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About Rome, Italy

Rome, Italy’s capital, is a sprawling, cosmopolitan city with nearly 3,000 years of globally influential art, architecture and culture on display. Ancient ruins such as the Forum and the Colosseum evoke the power of the former Roman Empire. Vatican City, headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, has St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes.


Civitavecchia, the port for cruise ships visiting Rome





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Overview

Simply stated, Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the entire world. To get a good sense of what the capital of Italy has to offer, you would need at least two weeks of solid sightseeing, and then you might start to understand and appreciate Rome’s place in the world, both historically and in modern times. You need not be reminded that Rome was once the centre of all civilization. The old saying, All roads lead to Rome, was not a cliche, but a statement of fact during the heyday of the Roman Empire.



Even after Rome’s eventual fall, so much of what started there still impacts the world today. The art, architecture, and codes of law still resonate today, nearly 2000 years after the empire’s fall. Because you are working on a limited time budget, this guide will try and help you fit in all there is to see here in as short a time as possible. But you may have to be resigned to the fact that you will not get the chance to see it all. You will be awed by the sheer sanctity and enormity of Vatican City. You will be floored by the Renaissance masterpieces found in the city’s museums and art galleries. You will be amazed by the colossal Colosseum. And you will be charmed by the seemingly seamless combination of the old and the new in Rome, The Eternal City.

The historic centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With wonderful palaces, millennium-old churches, grand romantic ruins, opulent monuments, ornate statues and graceful fountains, Rome has an immensely rich historical heritage and cosmopolitan atmosphere, making it one of Europe’s and the world’s most visited, famous, influential and beautiful capitals. Today, Rome has a growing nightlife scene and is also seen as a shopping heaven, being regarded as one of the fashion capitals of the world (some of Italy’s oldest jewellery and clothing establishments were founded in the city).



Tours and Activities

Tour of Ancient Rome: Breathe life into thousands of years of Roman history as you visit major architectural sites, including the Coliseum and the Roman Forum.

Papal Audience: Be part of a Papal Audience with Pope Benedict XVI. Listen to His Holiness welcome pilgrims, impart his blessings, and lead the prayers.

Tour of the Vatican Museums: Visit one of the world’s most distinguished cultural institutions, the Vatican Museums. Your guided tour includes the Candelabra Gallery and the Sistine Chapel adorned with Michelangelo’s famed masterpieces.

Opera at Teatro dell’Opera di Roma: Experience an exhilarating evening at the opera in Rome with a ticket to either La Traviata, La Fille du Regiment, Manon Lescaut, Wozzeck, Mose in Egitto, or La Vedova Allegra.

Ballet at Teatro dell’Opera di Roma: Enjoy a ballet performance at the illustrious Teatro dell’Opera di Roma with a ticket to either Gala Nijinskji, Sleeping Beauty, or Peer Gynt.

Crypts and Catacombs Tour: Peel back the millennia as you descend into Rome’s underground burial chambers. Discover Imperial and early-Christian Rome as you pick your way along catacombs and shadowy crypts.

The Monuments of Rome: From the Pantheon to the Trevi Fountain; from Bernini’s three fountains in Piazza Navona to St Peter’s Basilica, Rome’s monuments are yours to discover.

Rome Through the Lens: Photography Tour: Imagine walking around Rome with a National Geographic photographer, learning to compose eye-catching pictures in this extraordinary setting. Choose between a morning, afternoon, or twilight tour, each capturing the city in a different light.

The Dark Heart of Rome: Legends and Mysteries Tour: As the sun sets, mysteries and legends come to life… Fact intertwines with fiction as your guide relates the darker side of Rome’s history.





Surrounding Area


Civitavecchia

Civitavecchia, the port of Rome, is the point of arrival and departure of hundreds of ships, cruises, and ferries travelling all around the Mediterranean. From here it is possible to reach Sardinia, Corsica, Sicily, Spain, France, some other small islands, and even north Africa. A good transportation system links the port to Rome – Civitavecchia is 39 mins by train from Rome. Whilst for most prople it is just a place to pass through, it does have some points of interest:


Ficoncella Thermal Bath, to the north of the city close to the Terme Taurine, was frequented by Romans and is still popular with the Civitavecchiesi. The cathedral of San Francesco d’Assisi was built by the Franciscans over a pre-existing small church built from 1610. The current edifice, with Baroque-Neoclassical lines, was erected in the eighteenth century. It’s situated between the historical centre of the city and Viale Garibaldi. The National Archaeological Museum preserves exciting finds from the Roman port and Taurine spas (just outside Civitavecchia), and the 845 inscription that celebrates the city’s reconstruction after being destroyed by the Saracen. Michelangelo stronghold on the waterfront is an impressive fortress built in the sixteenth century with the assistance of the great Michelangelo Buonarroti. The Terme Taurine thermal complex built by the Roman Emperor Trajan is still nowadays well preserved.


