Sorrento’s streets are full of trees dripping with oranges and lemons, tall palms rise above buildings and provide shade for the piazzas. Bougainvillea cascades everywhere and each piece of spare ground seems to support an olive or lemon grove. Flower pots are found at entrances, balconies, rooftops and courtyards and all these add colour to an already colourful town. Add to this parks and public gardens to be found on the Amalfi coast, Ischia, Capri and Caserta and you have the perfect destination for lovers of plants and gardens.
What’s included
- 4/5* Hotel
- Private transfers from Naples airport
- Amalfi coast with visits to Villa Cimbrone and Rufolo in Ravello
- Ischia with visit to La Mortella gardens.
- Caserta Palace and the English Gardens
- Capri with visits to the Augustus Garden and Villa San Michele
- Optional tours and activities, see list below
- Friends of Sorrento support before and during visit
Availability
May and Sept
Price on request based on two people sharing a double room.
Group size: Minimum 4. For larger groups please get in touch.
Day One
Welcomed at Naples airport where your driver will be waiting to take you to the hotel. Sit back and enjoy beautiful views across the Bay of Naples as you drive through Castellammare di Stabia, Vico Equense, Meta, Piano di Sorrento and Sant’Agnello’
Evening: Free time.
Day Two
After a relaxing full breakfast the day begins with a drive along the Amalfi coast with time to visit ‘picture postcard’ Positano to explore its web of narrow streets with exclusive boutiques and galleries all leading down to the beach. From this level you will really appreciate the beauty of this unique location and enjoy a cappuccino before returning to the coach. Sit back and enjoy the views as you wind your way to Ravello where the garden paths at Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo waiting to be explored.
Evening: Free time.
Day Three
A ferry takes you across the Bay of Naples for a tour around the ‘Green’ island of Ischia including the magnificent panorama of the “Bay of Citara” and a guided tour of the magical Mortella Gardens.
Evening: Free time.
Day Four
A free day to explore the maze of narrow lanes in Sorrento with its myriad of shops and historic buildings or take one of our optional tours and activities, see list below. The fishing harbour in Marina Grande provides a perfect end to a pleasant stroll from the town centre and offers a wonderful choice of restaurants along the small beach and promenade. It’s a superb location for an alfresco lunch or dinner.
On the subject of food, why not book an optional Cooking Class in the morning or afternoon and learn some of the secrets for a perfect pasta dish.
Evening: Free time.
Day Five
A full day to explore the magnificent 18th century Royal Palace (Reggia) which is a listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often referred to as the Versailles of Naples. Spend the morning exploring the grand rooms, some of which have been used for several famous movies such as Star Wars, Angels and Demons and Mission Impossible III.
In the afternoon you can enjoy the park with its waterfalls, lakes and the very famous English garden. Perfect settings for an Italian style picnic which you could prepare the night before from the Patisserie ‘Bar Rita’ which is just two minutes from Sorrento’s main square.
Evening: Free time to explore Sorrento.
Day Six
Today we cross the Bay of Naples for a guided tour of Capri and Anacapri with opportunities to visit Villa San Michele, take the chair lift to the highest point of the island at 600 metres or enjoy breathtaking views from the Gardens of Augustus. In the famous “Piazzetta” of Capri be amazed by the exclusive boutiques and if time and weather permits, you can take a boat ride to the Blue Grotto.
Evening: Free time.
Day Seven
A day for doing your own thing and to take a walk to Piano di Sorrento or a 10 minute bus ride to Vico Equense and Meta di Sorrento, each with their own attractions. Take a bus in the opposite direction to some of the villages on the Peninsular, including Sant’Agata and Masa Lubrense, and enjoy local cuisine in one of the many trattorias with views of the Neapolitan Riviera. The Sorrento office will provide all the information needed.
You could also consider taking one of our optional tours and activities including a mini cruise along the Amalfi coast or guided tours to Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum or Vesuvius.
Evening: Free time.
Day Eight
In seven days you would have visited beautiful gardens and parks as well as opportunities to explore Pompeii, Positano and Naples. It’s time to relax and just enjoy the moment before your private transfer to the airport.
Hotels
Here is a small selection of hotels available including traditional, contemporary or smaller boutique style depending on your preference for character, views and location. Details and images of these and other hotels can be seen on our featured hotels page.
Subject to availability at time of booking.
5* Excelsior Vittoria
An oasis of luxury in the heart of Sorrento with superb views across Bay
4* Tramontano
Central, cliff edge location, superb views across Bay of Naples
4* Corallo
Located in Sant’Agnello with panoramic terraces and views.
Optional tours and activities
Half day guided tour of Herculaneum
Half day guided tour of Vesuvius
Pompei and wine tasting
Cruise along the Amalfi coast
Sunset cruise with cocktails
Cooking class
Further details
To express an interest in this tour, please use the form below or phone: +44 (0)1446 771220.