Join us on an adventurous tour of Italy!
In addition to the more typical sightseeing we will embark on unique and off-the-beaten path hikes and adventures!
Below is a sample itinerary*
*subject to change as we get closer to the date. A final itinerary and cost is expected to be finalized by November 2023.
Ask any Italian and they will undoubtedly tell you that Italian food is by far the superior to any other type of food. They will scoff at the mention of French wines and cuisine
They will boast about the beauty of their country that is astoundingly diverse for this country that’s smaller than California! Italy has an abundance of breathtaking views (viste mozzafiato) with mountains, volcanoes, beaches, cliffs, glacier-carved valleys, lush fields and so much more. Not to mention the abundance of historical landmarks that will leave you in awe.
Italians are passionate about their country, their culture and their food; yet they disagree from region to region on which region has the best pizza or pasta or way of living.
While the north is known for the beautiful wineries, superior infrastructure, host of most jobs, and a arguably better school system; they are also known for being a bit more “cold” to outsiders.
The south on the other hand is a bit more chaotic in the transportation department, a little more laid-back with work (if the owner doesn’t feel like working one day, your favorite restaurant might just be closed), and doesn’t have an abundance of job opportunities; however, they are warm and inviting and live in much more of a community, while also having some of the most stunning beaches, adventurous trails, and friendly neighborhoods.
During our 2024 Adventure Tour we will explore Rome, take a day trip to a winery and other cities in Tuscany, make our way to the less visited area of Scauri and Gaeta and then to the stunning Amalfi Coast while staying in the beautiful city of Sorrento!
See below for the sample itinerary and what is included
Sample Itinerary (subject to change):
Day 1: Rome
Arrive in Rome and get transported to hotel in Central Rome.
After you are checked into the hotel you will have a chance to unwind a bit and explore as desired (a map and details on useful stores/pharmacies/sites will be provided)
Welcome Dinner: We will all dine together to help get settled in, enjoy some of the best cuisine in the world, cheers with a glass of wine, and start learning some key Italian phrases.
Day 2: Rome
Private Vatican & Sistine Chapel tour (3 hours) with a local guide to provide all the insights!
Walking Tour: Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Roman Forum and the Colosseum (approximately 3 miles in total)
You’ll have the evening to adventure on your own, with suggestions for restaurants and assistance as needed on how to get to where you want to go!
Day 3: Tuscany Day Trip Winery Tour from Rome
Rise and shine and we will hop onto a tour bus early to escape the bustling city of Rome and enter the tranquil and beautiful towns in Tuscany.
First we will have a guided tour in Montepulciano then to Abbey of Sant’Antimo, after which we will head to a vineyard to enjoy a traditional 3-course gourmet lunch with local wine pairings, seated in an authentic vineyard wine cellar; and last a guided tour and free time in Pienza before we head back to Rome (exhausted and happy).
Day 4 Scauri
We will sleep in a bit and then make our way to Scauri (1.5-2 hrs).
After we check into the hotel we will spend some time enjoying the beaches and the bustling walkway along the sea. Soak in the sun, enjoy a cocktail and take this time to relax. In the evening we will venture to a restaurant that specializes in sea food.
*possibility to do a hike after arrival – Gianola Trail
Day 5 Scauri HIKE
*if hiking is not your thing, then you can stay in town and soak in more sun and walk along the beaches or frolic in the sea!
Today we will set out on a beautiful hike! We will take a minbus to the trial head for this unique hike, Rendotore.
As we ascend the trail you will have the opportunity to see this castle built right into the side of the rocks! As we continue up we will likely see goats and cows from nearby farmers; we will pass by a large cross and eventually we will reach the top where you will see the Statue of Cristo Redentore. Here we can sit, relax and take in the views.
Later that day we will go to Gaeta, Known as the “city of a hundred churches“, for a relaxed adventure with some incredible views, beautiful churches and we should all go explore on foot, Via Indipendenza. Another characteristic location, where time seems to have stopped. Beautiful houses, balconies full of plants, clothes hanging everywhere, shops, stalls and a lot of tradition.
Day 6: Scauri to Sorrento (2 hour drive)
It’s time to get a taste of the Amalfi Coast by visiting the beautiful city of Sorrento! Here you will be able to explore on your own BUT we will provide a self-guided walking tour with directions on how to get to the “must-see” spots! Be sure to take some time to enjoy the beaches and allow yourself to soak in the sun and beauty.
Day 7: Tour from Sorrento to Positano, Amalfi & Ravello (8 hr tour)
Are you ready to feel as though you are on the set of the most beautiful and romantic movie? Today you might want to pull out some of your nicer clothing options, as Positano is definitely a place that attracts they type of crowd that dresses to be seen. (Don’t get me wrong, I hiked into Positano and looked a hot mess and nobody beat me up, but I did feel a bit out of place).
Day 8 Sorrento (Free day with tour options at additional costs) It’s your last full day at the Amalfi Coast and I want you to do exactly what YOU want to do today. By this time you may feel adventurous enough to take a bus or ferry on your own to explore the Island of Capri or Ischia. Or, I can help you arrange one of the tours below:
- Capri Blue Grotto Boat Tour From Sorrento (approx. $150) 8 hrs
- Skip The Line Pompeii Guided Tour & Mt. Vesuvius (approx. $130) 8 hrs
- Sorrento Farm and Food Experience including Olive Oil, Limoncello, Wine tasting (approx. $95) 3.5 hrs
- Cook like a local with Seaview (approx. $105) 4 hrs
We could also look into doing a hike that is accessible from our hotel!
Day 9 Back to Rome (4.5 hours)
Today we will take the ride back to Rome after we check out of our hotel and say a sad goodbye to the beautiful Amalfi Coast.
In Rome we will stay one last night before we part ways. This is your last chance to soak in the history and culture of Italy’s capital, before you return, of course.
*If you plan to go elsewhere after Sorrento or fly out of a different airport I can help arrange that as well.
Day 10 Airport
Today is the day and depending on departure times we will either take one private bus OR we can take a shuttle from nearby the hotel to the airport (again, I will help with this as we get closer to the date).
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Transportation to and from the airport in Rome (assuming on our given days)
- Accommodation for 3 nights in Rome and 2 nights in Scauri, and 3 nights in Sorrento. based on twin share (additional fee for solo room)
- All tours and entry fees and gratuity as listed in the itinerary (optional tours will be offered at an additional fee)
- Welcome dinner in Rome
- Lunch during the Tuscany tour
- Two dinners in Scauri
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
• All airfares, departure taxes & fuel surcharges, seat selection
• Personal items
• Optional Tours
• Meals unless listed in itinerary
• Early check-in & late check out of rooms (standard check-in time is 2pm and check out 10am)
• Travel Insurance
• Visa/passport handling fees
COST:
**a rough estimate of $2500-$3000 (to be finalized by Nov. 2023)