Canterano

Canterano is a picturesque town located on the Apennines; it’s worth a visit. What most characterizes this place is its unspoiled nature and traditions which are visible still today. Its history is characterized by a mixture of legends and actual facts. That is why it is not surprising that its coat of arms is represented by a small boat, even though the seaside is at least 80 kms away. Santa Maria church is one of the oldest churches. Here is conserved the biggest statue of the Virgin Mary in Canterano. It weighs as much as 800 kilos and it is carried on shoulders by eight people, who costantly alternate with other people belonging to the same confraternity, during a procession which takes place in the evening on the 1st August and in the morning on the 2nd August. During the month of August the statue is moved to the main church. Morritana is this is the highest point of the city. There is a small path which leads to the peak of the mountain where there is a big cross. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the sorrounding valley and of the city center from on high. This is the perfect place to observe sky at night and especially during summer it is easy to spot shooting stars. Canterano is 2 hrs 30 mins by bus or 49 mins by car from Rome.
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Frascati

Frascati is one of the Castelli Romani, historic hill towns founded by the Latins before Rome existed, 21 km to the South East of Rome. Originally called Tusculum and situated slightly further up the ‘hill’. Here history meets legend. Many historical references tell the story that during the Odyssee, Ulysses met Cyrce on the Tirrenian coast and was seduced by her. Their son Telegonus is said to have founded the city of Tusculum, today’s Frascati. Frascati is a small relaxed town perfect for a getaway from the metropolis of Rome. World famous for its white wine, Frascati has a slower pace of life, cleaner air, and a far more casual feel than the nearby capital. It was considered an ideal summer retreat by the Ancient Romans, later by the nobility of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, when Popes and Pope’s nephews and the aristocracy built many fabulous villas in the city, employing the same artists and architects to design them that were being commissioned on not just palaces in Rome, but also in the Basilica of St. Peter’s, and even later visited by those who came to Italy on the Grand Tour. In the Castelli is Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope. The town overlooks Lake Albano, a popular weekend trip for Romans in the summer. Just 21km from Rome, Frascati is accessible by bus or train. Trains run from Roma Termini approximately every hour, take about 30 minutes.
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Ostia

Not far from the centre of Rome, Ostia is a residential area, the capital’s beach and a well-known “tourist port” with moorings for boats from 8-60 metres (26-197 ft) in length. It also contains many Roman ruins, dating back to the days when Ostia served as Rome’s port (a function now taken over by Civitavecchia). Ostia Antica is one of Lazio’s major attractions, less crowded and, for some, more enjoyable than the ruins of Pompeii. So if you can’t make it down to Pompeii, don’t worry: just head out to Ostia antica. It is a monumental area a bit like the Roman Forum; however, in Ostia Antica you can get an impression how a Roman city really looked.


There’s a carnival atmosphere around the beach with dance halls, cinemas, and pizzerias. The Lido is set off best at Castelporziano, against a backdrop of pinewoods which provide the summer residence of the President of Italy. This stretch of shoreline is referred to as the Roman Riviera. Be aware that all the beaches in Italy are private – you have to pay to get in. In fact each restaurant owns the part of the seashore that faces it so if you want to have a swim you either pay an entrance fee or be a client of the restaurant (make sure you have your restaurant bill with you when you go down to the beach as you might have to show this to a guard). So grab your swimsuit, towel and sunblock, and take the Roma-Lido railway from the Roma Porta S. Paolo train station (which is located right next to the “Piramide” Metro stop of line B); ordinary ATAC tickets and passes are valid on this light railway. Departures are about every 15 minutes (30 minutes during Sunday and public holidays), while the trip takes about 40 minutes. The train lets you off across one of the highways that connects Rome with the coast: from there, it’s just a short walk to Ostia antica. Later, you can board the train again to visit Ostia and its beach
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Tivoli

Tivoli is a city in Lazio. Its two main attractions, Villa D’Este with its famous and glorious fountains and Emperor Hadrian’s Villa, are each individually worth the journey. Taken together, they make up a memorable day trip from Rome. There are hourly trains from the Tiburtina train station; fewer on Sundays.


