The Sweet Life: Rome & Sorrento

Tour begins: 3:00 PM, Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & SPA. Your family adventure in Italy begins with an included transfer from Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino, Ciampino Airport or Roma Termini train station to Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & SPA. You'll feel like royalty at Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa, a deluxe hotel overlooking the Villa Borghese park. A brief city tour shows you some of Rome's most famous sights – with your local guide, view the Circus Maximus, the Caracalla Baths and other features of Imperial Rome.

We invite you to join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner. Stay Three Nights: Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel and Spa (D)

Experience a close-up look at ancient Rome as you head out along the Appian Way. Your first stop is gladiator school, where your family gets a fun introduction to ancient Roman history.

Next up is a guided visit to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus where you'll learn all about the "secret language" of the early Christian symbols found throughout the underground tunnels of the Catacombs. Have lunch at a restaurant on the Appian Way, then enjoy some free time.

Tonight – a special family experience – a Tauck Bridges Exclusive after-hours, guided visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel (subject to availability, day of visit may vary). You won't be rushed, you won't have to maneuver through masses of people blocking your views, and you'll be able to take your time to contemplate the inspirational and artistic treasures. (B/L)

Today you'll visit one of the world's most recognizable places of worship, St. Peter's Basilica, and famous St. Peter's Square. Take a walking tour to the Pantheon and Piazza Navona with its beautiful Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini. After lunch at a local restaurant near Piazza Navona, spend the rest of the day as you please with your family in remarkable Roma. (B/L)

Travel from Rome to Naples through the Italian countryside via high-speed train, then on to Pompeii – totally buried by tons of pumice and hot ash when volcanic Mount Vesuvius blew its top on August 24th in 79 AD. Today, its streets are much like they were before the volcano erupted, offering a glimpse of what daily life was like in 1st century AD. After your visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Continue on to Sorrento, nestled between the mountains and the sea, with great views of Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples. Visit a family farm – or agriturismo – to find out how cheese, olive oil and other tasty treats are made. Then, try your hand at using that cheese as a professional chef shows you how to make your own pizza for dinner; your evening includes traditional Neapolitan music. Enjoy Executive Level Sea View rooms during your stay at Hilton Sorrento Palace. Stay Three Nights: Hilton Sorrento Palace (B/L/D)

Head across the Gulf of Naples by high-speed ferry to the enchanting Isle of Capri. Just like a jet-setter, take a fabulous ride in a private convertible along the cliffs of the road to Anacapri, ending in the town. A funicular (chairlift) takes you to the highest point of the island to get a good look at the beautiful Gulf and the town below.

After lunch in the town of Capri, and some free time, take the funicular down to the pier to catch your high-speed ferry back to Sorrento. From your Executive Room at the Hilton Sorrento Palace you'll be able to look out at the Gulf of Naples and, in the distance, the infamous Mount Vesuvius. Spend the rest of the day and evening with your family as you please. (B/L)

If you like roller coasters, you'll love the drive along the Amalfi Coast today! The road seems to sometimes go straight up, sometimes straight down and careens around sharp corners at the edge of the cliffs. Walk through the town of Positano, seemingly holding on to its cliff-side perch for dear life, before climbing aboard a private boat bound for Amalfi to view the amazing cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, now above you. In the town of Amalfi, you'll have time to check out the sights along the maze of lovely winding streets.

Your adventure concludes back in Sorrento tonight with a barbecue farewell dinner, where you can share some favorite moments of your family's unforgettable trip to Italy. (B/D)

Trip ends: Sorrento. Fly home anytime. Your family's Italy adventure ends with an included transfer from Hilton Sorrento Palace to Naples International Airport or Naples train station. Please allow 3 hours for airport check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home. Arrivederci! (B)