Europe Private Tour (ITA007) Southern Italy 10 Days 9 Nights

On the first day of the journey, we will meet and pick you up at Rome's airport in Italy (Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport). We will take you to visit the Vatican City, located in Rome, which is the residence of the Pope, the head of the Roman Catholic Church. It is recognized as the smallest country in the world (0.44 square kilometers), centered around St. Peter's Basilica. Visit the Vatican Museum, a vast museum housing numerous works of art, featuring the highlight room, the Sistine Chapel, home to the famous painting The Creation of Adam. View St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica, the iconic symbols of visiting Vatican City. Climb the 551 steps to the top of the dome for a panoramic view, looking back out over the grand and beautiful square.

After that, return to explore Rome. Visit the Colosseum, a massive open-air amphitheater in the heart of Rome used for contests between gladiators, wild beasts, and predators. Completed in 80 AD, the elliptical amphitheater measures 527 meters in circumference, 57 meters in height, and could hold over 60,000 spectators. It was designated as 1 of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2550 BE (2007).

Next, visit the Roman Forum, which served as the center for political meetings, administration, religious worship, and other civic affairs of ancient Rome. It took as long as 900 years to build. Today, only ruins remain, yet one can still feel its sheer grandeur and magnificence. Then, visit the viewpoint on Palatine Hill, offering a scenic view overlooking the beautiful Roman Forum and Colosseum.

hotel Overnight Rome · example hotel Artis Hotel Rome ****

Today, travel to Sperlonga, covering a distance of 128 kilometers, taking approximately 2 hours. Located south of Rome, halfway between Rome and Naples, the town's name means 'cave.' This coastal resort town features an old quarter situated on a hill connected by stone stairways that allow you to stroll down to the sea below. It boasts beaches popular among Italians and visiting travelers alike. The unique charm of the town lies in its picturesque white houses clustered down the slope.

In the afternoon, continue to Capua, a distance of 80 kilometers. Tour the ancient town of Capua, which was destroyed during the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Visit the Santa Maria Capua Vetere Amphitheatre (Anfiteatro Campano or Amphitheatre of Capua), the ancient amphitheater ruins that preserve the traces of history.

Afterwards, we will take you to Sorrento, covering a distance of 81 kilometers, taking a little over an hour. Upon arriving in Sorrento, if you are not yet tired, feel free to take a leisurely stroll around town at your own pace, and stay overnight in this town.

hotel Overnight Sorrento · example hotel Hotel Spicy Sorrento ****

Today, we will take you across to Capri Island by ferry. Ride the chairlift up for a high-angle view of the island. Then, visit the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), one of more than 10 sea caves on Capri Island. What sets this cave apart and makes it world-famous is the mesmerizing blue light illuminating its interior, created by sunlight shining through an underwater opening and reflecting off the sea water, resulting in an enchanting spectacle that captivates all who witness it. To admire the beauty inside, visitors typically take small rowboats through the cave entrance, which stands only about a meter above sea level. Therefore, entry depends on the weather, tides, and sea wave conditions of that day to determine whether visiting the cave is possible.

hotel Overnight Capri Island · example hotel Hotel San Michele ***

This morning, explore Sorrento, a renowned resort town perched on a high cliff that slopes down toward the same level as the neatly maintained gray sand beach. The Amalfi Coast stretches 50 kilometers along the cliffs by the sea. Visit Piazza Tasso, located in the town center; it is a vibrant square lined with charming shops along what is known as Sorrento's famous shopping street. It is also home to churches and cathedrals celebrated for their distinctive and beautiful Baroque architecture.

Next, we will take you along the scenic Amalfi Coast, acclaimed as one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe. The route winds along steep cliffs toward 3 main towns. The first is Positano (16 kilometers). Stop to visit Church of Santa Maria Assunta, the town's landmark, and enjoy admiring the colorful houses clustered down the cliffside.

Then, arrive in Amalfi, a distance of 16 kilometers. Admire the grand Amalfi Cathedral, the iconic symbol of the town, featuring a majestic Lombard-Norman style staircase in front, with an interior of remarkable opulence and splendor.

Continue the journey to Ravello, located just 7 kilometers away. This small village in the Campania region is renowned for its physical beauty, natural diversity, and exceptional local architecture and art, which earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997. Visit Villa Rufolo, a complex of historic buildings and gardens located in the historic center on the main square with Moorish style influence, beautifully adorned with flowering gardens and decorative plants, as well as an ancient tower standing approximately 30 meters high.

