Autumn on the Amalfi Coast Amalfi - Capri - Vesuvius - Pompeii

Day 1: Switzerland - Castiglion

Journey via the Gotthard through Lombardy to Tuscany. As you travel through the charming hilly landscape, you will catch a glimpse of the art metropolis of Florence. Via Montepulciano you reach today's overnight stop, Castiglion.

The last boarding points in German-speaking Switzerland are Lucerne, Inseli coach park, at 09.15 or, by arrangement, at the Gotthard service area North, at 10.00.

Day 2: Castiglion - Sorrento

The journey takes you from southern Tuscany around Rome to the Bay of Naples. For centuries, Sorrento has been the outstanding destination of northern Europe's longing for Italy. Countless writers and painters have immortalised this magical place in words and pictures. The town is picturesquely surrounded by lemon groves on the edge of steeply falling cliffs and offers a fantastic view of the bay, Vesuvius and the island of Ischia. The old town with its churches and ancient palaces is well worth seeing. The beautiful waterfront promenade is a popular meeting place. The peninsula is known for its large lemons. The typical products of Sorrento are made with precisely these "limoni": limoncello, a delicious lemon liqueur, and lemon chocolate, as well as countless colourful ceramic items with lemon motifs and lemon soap.

Day 3: Island of Capri

(Optional excursion) "When the red sun sinks into the sea at Capri...." - follow the sentimental song by Rudi Schuricke and join the day trip to the world-famous island, the pearl of the Bay of Naples. It will enchant you. The boat takes you across and from the harbour of Capri you continue to the Piazzetta, the heart of Capri. A guided tour shows you the island's beauties, including the Gardens of Augustus. From there you have a unique view of the Faraglioni rocks and the impressive Bay of Naples. In the evening, return to the mainland and the hotel.

Day 4: Amalfi Coast

Full-day excursion to the Amalfi Coast, probably the most beautiful stretch of coastline in Italy. Steeply falling cliffs with bizarre shapes and deep gorges characterise this region with the towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. The villages cling like swallows' nests to the slopes, with few roads but many steep stepped alleys. A longer stop is planned in Amalfi for a tour of the town and time to stroll. The town centre is a labyrinth of churches, towers, lanes and squares. The main attraction is Piazza Duomo, a real gem, overlooked by the cathedral.

Day 5: Pompeii - Vesuvius

(Optional excursion) Excursion to Pompeii. Guided visit to the city buried in antiquity by the great eruption of Vesuvius. The size of the ruins and the idyllic landscape give a magnificent impression of what the Roman city must have looked like in the Empire. Pompeii is unique because nowhere else in the world can the ruins of a completely preserved ancient city be seen so close up. On the way back, you make a detour to Vesuvius, the still-active volcano 1'277 metres high, which shapes the landscape of the Naples region. The summit area is completely bare, while further down the lava slopes are thickly covered with pine trees, broom and flowers. A footpath (20 minutes) leads up to the crater, from where you enjoy a graceful view over the Bay of Naples.

Day 6: Sorrento - Marina di Bibbona

You leave the peninsula and the Bay of Naples and drive around Rome along the Tyrrhenian Sea to Marina di Bibbona in Tuscany.

Day 7: Marina di Bibbona - Switzerland

On the way back to Switzerland you pass Parma and Milan and travel via the Gotthard route to your alighting points.