Sorrento
The glitterati of ancient Rome chose Sorrento, with its breathtaking views from the cliff tops over the Bay of Naples, as the place to build their sumptuous summer villas, and today the pretty town remains southern Italy's favourite holiday destination, for both local and foreign visitors. The rugged coastline does not offer beaches (except a few rocky strands privately owned by the larger hotels) but Sorrento is perfectly placed for visiting the most popular tourist attractions in the area, including Pompeii, the summit of Mount Vesuvius, the picturesque towns of the Amalfi Drive, and the delightful Isle of Capri with its blue grotto, just a few miles offshore. The bustling city of Naples is also just an hour's train ride away on the narrow-gauge Circumvesuviana line. The town itself is crammed with hotels and apartments, all tastefully blended into the traditional red-roofed architecture stepped down the hillsides amid fragrant citrus groves. The streets tend to be a choked nightmare of chaotic traffic, particularly during the height of the season. The most quaint spot is the little fishing harbour of Marina Grande, set in an inlet where you might find a vacant rock to sunbathe on while soaking up the atmosphere.
The glitterati of ancient Rome chose Sorrento, with its breathtaking views from the cliff tops over the Bay of Naples, as the place to build their sumptuous summer villas, and today the pretty town remains southern Italy's favourite holiday destination, for both local and foreign visitors. The rugged coastline does not offer beaches (except a few rocky strands privately owned by the larger hotels) but Sorrento is perfectly placed for visiting the most popular tourist attractions in the area, including Pompeii, the summit of Mount Vesuvius, the picturesque towns of the Amalfi Drive, and the delightful Isle of Capri with its blue grotto, just a few miles offshore. The bustling city of Naples is also just an hour's train ride away on the narrow-gauge Circumvesuviana line. The town itself is crammed with hotels and apartments, all tastefully blended into the traditional red-roofed architecture stepped down the hillsides amid fragrant citrus groves. The streets tend to be a choked nightmare of chaotic traffic, particularly during the height of the season. The most quaint spot is the little fishing harbour of Marina Grande, set in an inlet where you might find a vacant rock to sunbathe on while soaking up the atmosphere.
Capri
Capri's beauty captured the imagination of the Roman Emperor Augustus in 29 BC, and continues to draw admiring crowds to its picturesque banks. Ferries and hydrofoils transport travellers from Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Naples to its embarkation point at Marina Grande. From here, a funicular runs to the town's Piazza Umberto. The island's main attraction is the Blue Grotto. This sea-cave is illuminated a fantastic neon blue, caused by the interplay of light and water. The ruins of Villa Tiberio can be explored following a 45-minute trek up the nearby hill. Legend has it that Tiberius tossed those unfortunate enough to anger him off the precipice; though, luckily, walking down is an option nowadays. On the descent along the path one can take a short detour to the Arco Naturale. This weathered stone arch on the island's eastern cliffs provides the perfect perspective from which to contemplate the vista that stretches to Paestum. Another interesting villa to explore is the Villa San Michele (in Anacapri), the magnum opus of Swedish author and physician Axel Munthe. Henry James described it as 'the most fantastic beauty, poetry, and inutility that I have ever seen clustered together.' Also in Anacapri, take the 12-minute chairlift to the summit of Monte Solaro to experience the breathtaking views stretching to the distant Apennines and Calabria mountains.
Capri's beauty captured the imagination of the Roman Emperor Augustus in 29 BC, and continues to draw admiring crowds to its picturesque banks. Ferries and hydrofoils transport travellers from Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Naples to its embarkation point at Marina Grande. From here, a funicular runs to the town's Piazza Umberto. The island's main attraction is the Blue Grotto. This sea-cave is illuminated a fantastic neon blue, caused by the interplay of light and water. The ruins of Villa Tiberio can be explored following a 45-minute trek up the nearby hill. Legend has it that Tiberius tossed those unfortunate enough to anger him off the precipice; though, luckily, walking down is an option nowadays. On the descent along the path one can take a short detour to the Arco Naturale. This weathered stone arch on the island's eastern cliffs provides the perfect perspective from which to contemplate the vista that stretches to Paestum. Another interesting villa to explore is the Villa San Michele (in Anacapri), the magnum opus of Swedish author and physician Axel Munthe. Henry James described it as 'the most fantastic beauty, poetry, and inutility that I have ever seen clustered together.' Also in Anacapri, take the 12-minute chairlift to the summit of Monte Solaro to experience the breathtaking views stretching to the distant Apennines and Calabria mountains.
Naples
Italy's third-largest city thrives on the chaos that prevails amid its busy streets. This is the place where pizza was invented, and its restaurants continue to serve some of Italy's finest cuisine.
