Day 1 & 2– Depart the U.S. and arrive in Vietri sul Mare, Italy

Depart the U.S. on your transatlantic flight to Naples, Italy.

Arrive at Naples Capodichino Airport and transfer to Vietri sul Mare and the upscale Hotel Raito. Upon arrival at the hotel, you’ll receive a Welcome Package with maps and general information about Campania and the Amalfi Coast. Your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Director will be available this afternoon and throughout the program for suggestions regarding sightseeing, restaurants, and independent activities. The evening begins with a welcome reception and an introductory talk by your Smithsonian Journeys Expert. A welcome dinner will follow at the hotel. (R,D)

Day 3 - Ravello / Amalfi

A full American-style buffet breakfast is served each morning during your stay. It has been said the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, a World Heritage site, defies description. A drive along the hairpin coastal road, built high above the sea, offers breathtaking views and is one of the world’s most remarkable travel experiences. Visit Ravello, where you’ll will discover the exquisite Villa Rufolo, the place that provided the German composer Richard Wagner inspiration for his opera Parsifal. Hear about the Villa’s history and see some of the most impressive views of the Amalfi Coast. Continue to the iconic town of Amalfi where you’ll enjoy a walk through the town to see its central piazza and the Cathedral of Saint Andrea. You’ll have free time to explore and have lunch independently. Later, gather and board a ferry bound for the city of Salerno. You’ll marvel at the views of the coast from the sea. This evening, gather for a dinner of regional specialties at a local trattoria. (B,D)

Day 4 – Paestum

Travel south along the Sorrentine Peninsula to visit the antiquities of Paestum, the site of awesome and best-preserved examples of Greek architecture outside Greece and a World Heritage site. Known as Poseidonia during ancient times, the site includes spectacular remains of Doric temples honoring Hera, Neptune, and Ceres. Spend time exploring the Paestum National Archaeological Museum that showcases fascinating artifacts and smaller finds from Foce del Sele and others around the site. After lunch at a restaurant near the ruins, meet local people for a discussion about life in Italy today. After returning to the hotel, attend a talk by a local speaker about the Wonders of Naples’ National Museum. (B,L)

Day 5 – Naples

Depart on a fascinating excursion to Naples, a World Heritage site. Explore the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, a compelling archaeological museum that showcases remarkable Roman artifacts and the Farnese Collection of Roman paintings and sculptures. Marvel at the antiquities from Herculaneum and Pompeii including mosaics, domestic items, weapons, and murals. From Posillipo Hill, rising above Naples, take in the panoramic views of the Castel Nuovo, the Piazza Plebiscito, the world-famous Teatro San Carlo, one of the most iconic opera houses in the world, and the Church of San Franceso di Paola. After lunch featuring Neapolitan pizza, return to Vietri sul Mare where the balance of the day will be free of planned activities. Later, spend some time in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner discussing the day’s discoveries. (B,L)

Day 6 – Positano

This morning board a ferry in Salerno that will take you to enchanting Positano. On arrival, your guide will provide a walking tour and introduction to this stunning cliffside town. Next there will be personal time for an independent lunch and a leisurely stroll along the lungo mare or through the hilly town for some of great photo opportunities. (B)

Day 7 – Sorrento / Capri

After breakfast, take a drive from the hotel to the hills above Sorrento where orange and lemon trees thrive near ancient olive groves. Enjoy an orientation tour of Sorrento, strolling along Corso Italia and Via San Cesareo, past shops and small chapels tucked away in the town’s quiet corners. Walk to the cliff’s edge and take in not-to-be-forgotten views of the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius. There’s free time for a leisurely lunch on your own, then board a hydrofoil from Sorrento’s port for an afternoon visit to the Isle of Capri. Known for its grottoes and rocky promontories, the island is majestically surrounded by clear azure water. Once ashore, your guide, will take you on an orientation tour, then offer time at leisure for exploring on your own. Visit the Augustus Gardens or head for the heights of Anacapri for sweeping panoramas. Return to Castellamare by hydrofoil then drive to the hotel. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 8 – Pompeii / Herculaneum

The Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were destroyed on a calamitous day in August of 79 A.D. with the cataclysmic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. During the eruption, Pompeii was covered by volcanic ash that preserved buildings and frescoes for centuries. After an escorted tour of the site and lunch, you’ll continue to Herculaneum, a formerly wealthy town, buried by mudflows that preserved this seaside town and a wealth of treasured artifacts. Both locations are designated as important World Heritage sites. This evening, join fellow Smithsonian Journeys travelers for a farewell reception and dinner at the hotel. (B,L,R,D)

Day 9 – Return Flights to U.S. Gateway Cities

Early this morning, transfer to the Naples International Airport for flights to the U.S. (B)