Pleasures of Southern Italy: Rome, Ischia Island & Amalfi Coast Tour

View of the bay and boats in the Conca dei Marini on the Amalfi Coast

What to expect on this itinerary

Indulge in the joy of Dolce Far Niente, a phrase that means “the pleasures of doing nothing,” as you travel through the gorgeous landscapes and incredible history of Southern Italy. Set sail on a private sailboat to catch the Mediterranean wind and bask in the mouthwatering aromas of a home-cooked meal crafted by a celebrated local chef, and then traverse a hidden tunnel to reach the grounds of a fortified island castle. Your custom tailored tour will immerse you in the pleasures of the Amalfi Coast, the Bay of Naples, and Rome to revel in the joys of Italian culture and everyday life.

Countries Visited

Italy

Places Visited

Rome, Capri, Ischia, Sorrento, Naples, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Conca dei Marini, Maioir, Minori, Cetara, Vietri sul Mare

Suggested Duration

8 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Rome – Arrive in Rome for an Introductory Tour of the Vibrant Eternal City

Rome is a city that highlights its past as it also maintains its contemporary culture. Artistic riches fill museums and line the streets in the form of fountains, ruins, and elegant palaces. Cafes fill with locals as they enjoy an afternoon espresso under the shade of the broad umbrellas. Byzantine churches contain elaborate mosaics and Renaissance frescoes dazzle passersby in museums and inside grandiose private homes. You will arrive at Fiumicino Airport, and your private transfer will greet you at baggage claim. Settle into your luxurious hotel located in the heart of the city before you meet your guide in the lobby.

The city bursts to life around you filled with the glories of the past and the thriving lifestyle of contemporary Rome. The city contains a Mediterranean Rhythm as people indulge in the sweetness of life, from the brioche to the pasta. Your guide will lead you on a remarkable introduction to the city to take in the classic beauty of the architecture and piazzas, from the Spanish Steps to the Piazza Navona. The end of your tour brings you across the flowing Tiber River to the Castel Sant’Angelo.

The structure was originally built under the guidance of Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd-century AD, but the threat of Germanic raiders soon had the powers of Rome turning the mausoleum into a defensive stronghold. Popes used covered passages to connect the castle to the Vatican Palace in the 13th-century. Four large bastions adorn the castle’s corners to look out to the streets to add another layer of protection to the grounds. The castle now contains 58 rooms, some of which include elaborate murals and models that depict the evolution of the castle through its more than 1,500 years of existence.

What's Included:

Accommodation
Transfer
Tour
Day 2

Rome – Discover the Remarkable Art of Rome and Learn to Paint the City

Day 3

Ischia – Travel to South Naples and Enjoy the Scenic Ferry to Ischia

Day 4

Ischia – Relish the Panoramic Views and Culture of Ischia on a Guided Tour

Day 5

Amalfi – Full Day Excursion to the Island of Capri before Transfer to Amalfi

Day 6

Amalfi – Explore the Stunning Amalfi Coast and Delight in a Cooking Class

Day 7

Amalfi – Enjoy a Sailing Lesson and Traverse the Trails along the Coastline

Day 8

Amalfi – Depart for Home from Naples International Airport

Trip Highlights

  • Experience the joys of sailing during a private lesson to learn the art of cruising while on the tranquil Mediterranean Sea
  • Delight in the layers of Italian flavor during your private cooking lesson to learn how to create the perfect balanced cuisine in Campania
  • Traverse the historical castle complex grounds on the gorgeous island of Ischia in the Bay of Naples
  • Capture the essence of Rome during a private painting class in a celebrated Baroque piazza after being inspired by the artistry of the Vatican Museum
  • Ascend to the heights of Monte Solaro for an unparalleled view of the Bay of Naples while on the island of Capri
  • Relish the beauty of the Amalfi Coast as you visit enchanting villages, fortified towers, and remarkable medieval churches
  • Witness the elaborate passageways and fantastic tales of the Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome

Detailed Description

Listen to the church bells as they chime the hour in the small town that overlooks the luxurious Mediterranean Sea. Traverse the inland farms and forest of an island known for its historical connection to Western European trade. Lounge in the gorgeous sun surrounded by dramatic cliffs, and traverse the polished halls of elaborate museums. Your 8-day tour takes you to Rome, the Amalfi Coast, and along the islands in the Bay of Naples to expose the delicate balance of Italian culture in the contemporary world. You will arrive at Fiumicino Airport in Rome, and your private transfer will escort you to the heart of the bustling ancient city. Your guide will lead you on a remarkable introductory tour of the piazzas and palaces and end across the Tiber River at the captivating Castel Sant’Angelo.

Next day, follow your guide through the opulent grounds of Vatican City to uncover the treasures of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum. In the afternoon, join the artists in Piazza Navona for a painting class and capture the enchanting décor of the Baroque square. Your private transfer will meet you at the hotel the next day and escort you south to Naples where you will board the ferry to the island of Ischia. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax in La Mortella gardens or indulge in the warm sunlight on the sandy beaches. Next, traverse the island with your private guide to discover the history and culture accented by the island’s importance as a stop during ships’ trade route to and from Naples.

Continue as you board your ferry to Capri to explore the stunning island that has captivated visitors for millennia. Stroll along the small towns and elegant walkways or venture to the summit of Capri’s tallest mountains for a view of the bay. You could also visit the ruins of Emperor Augustus’s villa before you continue onward to the Amalfi Coast. Next, traverse the famous Amalfi Coast with a scenic drive to visit the charming towns and villages hidden by the protruding rugged cliffs and settle into the views that overlook the coastline. In the afternoon, you will meet with a gregarious chef eager to teach you the secrets of Italian cooking with a Campania flair.

Spend the early hours of your next day to learn the proper techniques of sailing as you drift parallel to the shore and the horizon. Once back on land, cross a portion of the trails that connect the villages to one another along the cliffs. Your private transfer will meet you in the hotel lobby the next day to escort you to Naples International Airport for your flight home.

Starting Price

$3,600 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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My husband and I went through Zicasso to plan our honeymoon to Italy and Greece. This was the best decision ever! We worked closely with our travel specialist to plan our trip and she was absolutely phenomenal. This was our first international trip outside of the US, so we were a bit nervous at first! However, our specialist ensured every aspect of the trip was organized and that we were taken care of every step of the way.

The biggest relief was transportation. We did not have to give a second thought as to how we were getting places; we had drivers set up at every destination and for nearly every activity. Also, we had 24/7 support if anything were to go wrong, which gave us peace of mind.

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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