Sheltered by the Bay of Naples and dominated by the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, Naples is imbued with the best of nature's bounty. The city is somewhat schizophrenic in its juxtaposition of superb museums and Renaissance and Baroque churches alongside crumbling tenement blocks and squalor. Noisy markets sell a collection of items, from high-quality fresh produce to fake designer goods. Roads are characteristically hectic with gung-ho moped drivers weaving wildly through the streets and frustrating traffic jams clogging the city's arteries. Despite these less refined elements, Naples is a fascinating destination and a great base from which to explore popular attractions like the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and Herculaneum.
The city's transport hub is located around the immense Piazza Garibaldi, on the east side of Naples. The area's growing African population has imbued the streets with the flavours of its immigrants. Southwest from here is the Piazza Bovio, and branching to the left of it, the Piazza Municipio and nearby Piazza del Plebiscito. On the watery edges are the Molo Beverollo and the Stazione Marittima, the point of departure for ferries. From the reaches of Spaccanapoli one can explore the historic part of Naples with its numerous palaces and churches.
Italy's third-largest city thrives on the chaos that prevails amid its busy streets. This is the place where pizza was invented, and its restaurants continue to serve some of Italy's finest cuisine.
Sheltered by the Bay of Naples and dominated by the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, Naples is imbued with the best of nature's bounty. The city is somewhat schizophrenic in its juxtaposition of superb museums and Renaissance and Baroque churches alongside crumbling tenement blocks and squalor. Noisy markets sell a collection of items, from high-quality fresh produce to fake designer goods. Roads are characteristically hectic with gung-ho moped drivers weaving wildly through the streets and frustrating traffic jams clogging the city's arteries. Despite these less refined elements, Naples is a fascinating destination and a great base from which to explore popular attractions like the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and Herculaneum.
The city's transport hub is located around the immense Piazza Garibaldi, on the east side of Naples. The area's growing African population has imbued the streets with the flavours of its immigrants. Southwest from here is the Piazza Bovio, and branching to the left of it, the Piazza Municipio and nearby Piazza del Plebiscito. On the watery edges are the Molo Beverollo and the Stazione Marittima, the point of departure for ferries. From the reaches of Spaccanapoli one can explore the historic part of Naples with its numerous palaces and churches.
HOTEL HELIOS
Sorrento
Minerva Hotel is located only a 10-minute walk from the city center. The hotel features a terrace with a wonderful view of the Mediterranean, a rooftop pool, a cold-water Jacuzzi, a solarium and a gym.
Sorrento
Minerva Hotel is located only a 10-minute walk from the city center. The hotel features a terrace with a wonderful view of the Mediterranean, a rooftop pool, a cold-water Jacuzzi, a solarium and a gym.
HOTEL IL GIRASOLE
Capri
This family-friendly hotel lies about 350 m from the city centre and some 2 km from the beach. Naples airport is approximately 30 km away. This hotel comprises a total of 24 rooms, including 2 junior suites and 2 suites. The air-conditioned lobby houses a 24-hour reception, a safe, a currency exchange facility and a lift. Within the hotel there is also a cafe, a bar, a TV room, and a breakfast room. For an additional fee, guests may use the Internet connection. Room and laundry services, as well as medical facilities, are also on offer. The rooms come with an en suite bathroom with a hairdryer, a direct dial telephone, satellite/ cable TV, an Internet connection, a minibar, a double bed, a hire safe, and a terrace. There is central heating and guests can adjust the air conditioning. The luxurious suites additionally include a sitting area and a hydromassage shower. There is a swimming pool in the grounds, as well as sun loungers and parasols laid out ready for use. Guests can relax in the Jacuzzi and solarium.
Capri
This family-friendly hotel lies about 350 m from the city centre and some 2 km from the beach. Naples airport is approximately 30 km away. This hotel comprises a total of 24 rooms, including 2 junior suites and 2 suites. The air-conditioned lobby houses a 24-hour reception, a safe, a currency exchange facility and a lift. Within the hotel there is also a cafe, a bar, a TV room, and a breakfast room. For an additional fee, guests may use the Internet connection. Room and laundry services, as well as medical facilities, are also on offer. The rooms come with an en suite bathroom with a hairdryer, a direct dial telephone, satellite/ cable TV, an Internet connection, a minibar, a double bed, a hire safe, and a terrace. There is central heating and guests can adjust the air conditioning. The luxurious suites additionally include a sitting area and a hydromassage shower. There is a swimming pool in the grounds, as well as sun loungers and parasols laid out ready for use. Guests can relax in the Jacuzzi and solarium.
