The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Oct. 30-Nov 7, 2012   $2,449

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Depart the USA: Depart the U.S. for Italy.

Day 2 - Rome/Naples/Sorrento: After arriving in Rome or Naples airport proceed to baggage claim. Once clearing customs, you will be met by the local ABC Destinations representative and transferred to your hotel, the Hotel Bristol in Sorrento. The famed Amalfi Coast or Costiera Amalfitana is a stunning coastline set along the rugged mountains and winds down the western coast of Italy from Sorrento to Salerno in the region of Campania. Many miles of hairpin turns offer spectacular vistas with changing views of landscapes, rocks plunging vertically in to the clear sea, charming fishing villages with brightly colored boats set in the small harbors, vibrant vegetation and colorful flowering plants, houses and hotels nestled high in  the rocks above the winding coastline — all contrasting dramatically with the brilliant blues of the Mediterranean waters. After check in at hotel, have an orientation tour of Sorrento. Poets and writers have described Sorrento as the land of colors and Mermaids. Sorrento is indeed a very pretty city where kindness and hospitality are a combination that is handed down from one generation to the next. Tonight dinner is at the hotel. (Dinner)

Day 3 - Sorrento/Amalfi Coast/Sorrento: After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full-day excursion exploring the enchanting towns along the picturesque Costiera Amalfitana.  As we make our way to Amalfi, we'll see Positano from above and glimpse its buildings, clinging to the rocks. We reach Amalfi, which origins date back to both the Roman and Byzantine Empires. It once rivaled Genoa and Pisa in its maritime importance and still retains its fishing traditions today. Continue to Ravello, one of the most attractive destinations on the Amalfi Coast. With a population of around 2,000, the settlement perches high above Amalfi, overlooking the Mediterranean. A renowned musical festival is held in Ravello every year, with classical music concerts taking place in gardens with breathtaking views. Visit Rufolo and the medieval cathedral. Tonight dinner is at the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4 - Sorrento/Capri/Sorrento: (Optional Tour) Day at leisure or after breakfast, you may choose to take an optional tour to Capri. After departing your hotel, you'll be transferred to Sorrento's harbor for your journey to Capri by high-speed boat. Upon arrival to the port of Capri, a transfer by minibus takes you to Anacapri. You'll have free time to visit Villa San Michele, located on the north-eastern side of Anacapri, the home of Swedish doctor and writer Axel Munthe. Return to Capri for lunch (not included); in the early afternoon, take a walk to Augustus' Gardens and have free time to see the Blue Grotto if you wish before returning to Sorrento and home to your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5 - Sorrento/Pompeii/Naples/Sorrento: After breakfast, we will visit Pompeii, Italy's most famous and unique archeological site. Frozen in time when the city was buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in A.D. 79, Pompeii is now, a World Heritage site. Its excavation has provided a picture of life during the height of the Roman Empire. From Pompeii, we will drive to Naples. As the capital of the Campania region, Naples is known for its history, art, culture and, especially, gastronomy. Enjoy a Pizza lunch in a typical Pizzeria. After lunch, we'll visit the historical center of Naples. Highlights of the tour include Old Town, Posillipo, Piazza del Plebiscito, San Carlo Theatre, and its castles.  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 - Sorrento: (Optional Course) Today is at leisure, relax, take it easy and sample the Italian way of life. The Campania Region is well renowned for its culinary traditions. Our proposal today is for you to join us on an optional cooking course. Spend the day immersed in the countryside and learn the secrets of their regional cuisine. Choose the finest and freshest ingredients and observe the chef as he teaches you how to prepare the delicious meal you will enjoy for lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight dinner is at the hotel.  (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7 - Sorrento/Paestum/Sorrento: (Optional Tour) Today is at leisure to do your shopping in the local shops, have an Italian ice-cream or cappuccino or after breakfast, take an optional tour of Paestum, where you'll visit its Greek temples. With its impressive and solemn churches and its splendidly preserved walls, Paestum is one of the most famous and important archaeological sites in Italy. The ruins of Paestum include the walls, four majestic and well-preserved temples, other religious buildings, the amphitheatre and the Via Sacra, in addition to other minor remains. The area is also famous as producer of the best Buffalo Mozzarella, before visiting the excavations, we will stop at an authentic Mozzarella Cheese factory for a demonstration and lunch. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 8 - Sorrento: Spend your last day at leisure in Sorrento. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 9 - Sorrento/USA: After breakfast, we will bid a fond goodbye to Italy and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)

TWO NIGHT OPTIONAL ROME EXTENSION:

Day 9 - Sorrento/Rome: After breakfast, meet your guide and driver and set off for Rome. Upon your arrival in Rome transfer to your hotel for check in, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure and yours to enjoy. Romans say that "Rome wasn't built in a day", nor can Rome be seen in a day. One could live in the Eternal City for years and still not see everything. It's hard to say what you'll find most breathtaking: Etruscan tombs, the republican meeting rooms, imperial temples, early Christian churches, medieval bell towers, baroque basilicas or renaissance palaces. Tonight you are on your own for dinner. You will have no trouble finding local restaurants in this residential area of Rome, just outside the hotel and around the corner are some lovely places were the locals meet to eat, have a glass of local wine and enjoy a dish of pasta, or ask your guide or the concierge at the front to make a recommendation, they are eager and pleased to help. Overnight at The Grand Hotel Beverly Hills. (Breakfast)

Day 10 - Rome: After breakfast, start your full day tour of Rome. In the morning enjoy a guided tour of Imperial Rome. Visit the Roman Forum, the most important archaeological area in the city and once the center of the public life; visit the Colosseum, the most famous monument of ancient Rome and an impressive testament to her past greatness. After lunch in a local trattoria, continue the tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. The Vatican Museums and their immense wealth of art, resulting from centuries of papal collections, offer an extraordinary experience. Amongst others, see the great masterpieces of Renaissance art with the frescoes of the Raphael Rooms and one of Michelangelo's greatest achievements, "The Last Judgment" in the Sistine Chapel. Return to the Hotel, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, you can do some shopping or take a stroll on the Via Veneto. Tonight dinner is on your own; enjoy your last night in Rome. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 11 - Rome/USA: After breakfast, say ciao to Rome, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)

Please note: Though rare, it may be necessary to substitute hotels and adjust itineraries due to local conditions.