THE SWEET LIFE
Three cheers for Italy, which has provided the scenic location for many spectacular Toto Tours over the decades! Perhaps no setting is more dramatic than the Amalfi Coast and the Island of Capri. Our adventure begins and ends in Naples, visiting the fabled ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, plus the crater of Mt. Vesuvius. Across the water lies the Isle of Capri. It is renowned as one of the most romantic destinations in the world, with legends of Sirens enchanting seafarers, of ancient Roman orgies, of stunning sea-views, of 1950s celebrities and artists. Then we’re off to the Amalfi Coast - the gorgeous 35-mile stretch of the Tyrrhenian seashore south of Naples characterized by steep, rocky hillsides plunging dramatically into the sea. Precariously perched on these hills are charming towns which have retained their centuries-old charm. A bravura extravaganza from beginning to end, don’t miss this encore performance!
HIGHLIGHTS
- Historic Center of Naples *
- Herculaneum *
- Mt. Vesuvius
- Pompeii *
- Isle of Capri
- Blue Grotto
- Sorrento
- Amalfi Coast *
- Ravello
- Amalfi
- Positano * UNESCO World Heritage Sites
ITINERARY
Depart home bound for Naples, Italy
This is a travel day, with tour services beginning tomorrow in Naples, Italy. Book a flight from your home city to the Naples International Airport. Use the airport code NAP when searching for flights online. Please time your arrival by 4:00pm tomorrow so that you may participate in our Welcome Dinner. If you are not able to arrive by that time, we suggest you plan to depart a day early, on Tuesday, May 20th, and arrive on May 21st. For those who wish to arrive a day early, please indicate this on your reservation form so that we can reserve a room for you at our Naples hotel. (Meals Aloft)
Arrive in Naples
Tour services commence today at our hotel in Naples. Since we are not providing group air travel arrangements to Italy, everyone is responsible for making their own way from the airport to the hotel. We will describe transportation options in Final Documents prior to departure. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore the hotel and its surroundings. Gather for cocktails and introductions this evening, followed by our Welcome Dinner. Afterwards, you may wish to sample some of Naples’ gay nightlife. (Welcome Drink and Dinner included)
Herculaneum / Vesuvius / Pompeii
Head out of the city after breakfast toward Herculaneum, one of three towns destroyed during the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Wealthier than the better-known Pompeii, the pyroclastic material which buried it preserved organic materials such as wood, conserving many roofs and doors. Following a tour of the site, ascend Vesuvius by bus and on foot to over 4,000 feet for a view of the smoldering crater and, weather permitting, of the whole bay of Naples. Vesuvius is best known for the big eruption of 79 A.D., but it continued to erupt regularly every 100 years or so. After another deadly blast in the 1631, workers repairing the damage discovered the ruins of Pompeii, but it would be almost 300 years before excavation of the site would begin in earnest. Now it is an outdoor living museum which documents a great tragedy. Enjoy a tour of the site itself, also preserved in an excellent state, before returning to Naples for a free evening and overnight. (Breakfast)
Isle of Capri
After breakfast we transfer to the port of Naples to catch a hydrofoil that whisks us across the Gulf of Naples to the Isle of Capri, arriving at the port of Marina Grande. This Island is a place that most people love and some people love to hate. Those who speak ill of it usually take just a daytrip and find an expensive, commercialized destination crammed to bursting with other day-trippers. The romantic idealist, however, will love the combination of island simplicity, natural beauty and busy glitz. Since we are staying for two nights, we experience an entirely different side of Capri. After the last day-trippers leave, a kind of exclusive peace settles over the island as those who are privileged to be staying here emerge for their evening passeggiata (leisurely evening stroll), or to sip drinks on the famous little square, the Piazzetta. On arrival, drive along Capri’s only main road to our hotel in the island’s highest town, Anacapri, crossing the unforgettable ‘Mamma Mia’ bridge on the way. After checking in and time for lunch, ascend Monte Solare, Capri’s highest point, by chair lift for an unforgettable panorama of the island and beyond. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Blue Grotto / Island Walk
