Make your home in the seaside town of Vietri sul Mare and spend a week discovering the delights of the Amalfi Coast and the cultural treasures of southern Italy, from Pompeii to Positano.
Italy's Amalfi Coast: A One-Week Stay in Vietri sul Mare
9 days from $5,490
Make your home in the seaside town of Vietri sul Mare and spend a week discovering the delights of the Amalfi Coast and the cultural treasures of southern Italy, from Pompeii to Positano.
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Overview

Italy's Amalfi Coast is renowned for its stunning coastline of pastel-colored villages perched on steep cliffs above the Mediterranean. For centuries, writers, artists, and emperors have found inspiration and respite in this stunning region, as have travelers like us. Join us at a new location on the Amalfi Coast, the Hotel Raito in Vietri sul Mare, and enjoy a leisurely sojourn that features World Heritage sites such as Pompeii and Paestum, breathtaking landscapes from Ravello to Capri, and delicious local food and wine.
Highlights Include:
- The Amalfi Coast: Spend two days exploring the Amalfi Coast, with its dramatic hairpin curves and stunning views. Enjoy a leisurely day in iconic Positano and another day in charming Ravello and Amalfi, plus board a local ferry to admire the coastal views from the water.
- Archaeological Sites: Travel to Paestum to see three of the most well-preserved Greek temples in the world. Later, spend a day exploring the ancient Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, both destroyed by the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius in A.D. 79.
- Naples: Gaze upon stunning art and artifacts discovered at Pompeii and Herculaneum, now housed at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, plus see other cultural highlights.
- Sorrento and Capri: Sample a limoncello as you stroll along Sorrento’s Corso Italia, and discover the enchanting Isle of Capri.
- Local Culture: Savor the traditional cuisine of Campania during meals and gain insight into contemporary Italy from a local speaker.
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
Itinerary
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 after brief arrival formalities you’ll be met and assisted with transfer to Vietri sul Mare and the upscale Hotel Raito situated high above the Gulf of Salerno. Transfer time from the airport to the hotel will depend on traffic, expect approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour in travel time. Upon arrival at the hotel, each traveler will receive a customized welcome package containing general information about the Campania region, as well as a map of the area. Your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Director will be available this afternoon and throughout the program for suggestions regarding sightseeing, restaurants, and independent activities. Gather with fellow travelers this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel. (R,D)
Day 3 — Amalfi / Positano
Each morning, a full American-style breakfast is served complete with magnificent views of the Gulf of Salerno. 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 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. After leisure time, board a private boat for a scenic cruise along the remarkable coastline to the delightful town of Positano. After an orientation talk about the town, there's free time to explore and have lunch independently. Later, gather and return to the hotel by motor coach. This evening, get together with fellow travelers for a dinner of regional specialties at a local trattoria. (B,D)
Day 4 — Paestum
Depart this morning on an excursion to visit the breathtaking antiquities of the World Heritage site of Paestum. Located on the Tyrrhenian Sea, the site exhibits the best-preserved examples of ancient Greek architecture outside Greece. 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 about the Wonders of Naples’ National Museum by a local speaker. This evening, dine independently (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 a delicious 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 — Capri
After breakfast, depart the hotel by motor coach then board a hydrofoil for the famed Isle of Capri. Known for its grottoes and rocky promontories, the island is majestically surrounded by clear azure water. On a cruise around the island, you’ll marvel at the Faraglioni Rocks and see the contemporary Casa Malaparte. Once ashore, spend time exploring the main town of Capri with it’s breathtaking views, quiet side streets, and the Augustus Gardens. You might want to head for the heights of Anacapri for sweeping panoramas. Return by ferry then drive to the hotel. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 7 — Sorrento
Depart the hotel after breakfast for an excursion to Sorrento. On arrival, there’s a brief orientation of the town while strolling along the Corso Italia and Via San Cesareo. Walk to the cliff’s edge and take in views of the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius. Then, enjoy free time to explore on your own. Continue from Sorrento to the hills above the town where orange and lemon groves compete for primacy with olive groves. Visit a farm and tour the olive grove to see the process of how virgin olive oil is produced. Later, see the rest of the farm including the production of a soft cheese known as Fior di Latte. Afterward, enjoy sampling from an array of locally-made foods. Return to the hotel and an evening at leisure. (B,L)
Day 8 — Herculaneum / Pompeii
Early today, depart the hotel for a fascinating visit to the Roman cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii with an expert guide. These World Heritage sites were both destroyed in the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Herculaneum was buried by mud flows which preserved the small, ancient seaside town much as it was on that fateful day. Walk through the site and get a real sense of the splendor of this Roman city. Continue to Pompeii, the larger of the two which was covered by ash, but is known for its overall exceptional state of preservation and including the original frescos. Visit the archaeological site including its theatres, bath houses, remarkable villas, the forum, and view some of the artifacts and plaster casts excavated from this historic archaeological site. A light lunch will be served in Pompeii. 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)
Please note that the progression of this itinerary may change due to operational considerations.
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)