southern Italy Extension
Extension fare: $2,495 March Special reduced fare: $2,195. Save $300!
Escorted by Mark & Elizabeth Stoddard with professional guides along the way.
Our small group of 14 - 16 will drive in a Sprinter Van that stays with us the entire route on the ferry and through the beautiful winding paths of Southern Italy with overnights in charming Cisternino in the high hills, across the Italian mountains to the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Isle of Capri, Pompeii, Naples, Rome Temple and Rome.
Escorted by Mark & Elizabeth Stoddard with professional guides along the way.
Our small group of 14 - 16 will drive in a Sprinter Van that stays with us the entire route on the ferry and through the beautiful winding paths of Southern Italy with overnights in charming Cisternino in the high hills, across the Italian mountains to the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Isle of Capri, Pompeii, Naples, Rome Temple and Rome.
Day 1 - September 26 (Tuesday) Ston, Dubrovnik, and the Ferry
After a wonderful breakfast, the "extension to Southern Italy" head south to Dubrovnik. About 2.5 hours later, we get to stop in historic Ston with it's unique castle wall and beautiful harbor. The wall protected the towns salt mines, the equivalent hundreds of years ago to gold mines...they were that valuable. After a guided tour of the longest stone wall in Europe and the picturesque village, you can explore the harbor and town and grab a gelato and other local lunch treats.
After a wonderful breakfast, the "extension to Southern Italy" head south to Dubrovnik. About 2.5 hours later, we get to stop in historic Ston with it's unique castle wall and beautiful harbor. The wall protected the towns salt mines, the equivalent hundreds of years ago to gold mines...they were that valuable. After a guided tour of the longest stone wall in Europe and the picturesque village, you can explore the harbor and town and grab a gelato and other local lunch treats.
Then it's on to Dubrovnik where we get to see more of that historic city.
Pick your adventure. Perhaps: ...walk the 1.25 mile circuit of city wall to enjoy the fantastic views over the old town’s terracotta rooftops
or ...visit the aquarium or
....ride the cable car to view the city from above or
... dine at one of the many restaurants of this charming city.
Pick your adventure. Perhaps: ...walk the 1.25 mile circuit of city wall to enjoy the fantastic views over the old town’s terracotta rooftops
or ...visit the aquarium or
....ride the cable car to view the city from above or
... dine at one of the many restaurants of this charming city.
About 8 PM, our bus takes us aboard the ferry for our overnight trip to Southern Italy. You’ll have a private cabin and bathroom so be sure to pack an overnight bag to keep with you. Your main luggage will stay on the bus that will be on the ferry with us.
Day 2 - September 27 (Wednesday)
Bari, Cisternino and Taranto We arrive in Bari, Italy this morning. We see some of the sites from this ancient city made famous during the Greek conquests 2,500 years ago, followed by Roman legions fortifying the city from future invasions, and then becoming a prime seat of the bishop of Bari. More invasions conquered the city from northern and eastern countries. On we go, heading into the nearby hills to the olive orchard and other agriculture vistas to one of the most picturesque Italian villages -- Cisternino where we have lunch and roam the winding little streets shown to the left. These "streets" are mere walkways to explore and meet the friendly town folks. Unique to this region are small hobbit-like houses, with white walls and pointy cone-shaped houses called "trulli houses". Just an hour or so away, we stop in Taranto by the sea to spend the night. |
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Day 3 - September 28 (Thursday)
Across Italy to the Amalfi Coast Along the way our coach climbs the ancient hills and mountains of southern Italy with its quaint towns like Potenza. Our guide explains the history as we go. It only takes about 4 hours to reach the port city of Salerno, which made modern history as the place where the Allies of World War 2 launched their invasion to recapture Italy. We turn north and drive the picturesque Amalfi coast to our luxury hotel in the amazingly beautiful village of Amalfi. Our guide recommends various venues including the harbor, opera theater and just the winding streets overlooking the beautiful bay. Or rent a boat and explore the harbor. Your time to enjoy the rest of the day and tomorrow. |
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Day 4 - September 29 (Friday) Amalfi and Sorrento
More time to explore Amalfi. In the afternoon we head up the Amalfi coast to Sorrento. You'll understand why the song "Come Back to Sorrento" was written. Sorrento is located across the Bay of Naples from Napoli and centrally on the Northside of the Sorrentine Peninsula. The southern coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula is home to the famed Amalfi Coast.
