Rome & the Amalfi Coast: Christmas Season in Sorrento

Arrive in the “Eternal City” of Rome! This city steeped in history and tradition comes alive with holiday shoppers, decorated streets, and a cheerful atmosphere. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently.

Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner celebrating the start of your Italian journey. (D) Stay: Hotel Imperiale (2 Nights)

Begin your exploration of the Eternal City with an expert-guided tour of Rome's Renaissance and Baroque highlights. Climb to the top of the Spanish Steps for views of the city's skyline and down its famous 135 stairs. Stroll over cobblestone streets and weathered passageways to discover famous sights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon's imposing facade. Finish a full morning of exploration in the oval-shaped Piazza Navona, built upon the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian.

Make the most of a free afternoon in Italy's capital city. Maybe you'll set off for Saint Peter's Square to take in the iconic scene, or do as the Romans do and take care of some holiday shopping along Via Cola di Rienzo. (B)

Journey to the Sorrentine Peninsula, an iconic coastline of rocky beaches and towering cliffs. En route, pause at a local winery to savor the area's famous Lacryma Christi. Enjoy a typical lunch before experiencing the eerily preserved ruins of Pompeii your way, because it's your choice! Join a local guide for an in-depth tour of Pompeii's best-known monuments -OR- venture further afield to discover the hidden corners of this vast archeological site.

In the late afternoon, settle into your hotel in Sorrento. Take some time to explore the property, perched in a scenic location above town and sea. As dusk falls, the Bay of Naples lights up with the twinkling lights from the towns along its coast. As you settle into your home for the next five nights, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Vesuvius in the distance, the volcano that famously erupted and buried Pompeii. (B/L) Stay: Hilton Sorrento Palace Hotel (5 Nights)

This morning, set out for an orientation walk of Sorrento. Located along the eastern cliffs of the Bay of Naples, this picturesque resort town is packed with holiday charm and smiling locals. Then, join in a hands-on cooking class following family recipes. Dig into a delicious lunch you helped make, a true taste of the traditional holiday dishes of the region. The afternoon is yours. Join the locals for a passeggiata (stroll), perhaps peeking into the peaceful cloister of St. Francis or sampling some gelato made with local lemons. (B/L)

Today, discover the sights of Naples during a walking tour through the city's historic center. Get an up-close look at why Neapolitan nativity scenes are renowned for their intricate detail and craftmanship: this Christmas tradition dates back centuries and is deeply ingrained in the city's cultural heritage. Enjoy time on your own for lunch and exploring more as you wish, before returning to Sorrento for the evening. (B)

Drive along the stunning Amalfi Coast to its namesake town, Amalfi. A former trading hub, Amalfi is now a quiet coastal town of historic landmarks and a black-and-white marble cathedral. Explore on your own before driving up to nearby Ravello. Stroll the gardens of Villa Rufolo and admire views of la Costiera (the Coastline, as locals affectionally call it), ahead of returning to Sorrento for an evening at leisure. (B)

This morning, explore another side of Sorrento during a locally guided walking tour, showing off its allure - legend has it that sirens once lured sailors to Sorrento's shores. See why Enrico Caruso, the famous tenor who sung “Torna a Surriento,” was so captivated by Sorrento's beauty, he often made it his holiday retreat. Along the way, sample some local flavors and venture down to Marina Grande, Sorrento's old fishing village.

Ending by the seaside, linger longer if you wish, with time to find lunch on your own, or stroll along the tiny fishermen wharf before heading back to the main part of town. Enjoy the relaxing beauty of Sorrento during an afternoon at leisure, ahead of joining your fellow travelers for a holiday-inspired farewell dinner. Gather together and bid salute to the end of your Italian getaway. (B/D)

Your tour comes to a close today. (B)