After that, we will take you to Salerno, a distance of 44 kilometers, where you will stay overnight.

hotel Overnight Salerno · example hotel Mediterranea Hotel ****

Travel to Paestum, a distance of 45 kilometers, taking about 1 hour. Paestum is an ancient Greek archaeological site featuring both a museum and an open-air archaeological area. Explore the archaeological park, home to the ruins of three temples: Temple of Athena, Temple of Hera, and Temple of Poseidon. The Temple of Athena is the smallest and stands alone, while the other two stand side by side. The Temple of Hera, also known as the Basilica, is the largest and oldest among the three temples and remains in remarkable condition, representing one of the most complete examples of 6th-century Greek colonial architecture. In addition to the temples, there are ruins of residential buildings with small mosaic floorings, a small amphitheater, and a Roman Forum.

Next, depart for Castelmezzano, a distance of 131 kilometers, taking approximately 2 hours. Castelmezzano is a small town recognized as one of the most beautiful in Italy, built nestled into a rocky mountain gorge and celebrated for its dramatic village architecture. Reaching this charming town requires passing through a tunnel cut into the mountain pass to step into this captivating destination.

Afterwards, we will drive you to Potenza, a distance of 43 kilometers, to stay overnight.

hotel Overnight Potenza · example hotel Pretoria Hotel ***

Today, we continue our journey to Matera, covering a distance of 109 kilometers (about 1.5 hours). Matera is a small, ancient town in southern Italy that few travelers know about, yet it is a historically significant destination. Known as the underground city or the city of cave dwellers, it is built directly into the rock. For centuries, residents lived in ancient cave dwellings called the Sassi, which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the historic old town and experience life amidst a labyrinth of narrow stone alleys, steep stairways, and winding streets lined with ancient buildings. Visit a traditional cave home (Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario) to see how the city's historic cave dwellers once lived.

Next, we head to Alberobello, covering a distance of 69 kilometers (about 1 hour). We take you to explore the Trulli Village, an ancient village of distinctive stone huts. Renowned for its unique architecture, almost every home features a conical limestone roof atop whitewashed walls—the unmistakable trademark of this fairytale town.

hotel Overnight Alberobello: Example hotel is Hotel Ramapendula ****, or you may choose to stay in Monopoli.

We take you on a journey to Bari, a distance of 55 kilometers. Bari is the capital of the Puglia region and the second largest city in southern Italy, situated along the Adriatic Sea, earning it the nickname "the Southern California of Italy." We will tour Bari, an important Italian port city, visit the ruins of its ancient fortress, and see the Basilica of Saint Nicholas (Basilica di San Nicola). Around 1000 AD, it was originally used as a residence for Byzantine rulers. Later in 1087 AD, the people of Bari brought the relics of Saint Nicholas from a church in Myra, Turkey, and converted the building into a basilica to enshrine his relics within. Saint Nicholas is widely regarded as the historical inspiration behind Santa Claus.

Next, we set off for Pompeii, traveling 267 kilometers (about 3 hours). Pompeii is an ancient Roman city buried overnight beneath volcanic lava and ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted. Explore the excavated ruins of the ancient city, including houses, temples of the gods, marketplaces, ancient theaters, and everyday household items unearthed by archaeologists in astonishingly intact condition.

hotel Overnight Pompeii · example hotel Hotel Forum ****

Depart Pompeii and head towards Naples. Visit the city's main square, Piazza del Plebiscito, and explore the National Archaeological Museum. Housed in a historic red building, it features fine art collections and statues largely recovered from the ruins of Pompeii, where massive ancient sculptures will make you feel remarkably small. Take the funicular up to enjoy panoramic views of Naples from the vantage point of Castel Sant'Elmo. Then visit the city cathedral, the Naples Duomo (Duomo di Napoli), which has long been the spiritual heart of the Neapolitan Christian community.

Next, head out for some shopping at La Reggia Designer Outlet, located just 27 kilometers away (about half an hour's drive). Here, you can shop for a wide array of Italian fashion brands as well as other world-renowned luxury labels.

Afterward, continue on to Rome for an overnight stay, covering a distance of 206 kilometers (about 2 hours).

hotel Overnight Rome · example hotel Artis Hotel Rome ****

Today is a full day exploring Rome, the capital city of Italy. "All roads lead to Rome" has held true from ancient times to the present day, and Rome remains one of the most visited cities in the world. It is a city of immense historical significance with a rich history spanning over 2,800 years. We will take you to see the Trevi Fountain, where legend has it that if you make a wish and toss a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder, you are destined to return to Rome. Next, we will take you to visit the Spanish Steps, a famous gathering spot for young Italians, and enjoy shopping along the fashionable Via Condotti, lined with Rome's most luxurious boutiques and leading designer brand stores.

hotel Overnight Rome · example hotel Artis Hotel Rome ****

Today there are no scheduled tour activities. We will transfer you to Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport according to your schedule. If you have an evening flight, you can spend the morning doing some last-minute sightseeing around Rome before we transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Bangkok.