As is true of the rest of the Amalfi Coast, this city boasts beautiful vistas, charming open-air cafés and captivating landmarks with historic roots. One example is Duomo di Salerno, an absolute must see for lovers of art, history and architecture. This Italian cathedral showcases an impressive design, powerful frescoes and melodious mosaics spanning the centuries as far back as the 11th century, when it was built by the Normans.
Enjoy the freedom of exploring Positano and the town of Amalfi on your own, an experience that beautifully complements a guided walk through the excavated ruins of Herculaneum and a hands-on cooking class.
Note: This program includes walking for up to 2 hours over uneven ground at the ruins of Herculaneum, climbing steps and strolling the winding, hilly, terraced streets of Positano and Amalfi. Therefore, it is not recommended for guests who require the use of a wheelchair, walker or cane.
DAY 1 – April 23, 2025
After disembarking the ship in Salerno, you will travel towards Herculaneum, a summer resort for ancient Romans who appreciated its position overlooking the Bay of Naples. Like Pompeii, Herculaneum was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. It too was buried beneath mud and volcanic ash for centuries, until excavations began in the mid-18th century. As you walk among the remains that have been unearthed, you will see houses, shops, baths and even personal effects, some of them preserved intact.
You will then make a rest stop at a nearby factory where you can freshen up as well as watch cameos being made.
Continuing on, you will soon reach Cantine del Vesuvio, a family-owned winery whose vineyards blanket the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. The volcanic soil is exceptionally fertile as you will discover while walking through the estate’s organic garden.
Seeing the garden up-close will provide an excellent introduction to the hands-on cooking class that follows as you will prepare the dishes with ingredients fresh-picked from the garden, such as Piennolo heirloom tomatoes. Other ingredients such as lemons will be locally sourced.
After dining on the delectable lunch, you will drive along the awe-inspiring dramatic Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In time, you will stop in Positano, a former fishing village that has become a retreat for the wealthy and certainly one of the most famous towns along the Amalfi Coast.
Once you have checked into the boutique Hotel Poseidon, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure. You will enjoy complete access to the hotel’s L’Onda spa (services are an additional charge), the outdoor pool, restaurant and Il Tridende cocktail bar. The latter is a fine place for a romantic moment while watching the sunset. If you wish to explore further, Positano becomes even more magical at night.
DAY 2 - April 24, 2025
Following breakfast at the hotel, either meet your guide for a walking tour of the town or enjoy a morning of free time to do whatever you wish. You may do nothing more ambitious than sit on the terrace with a cappuccino and crispy fogliatella pastry or head into Positano to wander about on your own.
By mid-day, you will depart for the town of Amalfi, following the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site hailed for its physical beauty and biodiversity. The narrow road winds along the rocky cliffs overlooking the sea, with each twist and turn offering new and breathtaking vistas of the Italian Riviera.
Upon arriving in the town of Amalfi, you will have free time to shop, dine or visit landmarks such as the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, which characterized by a striped Byzantine façade.
Afterwards, you will drive to Salerno to re-board the ship.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up-to-date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
8:00am Disembark in Salerno, meet local guide and depart for Herculaneum
9:15am Arrive and visit the archeological site Herculaneum
11:15am Rest stop at a cameo craft shop and continue to Mt. Vesuvius
12:00pm Hands-on cooking class and lunch at Cantine del Vesuvio
4:00pm Drive to your hotel in Positano
5:45pm Check-in at your hotel
Evening at leisure and dinner on your own
Overnight at Hotel Poseidon or similar hotel
DAY 2
8:30am Breakfast at your hotel
9:30am Meet your guide for a walking tour of Positano or free time
12:30pm Depart for the town of Amalfi following the Amalfi coastline
1:30pm Visit the town of Amalfi with free time to browse further
4:30pm Drive to Salerno
5:45pm Approximate return to the port of Salerno
Expected Weather
Average daytime temperature in April is 67 F / 19 C
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, light jacket for the evening, hat, sunscreen, camera, bathing suit, charger and an umbrella.
Local Currency
Euro
Electricity
220 volts. Bring a universal travel adaptor for electric equipment.
Luggage
One overnight bag per person.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required.
Hotel
Hotel Poseidon
Address Via Pasitea 148
Phone: +39 089811111
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests
•One night at the Hotel Poseidon or similar (Superior room) including breakfast
•English speaking escort throughout
•Cooking class with lunch on Day 1
•Entry to Herculaneum
Program Excludes for guests
•Gratuities for drivers and guides
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
•Lunch on both days
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
