October 2nd to 12th, 2027
Gardens of Rome, Ischia, and the Amalfi Coast
Embrace the ultimate horticultural and culinary adventure on an exclusive 10-night journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Italy, personally hosted by beloved gardening expert Ciscoe Morris. Designed for a privileged, intimate group of just 12 travelers, this curated itinerary seamlessly blends world-class garden tours, private wine tastings, and hands-on culinary masterclasses into an unforgettable Italian escape.
| Tour Dimension | Premium Inclusions & Journey Details |
| Boutique Accommodations | 10 Nights in Handpicked Lodgings: • 3 Nights in Rome: Discover the eternal elegance of the historic capital. • 3 Nights in Sorrento: Soak in cliffside coastal charm overlooking the Bay of Naples. • 3 Nights in Ischia: Unwind on a volcanic island paradise famed for thermal waters and lush flora. • 1 Night in Naples: Experience the vibrant energy and rich history of the birthplace of pizza. |
| Curated Culinary Experiences | Daily Gourmet Dining: • Chef-prepared breakfast every morning. • 8 curated dinners celebrating regional Southern Italian specialities. • Select experiential lunches, including a hands-on, authentic pizza-making masterclass. |
| Seamless Logistics & Transport | Stress-Free Luxury Travel: • Private, chauffeured travel in a premium, air-conditioned motor coach. • All scenic ferry crossings and high-speed rail tickets fully arranged and pre-booked. |
| Expert Guiding & Excursions | VIP Access & Local Insight: • Full services of passionate, local English-speaking guides sharing insider secrets. • All all-inclusive admission fees, skip-the-line tickets, and event passes pre-arranged. |
Days 1-3: Rome & Tivoli
Days 4-6: Transit & Amalfi Coast
Days 7-9: Ischia Island
Days 10-11: Naples & Departure Rome
🏨 Accommodation & Base Summary
| Base Location | Nights | Atmosphere & Logistic Value |
| Rome | 3 Nights | Historic center, premium access to Vatican, Borghese, and Tivoli excursions. |
| Sorrento | 3 Nights | Coastal hub, cliffside views, easy transit to Ravello, Positano, and ferry piers. |
| Ischia | 3 Nights | Volcanic thermal island, lush microclimate, stunning botanical estates. |
| Naples | 1 Night | Vibrant, gritty culinary capital, perfect launching pad for Herculaneum and airport trains. |
🗺️ Day-by-Day Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Saturday, October 2nd – Welcome to the Eternal City
- 1:30 PM – Arrival & Private Transfer: Land at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Meet your private driver in the arrivals hall for a smooth 45-minute transit directly to your central hotel.
- 2:30 PM – Drop Bags & Refresh: Quick drop-off at your hotel to freshen up. Keep your walking shoes on.
- 3:30 PM – 90-Minute Orientation Walk: Meet your local guide for a historic stroll through the city center, threading past ancient ruins and winding alleys, culminating outside the majestic walls of the Colosseum.
- 5:00 PM – Check-In & Rest: Return to the hotel to officially check into your rooms and relax after the long journey.
- 7:30 PM – Welcome Dinner (Included – D): Gather with Ciscoe Morris and your 11 fellow travelers at a traditional Roman trattoria. Sip on local Lazio wine and toast to the adventure ahead.
- Overnight: Rome
Day 2: Sunday, October 3rd – Renaissance Fountains & Volcanic Vintages
- 8:30 AM – Morning Departure to Tivoli: Board your air-conditioned motorcoach for a scenic drive out of the city center into the hills of Tivoli.
- 9:30 AM – Villa d’Este Guided Tour: Step into a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance gardening. Marvel at the gravity-defying fountains, moss-draped grottoes, and symmetrical water terraces.
- 11:45 AM – Independent Lunch in Tivoli: Wander into the historic town center. I highly recommend grabbing an outdoor table at Sibilla, dining right next to ancient Roman temples.
- 1:30 PM – Wine Tasting at Eredi dei Papi: Board the coach and travel toward the Castelli Romani region. Enjoy a private tasting of crisp Frascati Superiore paired with local olive oil on this beautiful family estate.
- 4:00 PM – Afternoon Free in Rome: Arrive back in Rome. Take the evening to shop along Via del Corso, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, or explore independent boutiques.
- 7:30 PM – Dinner on your own: Grab a classic, creamy plate of Cacio e Pepe at a neighborhood spot in the Prati or Monti districts.
- Overnight: Rome
Day 3: Monday, October 4th – Vatican Microclimates & Secret Borghese Enclaves
- 8:00 AM – Vatican Gardens Guided Tour: Beat the heaviest crowds with an exclusive morning tour through the Pope’s private urban oasis, filled with fortifications, ancient fountains, and manicured botanical beds.
- 11:00 AM – Lunch Break: Enjoy free time for lunch. Avoid the immediate tourist traps near St. Peter’s; instead, walk a few blocks into the Trionfale neighborhood for authentic street-food pizza.