Villa Adriana was the country retreat of the Emperor Hadrian, it is about equal in area to the old city of Pompeii. Located down the hill back towards Rome, it is a very large estate (the largest Roman Villa known) with ruins in various levels of preservation. Entry fees apply. Villa d’Este is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a truly unique place. Although the villa is itself quite interesting, with some attractive frescoes on the ceilings, the main reason for visiting here is the terraced gardens below it. These were conceived and built between 1550 and 1572 by Cardinal d’Este. The numerous fountains, both large and small, rely on natural water pressure, which takes advantage of the steep slope on which the gardens are built. Water comes mainly from the River Aniene, which was partly diverted through the town. Closed on Mondays.
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Anzio

Anzio is a city in Lazio, Italy, about 57 km south of Rome. It is a fishing port, a popular place for the people of Rome to have a fish lunch, and a harbour for ferries and hydroplanes to the islands of Ponza, Palmarola and Ventotene. In Roman times it was the site of numerous villas for the elite and many fine works of art from the period have been discovered in the area.The city was the site of a significant Allied landing during World War II prior to the march on Rome. In January 1944 troops landed behind the German lines at Anzio, but defences were well organised, and a breakthrough was not actually achieved until May. Anzio was heavily damaged and has since been extensively rebuilt. There is an hourly Roma-Nettuno train. The centre of the town and the port are 10 minutes walk downhill from the station.


Monte Cassino

Monte Cassino is a monastery in Lazio, Italy, 130 km southeast of Rome. It is a rocky hill overlooking the town of Cassino. St. Benedict established his first monastery here. The monastery was constructed on the site of the pagan temple of Apollo and St. Benedict’s first act was to smash the sculpture of Apollo and destroy the altar. The strategic position of the monastery has always made it a target for attack. Most recently, the Battle of Monte Cassino was a costly series of four battles during World War II, fought by the Allies with the intention of breaking through the German lines and taking Rome. On 15 February the monastery was destroyed by 1,400 tons of bombs dropped by American bombers, in the belief that the abbey was being used as a lookout post by the Germans.


The Commonwealth War Graves cemetery on the western outskirts of Cassino (follow signs when approaching Cassino from the Autostrada) is a beautifully maintained area with magnificent views of the monastery. The French and Italian cemeteries are on Highway 6 in the Liri Valley. There is a very striking Polish cemetery close to the battlefield and easily visible from the monastery. The German cemetery is approximately 2 miles (3 km) north of Cassino in the Rapido Valley. American casualties are not buried here but at Nettuno-Anzio. If you’re a history buff, the military museum of Vigna di Valle, near lake Bracciano, is worth visiting: it has an impressive collection of Italian military aircraft from WW1 to the present day on display. Alternatively, Priora Private day tour guides ( pick up from your hotel or at Cassino railway station) operate interesting full and half day World War II tours with guides to discover Montecassino and the battlefields, see the various museums throughout the area and visit the cemeteries and memorials. English, French, German and Italian speaking. Trains from Roma Tiburtina station take just over an hour. They are hourly or more frequent.


Viterbo

Viterbo, a well-known medieval and thermal destination, is in Lazio, a central region of Italy. As a settlement Viterbo dates back to Etruscan times. Between around 1100 and 1300, it was one of the most important cities in Europe. By the 13th Century it had 50 castles under its control. Viterbo was the place where Popes took refuge when driven out of Rome and for several decades was the seat of the Papacy. The sea is quite far, but don’t forget your bathing suit. After the visit, especially during the winter, you should dive in the Pope’s thermal baths: the spring’s water reaches 58°C (136°F)! The historical centre has plenty of architecture to view and is small enough to be visited on foot. There are trains from Rome almost every hour, mostly departing from Roma Ostiense station. The trip takes about 2 hours by train.
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Naples

Naples, a city in southern Italy, sits on the Bay of Naples. Nearby is Mount Vesuvius, the still-active volcano that destroyed nearby Roman town Pompeii. Dating to the 2nd millennium B.C., Naples has centuries of important art and architecture. The city’s cathedral, the Duomo di San Gennaro, is filled with frescoes. Other major landmarks include the lavish Royal Palace and Castel Nuovo, a 13th-century castle. Naples can be an acquired taste. Italy’s third largest city is sure to conjure up strong feelings. For some it’s an admiration of the city’s authentic vibe, while for others it’s a dislike for the economic disparity that exists here. Sophia Loren and Enrico Caruso are native Neapolitans, and the city is stubbornly proud of its image. One thing is certain; you will not leave Naples without an opinion.
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Pompeii

