Compare Best of South Italy in 13 Days Tour by Rick Steves vs Amalfi and Capri Magnifica Walking Tour by Tourissimo

Day 1: Welcome to Italy

We'll gather at our Rome hotel at 4 p.m. for a "Welcome to Italy" group meeting. Afterward, we'll take an evening stroll through the meandering streets of "village" Rome on our way to tonight's trattoria, where we'll get acquainted over dinner together. Sleep in Rome (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.

Day 2: Layers of Rome

This morning we'll tour the world's oldest museum, the Capitoline. Here we'll learn about Rome's golden age through its most treasured sculptures, including the sublime Dying Gaul, the imposing Marcus Aurelius on horseback, and the emblematic She-Wolf suckling Rome's tiny founding brothers: Romulus and Remus. Then we'll take an eye-opening walk along the east bank of the Tiber, where we'll learn about the rich, yet often-overlooked, history of Rome's Jewish Ghetto. The rest of the day is yours to wander through the Roman Colosseum and Forum next door, enjoy the panoramic city view from atop the nearby Victor Emmanuel Monument, or make a modern-day pilgrimage to St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican City. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 3: Tivoli and the Gargano Peninsula

We'll leave Rome early, stopping in the nearby hills to learn about the Roman Emperor Hadrian, at the ruins of his monumental villa at Tivoli. An enthusiastic traveler and builder, his lasting legacy includes his great wall across Britain, the domed Pantheon, and his stylish beard. Then we'll drive up and over the Apennine spine of Italy, and on to the shores of the Adriatic Sea. Our destination this evening is the tip of the rugged Gargano Peninsula, one of the most beautiful areas of Southern Italy — and still unknown to American travelers. At our cliffside hotel we'll share dinner tonight, and sleep in Vieste (2 nights). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 4: Vieste and the Adriatic Coast

Vieste's beaches are packed with Italians in mid-summer. But when we arrive we'll find a peaceful contrast to the hustle and bustle of Rome. Today we'll take a boat cruise (weather permitting) along the craggy Gargano Coast, marveling at the picture-perfect coves, hidden grottos and unusual rock formations that make this coastline unforgettable. We'll return to Vieste for a pasta-making demonstration and lunch, followed by plenty of time to wander through the town or simply luxuriate on the beach. Boat: 1½ hrs. No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 5: Alberobello and Matera

Today we'll head off the tourist path, continuing through Puglia and into the Basilicata region, with a stop to learn about and sample some local wines, meats, and cheeses. In Alberobello, we'll explore cone-shaped, stone trulli houses that are still lived in today. Then we'll drive on to the town of Matera, which includes one of the world's most unique neighborhoods — the Sassi — completely made up of ancient stone and cave dwellings. Sleep in Matera (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 6: The Wonders of Matera

With the help of a locally grown expert, we'll learn the stories of old and new Matera. We'll begin our day discovering the wonders of the 9,000-year-old Sassi. We'll go inside a Sassi home to gain an appreciation for the cave-dwelling conditions endured by the residents until they were relocated 60 years ago. We'll continue our education with a visit to a rock hewn church, and a look at the new town. You'll have the rest of your day free to wander through the different layers of Matera. This evening, watch — or better yet join — the ritual passeggiata of strolling locals in this authentic, untouristed part of Italy. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 7: Greek Paestum and Positano

Early this morning we'll drive into the Campania region and tour an organic water buffalo farm which produces the prized local specialty, mozzarella di bufala. We'll go into the barns and learn how this tasty delicacy is made and enjoy a gourmet lunch together including (you guessed it) fresh buffalo mozzarella. After lunch, we'll continue on to Paestum, to marvel at this site's awe-inspiring lineup of three ancient Greek temples — the best-preserved collection in Europe. Then we are off to the dramatic Amalfi Coast. We'll follow the cliff-clinging road that winds above the sea to Positano, where we'll sleep (2 nights). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 8: Free Day on the Amalfi Coast

