The Sweet Life: Rome & Sorrento (Family Tour) - 7 Days
7 Days
Rome
Naples
*****
Tauck Bridges (family tours)
Our family journey through Italy is a multi-course feast of ancient wonders, artistic treasures, breathtaking landscapes, and hands-on culinary fun – an unforgettable adventure from Rome to the Amalfi Coast, to savour together, one memory at a time.
When in Rome… go to gladiator school! This family journey through Italy brings history vividly to life, from hands-on lessons in gladiator skills to exploring ancient ruins and underground catacombs. A privately guided visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel invites your family to discover the stories behind some of the world's most celebrated masterpieces. Walk together through the remarkably preserved streets of Pompeii, where everyday life was frozen in time. In Sorrento, enjoy a pizza-making class on a family-run farm, then set off by high-speed ferry for the Isle of Capri – where your family will explore by convertible and funicular, with a well-deserved gelato break along the way.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to the glories of Rome
Your family adventure in Italy begins with an included transfer from Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino, Ciampino Airport or Roma Termini train station to Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & SPA. You'll feel like royalty at Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa, a deluxe hotel overlooking the Villa Borghese park. A brief city tour shows you some of Rome's most famous sights – with your local guide, view the Circus Maximus, the Caracalla Baths and other features of Imperial Rome. We invite you to join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner.
Day 2: Gladiator school and the catacombs
Experience a close-up look at ancient Rome as you head out along the Appian Way. Your first stop is gladiator school, where your family gets a fun introduction to ancient Roman history. Next up is a guided visit to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus where you'll learn all about the "secret language" of the early Christian symbols found throughout the underground tunnels of the Catacombs. Have lunch at a restaurant on the Appian Way, then the remainder of the day is free to spend as you please.
Day 3: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square, the Pantheon & more
Accompanied by a local guide, today you'll visit Vatican City and some of the world's most recognisable places – the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica in St. Peter's Square. Your day begins with a privately guided visit inside the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel; navigate the vast collections with ease, gaining deeper insight into iconic masterpieces and hidden gems – from celebrated galleries to Michelangelo's amazing ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. From the grandeur of St. Peter's Square, your guide will explain the symbolism behind its architecture, the role of the Swiss Guard, and the legacy of the papacy – and of course magnificent St. Peter's Basilica. Afterward, take a walking tour that includes the Pantheon and Piazza Navona with its beautiful Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini. After lunch at a local restaurant near Piazza Navona, spend the rest of the day as you please.
Day 4: From Pompeii to pizza making at an agriturismo
Travel from Rome to Naples through the Italian countryside via high-speed train, then on to Pompeii – totally buried by tons of pumice and hot ash when volcanic Mount Vesuvius blew its top on August 24th in 79 AD. Today, its streets are much like they were before the volcano erupted, offering a glimpse of what daily life was like in 1st century AD. After your visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue on to Sorrento, nestled between the mountains and the sea, with great views of Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples. Visit a family farm – or agriturismo – to find out how cheese, olive oil and other tasty treats are made. Then, try your hand at using that cheese as a professional chef shows you how to make your own pizza for dinner; your evening includes traditional Neapolitan music. Enjoy Executive Level Sea View rooms during your stay at Hilton Sorrento Palace.
Day 5: To Capri by high-speed ferry & back to Sorrento
Head across the Gulf of Naples by high-speed ferry to the enchanting Isle of Capri. Just like a jet-setter, take a fabulous ride in a private convertible along the cliffs of the road to Anacapri, ending in the town. A funicular (chairlift) takes you to the highest point of the island to get a good look at the beautiful Gulf and the town below. After lunch in the town of Capri, and some free time, take the funicular down to the pier to catch your high-speed ferry back to Sorrento. From your Executive Room at the Hilton Sorrento Palace you'll be able to look out at the Gulf of Naples and, in the distance, the infamous Mount Vesuvius. Spend the rest of the day and evening with your family as you please.
Day 6: Positano, a cruise & more on the Amalfi Coast
If you like roller coasters, you'll love the drive along the Amalfi Coast today! The road seems to sometimes go straight up, sometimes straight down and careens around sharp corners at the edge of the cliffs. Walk through the town of Positano, seemingly holding on to its cliff-side perch for dear life, before climbing aboard a private boat bound for Amalfi to view the amazing cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, now above you. In the town of Amalfi, you'll have time to check out the sights along the maze of lovely winding streets. Your adventure concludes back in Sorrento tonight with a barbecue farewell dinner, where you can share some favourite moments of your family's unforgettable trip to Italy.
Day 7: Journey home
Fly home anytime. Your family's Italy adventure ends with an included transfer from Hilton Sorrento Palace to Naples International Airport or Naples train station. Please allow 3 hours for airport check-in formalities. You can, of course, extend your stay. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home. Arrivederci!
Includes
- 6 nights in handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels
- Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
- Porterage for driver and tour director plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
Excludes
- Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
- Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights.
Choose Your Departure Date
Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?
A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.
The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.
The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice.
Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.
YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.
What does the tour cost include?
The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
Can we book flights through you ?
Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines. When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL Bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind. You are of course are welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.
Can I add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?
Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.
Can i book twin beds or triple and quad rooms
Yes, We have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.
If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.
For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.
For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.
How much is the solo/single supplement?
Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
How many guests will be on this tour?
Tauck offer up to 3 different group sizes on some tours.
Classic group departures have an average of 35 - 44 Guests.
For small group departures these average 24 guest and then some tours also offer smaller group departures which average around 15 guests.
How much walking with be on this tour?
With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.
Leisurely: Tours will typically have minimal to 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.
Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.
Do the coaches have on-board Wi-Fi and bathroom facilities
Tauck coaches are modern, well-appointed buses with comfortable seating, large windows for viewing, and on-board amenities like Wi-Fi and bathrooms.
While the specific coach model may vary by tour and region, guests can expect an upgrade from standard coaches, reflecting Tauck's commitment to luxury and an elevated travel experience.
The coaches are equipped to provide a high level of comfort and convenience, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the scenery during their travels.
The coaches offer onboard Wi-Fi, bathroom facilities (w/c), charging unites, reclining seats, air conditioning, footrests, tray tables, drink holders and seat pockets
Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?
Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.
Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.
Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.
We suggest that your insurance covers the following:
- Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
- Loss or damage to your property and baggage
- Loss of cash, credit cards etc
- Medical costs and personal accidents
Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive.
Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel.
Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.
What does a guaranteed departure mean?
A guaranteed departure has reached the minimum number of guests for the tour to operate or will depart no matter how many people are booked to travel.
In the slim case that a guaranteed departure has to be withdrawn that you are booked on due to a unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.
What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?
Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.
Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:
Europe trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.
Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:
From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.
USA trips incl transiting travellers:
US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website.
Canada trips:
Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.
Rest of the World trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
What if I have mobility issues?
Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.
What if I have food allergies?
Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.
You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.
How much luggage can I bring?
Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). Guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).
Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.