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.

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.

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.