7 Sun-Drenched Days in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

Morning/Mid-Day

Take a Walk or Swim in the Marina Piccola

At the edge of Sorrento you'll find a cliff overlooking the sea, and below the cliff you'll find the port of Marina Piccola situated in a small cove. It is home to a number of restaurants and lido swimming spots, and is also the port from which ferries to Capri depart.  Adjacent to the port are the swimming and sunbathing platforms (the lidos), which are used by both locals and tourists throughout the summer months. Since the nearest strip of sandy beach is very small, the lidos were built to stretch into the sea on stilts to accommodate a larger number of swimmers. Exposure to the north and the cool water below effectively alleviate the summer heat. The lidos are great for lounging in the sunshine (although shady until the afternoon) and often have cafes within easy reach on the promenade. A lot of coastal hotels will have their own private platforms with a safe section of the sea to enjoy swimming in. The entrance fee varies from a minimum of 10,00 € to a maximum of 15,00 € per person for a sunbed and entrance. There are three ways to reach the Marina Piccola. First, you can take the elevator down from the Park Comunale. From the same park, there is also a zig-zag path all the way down. The third way is via the Porta Marina which opens next to the Basilica of Sant’Antonino.

Morning to Early Evening

Exploring the Amalfi Coast

The wildly scenic Amalfi Coast that runs from Sorrento to Salerno is infamous for its coastal road which is known as one of the best white-knuckle scenic rides in Europe. Given the hairy driving, impossible parking and traffic, and overcrowded public buses, the Amalfi Coast is best explored by private boat or public ferry, where you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the coastline and hop from town to town in comfort and without any delays. Unfortunately, the boats do not run all year, so depending on when you travel, your best bet for exploring the area may be with a guided tour by vehicle. The guide's local knowledge can help you avoid some of the traffic and cover the most beautiful spots. Of course a private tour at your own pace, by boat or car, is the ideal option.

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Guided trip to Mount Vesuvius

Take a private tour to Mount Vesuvius, the Volcano that 2 millenniums ago buried several Roman settlements such as Pompeii and Herculaneum. Certainly, the most observed and the most dangerous volcanoes of the planet, this 4 hours guided tour promises active walking, up-close encounters with the crater of the volcano and beautiful views over the Bay of Naples.

Early Morning to Afternoon

Day Trip to Pompeii

Possibly the most fascinating and accessible archaeological site in the world, Pompeii has been slowly revealing its secrets to the world since excavations began in earnest back in the late 18th century. Even today archaeologists are still uncovering unexplored parts of the site and building up a more accurate picture of how Pompeians lived prior to the catastrophic explosion of nearby Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Early Morning to Afternoon

Excursion to the Island of Ischia

The largest island in the Bay of Naples, Ischia is more interesting geographically than Capri, which makes it great for gentle hikes, especially to its summit of Mt Epomeo, and its volcanic soils make for the cultivation of fine wines. It also has some lovely sun-bathing spots and an exquisitely picturesque coastal fortress.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Guided Tour of Herculaneum

On this three hour private guided tour, you will discover the archeological ruins of Herculaneum. Learn about its history and see the most famous archaeological ruins.