SOUTHERN ITALY & SICILY: September 5 - 19, 2012 DAY 11: Saturday, September 15, Lecce / Bari / Sorrento This morning we depart by coach for Bari, capital of the Apulia region, where we enjoy lunch together and a walk in this historic Adriatic port and university town. After lunch at a local restaurant, we travel on to Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples. B, L
DAY 12: Sunday, September 16, Sorrento / Pompeii Today’s excursion takes us to the UNESCO site of Pompeii, the wonderfully preserved Roman town that tells a tale both tragic and fascinating. Just before Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE, many citizens of Pompeii heeded the warning signs and fled the town. But some 2,000 unlucky people remained to be caught in the eruption’s wake, becoming engulfed in volcanic ash. The ash literally “froze” the town in time, leaving exquisite ruins that show us how these ancient Romans lived, through vivid frescoes, a forum, and one of the largest surviving Roman amphitheaters in existence. After a 2½-hour guided walking tour and exploration of this incredible site, we return to Sorrento early this afternoon. You are free for lunch on your own; dinner tonight is a small group highlight as we gather for a hands-on demonstration of Neapolitan cooking – then enjoy the fruits of our labors. B, D
DAY 13: Monday, September 17, Sorrento / Isle of Capri Today we travel by hydrofoil to the storied Isle of Capri, a popular resort on the Tyrrhenian Sea since ancient Roman times. Together we walk through cozy Capri town and also visit the terraced Gardens of Augustus, rich with Mediterranean flora, coastal pines, and stunning views of the azure sea. Then we have free time to explore and to enjoy lunch on our own – Capri boasts a wide selection of restaurants, simple trattorias, and pizzerias from which to choose, and an abundance of the freshest of fish and seafood. After this sojourn we return to Sorrento late this afternoon; this evening is at leisure. And if you haven’t yet sampled the local specialty limoncello, a digestif made from the rinds of Sorrento’s fragrant lemons (along with alcohol, water, and sugar), you may wish to sample some tonight after dinner on your own. B
DAY 14: Tuesday, September 18, Sorrento/Amalfi Coast This morning we embark on a breathtaking drive along the rugged Amalfi Coast. This 31-mile stretch of winding, terraced coastline from Sorrento to Salerno has inspired movies, music, and books; indeed, it is one of the most glorious drives in Europe – or anywhere, for that matter. During our leisurely excursion, we’ll make several photo stops along this spectacular hair-raising coastline, the dazzling Mediterranean a sheer 500-foot drop below. We also stop in the town of Amalfi, where there’s time to explore and enjoy lunch on your own. We return to our hotel mid-afternoon; the remainder of the day is free for independent exploration. Shoppers may wish to stroll along Via S. Cesareo, the heart of Sorrento, where prized items include handicrafts (inlaid works, artistic ceramics), jewelry (cameos, corals), and local delicacies. Tonight we bid “arrivederci” to Italy and our fellow travelers at a farewell dinner. B, D
DAY 15: Wednesday, September 19, Depart for U.S. or Rome This morning we depart for the airport in Naples, where we board a flight for Rome and connect with our return flight to the U.S. Those booked on the optional Rome post-tour extension will enjoy a visit to the Eternal City. B