Pompeii, in Campania, Italy, is not far from Naples. Its major attraction is the ruined ancient Roman city of the same name, which was engulfed by Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Romans took control of Pompeii around 200 BC. On August 24, 79 AD, Vesuvius erupted, burying the nearby town of Pompeii in ash and pumice, killing around 3,000 people, the rest of the population of 20,000 people having already fled, and preserving the city in its state from that fateful day. Pompeii is an excavation site and outdoor museum of the ancient Roman settlement. This site is considered to be one of the few sites where an ancient city has been preserved in detail – everything from jars and tables, to paintings and people were frozen in time, yielding, together with neighbouring Herculaneum which suffered the same fate, an unprecedented opportunity to see how the people lived two thousand years ago.

The cheapest way to get here from Rome – take the special (2 hrs 21 mins) train from Termini or the regular (1hr 10 mins) train to Naples. On the Circumvesuviana Napoli-Sorrento line it takes 30 to 40 minutes to get to Pompeii from either Naples or Sorrento. If in Naples Central Station get to Circumvesuviana section by following signs, the Naples-Sorrento train arrives at platform No.3. From Salerno you can take the local train service to Pompeii.
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Caserta

Caserta is a city in Campania, 40 minutes north of Naples by train. Its main attraction is the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace). During italian summer holidays it can get quite packed. During the rest of the year it is a sleepy town. Caserta Royal Palace (Reggia di Caserta) is arguably the most beautiful royal palace in Europe. Sometimes it is compared to Versaille, mainly due to the park architecture. It is a huge 18th-century palace and hunting lodge designed for the Bourbon Kings of Naples by late-Baroque architect, Luigi Vanvitelli. The palace is surrounded by a magnificent, enormous park with lakes, rivers, statues, fountains and marvellous views. In the park there’s a bus that takes you up and down the to the English Garden. Open all year except holidays. Last entry at 15:30 in the winter months. Caserta Royal Palace is just north of the Caserta train station.
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Ischia

Ischia is the largest island in the bay of Naples and is considered by many to be the most beautiful, (though Capri is considerably more famous). The island is 10 km from east to west and 7 km north to south. It has a coastline of 34 km and covers an area of 46.3 sq km. It has a permanent population of approximately 58,000. Up to 6 million tourists (principally from the Italian mainland and Germany) flock to the island for its volcanic thermal spas and as well for its beaches and food. Several towns are located along the island’s coast. The largest city in Ischia is actually (and often confusingly, for tourists) called Ischia. The town of Ischia, however, has two different centres: Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte. Ischia Porto is the commercial center of the island and is named after the main port. Capri is reached in about 40 minutes by hydrofoil from Ischia.

Ischia’s thermal springs have been renowned since ancient times and have been tested by many Italian and foreign scientists, for their therapeutic features. Not only are the thermal waters used in baths and thermal gardens, but they can found in small springs on some beaches and streams of spouting that feature hot water gushing into the sea as well as steam spouts (fumaroles) with gases gushing from cracks in the soil. Fumaroles can also be observed on the slopes of the Mount Epomeo, particularly on cold days, or are located into small caves, called “stoves”.
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Capri

The small Italian island of Capri is situated 5 km from the mainland in the Bay of Naples, a celebrated beauty spot and coastal resort since the days of the Roman Republic until now. It is also part of Campania. Capri, known in Greek mythology as the isle of the sirens, was a favored resort of the Roman emperors. Most notoriously, the emperor Tiberius had his villa on the island, the location (supposedly) of debauched orgies. Those who displeased the emperor were flung to their deaths from the cliffs. The island is world famous and is very touristy, especially when swamped with tourists in July and August, but other times of year it is calmer and more relaxing.

The most famous natural attraction on Capri is the Blue Grotto, a beautiful cave at the water’s edge with a tiny opening to the sea that opens and closes with the tide, used as a bath since the Roman times. The entrance is small and depending on the tide there is just enough space for only a small rowboat to get through. Dark at the entrance, one has to enter 20-30 yards and then turn around to view the beautiful sight of the light from the entrance flowing through the water lit turquoise from below by the sun. Hence the sight of the “Blue Grotto”. You’ll be amazed at the turquoise hues glimmering in the water and against the rocks.


