Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast & Irresistible Italy 2025/2026

You wake up in the stunning region of Campania and travel through the Apennine foothills, past picturesque villages and vineyards towards the sun-soaked coast of Apulia and the town of Trani.

Known as the ‘Pearl of Apulia’, this historic stone-built port and fishing village exudes sophistication. Walk along the promenade in the marina or stroll through the historic centre and admire the medieval churches, cathedral, and historic Jewish quarter.

Next, we travel to Polignano a Mare, a small, idyllic seaside town perched on the edge of cliffs. Enjoy your lunch surrounded by sun-bleached stone buildings and enjoy the Adriatic breeze. Then, your adventure takes you to Alberobello. With over 1,500 small and rounded white houses, this town looks like it was inhabited by gnomes. These beehive-shaped buildings are called trulli and are so unique to Apulia that they were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Take your time to meander around the narrow streets and marvel at the impossibly photogenic nooks. Feeling that La Vita è Bella, you leave Alberobello and ramble south towards the heel of Italy to Lecce.

Visiting Lecce is like stepping into a living masterpiece, where every corner reveals the splendour of its baroque heritage. This is your home for two nights, so you’ll be able to explore this stunning city at different times of the day, watching as the light brings out the intricate details of its historic buildings.

Your overnight accommodation will be in 3* Hotel Eos, Lecce (or similar). (B)

Buongiorno! Wake up and start the day with some pasticciotto, the gorgeous breakfast pastry. Enjoy your free time in the morning by strolling through Lecce’s old town and admiring its unique architecture. The city’s Baroque style is so unique it got the name of its own, ‘Lecce Baroque’.

While wandering the charming streets of the city, make sure to visit the main square, Piazza Sant’Oronzo with the remnants of a Roman Amphitheater or Basilica di Santa Croce. Take time to admire its façade adorned with an array of intricate sculptures, including biblical scenes, angels, and floral motifs, the exuberance so characteristic to Lecce Baroque architecture.

Next, contrast the splendour of Lecce with the laid-back seaside towns of the Salento Peninsula. You leave at noon and travel through the ochre-coloured fields and olive groves to Otranto. Enjoy your lunch and free time here wandering through a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and quaint squares of the historic center. Or choose to stroll around the fortifications or harbourside promenade and admire the views of the Adriatic Sea. We continue our adventure to the “beautiful city” – that’s what Gallipoli means. And you will fall in love with this gorgeous beachside town. Take a stroll around the old town, with crystal blue water surrounding you on all sides.

Cast your eyes for the last time at the magnificent vistas of the coast before journeying inland to Lecce for another free evening. Whether you’re enjoying an al fresco dinner in a quaint piazza, catching a live performance, or simply wandering through the charming streets, you’re guaranteed another magical evening in this stunning city.

Your overnight accommodation will be in 3* Hotel Eos, Lecce (or similar). (B)

Today, we say goodbye to Lecce and the sun-soaked coast of Apulia, and we head somewhere strikingly different to the Basilicata region.

This captivating part of Italy nestled between the rugged mountains and the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas, is a true hidden gem. And the first highlight for today is the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera.

Matera seamlessly blends into its rocky cliffside surroundings. It’s a higgledy-piggledy jumble of sassi, the ancient cave dwellings, houses and churches. Explore ancient churches adorned with stone wall paintings, visit 18th-century dwellings, and discover filming locations from The Passion of the Christ and No Time to Die (2021). Next, you journey into the heart of the Lucanian Dolomites and the village of Castelmezzano. One of the highest villages in the region, it’s located on a narrow ledge that drops away into a dramatic gorge. Find out about its rich history as you explore the village or go for a hike to see the ruins of the castle which gave the village its name.

This tour is all about breathtaking views… and today you get to see them from the water. In the morning, we leave the hotel and start exploring one of Italy’s most iconic regions: the Amalfi Coast. This 50km stretch of coastline is known for its natural beauty, history and architecture. Dramatic cliffs, beaches and bays, terraces and personal touches of human artistry, all around you stretches sparkling ocean waters, terraced vineyards and stretches of orchards.

Our first destination is Sorrento. With panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, the iconic silhouette of Mount Vesuvius hiding among the haze ahead, Sorrento’s cliffside setting is the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. Then it’s time to head into Sorrento’s historic Old Town, a true maze of narrow streets packed with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Grab a gelato or perhaps sample a famous Limoncello, a traditional lemon liqueur the region is known for.

That beauty just keeps on coming today as we head to Positano. Today is your chance to explore it. Depending on the season, you might head to the cliffside village’s Spiaggia Grande for a swim or simply enjoy some delicious Italian cuisine. And there are enough boutique shops, quaint cafes, and local artisans selling their wares that you’ll have plenty of things to do. Then we board a boat that takes us to the seaside town of Amalfi. It began as a maritime power but today, this sweet and idyllic spot is one of the most charming destinations along the Amalfi Coast. Perhaps it’s the delectable gelato, or the smiles of the local people. Either way, you’re going to love it.

One more ferry ride brings us back to Salerno for the evening, where you can enjoy a beautiful Italian evening with one of the region’s popular dishes. Buffalo mozzarella, anyone?

Your overnight accommodation will be in 3* Hotel Plaza, Salerno (or similar). (B)

In the morning, you travel north to face Mount Vesuvius. In ancient times, this mountain was considered to be divine and had connections to Jupiter – the god of sky and lightning. Legends say that the giants used to inhabit the volcano, which explained the loud noises and rumbling. Scary as this sounds, the titan is now dormant.

Put on your sturdy boots and get ready for an unforgettable experience because you can hike up to the crater. As you ascend the winding paths of this legendary volcano, you’ll be greeted by sweeping panoramas of the Bay of Naples and the surrounding countryside. The climb, suitable for most fitness levels, brings you face-to-face with the crater of one of the world’s most famous active volcanoes. Along the way, volcanic rock formations and the sheer scale of the mountain’s power leave a lasting impression.

Our next stop is at the archaeological marvel of Pompeii. In 79 CE, Vesuvius’ anger became uncontainable, and she spewed her rage down on this Roman city. It was home to around 11,000 people… many of whom were preserved in the streets and homes of their city. It’s a rather morbid place, humbling to say the least. But this haunting destination is well worth a visit as the incredible world left behind are echoes of a once-great city. (Tip: ask staff for a map before entering, which we recommend as it’s easy to get turned around!). After coming face to face with history, we start our journey to Rome with some stops along the way.

As we leave the shadow of Mount Vesuvius behind, the landscape unfolds into rolling hills, dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and picturesque villages. Enjoy your leisurely ramble north through Campania and Lazio before you arrive in the Eternal City early in the evening. (B)