Return to the port this morning for an excursion to Capri’s most famous site, the Blue Grotto, a sea cave which is only accessible when the sea is calm. The restricted entrance leads to a much larger space which appears to glow blue thanks to light entering from a hidden source. Following our return to the port, enjoy a hike around the rugged eastern end of the island for spectacular vistas and enchanting hidden corners. We return to our hotel for a free evening. (Breakfast)
Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast
Following breakfast, we head back to Marina Grande for a short sea crossing to one of Italy’s most famous resorts: Sorrento. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the quaint streets before boarding our motorcoach for one of the world’s most scenic drives - the Amalfitana, passing between sea and mountains on a road carved out of the sheer rock. The coast was named on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage in 1997. Passing the towns of Positano and Amalfi among others, continue to our hotel on the stunning Amalfi Coast for 3 nights. (Breakfast & Dinner)
Ravello & Amalfi
We begin after breakfast by driving up the Valle del Dragone (‘Dragon’s Valley’) to Ravello, a town perched high above the coast in a dramatic setting. Enjoy a guided tour, including visiting Villa Rufolo, built in the 13th century and home to several popes, Charles of Anjou and Richard Wagner, who found inspiration for Parsifal here. Next, we make the short journey down to the town of Amalfi itself, the world’s oldest republic. Founded in 840, the Duchy of Amalfi was an important trading nation for hundreds of years. Enjoy a tour of its narrow streets, quaint squares and imposing Cathedral, dedicated to the apostle Andrew and a visible expression of the wealth and importance which Amalfi enjoyed in the past. Following some free time for shopping, strolling, gelato (or all three), we return to our hotel for overnight. (Breakfast)
Positano by Boat
Return to Amalfi this morning for a boat trip to Positano, the small town much loved by artists, writers and stars of screen and stage. Experience a completely different perspective of the Amalfi coast from the water, with striking vistas and eye-catching perspectives changing every minute. On arrival in Positano, we have plenty of time to explore the steep streets, narrow alleyways, sidewalk vendor stalls and boardwalk cafes before returning to our hotel by motorcoach. (Breakfast)
Return to Naples
After breakfast we bid farewell to the Amalfi Coast and head for Naples via the Monti Lattari highway. After checking in, enjoy a free afternoon in this most interesting of cities, where Italian culture is at its most vibrant and visible. Naples boasts two of Italy’s best museums, the National Archaeological Museum, where many finds from Pompeii are kept, and the Capodimonte, with both a fantastic collection of paintings and impressive royal apartments. In addition, an assortment of historic churches, palaces and other museums combine in a unique and heady mixture. Reconvene for a farewell drink and dinner at our hotel to celebrate the conclusion of our magnificent adventure in Southern Italy. (Breakfast and Farewell Dinner)
Departure
The tour officially ends after breakfast this morning. We will assist with scheduling a taxi transfer timed for your departing flight. If you wish to extend your stay in Naples, please let us know on your reservation form so that we can keep your room available for another night. (Breakfast)
TOUR PREPARATION
Entry Requirements— Starting in May 2025 (just in time for this tour), a special travel authorization—ETIAS, which stands for the European Travel Information and Authorization System—will be required. You will be able to apply electronically on this website once it becomes active. Right now you can use the website to be put on a mailing list to get notifications when the program is launched.
Immunizations— No immunizations are currently required for travel to the areas visited on this tour, but it is wise to have your inoculations up-to-date. Is your tetanus booster current?
Exit Requirements— There is no departure tax currently required other than what is included with the cost of your airline ticket.Making Travel Arrangements to Italy
On this tour, international airfare is NOT included. You will need to get your international air to and from Naples, Italy. We encourage you to work with Steven Goldberg at Frosch Travel in Chicago, who can help you find the best flights to get you to Naples. You need to arrive in Naples by 4:00 pm on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Departure from Naples is on Friday morning, May 30, 2025.