There are numerous ways to get around the island. You can see quite a bit of Capri on foot. From the main harbour to the town up the hill leads a range of stairs. Stairs and walkways, mostly signposted, crisscross the island. You can buy a map for a small fee at the main tourist office in the harbor which shows most of the footpaths. However, it is difficult to get lost on such a small island. A funicolare mountain tram (same as in Naples, Heidelberg, Barcelona and San Francisco) connects the harbour with the town up the hill. Island buses are readily available to take you to the various areas of the island. Unified public transport tickets are available. But one of the most fun things you can do here is rent a motor scooter and explore on your own historic Capri.

Capri is reached in about 40 minutes by hydrofoil from the port of Ischia or Forio, docking at Marina Grande on the north side of the island. There are also daily ferries from Naples (40 minutes), Amalfi, Positano and from Sorrento (20 minutes). Capri Online offers information on schedule and prices for all ferry/hydrofoil to Capri. If you take the early ferry from Naples (the one at 6.45AM), then as you travel to Capri, the sun rises over the mountains. The sky turns from deep violet to pink to orange to gold. It is an amazingly beautiful sight, certainly worth waking up at the ungodly hour.
Capri Online


Procida

Procida is the smallest island of the Gulf of Naples; it is rich in attractions and archaeology. As well, the small island of Vivara, linked to Procida by a bridge, has archaeological excavations. The architecture of Procida has a Greek origin. In fact, the history of Procida is concentrated first of all on the medieval village Terra Murata and on Corricella, the fishing settlement. The landmarks of Procida reflect typical Mediterranean pastel colours. Procida has 6 beaches and 3 tufaceous sides with crystal-clear waters. Ferry services is available at reasonable prices from Naples, Capri, and Ischia. You can get ferry information via. You can take the metro to station Pozzuoli from the ground floor of Napoli Centro train station, then get off and take the ferry at the port of Pozzuoli.

Ferry and tourist information


Sorrento

Sorrento is a popular tourist destination overlooking the Bay of Naples in Southern Italy. Perched atop cliffs that separate the town from its busy marinas, it is known for sweeping water views and Piazza Tasso, a cafe-lined square. The historic centre is a warren of narrow alleys that’s home to the Chiesa di San Francesco, a 14th-century church with a tranquil cloister. The town features beautiful architecture, many cafes and restaurants, and shops catering to tourists. As it is on the Circumvesuviana rail system it is easily reached from Naples and an ideal base for visiting Pompeii and Ercolano. Ferries regularly commute between Sorrento and Capri, making Sorrento an ideal base for exploring that island as well. A trip to Sorrento is full of possibilities, enjoy a splash in the Naples Bay, a walk through the lively pedestrian only streets at night, or an enjoyable day exploring the ruins of Pompeii. A short trip to Naples will take you to the National Museum that houses some of the best frescoes and art work from Pompeii. You can catch a bus that takes you on a spectacular but hair raising drive through the Amalfi Coast. You will pass through villages built along the cliffs that have some of the most beautiful churches and architecture in the area.

Sorrento is famous for its beaches – Marina Grande and (the better option) Marina Piccola are in the main beach area immediately to the west of the ferry and boat harbour). At Marina Piccola, some reserved areas with sand will ask for an entrance fee (which will also get you a deck chair) and for an umbrella. There is also a public beach at Marina Piccolo which has quite a small area of sand but ultimately you will be swimming in the same water as the private beach-goers. There is also a public sunbaking area consisting of a large wooden deck. Marina Grande, home of the fishing fleet, is a 10-15 minute walk west (via the city streets – no direct access via the coastline) and is quieter and has a larger public beach area with a few relaxed beach cafes and restaurants. A more spectacular option might even be Bagni Regina Giovanna, a nice little cove from the ocean in a secluded spot. Though a bit far on foot, it’s worth the trip (ask the locals for direction). Another option is Meta which has a larger beach again but requires a ride on the circumvesuviana train.

