There are few coastlines in the world that inspire the kind of breathless reaction that the Amalfi Coast does. Stretching along the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula in the Campania region of southern Italy, this UNESCO World Heritage coastline is a place of almost theatrical beauty — cliffs that plunge dramatically into a turquoise sea, pastel-coloured villages clinging to the rock face, lemon groves terraced into the hillsides, and a light in the afternoon that turns everything golden. It has been drawing visitors for centuries, and it shows no signs of losing its power to astonish. Our range of packages covers the full breadth of this extraordinary region, from the clifftop elegance of Sorrento and the medieval streets of Amalfi to the volcanic island of Ischia, the glamorous heights of Capri, and the ancient ruins of Pompeii — with flights from Canada and hotel accommodation included throughout.
The Destinations
- Sorrento is the natural gateway to the Amalfi Coast and the base from which many of our itineraries operate. Perched on clifftops above the Bay of Naples with views stretching across to Vesuvius and Capri, it is a town of considerable charm — historic streets lined with lemon trees and limoncello shops, excellent restaurants, clifftop gardens with panoramic views, and a ferry terminal that puts the rest of the region within easy reach. It is relaxed enough to unwind in completely, yet connected enough to use as a base for ambitious day trips. Several of our packages combine Sorrento with other destinations along the coast, and it deserves at least a few nights in its own right.
- Amalfi, the historic maritime republic that gave the entire coast its name, sits tucked into the cliffs at the head of a beautiful bay and is one of the most atmospheric towns in southern Italy. Its medieval streets are a pleasure to explore on foot, the magnificent Arab-Norman Cathedral of Sant'Andrea dominates the main piazza, and the surrounding coastline — including the famous Path of the Gods hiking trail high above the sea — offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe. The nearby village of Tramonti, inland in the hills above the coast, is known for its local wines and farms and is a wonderful discovery for those willing to venture slightly off the beaten path.
- Positano is the most photogenic town on the coast, and perhaps the most photographed in all of Italy. Its cascade of pastel houses tumbling from the clifftops down to a small beach and the glittering sea below is an image that has appeared on more postcards and travel magazines than almost any other in Europe — and arriving by ferry and seeing it for the first time from the water is one of those travel moments that genuinely lives up to the anticipation. Beyond the scenery, Positano has excellent boutiques, wonderful seafood restaurants, and a style and elegance that make it one of the most enjoyable towns on the coast to simply spend time in.
- Ravello sits high in the hills above Amalfi, quieter and more aristocratic than the coastal towns below. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known for its extraordinary gardens — the Villa Rufolo and the Villa Cimbrone both offer views over the coast that have been inspiring artists, writers, and composers for generations. Wagner drew inspiration here, and Gore Vidal lived here for decades. It is a place of genuine tranquillity and refinement, and a very different experience from the bustle of the waterfront towns below.
- Capri, the island that sits at the western entrance to the Bay of Naples, is one of the great romantic destinations of the Mediterranean. The ferry from Sorrento takes around forty minutes, and the island rewards a full day of exploration — the funicular up to the elegant town of Capri, the winding road to the more secluded village of Anacapri, a boat trip to the legendary Blue Grotto where the water glows an unearthly blue in the reflected light, and the kind of clifftop views that make every photograph look like it has been edited. Capri is busy in peak season but magical in the early morning and late afternoon once the day-trippers have gone.
- Ischia, the volcanic island at the northern end of the Bay of Naples, is one of the most underrated destinations in the entire region — known to Italians and Europeans for generations but still relatively undiscovered by visitors from further afield, which is precisely part of its appeal. The island is defined by its thermal springs, fed by the volcanic activity beneath it and renowned for their healing and restorative properties. Natural spa experiences range from the famous Poseidon Thermal Gardens to smaller, more secluded pools tucked into the landscape. Beyond the springs, Ischia offers sweeping mountain views, glorious beaches, fascinating underwater caves ideal for snorkelling, lush tropical gardens, and a relaxed, authentic character that stands apart from the more glamorous destinations across the bay. Our Ischia packages include both a comfortable hotel set among vineyards in the village of Panza, with panoramic views across the Mediterranean, and a combined itinerary pairing Ischia with Sorrento for the best of both coasts.
- Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius anchor the cultural and historical side of the region and should be on every visitor's itinerary. The ancient Roman city of Pompeii, buried and preserved by the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, is one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world — a snapshot of Roman life frozen in time, vast and endlessly fascinating. Allow at least half a day, wear comfortable shoes, and arrive early. Mount Vesuvius itself can be climbed for extraordinary views over the bay and a visceral sense of the geological forces that shaped everything you can see from its rim. The nearby site of Herculaneum, smaller and even better preserved than Pompeii in some respects, is equally worth seeking out.
- Naples, just an hour from Sorrento by train or ferry, is a city unlike any other in Italy — chaotic, exuberant, deeply historical, and completely alive. Its UNESCO-listed historic centre, the finest National Archaeological Museum in the country, and the best pizza in the world make it an essential day trip, and a few hours in its streets gives the rest of the region a vivid and memorable context.
The Packages
For those who want an immersive introduction to the flavours and landscapes of the region, the Amalfi Coast Delights package combines wine and cheese tastings at local farms and wineries in Sorrento, Amalfi, and Tramonti with a visit to Pompeii and a guided hike on the legendary Path of the Gods — the clifftop trail above the coast that offers what many consider the finest views in southern Italy.
The Best of the Amalfi Coast and Explore the Amalfi Coast packages offer eleven days of comprehensive coverage, combining time in Rome and Sorrento with visits to Pompeii, Capri, and the charming villages and seaside of the coast, with the region's exceptional cuisine and wine woven throughout.
For two-city combinations, Sorrento and Amalfi pairs the clifftop elegance of Sorrento with the medieval streets and cathedral of Amalfi. Sorrento and Positano takes you from the lemon groves and gastronomy of Sorrento to the iconic pastel cliffsides of Positano and its chic boutiques. Sorrento, Capri and Ravello brings together three very different but equally compelling coastal experiences — the lively town atmosphere of Sorrento, the glamour and Blue Grotto of Capri, and the aristocratic hilltop gardens and UNESCO heritage of Ravello.
For island escapes, the Hidden Gem of Ischia introduces you to the thermal springs, mountain views, beaches, and underwater caves of this wonderfully unspoiled volcanic island. The Seaside Escape at Ischia San Nicola is available in seven, ten, or fourteen night options and offers a beautifully relaxed stay at a property set among the vineyards of Panza, with panoramic Mediterranean views and tropical gardens. And Sorrento and Ischia: A Tale of Two Coasts pairs the best of both islands — Ischia's soothing thermal springs and lush landscapes alongside Sorrento's unforgettable views of the Gulf of Naples.
For a fully guided experience of the wider region, Naples, Sorrento Coast, Pompeii and Capri takes you through some of the most iconic destinations in southern Italy, combining the vibrant culture and history of Naples, the coastal beauty of Sorrento, the ancient ruins of Pompeii, and the romantic island of Capri in one unforgettable journey.
When to Go
Spring (April through June) and autumn (September and October) are the two ideal seasons for the Amalfi Coast. Both offer warm, comfortable temperatures, beautiful light, and a coast that is lively without being overwhelmed. October is a particular favourite among experienced travellers — the summer crowds have thinned, the sea is still warm, and the colours of the landscape are extraordinary. July and August are hot, busy, and exhilarating in their own way, but popular sites like Capri and Pompeii require early starts and advance planning to enjoy at their best. Winter is mild and quiet, with some reduced services on the coast, but Sorrento and the main towns remain open and have a genuine charm in the cooler months. For thermal spa experiences on Ischia, the springs are appealing year-round, and the island is particularly wonderful in spring and early autumn when the gardens are at their most lush.
A Final Note
The Amalfi Coast is one of those destinations that lives up to every expectation and then exceeds them. Whether you are standing on the Path of the Gods with the sea stretching out below you, floating in a thermal pool on Ischia as the sun sets over the bay, watching Pompeii emerge from the morning haze, or simply sitting on a terrace in Positano with a glass of local wine and nowhere you need to be, this is a region that gives generously to everyone who visits it. Our range of packages is designed to help you experience as much of it as possible — or to settle deeply into one corner of it and let it work on you at its own pace. Either way, you will leave wanting to come back. Call 1-800-665-4981 to speak with one of our Travel Agents and book this dreamy destination, it's Bucket list approved!