Enchanting Southern Italy

Intoxicating culture, historical masterpieces, the mighty Mount Vesuvius looming in the distance... What better place to begin your spectacular jaunt through Southern Italy than Naples? Meet your Tour Leader in this eclectic city and get to know your small group of fellow travellers over a sumptuous Italian dinner. Perhaps there'll be a mouth-watering, mozzarella-ladened pizza on the menu? It is a Neapolitan staple after all!

This morning, we'll be immersed in intrigue as we get lost in Naples' labyrinthine streets on a walking tour. Your local guide will unveil plenty of secrets about this ancient city, including leading you to the hidden location of the Capella Sansevero – an ornate 16th-century chapel home to the Veiled Christ, one of Europe's finest ecclesiastical sculptures.

Continuing with the history theme, our next stop is a world-famous archaeological wonder: Pompeii. Nothing will prepare you for the sheer magnitude of this once mighty Roman port's destruction by the red-hot lava flows of Vesuvius over 1,000 years ago. As you explore its eerie remains with a guide, close your eyes and imagine what it must have looked like before the eruption: a rich mosaic of bustling lanes, lavish Roman villas and fabulously frescoed bathhouses.

With our heads full of stories, we'll move onto the scenic seaside town of Santa Maria di Castellabate where a leisurely evening of relaxation and reflection awaits.

Italy is famed for its delectable cheese but perhaps none more so than smooth, stretchy and oh-so creamy mozzarella. We'll be kickstarting today at a rustic local farm where we'll meet the resident buffaloes and enjoy a demonstration in how to make this iconic delicacy.

Then, it's onwards to the UNESCO World Heritage Paestum where the ruins of three fascinating Greek temples, a Roman Forum and a majestic Amphitheatre lie in wait. Pick up titillating titbits of knowledge about their past and purpose from your local guide – including how the coastal city's original name was Poseidonia in honour of the God of Seas and Storms.

Feeling peckish after all that exploring? Reward yourself with an authentic Italian cooking class where a local family will show you how to create your own seasonal treats from scratch for lunch. We'll then embrace la dolce vita (the sweet life) even further as we wind our way down the Amalfi Coast to Minori. This quaint clifftop town, with its backdrop of the sparkling turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea, is more relaxed than its glitzy cousins, Amalfi and Positano. If you can drag yourself away from its mesmerising ocean outlook, we'll settle down for a wonderful group dinner at tonight's elegant hotel.

Swap one Amalfi Coast gem for another as we venture into the lofty mountains that tower over the sea to lovely Ravello. The jaw-dropping views from this hilltop town aren't the only thing that will captivate you. It's also home to a treasure trove of grand villas – two of which we'll spend the morning exploring.

A zesty treat lies in stores for us once we're done strolling along Villa Cimbrone's spectacular terraces and uncovering Villa Rufolo's literary and musical connections. Did you know that this region of Italy is famed for its succulent lemons? Breathe in their unmistakable citrusy fragrance as we visit a local lemon grove tucked away in the hills for a tantalising tasting of luscious limoncello.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to either relax back at the hotel or wander Minori's pretty streets in search of some local fare for dinner. We recommend sampling the Amalfi Coast specialty of scialatielli – a thick pasta with a heritage dating back to medieval times. Buon appetito!

One of Europe's most glamourous islands beckons today... Feel the warm sea breeze on your face as we take the ferry across to Capri where an awaiting minicoach will glide us up the hill from the port to the main town's elegant piazza.

The island has been a playground for the rich and famous since Roman times – and you'll discover just why during a welcome walk around town with your knowledgeable Tour Leader. Stroll down lovely lanes scattered with chic cafes and exclusive boutiques, before relishing in some free time to delve even deeper at your own pace.

Then, it's back to Minori for another idyllic evening of rest and relaxation. Will you indulge in an aperitivo (pre-dinner cocktail) along the atmospheric seafront? Or perhaps a late afternoon nap in your room is called for? Either way, we'll round off today by regrouping with our fellow travellers for another mouth-watering, included dinner.

Cascades of pastel-hued houses, the gentle hum of lively restaurants, the intoxicating scent of the Mediterranean Sea hanging in the air – Positano is nothing short of magnificent. This dramatically positioned, cliffside town is your first port of call today and you'll no doubt want to pinch yourself as you wander its sun-soaked piazzas and bougainvillea-filled terraces on a welcome walk with your Tour Leader.

Camera rolls filled with memories; we'll then hop in a boat and speed along the coast to the equally as enchanting town of Amalfi. Here, you'll have an hour or two to explore at your leisure. Perhaps you'll seek out a waterfront trattoria for a lazy seafood lunch. Alternatively, delve into Amalfi's maritime history at the old arsenal museum. Or seek out the town's Duomo to feast your eyes on the smooth marble arches and Arabic-influenced tiled pillars of the chiostro del paradiso (cloisters of paradise).

The rest of the afternoon will be spent back in Minori where we'll unlock the secrets of ceramic painting during a decorating workshop with a local artisan. Intricate ceramics have been produced in this region for centuries and your creation is bound to make the perfect souvenir of your small-group Italian adventure!

After a filling breakfast and an invigorating cup of espresso, you'll be ready to spend the day exploring a few more of the Amalfi Coast's hidden gems. First up: mesmerising Maiori – one of the area's largest seaside towns that also features one of its biggest beaches. Feel soft sand nestle between your toes as you wander the shoreline barefoot. Or you could venture into Maiori's picturesque heart to uncover an array of grand historical buildings, including the church of Santa Maria a Mare with its iconic yellow and green tiled domes.

A slightly sleepier ambience awaits us in Cetara: a quaint but thriving fishing village where you can sample some of the region's very best fresh anchovies and red tuna. Then, it's onwards to Vietri sul Mare. This enchanting town is well-known for its hand-painted ceramics, many of which adorn the beautiful boutiques tucked away along its winding lanes.

After treating your eyes to a riot of vibrant colours, there'll be time to indulge in il dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing) back in Minori. Later, we'll come together for one final dinner at a local family-run restaurant where we'll clink glasses and reminisce fondly about the week just gone.

Our journey may be coming to an end – but there's still time for two more exquisite local experiences before we meander our way back to Naples.

Stroll in the footsteps of Neapolitan royalty at the UNESCO World Heritage Royal Palace of Caserta. Once the official resident of the Kings of Naples, this 18th-century Italian Baroque palace is awash with grand sweeping staircases, elaborately painted ceiling frescoes and whimsical statues of key mythological figures like Venus and Adonis.

Then: from the royal to the rustic as we drop into a charming local farmhouse in Sant'Agata de' Goti for a sumptuous tasting of Falanghina. This crisp white wine has been produced in the Campania region since Roman times – and you'll get to savour some alongside a selection of fresh seasonal dishes for lunch. What better way to end your 8-day Italian escape than with good food and good wine? Salute!