Day 1: Welcome to Italy

We’ll gather at our Rome hotel at 4 p.m. for a “Welcome to Italy” group meeting. Afterward, we’ll take an evening stroll through the meandering streets of “village” Rome on our way to tonight’s trattoria, where we’ll get acquainted over dinner together.

Light walking: 2-4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain. No bus. Sleep in Rome.

Day 2: Layers of Rome

This morning we’ll tour the world’s first museums, the Capitoline. Here we’ll learn about Rome’s golden age through its most treasured sculptures, including the sublime Dying Gaul, the imposing Marcus Aurelius on horseback, and the emblematic She-Wolf suckling Rome’s tiny founding brothers, Romulus and Remus. Then we’ll take an eye-opening walk along the east bank of the Tiber, where we’ll learn about the rich, yet often-overlooked, history of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto. The rest of the day is yours to wander through the Roman Colosseum and Forum, enjoy the panoramic city view from atop the nearby Victor Emmanuel Monument, or make a modern-day pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City.

Strenuous walking: 2-8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. No bus. Sleep in Rome.

Day 3: Tivoli and the Gargano Peninsula

We’ll leave Rome early, stopping in the nearby hills to learn about the Roman Emperor Hadrian at the ruins of his monumental villa at Tivoli. An enthusiastic traveler and builder, Hadrian’s lasting legacy includes his great wall across Britain, the domed Pantheon, and his stylish beard. Then we’ll drive up and over the Apennine spine of Italy and on to the shores of the Adriatic Sea. Our destination this evening is the tip of the rugged Gargano Peninsula, one of the most beautiful areas of southern Italy — and still unknown to American travelers. We’ll share dinner tonight near our cliffside hotel.

Moderate walking: 2-6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Bus: 6 hours. Sleep in Vieste.

Day 4: Vieste and the Adriatic Coast

Vieste’s beaches are packed with Italians in mid-summer. But when we arrive, we’ll find a peaceful contrast to the hustle and bustle of Rome. We’ll take a boat cruise along the craggy Gargano Coast, marveling at the picture-perfect coves, hidden grottos, and unusual rock formations that make this coastline unforgettable. We’ll return to Vieste with plenty of time to wander through the town or simply luxuriate on the beach.

Light to strenuous walking (your choice). Boat: 1½ hours. No bus. Sleep in Vieste.

Day 5: Alberobello and Matera

Today we’ll head off the tourist path, continuing through Puglia and into the Basilicata region, with a stop to learn about and sample some local wines, meats, and cheeses. In Alberobello, we’ll explore cone-shaped, stone trulli houses that are still lived in today. Then we’ll drive on to the town of Matera, known for its unique Sassi neighborhoods made up of ancient cave dwellings, where we’ll enjoy a delightful dinner together.

Strenuous walking: 2-8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Bus: 4 hours. Sleep in Matera.

Day 6: The Wonders of Matera

With the help of a locally grown expert, we’ll learn the stories of old and new Matera. We’ll begin our day discovering the wonders of the 9,000-year-old Sassi. We’ll go inside a Sasso home to gain an appreciation for the cave-dwelling conditions endured by the residents until they were relocated 60 years ago. We’ll continue our education with a visit to a rock-hewn church and a look at the new town. You’ll have the rest of your day free to wander through the different layers of Matera. This evening, watch — or better yet join — the ritual passeggiata of strolling locals in this authentic, untouristed part of Italy.

Strenuous walking: 2-8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. No bus. Sleep in Matera.

Day 7: Paestum and the Amalfi Coast

Early this morning we’ll drive into the Campania region and tour an organic water buffalo farm that produces the prized local specialty, mozzarella di bufala. We’ll go into the barns and learn how this tasty delicacy is made and enjoy a gourmet lunch together featuring (you guessed it) fresh buffalo mozzarella. After lunch, we’ll continue on to Paestum to marvel at this site’s awe-inspiring lineup of three ancient Greek temples — the best-preserved collection in Europe. Then we’ll follow the cliff-clinging seaside road to Salerno, where we’ll take a scenic boat ride to our final destination: the Amalfi Coast.

Strenuous walking: 2-8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Bus: 5 hours. Boat: 1 hour. Sleep on the Amalfi Coast.

Day 8: Free Day on the Amalfi Coast

The day is all yours to enjoy the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. Take a local bus along the twisting roads and wild beauty of the Amalfi highway, hopping off to explore cliffside villages, or take advantage of the sea and take a public boat to the neighboring towns. Check out the sweeping views from Ravello, the candy-striped church in Amalfi town, and the narrow streets and posh shops of Positano, or let gravity pull you down to a beach to relax upon. Tonight will be a great night to find a trattoria with a glorious sunset view.

Light to strenuous walking (your choice). No bus. Sleep on the Amalfi Coast.

Day 9: Pompeii and Sorrento

This morning we’ll make a short drive to serene Sorrento, stopping for a thoughtful visit to unlucky Pompeii, where, with an ace local guide, we’ll get a look at everyday life frozen in time two millennia ago. After free time to explore more of Pompeii on your own and enjoy lunch, we’ll continue on to Sorrento, our cliff-hugging home set amongst the lemon groves. This afternoon, we’ll take an orientation walk through town on our way to watch the creation of an Italian culinary masterpiece — gelato. The rest of your evening is free to explore more of this spectacular setting.

Strenuous walking: 2-8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Bus: 2 hours. Sleep in Sorrento.

Day 10: Serene Sorrento and Capri

Today is all yours. Take a boat ride to Capri, where you can then board a much smaller boat to the deservedly famous Blue Grotto. Or, spend all or part of the day enjoying Capri’s remarkable views, winding lanes, fancy summer homes, and lovely gardens. Or, stay in Sorrento and wander through the shop-lined back streets, stopping to savor il dolce far niente — the sweetness of doing nothing. This evening we’ll meet for a home-hosted dinner with a local Sorrento family.

Light to strenuous walking (your choice). No bus. Sleep in Sorrento.

Day 11: Classy, Gritty Naples

After a morning drive, we’ll start the day with a Vespa-dodging, laundry-flapping walking tour through the hubbub of Neapolitan life. Afterward, we’ll introduce you to a legendary slice of Naples’ history: the classic Pizza Napoletana, invented by a Neapolitan pizzaiolo in the late 19th century. Then we’ll re-group at our hotel and set you free for the evening to explore more of Naples on your own.

Strenuous walking: 2-8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Bus: 2 hours. Sleep in Naples.

Day 12: Naples’ Art Treasures

We’ll begin our morning with a visit to the inspiring Cappella Sansevero, home to amazingly lifelike sculptures that have to be seen to be believed. We’ll continue touring the greatest treasures of Pompeii, brought to Naples’ National Archeological Museum for safekeeping. We’ll also be dazzled by the Farnese collection, including the largest single sculpture ever recovered from antiquity: the Farnese Bull. This larger-than-life riot of animal, human, and divine struggle was adored and painstakingly restored by Michelangelo. Then, armed with the confidence and Neapolitan street smarts you’ve learned from your guide, your afternoon is free for making your own discoveries. Tonight, we’ll get together for a special dinner to share travel memories and toast new friends. Salute!

Moderate walking: 2-6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. No bus. Sleep in Naples.

Day 13: Tour Over After Breakfast

Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. It’s a breeze to reach Naples’ airport by taxi, easily arranged through our hotel. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Grazie e ciao!

Itinerary specifics subject to change.