and scenic drive along the coastline to the small fortress town of Acaia. Local sightseeing.
17.00 – Arrival back in Brindisi.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Mon 13 Sep 08.30 – Departure for Gallipoli (from Greek Callipolis, Beautiful Town) which was an ancient Greek colony. It is a fortress island-town connected to the mainland by way of a bridge. Its architecture is a fusion of Oriental, Baroque and Spanish styles.
10.30 – Arrival in Gallipoli. Local orientation and time at leisure.
13.30 – Departure from Gallipoli and short scenic coastal drive to the picturesque village of Santa Maria al Bagno. Local time at leisure and return to Brindisi.
17.30 – Arrival back in Brindisi.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Tue 14 Sep 08.30 – Departure for Alberobello, a famous highlight of the Puglia Region, listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site because of its unusual trulli, the characteristic white conic-roof houses of the district.
10.30 – Arrival in Alberobello, local orientation and time at leisure.
13.30 – Departure from Alberobello. On the way back we stop at an historic farm-house, surrounded by olive groves for a visit and a local snack (included).
17.00 – Arrival back in Brindisi.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Wed 15 Sep 08.30 – Departure for Belvedere Marittimo on the coast of Calabria. This is mostly a freeway/highway journey, except for the last sector which boasts a scenic drive across the Appennini Mountain Range. Stops will be made en route for refreshment and lunch.
17.30 – Arrival at Belvedere Marittimo.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel restaurant (included).

Thu 16 Sep – Morning at leisure in this beautiful resort.
15.30 – Short scenic drive to Cetraro, a seaside town along the coastline, south of Belvedere Marittimo. Besides its picturesque setting, Cetraro houses the “Museum of the Britti and the Sea“. The Britti were the original inhabitants of present Calabria before the Greek colonization.
17.00 – Departure from Cetraro.
17.30 – Arrival back in Belvedere Marittimo.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Fri 17 Sep 08.30 – Scenic drive along a very spectacular unspoilt coastal road from Belvedere Marittimo to Sapri.
10.30 – Arrival in Sapri . Local orientation in the historic district of Marinella. Time at leisure and optional walk along a picturesque footpath on the edge of the local scenic coastline.
13.30 – Departure from Sapri for a scenic de-tour: first we climb along the side of a mountain with spectacular views of Sapri and its coastline; then we continue along an impressive mountain road until eventually we get back to the coastline.
16.30 – Arrival in Belvedere Marittimo.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sat 18 Sep 08.30 – Departure for La Sila National Park, one of the largest in Italy (74,000 hectares), boasting a very high percentage of forest land (80%) , beautiful lakes and peaks reaching almost 2,000m.
10.30 – Arrival at Camigliatello Silano (1,270 m), the most prominent resort within the park. Brief local sightseeing and short drive ( 7 km ) to the nearby Lake Cecita which houses the Park Visitor Centre. Then we drive back to Camigliatello Silano, where we board an historic steam train for an half an hour ride to San Nicola Silvana Mansio at 1,400m.

After local lunch/snack we return by train to Camigliatello Silano and continue on a short scenic drive to Lake Arvo, one of the most beautiful in the Park. From Lake Arvo we get back to Belvedere Marittimo.
18.00 – Arrival at Belvedere Marittimo.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel restaurant (included).

Sun 19 Sep 08.30 – Short scenic drive along the coastline before turning into a panoramic road climbing from sea level to the medieval village of Guardia Piemontese (at 500m), which was founded in the 12th century by a group of settlers from the north-west region of Piedmont. Local brief stop and continuation, across the Appennini Mountain Range, to the historical town of Altomonte (at 460 m), renowned for its 12th century castle as well as its medieval architecture.
11.00 – Arrival at Altomonte. Local orientation and time at leisure.
13.30 – Departure from Altomonte and return to Belvedere Marittimo along a different scenic road.
16.30 – Arrival back in Belvedere Marittimo.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Mon 20 Sep 08.30 – Departure for Salerno, a major coastal city strategically located adjacent to the Amalfi Coast. This is mostly a freeway journey. Late morning arrival in Salerno.
14.00 – Orientation in Salerno covering the main highlights of the city.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included)

