Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast in Spring 2013 

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 Turin. Here we change trains on to the Eurostar Italia and continue to Rome, Italy's bustling capital. We stay at the 4-star Hotel Universo, 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 museum (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 Hotel Bristol, which boasts unparalleled views 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 Positano, an unspoilt traditional village perched on the mountainside, where the pretty pastel houses seemingly tumble into the turquoise sea. After lunch together we visit the beautiful town of Amalfi, where we have time at leisure to explore. The awkward, steep terrain of the Amalfi Coast has discouraged significant development, allowing the towns and villages in the area to retain much of their original appeal. Lively Amalfi is a true reflection of this natural coastal charm, and is dominated by its impressive cathedral and its picturesque harbour - filled with expensive yachts and colourful fishing boats. (B,L)

This morning we catch the local Circumvesuviana train (Standard Class) to Pompeii, the world-renowned town tragically buried by ash following 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. This incredibly picturesque coastal town sits in its own 'minibay' within the Bay of Naples, and you could admire these pretty views on a stroll down to the harbour. You may choose to explore the narrow cobbled streets filled with beautiful Renaissance buildings, or perhaps relax in the central square, a great place to watch the world go by. (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, and a local guide is on hand to explain the fascinating history of the island and its people. This afternoon, 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 on a journey 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. Naples' historic centre is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, originally founded by Greek settlers, and today, visitors can trace the city's turbulent history through its architecture. Alternatively, you could just relax by the pool on the hotel's roof-top terrace, enjoying the warm Mediterranean climate. (B)

Leaving Sorrento behind, today we travel northwards through Italy by rail, passing through some of the country's beautiful scenery. Boarding at Naples, we travel up through the heart of Tuscany to Milan. Here we change trains and continue on to Turin, a fantastic city steeped in culture and history. We stay tonight at the ATA Hotel Concord. (B,D)

We also offer a return by air option on this tour. Customers returning by air will leave for Naples airport this morning for the flight to Heathrow. Please call for further details.  (B)

We depart Turin 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