An Epic Exploration of Southern Italy

Rome, Italy’s capital and largest city, needs little introduction. One of the most historied locations in the world, glorious reminders of Rome’s illustrious past, from ancient Roman wonders to Renaissance masterpieces, are all on show. That’s not to say that its cosmopolitan streets do not embrace the now; Rome is as exhilarating and forward thinking as ever.

You'll learn all about Rome as Italy's political capital, capital of Catholicism and centre of the ancient world. Begin your tour at Piazza Navona, which covers the site of Domitian's stadium and one of the most beautiful squares in Rome, home to the Fountain of the Four Rivers. You'll continue on to the Pantheon, built by Agrippa in 27 BC, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.

This is the island that charmed both Roman Emperors Augustus and Tiberius, America's Hollywood darlings and this century's international jet set. The rocky island's legendary beauty arises from a combination of the Mediterranean's best features: bright coloured waters, rugged cliffs hiding secluded coves and coloured secret grottos that glow with a life all of their own. The island's main towns of Capri and historic Ana Capri are where you'll find elegant piazzas bordered by gourmet restaurants, trendy cafes, big designer brands, and boutique artisan shops selling Capri-inspired products such as bright ceramic tiles, tailor-made suites, cashmere sweaters, and the epitomic Capri sandal. Further out, you can explore grand, bougainvillea-clad villas and rambling Roman ruins.

You'll visit the Villa San Michele with its panoramic views of Capri and the harbour, as well as La Scala Fenicia - the Phoenician Steps - a long and steep stone stairway that winds its way through pretty gardens. You'll also take in the Casa Rossa museum and the Anacapri Centre. In Capri, enjoy visiting the Certosa di San Giacomo, a Carthusian monastery, and the beautiful Gardens of Augustus before walking to the Punta Tragara lookout point to take in the views.

The Amalfi Coast has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site due to the uniqueness of its natural landscape and its undisputed beauty. Head out into the Gulf of Naples by boat and admire the clusters of colourful houses draped along the rocks, and make your way across to the beautiful island of Capri, once the favourite home of Emperor Tiberious. Tide permitting, you will approach the famous Blue Grotto where it will be possible to get inside using a small local boat.

You will be dropped off in Sorrento and transferred to your hotel.

Sitting at the end of the mountainous Sorrentine peninsula, Sorrento clings to the cliffs, looking out over the Bay of Naples and towards Mount Vesuvius. The town itself is a maze of winding lanes lined with charming restaurants, cafes and boutiques and, like everywhere along this stretch of coast, it is unmistakable Italian.

The symbol of Sorrento is the lemon and wall paintings and mosaics uncovered in Pompeii and Herculaneum suggest that citrus fruit trees have been cultivated in this region for millennia. Limoncello, the popular liqueur, is also a speciality of the Gulf of Naples. Today, visit a local factory producing limoncello before tasting some of the traditional digestivo.

Discover the spectacular Amalfi Coast, situated like an amphitheatre among the mountains and the sea. Visit Ravello and the Villas Rufolo and Cimbrone, two sites not to be missed for their splendour and decorations. Both villas have amazingly beautiful gardens. You'll also take in the wonderful Positano, considered to be one of the most picturesque of all Italy's coastal resorts.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Ravello.

Famous for its quiet and serene atmosphere, Ravello offers architectural beauties of rare elegance. Everywhere you turn, another beautiful vista opens up, each one just as impressive as the last.

Pick up some kitchen secrets with a cooking class at the beautiful Villa Maria restaurant. The lesson begins in the organic vegetable garden where, together with the chef, you'll pick your ingredients before getting stuck in making a starter, pasta dish and main course. You'll get to enjoy the fruits of your labour and enjoy a delicious dessert, made by the expert team.

Visit the beautiful Paestum, home to some of the world's most well-preserved Greek temples. A collection of artefacts found during excavations can be viewed in the museum, including some amazing tomb paintings. You'll also visit a buffalo farm and see the famous buffalo mozzarella being made, and of course get to taste some of this delicious fresh cheese.

To visit Pompeii is probably as close as we can get to travelling in a time machine back to ancient Rome. In August of 79 AD, Vesuvius had been rumbling for some days and it is estimated that a large part of the population of 20,000 had been evacuated; those that were left were as if suspended in time, as the plaster casts made of the bodies that were found shows. Excavation started in the 18th century and continues to this day.

The first impression, on entering into the Forum, is just how massive Roman structures were; they really dwarf revered Medieval or later sites. You will get to walk Roman streets, look into bars, stroll into Patrician villas, complete with frescoes and mosaics, there is even a mosaic doormat, saying ‘beware of the dog’. Even graffiti (an Italian word) is written on some of the walls, reflecting a forthcoming election. When you see the baths, the central heating systems and the gentle fountains in the courtyards of the villas, you really feel it wouldn’t be too much of a hardship to live there.