Summits & Shores: Vesuvius, Pompeii & Amalfi
3 day tour
Italy’s dramatic history and striking beauty collide on this vibrant tour to the Amalfi Coast.
Tour map
Tour Highlights
Pompeii - Ponder over the everyday life of the Ancient Romans as you stroll through the city that froze in time
Amalfi Coast - Pastel-coloured houses, steep cliffs, azure seas, lemon groves and a lot of glamour: feel La Dolce Vita at its finest
Mount Vesuvius - Vesuvius may be tame now, but this infamous volcano reshaped the ancient world
Montecassino Abbey - Dramatically perched atop a mountain, this working monastery and pilgrimage site is a centre of art, culture, and learning
Your journey
What is it you’re looking for? A breathtaking moment standing atop one of the world’s most famous volcanoes, pondering the dark history and wrath of its power? Or would you rather gaze at a glistening sea with a gelato in hand, the sun on your face, the bustling energy of an Italian city around you? Sinking your teeth into local delicacies. Stepping back in time for just a moment.
It’s not too much to ask for all of it. Not on this tour.
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 08:15 (tour departs at 08:30) - Rome Pick Up, Hotel American Palace, Rome,
19:30 - Rome Drop Off, Hotel American Palace, Rome,
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
- Pack comfortable shoes for walks up to beautiful views
- Transport in a luxury mini-coach with a local driver
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking guide
- 2 nights in 3-4 star hotels with continental breakfast
- Entrance and tour of Montecassino Abbey
- Entrance to Mount Vesuvius
- Entrance to Pompeii
- Ferry between Positano-Amalfi-Salerno
- Meals, unless listed above
- Attractions, unless specified above
Itinerary
Day 1
- Be humbled and fascinated by the tragic ending of Pompeii
- Relax and unwind along the Amalfi coastline in Salerno
Arrivederci, Rome! We’re off to see a city that’s famous for a different reason. A sad one, yes, but a memorable one. Our first stop is at the archaeological marvel of Pompeii. Known around the world for its iconic preservation of ancient Roman life, you’ll certainly need a map before you head in… there’s far too much to see.
(Tip: ask staff for a map before entering, which we recommend as it’s easy to get turned around!)
We leave this haunting and humbling destination and journey to where we’ll be staying overnight on this tour: Salerno. Situated quite snuggly along the picturesque Amalfi coastline, Salerno has a spectacular view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. A palm-lined promenade awaits you, dozens of delicious restaurants and bars at your fingertips for your evening tonight. We recommend heading out for sunset if you can manage it and get yourself a view overlooking the sea.
Included Activities
- Entrance to Pompeii
Accommodation
Hotel Plaza or similar, Salerno
Day 2
- Gaze out at the Bay of Naples from Sorrento
- Wander the maze-like (and dream-like) village of Positano
- Enjoy a gelato and quiet afternoon in Amalfi
This tour is all about breathtaking views... and today you get to see them from the water. In the morning, we hop on the ferry and head to our first destination: Sorrento.
With panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, the iconic silhouette of Mount Vesuvius hiding among the haze ahead, Sorrento’s cliffside setting is the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. Then it’s time to head into Sorrento’s historic Old Town, a true maze of narrow streets packed with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Grab a gelato or perhaps sample a famous Limoncello, a traditional lemon liqueur the region is known for.
That beauty just keeps on coming today as it’s back on the ferry for our next stop. You may already know of Positano, especially if you’re a fan of the movie Under the Tuscan Sun. Today is your chance to explore it. Depending on the time of year, this is the day you may consider whipping out your bathing costume and popping down to the bottom of this cliffside village to take a dip at the main beach of Spiaggia Grande.
If that’s not your thing, grabbing a bite to eat is always recommended in Italy. Always. And there are enough boutique shops, quaint cafes, and local artisans selling their wares that you’ll have plenty of things to do.
Jet-setting back onto the water, you’ll find yourself in the sweet seaside town of Amalfi. There’s something sweet about this town... perhaps it’s the gelato, or the people. Either way, you’re going to love it.
One final ferry ride brings us back to Salerno for the evening.
Included Activities
- Ferry between Positano-Amalfi-Salerno
Accommodation
Hotel Plaza or similar, Salerno
Day 3
- Strap on your boots and hike to the top of the ancient and dormant Mount Vesuvius
- Behold the majestic Montecassino Abbey, a working monastery and pilgrimage site
In the morning, you travel north to face Mount Vesuvius. In ancient times, this mountain was considered to be divine and had connections to Jupiter – the god of sky and lightning. Legends say that the giants used to inhabit the volcano, which explained the loud noises and rumbling.
