Few places can compare with the magic of Italy. Whether you’re exploring the majesty of the Italian Lakes, admiring the incredible history of the Roman Forum, or drifting along the Grand Canal in Venice, you’re always experiencing something unforgettable.
Riviera’s escorted Italian tours bring you the perfect selection of 16 different Italian destinations, taking in Italy’s best features from the island of Sicily up through its classical cities including Rome, Ravenna, and Naples, through to the Renaissance capitals of Florence and Bologna, and the beautiful Cinque Terre coastline.
A holiday is not just about the destination with Riviera, it's about new experiences and the bonds that are made along the way. Their escorted tours offer the best way to truly get under the skin of a new destination, with insightful tours and experiences led by expert local guides and so much included in the price.
You can also upgrade to a Signature Tour with the itinerary of a Classic Tour, as well as up to three additional enhanced experiences and in a smaller group of 25 or fewer people.
Want to know more? With so many incredible tours to choose from, we have selected one of our favourites!
Pompeii, Capri & the Bay of Naples
One of Riviera’s most popular and breathtaking Italian tours, Pompeii, Capri & the Bay of Naples, is 8 days of fun packed visits and tours exploring one of the most beautiful corners of Europe. With regional return flights, 7 nights in 3 to 4-star accommodation, half board, and an expert tour manager all included in the price of £979pp^, this is a tour not to be missed. Read on for the full itinerary.
Day 1 & 2 – Sorrento
Your first day in this centuries-old resort is at a suitably relaxed pace, beginning with a short walking tour. The Romans appreciated Sorrento’s many qualities and the area is dotted with the remains of elegant shops selling luxury leather goods and shoes, and cosy restaurants nestling in tall buildings with faded facades in typically Mediterranean shades of ochre, yellow and magenta.
The region has a long history of lemon cultivation, with highly prized Sorrento lemons given their own protected IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) status in the same way as Parma ham or balsamic vinegar from Modena. Sixty percent of lemon production goes into making limoncello liqueur, but in Sorrento it seems that anything can be made from the local citrus fruit, including soaps, cosmetics and, of course, ice-cream.
Spend the afternoon exploring Sorrento at your own pace.
Day 3 & 4 – Pompeii
Most people know the story of Pompeii and its fate, but today this site is so much more than a collection of ruins. Your guided tour of the Roman town highlights its astonishing state of preservation – even if you aren’t especially interested in history, you can’t fail to be impressed by its scale. Much of our knowledge about the Roman way of life, their habits, social structure, class system and domestic arrangements has come from Pompeii.
The 4th day is a free day to spend at leisure in Sorrento, perhaps to browse the numerous boutiques or enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the many restaurants that Sorrento has to offer.
Day 5 & 6 – Capri & Naples
The island of Capri is renowned the world over, on day 6 you will take a short boat ride to discover its charms. It has long been the most desirable part of the Bay of Naples, attracting many Roman emperors. It’s easy to see why Capri is so adored; as you approach you’ll see small fishing boats bobbing on the water, with whitewashed shops and restaurants lining the busy quayside against a backdrop of towering cliffs. You’ll have some free time to explore the island.
On day 6 you drive north around the bay to the cosmopolitan city of Naples, whose UNESCO-listed historic core is recognised for its wealth of monuments. During your walking tour of the old town, a local guide will share fascinating stories about the city’s millennia of history, the local culture and, naturally. After the tour you will have some free time to explore whatever tickles your fancy.
Later that day, visit Herculaneum – known locally as Ercolano – located in the shadow of mighty Mount Vesuvius. Our local guide will bring the history of Herculaneum to life.
Day 7 & 8 – Amalfi Coast
Today you’ll have a chance to experience the sublimely beautiful Amalfi coast at first hand as you wind around spectacular pine-clad cliffs that tumble down into the turquoise Mediterranean. Your coastal drive takes you above the exclusive resort of Positano, continue your drive just inland to the stunning village of Ravello, with its awe-inspiring location perched like an eagle’s nest on a shelf above Amalfi affording amazing views. It has an ambience all its own, with an enchanting main square, a 13th-century cathedral and the Villa Rufolo.
Arrive back in Sorrento mid-afternoon, with the rest of the day free.
On your last day soak up the last of the Italian beauty and take your return flight home where you can share your wonderful experience with family and friends.
Sounds too good to be true right? With so much included as well as no regional flight supplements and flexible bookings there has never been a better time to take a tour to Italy.
^Price is based on 03 Nov 2023 departure. Enquire for prices on other dates.