ROYAL CONTINENTAL
Naples
The Royal Continental hotel on Naples` seafront promenade is both elegant and functional and replies to the needs of even the most demanding guest offering a comfortable and appeal setting for both business and leisure travellers. The meticulous attention paid to every detail of its innovative style and design make this property even more welcoming and sunny. a leisurely stroll around the hotel will bring you to many of the city`s main attractions and monuments like the Borgo Marinari fishing districts, the Piazza Plebiscito square, the Palazzo Reale, the Teatro of San Carlo opera house, the Galleria Umberto I, the Maschio angioino , Naples` most famous shopping streets and many museums. All rooms have either double beds or twin beds, air conditioning with in-room regulation, wardrobe with safe, minibar, two telephones with separate lines (one on the bedroom and one in the bathroom), LCD TV, satellite channels, Film on Demand, broad-band Internet and Wi-fi. Guests should note that local city tax is not included in the rate booked. This will be charged directly to guests by the hotel and payable at check in/out. Pets until 10 kg are ammitted, with an extra cost of 20,00 euro per night.
Naples
The Royal Continental hotel on Naples` seafront promenade is both elegant and functional and replies to the needs of even the most demanding guest offering a comfortable and appeal setting for both business and leisure travellers. The meticulous attention paid to every detail of its innovative style and design make this property even more welcoming and sunny. a leisurely stroll around the hotel will bring you to many of the city`s main attractions and monuments like the Borgo Marinari fishing districts, the Piazza Plebiscito square, the Palazzo Reale, the Teatro of San Carlo opera house, the Galleria Umberto I, the Maschio angioino , Naples` most famous shopping streets and many museums. All rooms have either double beds or twin beds, air conditioning with in-room regulation, wardrobe with safe, minibar, two telephones with separate lines (one on the bedroom and one in the bathroom), LCD TV, satellite channels, Film on Demand, broad-band Internet and Wi-fi. Guests should note that local city tax is not included in the rate booked. This will be charged directly to guests by the hotel and payable at check in/out. Pets until 10 kg are ammitted, with an extra cost of 20,00 euro per night.
POMPEII AND VESUVIUS TOUR FROM SORRENTO
Highlights
Full description
Travel back in time to a day in 79 AD when the volcanic Mount Vesuvius violently erupted, covering the everyday Roman town of Pompeii in molten ash. This full-day tour from Sorrento takes you to both sites, interrupted only to enjoy lunch.
Highlights
- Visit the ancient city of Pompeii, destroyed and frozen in time by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD
- Walk up to and around the crater of Mount Vesuvius
- Enjoy a scenic drive along the Sorrentine Peninsula
- Discover what life was like in an everyday Roman town
- See the haunting Garden of the Fugitives, where Pompeii citizens are immortalized in the exact positions they died
Full description
Travel back in time to a day in 79 AD when the volcanic Mount Vesuvius violently erupted, covering the everyday Roman town of Pompeii in molten ash. This full-day tour from Sorrento takes you to both sites, interrupted only to enjoy lunch.
AMALFI FULL DAY DRIVE TOUR FROM SORRENTO
Overview
Explore the scenic beauty of the Amalfi Coast on this day tour from Sorrento. See first-hand what has made the Amalfi Coast a playground of celebrities for decades, walking in the footsteps of Humphrey Bogart and Greta Garbo. Sit back and enjoy the views on the coach ride from Sorrento to Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Meals are at your own expense.
Overview
Explore the scenic beauty of the Amalfi Coast on this day tour from Sorrento. See first-hand what has made the Amalfi Coast a playground of celebrities for decades, walking in the footsteps of Humphrey Bogart and Greta Garbo. Sit back and enjoy the views on the coach ride from Sorrento to Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Meals are at your own expense.
- Enjoy over 40 miles of unparalleled views of the Mediterranean Sea and coastline
- Visit the towns and villages of Amalfi and Ravello
- Sightsee at your own pace with free time at all of the coastal town stop-offs
- Sample lunch at a traditional restaurant and shop for souvenirs at the local shops
CAPRI AND ANACAPRI TOUR FROM SORRENTO
Overview
See the colorful island of Capri on this day trip from Sorrento. Take in the breeze of the Mediterranean as you cruise over to the island in a jet boat. Head over to the chic town of Capri with your guide and take a walking tour, that includes a visit to the Augustus Gardens that look over the Faraglioni rock formations. Then, opt to visit the hilltop village of Anacapri independently or take the chairlift up to Monte Solaro (own expense).
Overview
See the colorful island of Capri on this day trip from Sorrento. Take in the breeze of the Mediterranean as you cruise over to the island in a jet boat. Head over to the chic town of Capri with your guide and take a walking tour, that includes a visit to the Augustus Gardens that look over the Faraglioni rock formations. Then, opt to visit the hilltop village of Anacapri independently or take the chairlift up to Monte Solaro (own expense).
- Capri day trip from Sorrento by jet boat
- Visit the hilltop village of Anacapri, home to Villa San Michele (optional)
- Tour the chic, whitewashed town of Capri with a guide
- See the Faraglioni rock formations from Augustus Gardens
- Learn about the sights from a guide and enjoy free time to explore on your own