Scary as this sounds, the titan is now dormant. So, put on your sturdy boots and get ready for an unforgettable experience because you can hike up to its crater.
As we make our way back to Rome, don’t think the excitement ends there. Now it’s time to visit the incredible Montecassino Abbey. Perched atop a mountain, it’s a sight to behold. A working monastery and a pilgrimage site, this place was a centre of art, culture, and learning. It was also the scene for a decisive battle near the end of World War II. You have your entrance ticket included and get time to stroll through the cloisters of the monastery and contemplate the turbulent history of war.
We arrive back in Rome in the early evening.
Included Activities
- Entrance and tour of Montecassino Abbey
- Entrance to Mount Vesuvius
Accommodation
Where does this tour stay overnight?
You stay two nights in Salerno. For examples of the accommodation, please see the tour itinerary.
How does the accommodation work?
A good night’s sleep is often needed for a good day of travel.
So we’ve hand-picked three-star to four-star hotels in remote coastal villages, bustling towns, and mountain valleys.
Your accommodation is included in the tour price; and when you book your trip, you can choose whether you want a double room, a twin room, or a single room.
Are there any extra accommodation costs?
The price you see is for all your tour accommodation and for the tour itself. It also includes a tourist tax. This figure is based on shared accommodation. When you're booking your tour and select a single room, an additional single room supplement will be added to the price.
FAQs
Do I need a visa to take this tour?
You may need a Schengen Visa to travel throughout Europe. Check the official tourism website of the country you’re visiting for up-to-date and reliable information. Travel between countries is easy because there are no passport checks at the borders.
Are the tours suitable for people with mobility issues?
Most people can comfortably enjoy our tours, but it's worth bearing in mind that we often include optional short walks in scenic locations. Please also be aware that many of the old European towns are built on steep hills with cobbled lanes, and you may have to carry your own luggage at times.
So that we can ensure you're comfortable travelling with us, please let us know about any special requirements or needs at the time of booking. If you have any more questions, simply email tours@rabbies.com .
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
Europe's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure and avoid contributing to congestion issues, we start our trip from hotels located conveniently on the edge of cities. We choose hotels with good public transport connections to the city centre, so you can enjoy your evening explorations.
To make your tour more convenient, you can add an optional pre and post-departure accommodation in the hotel we use as a pick up or a drop off point.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive at the hotel lobby 15 minutes before your departure time. Unfortunately, we’re unable to wait for you if you’re late due to vehicle restrictions. But depending on your situation, we may be able to help you catch up with your tour.
What are your cancellation policies?
We have a cancellation period of 42 days for our Europe tours. If you cancel your trip before this period, we give you a full refund minus a 10% admin charge. If you cancel inside this time frame, you’re liable for the cost of the tour package.
We understand how disappointing it is when you have to cancel a trip with us, so please contact our friendly team who will try their best to resell your ticket and refund you.
Click here to view full terms and conditions.
What is a guaranteed departure?
It's simple: you book, you go. This means we'll never cancel your tour because of a minimum numbers policy.
Can routes change?
Your friendly driver and guide are passionate about the places they visit and know all the local gossip. This means your tour itinerary can change a little due to festivities, attraction opening hour changes, and spontaneous photo opportunities.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable mini-coaches offer a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
We like to keep our coaches small, nimble, and odour free. This means we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you frequently stop in local towns and villages for comfort breaks.
Do you take children on your tours?
We're unable to permit children under 16 years old on our Europe tours due to the nature of the activities that are included.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy your trip to Europe. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of stops to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
What are 'included activities' and 'optional activities'?
We've arranged experiences for you on your tour. The 'included activities' are already booked and paid for as part of your trip, whereas you can purchase 'optional activities' while on your tour. You also have free time in many destinations to pick and choose which attractions you visit.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to pack or bring along food on the mini-coach. We stop in small European towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
What should I do if I have too much luggage?
It’s more enjoyable to travel with light luggage. You can take less by cleaning clothes along the way. Most hotels provide affordable laundry service.
But if you're travelling with more than 20kg, don't worry! There are left luggage facilities close to the majority of our departure points, and courier companies who could ship your excess luggage on to your chosen destination. Our team are happy to help if you need any suggestions or recommendations.
Should I tip the driver and the guide?
Let's be honest, our drivers and guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We highly recommend you take out travel insurance, so you can enjoy a stress-free journey.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you book a tour with us. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we run into any issues. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
Our packages are covered by the Package Travel Regulations. For full details of your key rights please click here.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com, or check out our full FAQs.
Restrictions
This tour is exclusively for passengers aged 18 years and over due to the inclusion of a distillery visit and alcohol tasting. This means children are not permitted on this tour.
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.