The day is all yours to enjoy the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. Take a local bus along the twisting roads and wild beauty of the Amalfi highway, hopping off to explore cliffside villages along the way or take advantage of the sea and take a public boat to the neighboring towns. Check out the sweeping views from Ravello, the candy-striped church in Amalfi town, the narrow streets and posh shops of Positano, or let gravity pull you down to a beach to relax upon. Tonight will be a great night to find a trattoria with a glorious sunset view. No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 9: Pompeii and Sorrento

This morning we'll make a short drive to serene Sorrento. After dropping our bags at the hotel, we'll have an orientation walk through the town on our way to watch the creation of an Italian culinary masterpiece — gelato; then you'll be free for lunch. We'll re-group for a thoughtful visit of unlucky Pompeii, where, with an ace local guide, we'll get a look at everyday life, frozen in time two millennia ago. After free time to explore more of Pompeii on your own, we'll hop aboard the Circumvesuviana commuter train back to our cliff-hugging home set amongst the lemon groves. Sleep in Sorrento (2 nights). Train: 1 hr. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 10: Serene Sorrento and Capri

Today is all yours. Your guide will help you arrange an optional boat ride to Capri, where you can then take a much smaller boat to the deservedly famous Blue Grotto. Or, spend all or part of the day enjoying Capri's remarkable views, winding lanes, fancy summer homes, and lovely gardens. Or, stay in Sorrento and wander through the shop-lined back streets, stopping to savor il dolce far niente — the sweetness of doing nothing. This evening we will meet for a home-hosted dinner with a local Sorrento family. No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 11: Classy, Gritty Naples

After a morning drive, we'll have an easy introduction to Naples at the beautiful hilltop Museo Capodimonte, home to southern Italy's best collection of Renaissance paintings, including masterpieces by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, and El Greco. After lunch in the city that invented pizza, we'll be introduced to Naples' grittier side on a Vespa-dodging, laundry-flapping, slice-of-Neapolitan-life walking tour through the heart of this chaotic, memorable city. Sleep in Naples (2 nights). Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 12: Exploring More of Naples

We'll begin our morning with a visit to the serene Cappella Sansevero, home to amazingly lifelike sculptures that have to be seen to be believed. We'll continue touring the greatest treasures of Pompeii, brought to Naples' National Archeological Museum for safekeeping. We'll also be dazzled by the Farnese collection including the largest single sculpture ever recovered from antiquity: The Farnese Bull. This larger-than-life riot of animal, human, and divine struggle was adored and painstakingly restored by Michelangelo. Then, armed with the confidence and Neapolitan street-smarts you've learned from your guide, your afternoon is free for making your own discoveries. Tonight we'll get together for a special dinner to share travel memories and toast new friends. Salute! No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 13: Tour Over After Breakfast

Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. It's a breeze to reach Naples' airport by taxi, easily arranged through our hotel. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Grazie e ciao!

Day 1: Capri

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Capri  (alternative Gatto Bianco)

Terrain: Flat

Hike: 1 to 2 hrs

After a boat ride from the mainland to Marina Grande, the main dock in Capri, a taxi will take you to the hotel where you will meet your guides. A light lunch together will allow your guides to give you an overview of the tour. In the afternoon you can enjoy a warm up walk on the paved streets of Capri to the Faraglioni, gigantic coastal rocks formed by erosion from sea waves. Enjoy the sunset over the Faraglioni and the Capri coastline before heading back to the piazzetta for our first aperitivo and a toast to the beauty of Capri.

Day 2: Anacapri

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Capri  (alternative Gatto Bianco)

Terrain: Hilly

Hike: 2.5 to 3 hrs

After breakfast we will take a bus to the town of Anacapri on the opposite side of the island. An easy path will lead us to the top of Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island, in about one hour. Once at the top we will enjoy panoramic views of the island that include Marina Grande and Marina Piccola (the two ports of the island), the Faraglioni and Villa Jovis, on the top of a cliff. On a sunny day views extend to Naples and to Mt. Vesuvius. You can walk back down or take a chairlift right to the center of town where we can have lunch. Shopping time is mandatory in Anacapri to try on the Capresi sandals that are handmade by a craftsman following the old tradition. The shopping street of Anacapri is also the beginning of the path that will take us back to Capri, walking down the steps of the Phoenician Staircase, an old path that the islanders used to walk up and down before the road was built. In 1.5 - 2 hours we will be back to the hotel. A public bus is also available all day long should you wish to spend more time shopping or wandering through the town of Anacapri and inside some of its old palaces. One that stands out is Villa San Michele, a wonderful palace with gardens, built by a Swedish doctor and veterinarian, Axel Munthe, for his retirement.