- 1:00 PM – Villa Borghese Secret Gardens & Gallery: Explore the walled, private floral enclaves originally built for Cardinal Scipione Borghese, followed by entry into the gallery to stand feet away from breathtaking Bernini sculptures.
- 6:30 PM – Classical Concert & Opera Dinner (Included – BD): Indulge in a sensory evening. Relish a traditional Italian dinner paired with an intimate performance of iconic Italian opera arias from Verdi, Puccini, and Vivaldi.
- Overnight: Rome
Day 4: Tuesday, October 5th – Hidden Ruins to the Sun-Drenched Coast
- 8:00 AM – Luggage Loading & Departure: Say goodbye to Rome as the coach journeys south toward the Campania region.
- 9:30 AM – Torrecchia Vecchia Tour: Discover an exclusive, English-style garden designed by Dan Pearson, built right inside the haunting stone ruins of a medieval village.
- 12:00 PM – Light Lunch & Giardino di Ninfa: Enjoy a fresh, seasonal lunch nearby before walking into Ninfa. Widely called “the most romantic garden in the world,” you’ll stroll beneath cherry trees, climbing roses, and crystal-clear streams weaving through collapsed medieval facades.
- 3:30 PM – Drive to the Coast: Re-board the coach for the final coastal stretch down to the Sorrentine Peninsula.
- 5:30 PM – Sorrento Hotel Check-In: Unpack and take in the sea breezes from your new coastal base.
- 7:30 PM – Dinner near the Hotel (Included – BLD): Meet up for a dinner featuring fresh seafood and vibrant local lemon-infused dishes.
- Overnight: Sorrento
Day 5: Wednesday, October 6th – The Cliffside Vertigo of Ravello
- 8:30 AM – Excursion to Ravello: Wind your way up the mountain roads of the Amalfi Coast to the elegant hill town of Ravello.
- 9:30 AM – Villa Rufolo Gardens: Tour the historic estate that inspired Richard Wagner’s opera designs. Take the quintessential photo of cascading flowers framing the sapphire Mediterranean below.
- 11:30 AM – Lunch & Town Wandering: Enjoy independent exploration. Find a quiet cafe in the Piazza Duomo for handmade scialatielli pasta.
- 1:30 PM – Villa Cimbrone Tour: Walk out to the “Avenue of the Crypt” and step onto the unforgettable Terrace of Infinity, lined with marble busts gazing out over dramatic, sheer cliffs.
- 4:00 PM – Return to Sorrento: Head down the mountain back to the hotel.
- Evening – Dinner on your own: Unwind on your own timeline. Sip some local Limoncello at an outdoor harbor bar in Marina Grande.
- Overnight: Sorrento
Day 6: Thursday, October 7th – Hands-on Mozzarella & Positano Vistas
- 10:30 AM – Culinary Masterclass: Head to a rustic local estate to learn the traditional art of Campanian cuisine. Watch a master artisan pull fresh mozzarella stretch by stretch, and roll your own potato gnocchi.
- 1:00 PM – Coastal Drive to Positano: Head into the jewel-box vertical town of Positano. Enjoy free time to grab a light bite, wander past pastel homes, or stroll down to the black sand beaches.
- 3:30 PM – Cantine Stinca Tasting: Stop at this historic winery to sample robust red Lacryma Christi and volcanic white wines grown along the ridges of the peninsula.
- 7:30 PM – Group Dinner (Included – BLD): Gather near the Sorrento hotel for a relaxing group meal highlighting the day’s fresh culinary themes.
- Overnight: Sorrento
Day 7: Friday, October 8th – Maritime Crossing to Thermal Paradise
- Morning – Leisurely Sorrento Stroll: Enjoy a slow morning to shop for fine inlaid wood crafts, pick up custom leather sandals, or take an early swim.
- 11:30 AM – Ferry to Ischia: Board the high-speed ferry for a smooth 50-minute maritime transit over the Bay of Naples to the volcanic island of Ischia.
- 12:30 PM – Harbor Lunch: Land at Ischia Porto. Break for a fresh, independent lunch right along the buzzing waterfront.
- 2:00 PM – Island Orientation Drive: Board your local island shuttle for an introductory loop around the fishing villages, volcanic peaks, and thermal bays of the island.
- 4:00 PM – Resort Check-In: Settle into your Ischia hotel and explore the thermal pools or grounds.
- 7:00 PM – Evening Group Dinner (Included – BD): Gather at the hotel’s dining room for a traditional Ischitan dinner.
- Overnight: Ischia
Day 8: Saturday, October 9th – Sir William Walton’s Subtropical Soundscapes
- 9:00 AM – Giardini la Mortella Morning Tour: Explore the stunning property created by Susana Walton (wife of composer Sir William Walton). This lush oasis features massive giant water lilies, rare orchids, and towering tree ferns nestled in volcanic stone.
- 12:00 PM – Tea House Lunch: Take a quiet break at the beautiful on-site tea house for light, elegant bites surrounded by rare blooms.
