Italy's Cilento Coast

Day 1  Fly to Naples    
​Today, you will fly to Naples and we'll transfer you to your hotel in Capaccio, which is in a lovely setting. After time to settle in, get to know your travelling companions over a welcome drink before dinner this evening.

Day 2  Naples to Castellabate    
The Cilento Coast is one of Campania's most remote corners. With shimmering waters, secluded coves and inviting towns, it has all the ingredients for a relaxing holiday, where you can mix lazy days in the sun with the chance to experience the Italian culture. Less well-known than its neighbour, the Amalfi Coast, the whole Cilento area is swamped in history and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After breakfast, we'll start our explorations as we head off on an included excursion to the medieval town of Castellabate. Located high on a hill, from here we'll admire fantastic views across the countryside and out to sea, and enjoy a walk through the arches and passageways of the town centre. Later, enjoy a relaxing lunch at a vineyard. The rest of the day has been left free for you to spend at your leisure. Perhaps enjoy a stroll with your travelling companions or relax at your hotel, which boasts a swimming pool and private beach.

Day 3  Castellabate to Paestum  
We include a tour of Paestum, the Cilento Coast's most famous historic site, today. Founded in the 7th century BC by the Greeks, it is home to three massive Doric temples - said to be the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. We will learn more about their fascinating history in the company of a Local Guide and visit Paestum's museum. Later, we'll call at a nearby farm for lunch. We'll sample an array of mouthwatering local specialities, including buffalo mozzarella, ricotta cheese and cured hams. To finish, we'll tuck into a home-made dessert and everything will be accompanied by delicious local wine.

Day 4  Capaccio      
On today's optional full-day excursion, we'll enjoy a drive along the stunning Amalfi Coast to the town of Amalfi. If you prefer, you could enjoy time at leisure to relax and soak up the sun. Maybe head to the hotel's private beach, which is accessible via a walkway through the surrounding pinewood forest.

Day 5  Capaccio    
Today has been left free for you to spend as you wish. You might head off to explore or maybe you'll enjoy the facilities at your hotel. Alternatively, you could choose to join an optional excursion to lovely Velia, a wonderful and well-preserved ancient Greek town. Your guide will show you all the delights including its fascinating tangle of narrow cobbled streets, ancient theatre and superb coastline. On the way back we will drive along the coastal road passing beautiful fishing villages.

Day 6  Capaccio  
You can spend today at leisure if you wish. However, if you'd like to get out in the great outdoors, we offer an optional excursion which takes us on a scenic drive through Cilento National Park. Along the way we'll see some of the delightful villages that nestle amid the beautiful landscape. We'll also visit Roccadaspide, a charming hill town dominated by a huge stone castle. If we're lucky we'll meet the castle owner, a marquis, who will give us a tour of his home and share its history with us. We may even venture into the dungeon!

Day 7  Capaccio to Salerno  
We'll visit Salerno, a lively town with an array of historic attractions, today. Here, you can take a stroll along the charming tree-lined promenade or maybe shop for souvenirs to take home. We'll return to the hotel for some free time this afternoon and enjoy a farewell get-together this evening.

Day 8  Naples to UK    
Your holiday comes to an end today as we transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.