Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast in Spring 2012 

We depart St Pancras International and board the Eurostar for Paris travelling in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served on board. We stay overnight in the French capital at the Mercure Gare de Lyon, close to the famous Bastille Opera House. This evening you are free to discover this wonderful city, and to dine in a restaurant of your choice. (E)

This morning we travel by high-speed TGV from Paris, heading over the Italian border to Milan. Here we change trains on to the Eurostar Italia and continue to Rome, Italy's bustling capital. We stay at the 4-star Grand Hotel Palatino, located in the heart of this beautiful city, for two nights. (B,D)

Our full day in Rome begins with a guided tour, during which we take in the city's most iconic sights, including the incredibly well-preserved Roman Forum, and the theatrical Trevi Fountain. Following the tour, you are free to spend your afternoon savouring the sights and sounds of Rome's seductive beauty. Visit the superb St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican museums (payable locally), stroll through Rome's atmospheric streets, ascend the monumental Spanish Steps or relax in one of Rome's many squares with a coffee or ice-cream. (B)

We continue today by high-speed train to Naples, where a coach meets us to take us to Sorrento. We spend seven nights at the Imperial Hotel Tramontano, which looks out towards Mount Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples. (B,D)

Today we set out along the Amalfi Coast road which gives incredible views over the shimmering bay and the rugged island of Capri. The serpentine road twists and turns, threading through exquisite villages perched on the lush hillsides. We descend to the pastel-painted houses of Positano, a glamorous playground for the rich, before continuing on to Conca dei Marini where we enjoy a traditional lunch. This afternoon we visit the beautiful town of Amalfi. (B,L)

This morning we catch the local Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii, the world-renowned town tragically buried after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. The volcanic ash that fell over the city covered everything except some of the roofs of the taller buildings. While it was abandoned and forgotten until its rediscovery in 1748, the ash worked to 'freeze' Pompeii and its people in time. We have a guided tour of the shops, restaurants and villas that made up this fascinating city, as well as the Amphitheatre and the Grand Theatre. (B,D)

Today is free to enjoy the charming, relaxed town of Sorrento. You could take a stroll down to the harbour, or perhaps relax in the central square. (B)

This morning we cruise to Capri, the beautiful island famed for its stunning views, rocky seashores and scenic charm. We include a ticket on the funicular railway which carries visitors to the centre of Capri, after which your time is free to explore. You may wish to stroll to the dramatic coastal viewpoint or ascend by bus to the pretty village of Anacapri, isolated from the world atop Capri's huge cliffs. Why not take a tour to the Blue Grotto, a cave bathed in iridescent light which can only be reached by boat? (B,D)

We travel by coach today further south, stopping first at a traditional 'caseificio', where we have a tasting of local mozzarella cheese. We continue on back to ancient times to Paestum, which was founded by the Greeks in 600BC. The three Doric temples of Paestum are said to be the best preserved Greek temples in the world, and although the city fell into disrepair around the 9th century, it was rediscovered nine centuries later. We enjoy a guided tour of the gleaming temples set against a backdrop of green hills. (B,D)

Today is free to spend as you wish. Ferries run to the vibrant city of Naples, a city filled with palaces, churches, convents and monasteries. Alternatively, you could just relax on the private beach at the hotel. (B)

Today we travel by train to Milan, and then on the spectacular journey through the Simplon Tunnel into Switzerland. We journey through rugged mountainous scenery before descending the Rhône Valley and finally skirting pretty Lake Geneva. We arrive in Lausanne, where we stay at the Hotel Continental. (B,D)

Customers returning by air will leave for Naples airport this morning for the flight to Heathrow. (B)

We depart Lausanne by high-speed TGV in First Class train to Paris, where we join the Eurostar service to St Pancras International. We enjoy a light meal and drinks, served on board, during the journey. (B,E)

E=Eurostar Meal, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Where shown, meals are included in the price of your holiday