Day 3: Capri

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Capri  (alternative Gatto Bianco)

Terrain: Rolling

Hike: 3 Hrs

This morning we will walk to Villa Jovis, one of Tiberius’ villas, in about 1.5 hrs. A visit of this ancient Roman site is a great opportunity to see how good the ancient Romans were in constructing their noble mansions. They also created the forefather of the modern spa, the thermal baths, remains of which you can still admire at this villa. Our lunch stop will be on the way back to the center of Capri and in the afternoon we can take another short walk to visit the Augustus Gardens or spend some time shopping in Capri and relax before dinner.

Boat ride to the Blue Grotto (weather permitting). This is the most famous sight on Capri, where visitors from around the world form long lines to get a peek inside for just a few magical moments. This natural cavern is 25 meters wide and 60 meters long, with a tiny entrance less than a meter high. To enter, visitors lay back in wooden rowboats and glide through the low cave mouth. Once inside, the boats bob in the dark, suspended on the surface of water so blue that it seems dream-like.

Day 4: Amalfi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Rufolo

Terrain: Rolling

Hike: 2.5 to 3 hrs

Leaving Capri is never easy but we have to look ahead from the jet boat and to see our next destination: Amalfi. We will not regret this transfer on the mainland, since Amalfi will welcome us with its lively port and square and streets full of small shops and coffee bars. From Amalfi centre we will walk along La valle delle Ferriere and back to Amalfi. A lunch in Amalfi will be followed by visit to an old paper mill, now a museum, where each of you can make his own paper sheet in the old traditional way and using the original machineries! This will be our gift to be taken home with you. Don’t forget to taste a Delizia al Limone, a lemon spongecake, at the pastry shop next to the Cathedral square before starting our visit of the town with a local guide. The Cathedral and its cloister and treasure will be a highlight of the day! Some free time for shopping and to discover Amalfi on your own and then we will take a bus to Ravello. A pottery handcraft shop visit in Ravello is another interesting activity that we suggest to complete this rich day. In Ravello it’s possible to enjoy a classic music concert in Villa Rufolo. Check the program with the guides in advance.

Day 5: Positano

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Terrain: Rolling

Hike: 3 Hrs

Today we leave Ravello and we head north to Positano. A private transfer will take us to the town of Bomerano, near Agerola, where our hike starts. We will walk to Positano today, following Il sentiero degli Dei (The Path of the Gods) to Nocelle, just above Positano. The 7.8 km path is about 3 hours and has stunning views. Our lunch will be a picnic along the path with focaccia and mozzarella from Agerola, or a late lunch in Nocelle square, before taking the bus down to the center of Positano where we can rest at our hotel. A fish dinner in Positano with a view over the coast will be our reward for this long walk.

Day 6: Positano

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Palazzo Murat (alternative Poseidon)

Terrain: Rolling

Hike: 2 Hrs

A leisurely day in Positano. For our last day we suggest a short and easy walk to the old cemetery of Positano from where you can admire the entire town. On the way back to the hotel we can learn some of the history of Positano by visiting some of its quarters. Lunch will be in town by the sea and then enjoy some souvenir shopping and a good gelato al limone (lemon ice cream) before we get ready for our celebration dinner in the wonderful location of Furore, a canyon carved by the sea. A shuttle will take us there (and back) for a last night view of this incredible coast!

Day 7: Positano

Meals: Breakfast

Terrain: Departure

Ride: None

After breakfast a shuttle will take you to Naples airport or to another destination according to your travel plans.