Naples, Italy - Mediterranean Cruises

Enjoy a leisurely drive along the Amalfi Coast, the most famous drive in all of Italy, described by John Steinbeck as ‘a dream place that isn’t quite real’.

With luxuriant vegetation and a sun-drenched climate, Sorrento became a favourite retreat of wealthy Romans and has been a popular resort ever since. A cliff-top setting and charming streets with bustling boutiques, make the little town of Sorrento a delight to discover.

Whilst in Sorrento, you will enjoy an Italian style luncheon accompanied by wine.

Further along the coast, you will find the coastal town of Amalfi. Take a guided walk to learn of the history and architecture of this quaint town. See the exterior of the Cathedral of St Andrea and admire the Moorish and Gothic architecture.

During your stop in Amalfi, enjoy some free time to wander the narrow streets, or perhaps relax with a coffee or ice-cream in the ‘piazza’ and absorb the atmosphere.

Your return journey will be along the mountain road before taking the motorway to Naples.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There are a few steps to negotiate at the luncheon venue. The streets of Amalfi are cobbled and inclined. Flat, comfortable shoes are advisable. If parking in Amalfi town is restricted, a visit to the town of Maiori, Minori or Vietri sul Mare will be made instead. Amalfi drive is along cliff edges, including hairpin bends. It is not suitable for those who suffer with vertigo.

The city of Herculaneum was founded around the 5th century B C and became a chosen summer resort by the Romans, due to its enviable position overlooking the Bay of Naples. Many villas were built and adorned with magnificent frescoes, mosaics and sculptures.

There is undeniably a feeling that surrounds Herculaneum which is quite different to that of other ancient excavations, including its famous bigger brother Pompeii. The preservation of this small town is far superior. The excavations of Herculaneum are distinctly different from Pompeii, mainly due to the way it was engulfed by a torrent of mud rather than ash and stone. The mud had an incredible preserving effect on the houses, shops, baths, wooden elements, foodstuffs and fabrics, offering a unique vision of private life in antiquity.

Enjoy a guided walk around Herculaneum and discover the fascinating history that surrounds the ruins.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves around 2 – 2½ hours of walking over rough and uneven ground which includes some cobblestone surfaces and steps. Flat, closed-toe, non slip shoes must be worn.

Your first glimpse of the magnificent volcano will be from Naples where you can admire the grandeur of Mount Vesuvius from afar. After a 45 minute journey by highway and serpentine road, you will arrive at a height of 3,000 feet where your ascent on foot will begin. Zig-zag paths lead an additional 1,000 feet to the crater walls. On the edge of this imposing crater, your alpine guide will demonstrate how 'alive' Vesuvius is as they point out hot spots. Take a moment to absorb the phenomenon of this majestic volcano and the panoramic view over the Bay of Naples.

Enjoy a delicious luncheon at a local restaurant at the foot of Mount Vesuvius.

Unjustly less famous than its bigger brother, Pompeii, the preservation of this small town is far superior. The excavations of Herculaneum are distinctly different from Pompeii, mainly due to the way it was engulfed by mud rather than ash and stone. The mud had an incredible preserving effect on the houses, shops, baths, wooden elements, foodstuffs and fabrics, offering a unique insight to private life in antiquity.


This excursion will operate by coach and on sea. A substantial amount of walking is involved in this tour. Participants must be in good physical condition in order to undertake the trek up Vesuvius, which involves walking frequently on steep inclines over graveled, volcanic ash terrain. Flat, comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are essential. Due to the elevation, it may get cold and it is advisable to wear layers. The weather can be variable.The visit of Mt. Vesuvius is weather dependent and in the case of inclement weather, this visit will be substituted with an orientation drive of Naples.

From Naples, travel along the coastal road, which winds its way towards Sorrento. Enjoy the views across the Bay of Naples to Vesuvius and the Isle of Capri. As you near the town, you will see why Sorrento is such a magnet for both Italian and foreign visitors. With an elevated cliff top position Sorrento affords splendid views of the colourful marina and sparkling Mediterranean Sea below.

Time permitting, pause briefly at a panoramic viewpoint to capture the best of Sorrento's coast.

Upon arrival in Sorrento, your guide will offer a little information about the town before you head off for independent exploration. Perhaps browse the quaint shops and pick up some souvenirs of your visit, or simply stroll the streets of Sorrento and soak up the charming atmosphere. Afterwards, rejoin your guide and coach at the designated meeting point for the return drive to Naples.