Due to Sorrento’s location and appeal, it makes for a great base to explore Campania. In one direction, it provides easy access to Ischia, Pompei, and Napoli. At the same time, the other direction visitors can reach Capri, Sorrentine Peninsula, and Amalfi Coast
More time to explore Amalfi. In the afternoon we head up the Amalfi coast to Sorrento. You'll understand why the song "Come Back to Sorrento" was written. Sorrento is located across the Bay of Naples from Napoli and centrally on the Northside of the Sorrentine Peninsula. The southern coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula is home to the famed Amalfi Coast.
Due to Sorrento’s location and appeal, it makes for a great base to explore Campania. In one direction, it provides easy access to Ischia, Pompei, and Napoli. At the same time, the other direction visitors can reach Capri, Sorrentine Peninsula, and Amalfi Coast
Day 5 - September 30 (Saturday) Pompeii
Today we find out why the once prosperous and decadent port city of Pompeii has intrigued world travelers for centuries. Pompeii exploration is a bucket list event. Mighty Mt. Vesuvius towers above to make the dark destruction of Pompeii ever on your mind. "Pompeii was a large Roman town in Campania, Italy which was buried in volcanic ash following the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 CE. Excavated in the 19th -20th century, it's excellent state of preservation give an invaluable insight into Roman everyday life. Pompeii is perhaps the richest archaeological site in the world for the volume of data available to scholars." WorldHistory.org
Today we find out why the once prosperous and decadent port city of Pompeii has intrigued world travelers for centuries. Pompeii exploration is a bucket list event. Mighty Mt. Vesuvius towers above to make the dark destruction of Pompeii ever on your mind. "Pompeii was a large Roman town in Campania, Italy which was buried in volcanic ash following the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 CE. Excavated in the 19th -20th century, it's excellent state of preservation give an invaluable insight into Roman everyday life. Pompeii is perhaps the richest archaeological site in the world for the volume of data available to scholars." WorldHistory.org
Day 6 - October 1 (Sunday) Church and Isle of Capri
Our bus takes us to the Sorrento Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which begins services at 10 AM. It's about 45 minutes from our hotel.
After we've had a chance to visit the local members, we take a ferry to the Isle of Capri -- the favorite island of the Caesars. The rough but lush landscape of Capri is cooled by a daily sea breeze. Optional excursions, cable car rides and boat tours of the Blue Grotto are available.
Our bus takes us to the Sorrento Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which begins services at 10 AM. It's about 45 minutes from our hotel.
After we've had a chance to visit the local members, we take a ferry to the Isle of Capri -- the favorite island of the Caesars. The rough but lush landscape of Capri is cooled by a daily sea breeze. Optional excursions, cable car rides and boat tours of the Blue Grotto are available.
Day 7 - October 2 (Monday)
Rome: Roman Antiquities After a good breakfast we head to Rome, one of the most visited and worthy of touring cities in the world. We'll stop for lunch during our visits to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and the Hippodrome, If you don't think you can see what you want in two days, extend your flight time (in advance) and stay as long as you wish. 
Day 8 - October 3 (Tuesday) Rome: Vatican
Enjoy a day exploring the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. To see what you'd like to see beyond this, take a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus for maximum flexibility. |
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Day 9 - October 4 (Wednesday) Rome Temple
If you'd like to join Mark and Liz for a session at the LDS Temple in Rome, we'll help you get an appointment and transportation there. Depending upon the desires of the group, if enough people want to tour the fascinating Visitor's Center and a temple session, we'll have our coach take us there and back,
If you'd like to join Mark and Liz for a session at the LDS Temple in Rome, we'll help you get an appointment and transportation there. Depending upon the desires of the group, if enough people want to tour the fascinating Visitor's Center and a temple session, we'll have our coach take us there and back,
Day 10 - October 5 (Thursday) Home or Extend
Depart for the USA or extend your stay as fits your best plans.
Depart for the USA or extend your stay as fits your best plans.
