PLEASE NOTE: We currently only mail catalogs to addresses in the USA, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico

Follow architect, art historian, and 15-year MTS guide Silvia Giacon on a journey through this exuberant region of Italy, rich with living history and decorated with the remnants of ancient civilizations. From the treasures of Rome, to the haunting ruins of Pompeii, and on to the romantic gulfs and isles of the Amalfi Coast. We ll also visit the beautiful seaside village of Sorrento, where the intoxicating scent of Sorrento oranges and lemons lingers, and the romantic island of Capri. Best of all, the famed spirit and vitality of the Italian people will welcome us along the way.
In the morning we visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, where gladiators and politicians of ancient civilization once tread. We are free to have lunch on our own. Afterward, we drive by bus to the region of Campania, where we stop in the Lauro Valley at Certosa di San Giacomo.
We get an early start to drive to Mount Vesuvius, where we have a short climb to the rim of the crater. From there, we can take in the overview of the archaeological area and Gulf of Naples below. After lunch, we see the effects from the volcano s AD 79 eruption up close during a guided visit through Pompeii.
Enjoy a leisurely morning on the hotel grounds with an olive oil tasting at the frantoio (olive press) and visit to the wine cellars, or walk to the Lancellotti Castle. After lunch, we drive to Caserta s Royal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Drive to Sorrento amidst hillsides dotted with olive trees and citrus groves, and enjoy lunch on your own. Later we head to Punta Campanella, where we have an abundance of options for the late-afternoon: wander town, go shopping, take a boat ride along the coast, or visit the Terranova Museum, which hosts a rare collection of Sorrento s painted landscapes.
Spend the day in Capri and see why its very name is synonymous with the fashionable, jet-set lifestyle. Ride a gondola up to Monte Solaro or take a boat to the Blue Grotto, whose ethereal blue light within the cave lives up to its name. In the afternoon, we visit the imperial Villa Jovis (Villa of Jupiter) before returning to Sorrento.
We drive toward the famous Amalfi Coast renowned for its rugged cliffs, picturesque towns, and beautiful coastline. After a stop in Vietri, a town famous for its colorful ceramics and tiles, we hike along the famous Sentiero degli Dei (The Path of Gods) from Nocelle to Bomerano, enjoying amazing views high over the sea.
In the morning we return to Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, where we say arrivederci to Italy and fly homeward. Those who prefer to depart from Naples will be transfered to the Naples Capodichino International Airport (NAP) en route.
Built between 1197 and 1209 for agricultural production, then converted into an Abbey in 1620, the Certosa di San Giacomo was transformed into a magnificent country residence in 1808. Today, full renovations have given it new life once again as a spectacular hotel. Guests will enjoy the modern accommodations, outdoor swimming pool and Mediterranean gardens.
Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.
Silvia is an Italian, born and raised, who calls Venice her home. While she is an Architect by training, she has over 20 years of professional experience as a Trip Leader. Silvia lived in Toronto, Canada for over a decade, where she mastered her English language skills. Since then, she has led both walking and bicycle trips throughout Europe, and now guides are trips in Tuscany and Southern Italy.
Many activities are optional and involve fairly easy travel. Trips may include short hikes of two to three hours or optional walks at low elevations. Includes less demanding sea kayaking and river rafting trips with Class I-II rapids.
More active trips involving hiking over moderate terrain, usually - but not always - with vehicle support and at elevations less than 10,000 feet, or trips with long hiking days, multiple sea kayaking days, wilderness camping, or other invigorating activity. On many trips, you can elect to skip a day's activity, depending on logistics. Includes more demanding sea kayaking trips and river rafting trips with Class III rapids.
Hiking and trekking over steeper or more rugged terrain or where elevations may exceed 10,000 feet - often several days in a row. Includes more demanding sea kayaking trips (4-5 hours paddling a day) and river rafting trips with Class IV-V rapids.
Our most demanding trips: trekking over steep, rugged terrain at high elevations (no vehicle support) or with substantial altitude gains and losses; trips to remote, extreme wilderness; mountaineering trips. Includes our most demanding sea kayaking (5-7 hours paddling a day) and river rafting trips with Class IV-V rapids.
Please note: We currently only mail catalogs to addresses in the USA, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. For other international requests, thanks for contacting us directly via phone or email . Also note that your requested catalogs may arrive separately.
PLEASE NOTE: We currently only mail catalogs to addresses in the USA, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. For other international requests, please contact us directly via phone (1-888-831-7526) or email . email