During your tour a complimentary soft drink, ice cream or coffee refreshment will be available.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is a short walk from the coach drop-off point in Sorrento. The level of walking during this tour is at guests' discretion. Please note that the traffic to and from Sorrento can be extremely busy and some delays may be experienced. The free time spent in Sorrento is around 2½-3 hours; this is subject to local traffic conditions on the day and may vary. Euros and major debit or credit cards are accepted for purchases. Please ensure that you note the coach departure time and meeting point and arrive in good time.

Take a guided walk through the rocky ruins of the excavated city of Pompeii. The baths and the theatres, the wrestling ground and the luxurious villas stand empty, yet there are many echoes of Pompeii's daily life; the wine jars are still set on the counter of the wine shop, the stepping stones are there to help you cross the street in the rainy season, and the mosaic floors and brilliant frescoes are a wonder to this very day. The plaster casts of the volcano's victims are particularly poignant and one can never forget the horrible events that brought life in Pompeii to an end.

Your guide will recount the fascinating story of Pompeii, its demise and how it has been miraculously excavated and restored over hundreds of years.

During your drive to Pompeii, you will have views of Vesuvius, the still-active volcano located about 15 miles south east of Naples.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. A substantial amount of walking is required on this tour and surfaces are uneven and cobbled. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are essential. Pushchairs are not recommended at Pompeii. Toilet facilities are limited.

The Romans were the first to appreciate the beauties of the tiny island of Capri and adorned it with fabulous villas. They called it ‘blue’ after the sea, which ranges in colour from turquoise to deep blue.

After a hydrofoil journey of around 40 minutes, you will arrive at Marina Grande, where mini-buses will take you along the winding road up to Anacapri for magnificent views. In Anacapri, you will visit the beautiful San Michele Villa owned by the author Axel Munthe.

The Gardens of Augustus are abundant with plants and you can take in the fabulous views of the Faraglioni offshore rock and the beautiful Bay of Marina Piccola.

As you stroll with your guide through the bustling streets of Capri Town, you will see the central square, La Piazzetta, surrounded by intriguing old buildings and pavement cafés.

Enjoy a delicious Italian luncheon with wine at a restaurant in Capri Town.

You will have a short time for shopping in Anacapri and Capri Town’s most exclusive shopping streets, Via Camerelle. Afterwards, take the funicular back to Marina Grande for the return hydrofoil to Naples.


This excursion will operate by hydrofoil, minibus and funicular. There are steep inclines at Villa San Michele and Capri Town where the streets are also cobbled and uneven. Capri is a popular place for tourists - everything possible will be done to ensure you have a pleasant day, but delays can be experienced. The crossing to Capri can be choppy and those who suffer with seasickness should take the necessary precautions.

Take this unique opportunity to visit a local farm in the beautiful countryside near Sorrento and sample some wonderful Italian delicacies. The owner will accompany you on a tour of the farm and explain the processes that go into the production of Mozzarella cheese.

Admire the beautiful garden of lemon and olive trees where your host will offer samples of hand-made bread, cheeses and salami. Absorb the relaxing atmosphere of your natural surroundings away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

After your farm visit, you will proceed to the picturesque and popular town of Sorrento - an ideal spot for independent exploration. Stroll along the Corso Italia or visit the Cathedral. You may, of course, prefer to relax in an open-air café and watch the world go by. Shoppers will delight in the array of souvenirs including beautiful, highly polished wood inlaid with marquetry.

During your drive, enjoy wonderful views from the Sorrento coast of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius in the distance.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Guests are advised that there is an uphill walk of approximately 10 minutes to reach the farmhouse. The visit of Sorrento Town will be on foot but the amount of walking is at guests' own discretion. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. The order of this itinerary may vary.

You will have some free time to explore Sorrento’s charming flower-filled streets, array of boutiques, souvenir shops and atmospheric outdoor cafés. Set high upon a cliff overlooking the sea, Sorrento draws visitors from around the world like a magnet. You will see why Sorrento has attracted holidaymakers for as long as people have been taking holidays.

Enjoy a delicious luncheon at a local restaurant in lovely Sorrento.

Possibly the most famous excavation in the world: Pompeii, a flourishing civilisation, buried for thousands of years, has been brought to life again. Twenty feet of ashes and pumice stone once covered Pompeii for almost 1,700 years. Now, much of the debris has been removed to uncover remnants of everyday life. The plaster casts of the volcano’s victims are particularly poignant and one can never forget the events that brought life in Pompeii to an end.

Enjoy a stop at a small cameo shop near Pompeii to browse for delicately handmade jewellery.

Your return journey to Naples will be via motorway.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. A substantial amount of walking is required at Pompeii and surfaces are uneven and cobbled. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. The drive between Sorrento and Pompeii takes approximately one hour, however heavy traffic and delays may be experienced. Pushchairs are not recommended at Pompeii.