If you’re not in a hurry you can stroll from one end of town to the other. Most of the town is reasonably level except for the steep descent/ascent to and from the harbour and beach. The local bus service is good enough to visit all interesting places available in the area. You can also get a bus up and down to and from the beach/harbour area from town, if you want to avoid the short but steep walk. There is a lift to take you up and down between town (up on top of the cliff) and the beach and harbour area. The lift’s bottom entry is located just to the west of the public beach, in amongst the private beaches. This is a few minutes walk to the west of the boat harbour (marina). In summer, this is a good option if you’ve had a nice cool swim and don’t want to get hot and sweaty walking up the hill.
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Positano

Positano is a small picturesque town with splendid coastal views, on the famous Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy. The town itself is perched on an enclave on the face of a hill and winds down towards the waters of the Amalfi Coast. Naturally beautiful, Positano attracts thousands of visitors every year. All year long, the town is always full of people, but if you are planning to visit Positano, it would be best to schedule your trip during the spring season. Getting around on foot is easy – there are lots of little stairs leading from everywhere to everywhere. If you are unfit, or just dont like climbing stairs, its worth booking your accomodation close to where you would like to spend your time to save stairclimbing. Alternatively there is the one road meandering down to the harbour. Buy a Positano town tourist map as soon as you can, showing all the stairways and lane ways, as well as roads, beaches etc. A local bus goes down and – especially – up the hill following the meandering always congested road.

Unless you are prepared to take on the local motorists and heavily congested roads, the best way to get to Positano by the Sita bus from Sorrento or Salerno (a bit longer, but nice). From Sorrento sit next to a window on the right hand side for the best views. From Salerno sit on the left side for the best views and excellent photo opportunities. The bus drops you at the top of the town. During the peak season (starting in late April) this bus can get very crowded. You may have to wait a couple hours and fight your way onto a bus to get back.

A popular activity is to soak up the beauty on either of Positano’s two beaches: Fornillo, the smaller, more secluded beach is accessible either by a set of stairs from the grotto above or via a path from Spiaggia Grande. Fornillo has a more laid back atmosphere with four beach bars lining the shore and no ferry traffic. Spiaggia Grande, the main beach and ferry port, is the hub of activity in Positano. Don’t miss it, but don’t forget there is much more to Positano. You can also take a ferry trip to Paestum or Ischia and Capri (including the Blue Grotto) during summer months, or if you are after luxury, charter a private motor-boat with Charter La Dolce Vita – you can design your own itinerary with the captain. Suggested ideas include departing Positano for a full-day tour to Capri, circling island with the grottos or out to Ischia, or along the Sorrento Coast or just cruising along the Amalfi Coast.
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Amalfi Coast

The town of Amalfi is the heart of this magnificent Italian coastline known as the Amalfi Coast. Amalfi is one of the bigger towns on the Amalfi coast. It has squares connected by pedestrian streets full of restaurants, souvenir shops and tourists.

The mountains along the Amalfi Coast have a hidden network of public footpaths and long stairs criss crossing the lemon teraces. From Montepertuso you can walk to Santa Maria, a small church high up, and back down to Positano. This will give you stunning views down the coast featuring Capri, Positano and the sea. In springtime all sorts of rare spices and flowers grow between the cypress trees. Make sure you get a map of some kind showing the footpaths since you WILL get lost without one. For those who are truly adventurous, scooters can be a practical form of transport, however precision driving is key. Remember that The Amalfi Coast roads are very narrow and cliff-hanging, and will provide a challenging drive, but there are many spots to stop along the coastal roads and small towns that are only easily accessible if you have your own wheels.


Amalfi is approx. 40 minutes from Positano (depending on traffic). The trip to Amalfi from Sorrento is approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes (depending on traffic) otherwise this can blow out to two hours. July and August are prime months for people-moving so the buses can become very crowded so make sure you are at the front of the pushy crowd when the bus pulls up otherwise you might have to wait for the next one. It is a comfortable way to travel along the Amalfi Coast and Sorrentine Peninsula, however if you are prone to motion sickness the hairpins on these roads will certainly induce symptoms very quickly! SITA offers a very efficient public transportation service in the area, with expert drivers who breeze along the winding roads like they were driving on a highway (you will be happy to know that they are experienced).


cassino-war-cemetery.jpg A cruise or ferry ride is a popluar way to see the Amalfi Coast. The ferry season opens from Easter weekend and runs until mid to late October with connections from Amalfi to Positano, Salerno, Capri, Naples and Sorrento. The Metro del Mare is an extension of urban public transport – by sea. It connects the northern ports of Bacoli and Pozzuoli to Naples and from there goes to Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi. Headquartered in Amalfi, Coop Sant’Andrea ioperates ferries from Salerno to Amalfi, Amalfi to Salerno, Amalfi to Positano, Positano to Amalfi, Positano to Salerno, Salerno to Positano and connections in summer between Amalfi-Minori-Maiori. There are also private boat charters offered at the ticket kiosks on the Molo Pennello pier.

