FROM CAPRI TO ISCHIA, THE PEARLS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

This morning, a private guide unveils the highlights of Capri. Travel by reserved vehicle along scenic roads edged with luxuriant gardens and fragrant Mediterranean scrub, climbing toward Anacapri, the quieter sister village perched on the slopes of Mt. Solaro. Enjoy leisure time wandering charming streets and artisan shops, or ride the chairlift to the summit of Mt. Solaro, the island’s highest peak, for sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Capri’s magic is incomplete without a visit to the Blue Grotto (weather permitting) — the island’s most iconic natural wonder. Weather permitting, board a small rowboat and slip through a narrow crevice in the cliff into a world of radiant blue light, an unforgettable spectacle of nature. Return to Capri town for a stroll through the lively Piazzetta, its cafés buzzing with life. Your guide will lead you away from the crowds to reveal quiet lanes, whitewashed houses, and hidden viewpoints. The afternoon is yours to linger over a meal, shop for Italian style, or simply sip an espresso while watching the island pass by. (B) 

Board the jetfoil for a transfer across the bay to Sorrento, a graceful coastal town where lemon groves cascade down terraced hillsides and sea views stretch endlessly across the Bay of Naples. From your arrival, the charms of Sorrento will enchant you — elegant piazzas, pastel-hued buildings, and the unmistakable scent of lemons that define this sun-kissed corner of Italy. (B)

 Today, experience the Amalfi Drive, one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world, often called “The Divine Coast.” The route winds along plunging cliffs and dramatic rock formations, carved by the sea and wind into breathtaking scenery. Pause to admire Positano from above, its pastel houses clinging to the cliffs below the tiled dome of its church. Continue through Praiano and glimpse Furore’s dramatic fjord before arriving in Amalfi. Here, wander bustling piazzas and see the magnificent St. Andrew’s Cathedral with its striking mosaic façade. After time to shop and explore, travel uphill to Ravello, a tranquil village perched high above Amalfi. With its lush gardens and panoramic views, Ravello has inspired countless artists and composers, from Richard Wagner to Gore Vidal. This day along the Amalfi Coast blends natural splendor with cultural discovery. (B)

Step back nearly two thousand years as you explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, once a thriving Roman city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Walk its paved streets, marvel at frescoed houses, visit ancient bakeries, and peer into thermopolia — the fast-food stands of the ancient world. Each corner brings the city back to life, offering an intimate glimpse into everyday Roman life. Afterward, continue to the fertile slopes of Mount Vesuvius, where vineyards thrive in volcanic soil. Visit a family-owned estate that has preserved ungrafted vines resistant to 19th-century phylloxera. Tour the vineyards and historic winery before sitting down to a rustic lunch in a barnyard-turned-dining-room surrounded by vines. Taste wines grown from volcanic terroir, paired beautifully with regional cuisine — a perfect blend of history, culture, and flavor. (B,L) 

This morning, board a ferry to Ischia, the lush “Green Island” famed for its thermal springs, volcanic landscapes, and rugged Mediterranean beauty. With its rolling hills, citrus groves, and sparkling coastline, Ischia offers a more authentic and relaxed atmosphere than its glamorous neighbor Capri. (B)

Begin the day in Forio, a charming town where narrow alleys lead to the striking seaside Chiesa del Soccorso. Built on a promontory with Moorish architectural influences, the church has long been a symbol of protection for sailors and, on the right day, offers the rare chance to glimpse the “Green Flash” at sunset. Continue to Sant’Angelo, a postcard-perfect coastal village inaccessible to vehicles. From here, board a taxi boat to reach fumarole beaches, where volcanic gases rise through the sand in a natural display of Ischia’s geothermal power. Break for a vineyard lunch, enjoying wine and dishes prepared from estate-grown ingredients amid manicured vines. In the afternoon, visit the imposing Castello Aragonese. Perched on a volcanic outcrop, this fortress has defended Ischia since the 5th century BC. Explore its winding paths, ancient chapels, and dramatic ruins while learning its layered history. Pause for a coffee in a panoramic café tucked inside its walls, overlooking the sea. (B,L) 

Sail back to Naples, the lively “city of a thousand colors.” This afternoon, immerse yourself in a guided food tour of the city’s bustling streets. Taste a flaky sfogliatella, enjoy savory almond-and-pepper taralli, and experience Naples’ most iconic food — pizza, folded into quarters and eaten on the go just as locals do. End with artisanal chocolate, a tradition born of a Piedmontese chocolatier who made Naples his home. The flavors of Naples reveal the city’s passion, creativity, and zest for life. (B)

Spend your final morning living like a true Neapolitan. Shop in a lively street market, haggling alongside locals and selecting fresh produce and ingredients. Then roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class with your host Giorgia, who will guide you through preparing a traditional four-course Neapolitan meal from scratch. After enjoying your culinary creations over lunch, the afternoon is yours to relax, explore, or continue savoring Naples at your own pace. (B,L)

Say “arrivederci” to Italy or extend your stay. (B)