Steven Goldberg / Frosch Travel
Toll-Free in USA: 1-800-323-1276
International guests, please call +1-312-371-9686
Email: steven.goldberg@frosch.com
When calling, please identify yourself as a Toto Tours participant. If you leave a message on Steven’s voice mail, he will return your call promptly. He will be happy to discuss your travel plans and help you decide when to purchase your ticket for the best rate.
NOTE: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible we often must turn away last minute registrants because we relinquish hotel space and air reservations 8 – 12 weeks prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.
WHAT TO BRING
Average temperatures for May in these regions of Italy are in the upper 70s for a high, and down to a nighttime low near 60 degrees. Pack light and try to limit yourself to one suitcase plus a carry-on. Pack medications in your carry-on just in case your bags don’t arrive when you do. We suggest leaving expensive jewelry at home!Suggested Packing List:
- Passport and ETIAS pre-approval required.
- Nice casual wear for dinners.
- Lightweight long pants & long-sleeved shirts for sun protection and cool evenings.
- Shorts for warm touring days.
- Socks, underwear for 9 days.
- Sweater or lightweight jacket for cool evenings.
- Umbrella.
- Personal toiletries, and insect repellant
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Electrical Adapter. Voltage is 220, and electrical outlets require a two-pronged round pin adapter. Click here to see examples of the outlets you will find, and the adapter you will need. Be sure to bring one that will fit with two round prongs.
- A good book for your flights.
MONEY MATTERS
Italy uses the standardized European currency, the Euro (EUR). Notes are issued in the following denominations: €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10, and €5. There are €2 and €1 coins, plus fractions (there are 100 cents in one Euro). Bank debit cards, Visa & Mastercard work for Euro cash withdrawals in most ATMs, which are widely available throughout the country. It is wise to carry some cash with you, however, in case you get caught in a situation where an ATM is not available. Click here to find the most up-to-date exchange rate.THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain traits. They are:- fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate the positive;
- good natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
- undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;
- willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for granted;
- eager to try new things & test limits;
- punctual;
- not whiners!
Travel Insurance
We recommend you purchase travel insurance with Travel Guard to cover for unforeseen events prior to and during your trip. Please click on the image or link below, or call us for more information.
TOUR PRICING
(tour prices per person)
Price: $6,200 in double occupancy hotel accommodations.Private Double Room: $1,500 additional, for a total tour price of $7,700.
Deposit: $600 due at time of registration for the tour. May be paid with a credit card.
Remaining Balance: $5,600 double / $7,100 double for single use
Remaining Balance Due: Monday, March 3, 2025 (80 days prior to departure).
Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.
Note: The tour price does not include bank service charges for processing credit card payments and assumes that the balance of the tour price will be paid by check or money transfer. If you would like to pay the final balance with a credit card, a 4% service charge will be applied. Let us know if you wish to pay by credit card, and we will adjust your invoice accordingly.
Included: Eight nights hotel accommodations; motorcoach transportation while sightseeing within Italy; boat crossing to/from Capri; meals and activities as described in the itinerary, fully guided and escorted tour with services beginning and ending in Naples.
Not Included: Round trip airfare to/from Naples, Italy (NAP); airport transfers; transportation for sightseeing on your own (taxis, local guides, etc.); meals and optional activities not specifically listed in the itinerary; camera fees; alcoholic beverages; insurance; laundry, telephone calls, faxes, or any other expenses of a personal nature. Tips to drivers and guides and other conveyance attendants are not included; tipping guidelines for our group tips will be provided prior to departure.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Click hotel name to read description
HOTELS
- Naples – split (3 nights): Grand Hotel Oriente
- Capri (2 nights): Hotel San Michele
- Amalfi Coast (3 nights): Hotel Margherita in Praiano