DAY 1 - We gather in Naples this afternoon for introductions
and a walk through the colorful historic town center. Naples is
home to the National Archeological Museum, the San Carlo Opera House,
the Royal Palace, the National Art Gallery (full of Renaissance
masters) and its 13th century castle. If you have the time you'll
want to come a day or two early to explore this fascinating city.
We'll have a special welcome dinner together this evening.
DAY 2 - After breakfast this morning we'll gather picnic supplies
and shuttle to Herculaneum, a Roman town destroyed in 79 A.D. by
the eruption of the Vesuvius. Herculaneum is only about one third
the size of Pompei, but it is more intact and the ruins offer a
unique view into ancient Roman life. After our visit, we'll shuttle
up Mount Vesuvius for a walk around the summit and through the Valley
of the Giants. We'll be in Pompeii this evening, where dinner is
on your own.
DAY 3 - After breakfast this morning we walk across the street from
our hotel and into the excavations of Pompeii, perhaps the most
celebrated Roman archaeological site. We'll do a brief guided visit
and then allow time for you to explore on your own. Later we'll
shuttle on to the town of Sorrento, where according to early Greek
legend, Ulysses and his crew heard the tempting song of the Sirens
in the Odyssey. Take a stroll and enjoy the views. We'll catch our
boat to the Island of Capri this afternoon. Dinner is together tonight.
DAY 4 - We have a full day on Capri today, vacation home to Roman
Emperors (Tiberius and Caesar Augustus) and movie stars alike! The
island, with it's dramatic limestone cliffs, white sand beaches,
and olive groves is considered by many to be Italy's most beautiful
natural asset. Take the morning to stroll the village or hike the
mountain that forms that backbone of the island. We'll offer an
optional hike or boat ride (your choice!) to visit the famous "Blue
Grotto". Dinner is on your own tonight.
DAY 5 - After breakfast today we'll catch our boat back to the mainland
to the picturesque village of Positano. After gathering picnic supplies
we'll walk to Santa Maria del Castello, enjoying spectacular views
of the coast along the way. Our route takes us along the Sentiero
degli Dei, or Path of the Gods, towards Montepertuso. We'll have
dinner together tonight in Positano.
DAY 6 - After a brief shuttle to the hamlet of Nocelle, we'll begin
our walk to Conca dei Marina, site of a very early Roman settlement
dating back to 481 BC. We'll stop in the small town of Furore for
a light lunch together, and then continue on to San Lazzaro and
Conca. We shuttle back to Positano later this afternoon. Dinner
is on your own this evening.
DAY 7 - Today, we shuttle by boat to Amalfi and then transfer to
Ravello, one of the most popular towns on the Amalfi coast. The
sunny climate of this coast has appealed for centuries to writers,
artists, and dreamers. Boccaccio, D. H. Lawrence, and German composer,
Wagner, are among the famous people who have called this area home.
Wagner partly composed his opera "Parsifal" here and today
it is home to the Wagnerian Music Festival each July. We'll walk
from Ravello to Scala and onto Amalfi where we'll enjoy a special
final dinner together this evening.
DAY 8 - After breakfast we provide a shuttle to the train station
in Salerno for those of you who are headed home tomorrow (trains
will take you from Salerno to Naples or to Rome for flight connections).
If you've elected to stay an extra day or two in Amalfi or Ravello
enjoy your stay!
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