- 2:00 PM – Crateca Cellars Wine Tasting: Travel up the slopes of Mount Epomeo. Taste distinct, mineral-heavy wines produced from high-altitude terraces carved out of ancient green tufa rock.
- 5:00 PM – Return to La Mortella for Live Music: Re-enter the gardens for a special evening classical concert in the property’s indoor concert hall, featuring sweeping compositions by Mozart or Chopin.
- 6:30 PM – Dinner following Concert (Included – BD): Head directly to a nearby island trattoria for a rustic dinner immediately following the final notes of the performance.
- Overnight: Ischia
Day 9: Sunday, October 10th – Succulent Labyrinths & Fortified Islets
- 9:30 AM – Giardini Ravino Guided Tour: Enjoy a private walkthrough led by the owner of Europe’s most diverse botanical collection of cacti and succulents, set against striking Mediterranean architecture.
- 11:30 AM – Castello Aragonese Excursion: Cross the stone bridge to the iconic volcanic islet standing guard over Ischia Ponte.
- 12:30 PM – Cafe Lunch: Grab a quick lunch at an outdoor cafe at the base of the fortress walls.
- 1:30 PM – Castle Exploration: Walk through the historic stone paths, hidden olive orchards, and old cathedrals of the castle at your own pace.
- 4:00 PM – Free Afternoon: Spend your final island afternoon swimming in the thermal waters or packing up your bags.
- 7:00 PM – Group Dinner (Included – BD): Gather together for a fine farewell island meal.
- Overnight: Ischia
Day 10: Monday, October 11th – Volcanic Ruins & Neapolitan Foodie Trails
- 8:30 AM – Ferry to Naples: Board the morning ferry back across the bay to the Port of Naples.
- 10:00 AM – Archaeological Site of Herculaneum: Meet your private coach and head straight to Herculaneum. Unlike Pompeii, this historic town was preserved by volcanic mud, keeping second-story wooden structures, mosaics, and everyday Roman items remarkably intact.
- 1:00 PM – Historic Naples Foodie Walk: Head back into the heart of historic Naples. Follow your local guide through vibrant alleys to sample legendary street food: pizza portafoglio (folded wallet pizza), fried snacks, and sweet, flaky sfogliatella pastries.
- 3:30 PM – Central Hotel Check-In: Check into your central Naples hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon to browse the shops along Via Toledo.
- 7:00 PM – Farewell Dinner (Included – BLD): Gather for your grand final dinner near the hotel to celebrate your memories with Ciscoe Morris and the group.
- Overnight: Naples
Day 11: Tuesday, October 12th – Homeward Bound to the Pacific Northwest
9:30 AM – Safe Arrival & Flight Check-In: Arrive at the airport terminal with a comfortable, stress-free window to clear customs and board your nonstop afternoon flight back to Seattle (or wherever you’re bound).2000 per person to confirm your space on the tour. Balance is due February 1st, 2026.
6:30 AM – Express Rail to FCO Airport: Board the early morning high-speed train from Naples Central Station directly to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO).
Flights: Alaska and Delta offer non-stop flights into Rome. Guests should plan to arrive at FCO Airport on October 2nd, preferably before 1:30. We’ll meet you at a point to be determined close to 2:00 PM. For return schedules, the Alaska flight departing Rome for the USA at 3:00 PM is ideal. The earlier Delta flight will work as well, and will only require an earlier train departure from Naples to get you to Rome with a 2-hour check in window.
Early Arrival: Since we have a limited time in Rome, guests may choose to come to Rome a day or two early. The rate at the hotel is $399 per night for double occupancy, including the room, breakfast, and taxes. Single accommodations for early arrival is $355. The rate is valid for up to three nights in advance, from September 29, 30, and October 1st.
What if I need to cancel my flight, tour or cruise?
Because many payments are nonrefundable, travel insurance is suggested. Both of the companies listed below have a policy rate calculator online. Enter the cost of your tour and personal data to receive a no-obligation cost estimate.
Two recommended companies are:
Generali Travel Insurance www.generalitravelinsurance.com
Travelex Insurance www.travelexinsurance.com
Cancellation insurance will range in price based on the cost of your travel and the age of the applicant. Get a quote at the websites above before making a purchase. If you have a pre-existing condition to cover, you usually must purchase your policy within 2 weeks of the initial deposit.
Rates: Cost of the tour is $7,790.00 per person, based on double occupancy. Single rate is $9,190.00. There is a slight reduction if you choose to pay by Zelle, Check, or ACH. This discount is $260 per person, based on double occupancy or $310 for singles. Single participation is limited to just 2 rooms. Initial deposit is $1800 per person. Complete the registration form below. Once completed, the booking request is forwarded and a confirmation of the tour will be sent to you by email. Deposit details will be further explained with that confirmation email.
Make Your Reservation!
If you have any questions about this tour, please contact Brad Cilley at brad@nwtravel.com or by phone at 425 375 2676.