An Epic Exploration of Southern Italy

Price guide

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An Epic Exploration of Southern Italy

Duration10 days

Price guide

From

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Destinations

Days 1–2

Ravello

Explore Italy’s beautiful south on an epic exploration that takes in its dramatic coastline, picture-perfect baroque towns and ancient cities. The ancient world really comes to life with incredible sights such as the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, and gorgeous isles beckon.

Trip highlights

Discover the secrets of the ancient city of Rome on a fascinating tour
Relax on the gorgeous Isle of Capri and soak up the sun
Enjoy a private cooking class and limoncello tasting in Sorrento
Explore the ruins of Pompeii learning about the town's history
Sample some of Southern Italy's most delicious mozzarella
Visit well-preserved Greek temples in beautiful Paestum

Piazza Navona in Rome

Capri harbour

Freshly-poured limoncello

The ruins of Pompeii

Handmade mozzarella

Temple of Athena in Paestum

Bespoke trips with Jacada

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

Luxury accommodation throughout
Privately guided tours
Private transfers
Meticulously selected experiences
Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge

Black and white illustration of two guides pointing to a building in the distance

Itinerary in detail

Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Days 1–2

When in Rome

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.

Where you could stay

Rome

Hotel de Russie

Once hosting aristocratic travellers, Russian royalty and renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau, a half century hiatus as an office building ended with a glorious restoration and re-establishment of this Roman icon. The Hotel de Russie lies between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo on the Via del Babuino, within easy walking distance of Rome’s main attractions, fashion houses and Via Condotti. Though surrounded by the ceaseless buzz of the city, behind the hotel’s unassuming frontage, is a soothing tranquility – both in design and ambiance – and vast private 18th century terraced gardens, a rare oasis away from it all. 122 rooms and suites are thoroughly up to date amenity wise, complete with Bisazza mosaic and Carrara marble in the bathrooms. Some feature private terraces and many rooms have views over Rome, Piazza del Popolo or the garden. The Stravinskij Bar is renowned for its apertivos, while Le Jardin de Russie and its chef, two-Michelin-star chef Fulvio Pierangelini, serve up simple yet refined dishes Mediterranean dishes in one a most romantic of settings. Furthering the Hotel de Russie urban oasis credentials is the De Russie Spa, one of Rome’s best health clubs.

Rome

Villa Spalletti Trivelli

Built the late 19th century, this grandiose villa has stayed with the Trivelli family ever since. Subtle modern touches enhancing the historic charm of the original features.

Rome highlights tour

On this highlights tour you’ll learn all about Rome as Italy’s political capital, the capital of Catholicism and the centre of the ancient world. Begin 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 to the Pantheon, built by Agrippa in 27 BC, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.

Days 2–4

Island living

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.

Where you could stay

Italy

Capri Palace

In the sedate commune of Anacapri, the Capri Palace is a deeply stylish and sleek boutique hotel. White furniture dominates, as does the art on show throughout, an ever-growing collection central to the hotel’s concept. There’s even a neighbouring space for artists in residence to create site-specific works. There are 68 rooms, including 17 suites, some of which enjoy a private pool and garden, all decorated in an unmistakable Mediterranean style with influence from and odes to various modern artists. Most of the rooms and suites boast a beautiful view of the sea and the gulf of Naples, others are facing the green hill of Monte Solaro. Diners are somewhat spoiled here. The Capri Palace’s flagship restaurant, L’Olivo, is only place on Capri to be awarded two Michelin stars, and offers modern interpretations of the region’s traditional flavours. Its Dolce Vite wine cellar holds around 10,000 bottles from around the world. Bistrot Ragù is a more casual affair with stunning sea view terrace. Down at the exclusive il Riccio Beach Club, the ideal place to spend the day in the sun and explore the Blue Grotto, the Michelin star restaurant serves artfully prepared sea food on its sea side terrace and invites guests to indulge in a room dedicated to desserts, the Temptation Room. Back up at the Palace, the Bar deli Artisti is chic and laid back, the place to admire artwork and enjoy live music every night. The Capri Palace is also home to the internationally acclaimed medical spa, the Capri Beauty Farm and specialising in beauty and medical treatments such as the famous ‘Leg School’, invented and patented by Professor Francesco Canonaco. The charming centre of Anacapri is just steps away and the hotel also operates a small fleet of luxury speedboats for private transfers and tailored excursions.

Make it mine

All about the view

On the water

Anacapri and Capri

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, visit 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.

Capri and Amalfi Coast by private speedboat

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.

Days 4–7

Bay views

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 unmistakably Italian.

Where you could stay

The Amalfi Coast

Bellevue Syrene

Built upon the ruins of a Roman villa in the 18th century and a landmark hotel ever since, the Bellevue Syrene brings bright modern style and refined service to a setting above Sorrento that has long attracted emperors, artists and intellectuals. From its precarious cliffside position, views spill out across the Gulf of Naples to Vesuvius in the distance. 50 luxury rooms and suites are elegantly furnished, interiors blending traditional features and historical artefacts with more contemporary finishes. Most boast sea views and balconies. The breathtaking Roccia ‘Rock’ Suite is set in an ancient Roman grotto and has a large hydrotherapy bath tub opposite the bed, as well as sea views. Outside there is a pool on the terrace as well as a lift down to sun beds and parasols on the private seafront deck. Dining here is seasonal, with the splendid panoramic terraces of La Pergola perfect for hot summer days, and the Gli Archi’s warm and welcoming style for winter. The Mimmo Jodice room, decorated with some of the pictures of the great Neapolitan photographer, completes the hotel’s dining options. There is also a club lounge and wine cellar. Guests can explore Sorrento, the nearby ancient ruins of Pompeii and picturesque Positano. Capri is a short ferry ride away and offers fantastic designer shops and restaurants.

Make it mine

Lemon liqueur

Beautiful villas

Limoncello tour

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.

Amalfi Coast tour

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.

Days 7–10

Retreat to 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.

Where you could stay

The Amalfi Coast

Belmond Hotel Caruso

Perched atop Ravello’s cliff, the beautifully restored Belmond Hotel Caruso is one the finest spots from which to soak up the Amalfi Coast.

The Amalfi Coast

Palazzo Avino

A Ravello establishment, the gracious Palazzo Avino combines its long history, unwavering modern luxury and timeless coastal views. Much the current structure was built on the remains of a 12th century palace in 1710 by the Sasso family, then renovated in the 19th century as the grand Hotel Palumbo that hosted a long list of royalty, aristocrats, actors, poets and writers. Reborn again two decades ago, it has consistently rated amongst the best hotels in Europe ever since. There are 43 rooms and suites, the pick which have wonderful sea views while others look back to the mountain or charming town. Interiors are bright with a selection of period furniture and typically resplendent Italian bathrooms. Dining here is an absolute highlight. The famed Rossellinis offers Michelin-star dining and fine regional wines, while Terrazza Belvedere is a more casual affair with panoramic views. Caffé dell’Arte is the place apertivos and cocktails and the Lobster & Martini Bar is self explanatory. The heated pool, gym, full service spa and rooftop solarium’s jacuzzis make the most of the views. Another unique feature is the Palazzo Avino’s Clubhouse by the Sea. Just 15 minutes away, on a complimentary shuttle service to the small town of Marmorata, guests have use of the beach platforms, a small swimming pool and casual Clubhouse Restaurant.

Make it mine

In the kitchen

Say cheese

Back in time

Cooking class in Ravello

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.

Paestum tour with mozzarella tasting

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.

Pompeii tour

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. 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’.