The two main train stations serving the Amalfi Coast are Salerno which has direct Eurostar and inter-regional trains connections to Naples and Rome and the local Circumvesuviana over in Sorrento which is the main train line which connects Sorrento to Naples and importantly, Sorrento to Pompeii ruins. Conveniently, both stations are also hubs for cheap, efficient bus and ferry services radiating toward the major tourist destinations along the Amalfi Coast and inland.

We recommend the Capri Boat Excursion, a full-day sightseeing tour taking in all the Amalfi Coast villages, including Ravello, Positano, Atrani, Praiano, Maiori and Minori. You visit the grottos in Capri and Amalfi, you can go swimming directly from the boat, the tour circumnavigates Capri island and you have the opportunity to disembark in Capri for three hours of your own time before you cruise back at about 6pm. Departures from Amalfi, Maiori and Minori.


The town of Furore hosts the famous Fjord of Furore, a secret cove with fisherman’s houses. Furore is about 25 minutes from Amalfi by SITA bus or car via the main Amalfi to Positano coastal road. Furore is the ideal location for trekking along the slopes of the Lattari Mountains, and not far from the Highway of the Lattari Mountains : “The Path of the Gods.” Other interesting and spectacular paths especially for the views, Sentiero della Volpe Pescatrice (The Fishing Vixen Path) from Punta Sant’Elia to the Fiord of Furore, and the path of the Agave in Fiore (The Agave in Flower), along this path leading from Punta Sant’Elia to Praiano, you will be able to find many agave, that after producing the incredible flower will die.


Atrani is on the Amalfi Coast, just 700 meters away from the more famous Amalfi. Atrani maintains its distinct fishing town atmosphere. The main entrance to the town starts from the beach, and from there, the traditional houses climb up the steep mountain valley, intertwined with gardens and lemon terraces. Atrani has little traffic and noise, even in summer, because it only opens to the beach and the sea. This is probably the secret of its pleasant square, where a few bars and restaurants have opened.


Ravello is located in the hills above Amalfi. A peaceful area with a small population, Ravello offers stunning views of the Mediterranean. Visit their renowned gardens, Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, and their spectacular Duomo, the Cathedral of Ravello, which is located in Vescovado Square. During summer months the city hosts the annual Ravello Festival, an event started in 1953 in honor of Richard Wagner and continued as a celebration of local art and music. You can reach Ravello by taking the prevalent SITA buses that run throughout the Amalfi Coast between the cities of Salerno, Positano, Sorrento. You will disembark at the city of Amalfi and from there you can either take a different SITA bus up the hill or walk to Ravello.

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Maiori is the only real beach along the Amalfi Coast. Most of the beach is privatized, making it effectively impossible to go to the beach without paying a fee. Even when there, the beach is covered in rows of beach umbrellas and deck chairs, something Australian beachgoers will find both strange and calaustophobic if you intend to spend some time there. The local SITA bus company run buses all over the Amalfi Coast with excellent connections to Amalfi, Ravello, Positano, Salerno and Sorrento.



Florence

The Tuscany city of Florence is quite a distance from Rome, and would not normally be a place we’d recommend visiting on a day trip were it not for the fact the two destinations are linked by High Speed Trains, which make the journey in less than two hours. There is far more to see and do in Florence that you can fit into one day, but a day trip on the fast train is an ideal way to fit Florence into your itinerary if it doesn’t otherwise include northern Italy.

Florence is often called the ‘birthplace of the Renaissance,’ and when you think of the art and scholarship which was produced here you can understand why. The city is still brimming with art, and some people say they have spent more than a week straight in Florence and still felt like they had not seen it all. The famous Michelangelo ‘David’ is in Florence – twice. The original now lives in the Accademia and a copy is in the place where the original once stood. The Uffizi Gallery contains a room full of giant Botticelli masterpieces. The Bargello has Donatello’s ‘David.’ And the list goes on. Outside museums, there are the remnants of the time when the Medici family ruled Florence – from the Palazzo Vecchio to the Pitti Palace and the bridge over the Ponte Vecchio in between.

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