Arrival in Rome

Upon your arrival in Rome you check into the historic Hotel Piranesi, which occupies the 19th-century Palazzo Nainer designed by Roman architect Giuseppe Valadier. Within walking distance of many of Rome’s main sites and attractions, the hotel’s elegant street, Via del Babuino, is replete with art and antique galleries and is also near the Spanish Steps and the Piazza del Popolo. There are no scheduled activities this afternoon, leaving you time to settle in and begin to enjoy Roman life.

From the settlements of the early Etruscan civilization in the region, Rome grew to rule a vast empire and, of course later, the city became the center of the Christian world. Artists and architects flocking to work for the popes and their families, notably in the Renaissance and Baroque periods, created some of the city’s most magnificent buildings and monuments. The legacy of this uninterrupted millennial history can be seen all over the city and the surrounding area.

Dinner is on your own this evening in one of Rome’s many fine restaurants or trattorias. A list of recommended restaurants is available for dining ideas.

Private guided walking tour of Rome; 3 hours, easy

After enjoying breakfast in your hotel, your expert local guide joins you to lead you on a walking tour through the beautiful Campo Marzio. A perfect welcome and introduction to exploring the highlights and atmosphere of Rome, some of the sites and stops on this walking itinerary are: the Spanish Steps, Fountain of the Barcaccia, Building of the Propaganda Fide, the Trevi Fountain, and the Virgo Water Aqueduct. You continue onto the Via del Corso (Rome’s longest road), reaching the political center of Italy with the Palazzo Montecitorio, the House of the Deputies, Palazzo Chigi (the office of the Prime Minister), the famous Obelisk used inside the Pantheon, which is the best preserved Roman temple. The tour concludes in Piazza Navona, at the baroque Fountain of the Four Rivers of Gianlorenzo Bernini, and a perfect spot for an aperitivo and lunch at one of the square’s many open air bars, restaurants, and pizzerias.

You are free to continue your exploration of Rome on your own this afternoon and evening. You may choose to visit Vatican City, the world capital of Catholicism and the world’s smallest state. Occupying 106 acres within high walls watched over by the Vatican Swiss Guards, it was the site where St. Peter was martyred (~AD64) and buried, which then became the residence of the popes who succeeded him. The papal palaces, next to the great basilica of St. Peter’s, are home to the Sistine Chapel and the eclectic collections of the Vatican Museums, as well as being the residence of the Pope.

Chauffeured Vespa tour of Rome; 4 hours

This morning, after breakfast in your hotel, you set off on the ultimate Roman experience—a tour of the city on an authentic vintage Vespa. Don’t worry, you’re not driving! Your driver/navigator is experienced, drives with maximum attention to safety (helmets provided), and doesn’t exceed a speed of 30 kilometers (~19 miles) per hour. On the real life set of your own “Roman Holiday” you discover the hidden Rome—along the lesser known routes to the small squares and quiet streets beloved by Romans themselves. Highlights may include the Basilica San Giovanni, the Giardino degli Aranci, Piazza San Pietro, and Piazza Gianicolo.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening are yours to continue your independent explorations of Rome.

Departure from Rome; Train ride to Naples and private transfer to Positano

Following breakfast in the hotel, you are transferred to the Rome Termini train station to catch your Eurostar Train for Naples, where a first-class seat has been reserved on this 2-hour train journey. You are met at the Naples train station by a driver for the 1½-hour scenic drive to Positano; skirting the Bay of Naples and the base of Mount Vesuvius, you wind your way along the Sorrentine Peninsula to the Amalfi Coast.

Upon your arrival in Positano you check into your sea-view room at the Hotel Villa Franca. With its commanding position over the town and sea, this family-owned hotel has the feel of an elegant private villa reflecting the Mediterranean architectural style of white walls, painted tiled, lacquered terracotta, and stone accents from Mt. Vesuvius. The warmth of Southern Italian hospitality soon takes hold as you settle in and begin to explore Positano on your own.

One of the Amalfi Coast’s best-known towns, Positano is situated at the mouth of a splendid gorge that gradually widens out as it moves towards the sea. Originally a small fishing village, Positano’s characteristic houses—cubes of white, pink, red, orange, almost all with a small porch in front, some with a spherical dome—spiral down the narrow streets of the hillside to the port, interspersed with palm trees, trailing bougainvillea, and terraced citrus groves. Featuring in many films such as “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” the waterfront is a colorful bustle of fishing and pleasure boats, beach loungers, and parasols.

Dinner is on your own this evening in one of Positano’s many fine restaurants or trattorias. A list of recommended restaurants is available for dining ideas.

Amalfi Coast Drive; independent exploration of the towns of Amalfi and Ravello

This morning, after breakfast in your hotel, you embark on an ideal introduction to one of Italy’s most beautiful coastlines—the Amalfi Coast—with your local expert driver. One of the world’s most scenic drives is enhanced by the sheer vibe of the Amalfi Coast—the perfume of lemons, the people, the sunshine, the contrast of blue sea, sky, and striking white cliffs. Amalfi, the first stop of the day, approximately 30 minutes drive from Positano, is one of the most famous towns along this coastline. Also situated at the mouth of a ravine, surrounded by striking cliffs, the seaside resort town has a long history and was a powerful maritime republic in the Middle Ages. In the heart of the town overlooking the main square is its 11th-century Arab-Norman style cathedral. Inside, is the 12th-century white-columned “Cloister of Paradise.” A very short drive up brings you to the beautiful town of Ravello, perched high above Amalfi, with its privileged views over the entire coast. A gem, Ravello has been a magnet for artists and writers stretching from Boccaccio to Truman Capote. Stroll its narrow lanes and squares, with enticing boutiques and pastry shops—some of the region’s best “dolce” or sweets can be found here. A highlight is the evocative 13th-century Villa Rufolo, an inspiration to the operas of Richard Wagner, with its stunning Moorish-style courtyard, villa, gardens, and breathtaking views of the coast.

Returning to Positano in the later afternoon, you are free to stroll the town, relax at the beach or poolside at your hotel before dinner on your own.

Guided excursion to Isle of Capri, via hydrofoil boat from Amalfi

A full-day excursion with a local guide to the Isle of Capri provides a comprehensive picture of the entire Amalfi Coast and Bay of Naples. You transfer from your hotel to the port of Amalfi where you board a scheduled hydrofoil (high-speed ferry) whisking you across the waters around the tip of the Sorrentine Peninsula to the Marina Grande, Capri’s main port. A short stroll brings you to Capri’s funicular that climbs in minutes to the main square of the town of Capri. Its white-washed arches, domes, narrow streets, and squares blend into the island’s scenery and invite exploration. Later, you climb into one of Capri’s typical convertible taxis to drive to the island’s upper town of Anacapri. Like its “rival” of Capri below, Anacapri is elegant, but perhaps simpler in feel with its Moorish architecture and surrounding vineyards and olive groves. Sites to visit are the Piazza San Nicola and its 18th-century church of San Michele, and the Swedish writer Axel Munthe’s tranquil Villa San Michele. For a more active adventure, there is a chairlift to the summit of Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island with its truly stupendous views over the island, sea, and the mainland. This full day concludes as your guide leads you back by hydrofoil to Amalfi and your transfer to the Hotel Villa Franca in Positano, where you are free to enjoy the remainder of the evening.

Departure

Following breakfast in the hotel, you check out and depart Positano at your leisure.