Tue 21 Sep 08.30 – Departure for Ravello, a UNESCO world heritage site which – in our view – is the most spectacular small town along the Amalfi Coast as it sits at 365m above sea level, boasting stunning panoramic views. Our scenic drive will take you inland, climbing along the Sorrento Peninsula to the Chiunzi Pass (at 880m) and then downwards to Ravello.
10.00 – Arrival and brief local orientation to be followed by time at leisure. Apart from the picturesque downtown district, a visit to the historic villas Cimbrone and Rufolo is highly recommended.
15.00 – Departure from Ravello.
16.30 – Arrival back in Salerno.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Wed 22 Sep 08.30 – Departure for the archaeological site of the ancient Greek town of Paestum which boasts some of the best temples and historical monuments outside Greece. A local museum also displays outstanding icons found during the excavations.
10.00 – Arrival in Paestum and guided orientation through the vast green setting of the site. Time at leisure. Bar/lunch facilities available locally.
13.30 – Departure for a short drive (11 km) to the nearby coastal village of Acropolis. Relax and refreshment in charming setting.
17.00 – Arrival back in Salerno.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Thu 23 Sep 08.30 – Departure for the island of Capri by hydrofoil. Navigation is along the full length of the Amalfi Coast enhancing its beauty.
10.40 – Arrival at the island and funicular to the main town. Local brief orientation about the scenic and historic highlights of Capri. Time at leisure to set your own pace and priorities (map provided).
16.20 – Departure from the island.
18.40 – Arrival in Salerno.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Fri 24 Sep 08.30 – Scenic train to Pompei, the famous Roman town which was buried by the ashes of the nearby Volcano Vesuvio in 79 A.D.
10.00 – Arrival in Pompei. In terms of sightseeing we provide two options : a) setting your own pace with an exclusive map (especially designed and printed to our specifications) which outlines all the key highlights with numbers and related information; b) touring the site behind a local guide with an umbrella (at your own cost). Good lunch/snack facilities are available in Pompei.
15.30 – Departure from Pompei.
16.30 – Arrival in Salerno.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sat 25 Sep 08.30 – Departure for Terracina, a coastal city conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century B.C. A massive Roman Temple of Jupiter still overlooks the city from a peak at 230m. This is mostly a freeway journey arriving in Terracina at lunch time.
14.00 – Local orientation in the historical downtown district, covering the main highlights of the city.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included).

Sun 26 Sep – Morning at leisure in Terracina.
13.30 – Scenic drive to the top of a majestic peak (at 230 m) overlooking Terracina and the Mediterranean Sea. Besides the beautiful panoramic view of the coastline, it boasts a prominent Roman Temple dedicated to Jupiter and built in the 3rd century A.D. After a local visit we return to Terracina.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Mon 27 Sep 08.30 – Departure for the Royal Palace of Caserta, which was built in the 18th century by Charles of Bourbon, son of the King of Spain Philip V . At that time the Kingdom of Southern Italy and Sicily (with Naples being the capital) was under Spanish rule and Charles was the king who decided to build a Royal Palace (which is now a UNESCO world heritage site) in a magnificent setting to compete with the great European residences, first of all Versailles. The choice location was Caserta, 30 km out of Naples.
10.30 – Arrival, brief introduction and guide-map provided to enable you to set your own pace. Given the size of the building (47,000 square meters and 1,200 rooms) and the immense park, you could easily spend a full day over there. However…. we can only allow a limited amount of time!
15.00 – Departure from Caserta.
17.00 – Arrival back in Terracina.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Tue 28 Sep 08.30 – Scenic coastal drive to Gaeta, a very strategic town since Roman times due to its location on a promontory stretching out at sea.
09.30 – Arrival in Gaeta and local orientation. The main attractions are the historical district and a huge lush park endowed with picturesque footpaths along a rocky coastline featuring plenty of spectacular cliffs and gorges.
13.30 – Departure from Gaeta. On the way back we stop at the ruins of a Roman Villa built by Emperor Tiberius on a scenic coastal spot in the 1st century A.D.
16.00 – Arrival back in Terracina.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Wed 29 Sep 08.30 – Scenic drive across the unspoilt Lepini Mountain Range, dotted with picturesque traditional villages. After stopping for refreshment and sightseeing in Rocca Massima (at 750m) we drive all the way down to Sermoneta (260 m) which is renowned for its medieval architecture.
11.30 – Arrival in Sermoneta. Local orientation and time at leisure.

13.30 – Departure from Sermoneta and short drive to Ninfa (2km) famous for its gardens set amongst the ruins of what used to be an old Roman town.
15.00 – Departure from Ninfa and return to Terracina via a scenic coastal road.
17.00 – Arrival back in Terracina.
19.30 – Text three…

Thu 30 Sep 08.30 – Departure for Rome-Fiumicino Airport.
12.00 – Arrival at the airport. End of the tour.

HOTELS

We believe that you are entitled to know exactly what you get for your money and that’s why we clearly state not only the number of stars but also the location of the hotels we use.

Unless you are in a rush tour, where you get to the hotel late at night and leave early morning, we do believe that a good location makes a world of difference to the quality of your holiday.