Italy

july 1-10, 2023

Naples, The Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and more!

(add on a pre or post tour extension to see more of italy)

**With option to add-on SCUBA Diving to see the underwater Roman Ruins of baia!

Total package price starting at $1923

This package includes hotel accommodations, tours, some meals, ground transportation ... and more!

ADD-ON SCUBA DIVING/snorkeling

Baia, in the Phlegrean Fields, in the province of Naples, at the time of the ancient Romans became a thriving location. In this area the phenomenon of “bradisismo” , due to the volcanic action of the territory, caused the sinking of part of the important ruins. Imperial baths, precious mosaics, sinuous statues and marble floors have been found underwater.

To protect all this the Archaeological Marine Park of Baia was created. There are 8 underwater sites, ranging from 5 to a maximum of 13 meters of depth, therefore suitable both for snorkeling and for SCUBA diving.

This Scuba add-on includes 8 dives during 4 days and all tanks and weights. See the document below for more information.

(Non-divers can also enjoy this site! You can admire the submerged ancient roman ruins by swimming on the surface with fins, mask, snorkel and wetsuit. Read more about this in the FAQ section at the bottom of this page!)


July 1:
Arrival

You'll arrive in Italy today and transfer (self arranged) to your hotel.

Please keep in mind that hotel check in isn’t until 3pm, so if you arrive earlier than that, please drop your things off to the front desk and enjoy the city or connect with others in the group!

*Lodging (7nt): Rex Lifestyle Hotel Naples


July 2:
Naples

This afternoon you will go on a tour that shows you all the highlights and traditions of Naples

The tour will start at the Monumental district, where you can admire one of the four Royal Palaces of Naples, the so-called New Castle who was built in 1279. Other stops at the Monumental district are the art nouveau style Gallery Umberto I and the Royal Opera House San Carlo Theatre.

The next stop on the tour is the Greek and Roman district, where they have two thousand years worth of art. The Seven Works of Mercy, a masterpiece of Caravaggio painted in 1607 or the Veiled Christ, a marble statue sculpted in 1753, will take your breath away.

After this you will visit the a "Majolica Cloister" from the Monastery of Santa Chiara. And to end the tour you will see the the street art of Banksy.

SCUBA ADD-ON : 2-Tank Dive Archeological Marine Park of Baia at 8:30am and 11am

There’s no guarantee of which sites we will dive on which days, but here are some of the sites offered at the Archeological Marine Park:

CLAUDIO'S NYMPHAEUM

The Emperor Claudio's Nymphaeum is underwater, at a depth of about 5 mt., close to Epitaffio Point. It has a rectangular shape with a semi circular apsis at the bottom and four niches on the long sides.

We can see very clearly this structure underwater and it is extremely suggestive for the presence of the statues, accurately reproducted. After visiting the Ninfeum, the dive continues along the extroardinary Herculanea road, wich once upon a time leaded to Portus Julius, and the beautiful floors of the ancient roman baths.

Depth: 5 mt.

VILLA WITH PROTYRUM ENTRANCE

The ancient Baia's port was a delimited lagoon (Lacus Baianus) with an entrance channel, which ruins are visible nowadays as well as the ruins of ancient shops and thermal buildings. In this urban estate the ruins of an ancient important villa stand out, with its prothyrum entrance, delimited by two marble seats.

The remains of the marbles, of the frescos and of a wonderfull mosaic (tessellatum) with black and white stones forming different hexagons, all very well kept, make the dive extremerly suggestive.

Depth: 5 mt.


July 3:
Amalfi coast, Sorrento and Positano

Today will be a full day tour of the Amalfi Coast. By bus you will drive along the State Road 163, which is known as the Amalfi Drive. You will stop at the “Pearls of the Coast’ like Positano, Praiano, Amalfi and Ravello.

Touring the Amalfi Coast is a memorable experience. You will never forget it. There is no other place on Earth in which you can find such a big number of natural beauties, archeological and historical evidence, and the best food experience you can make.


July 4:
Italian cooking class

This afternoon, immerse yourself in the Italian cuisine and will learn to make two Italian classics; pizza and pasta.

Master the basics of Italian cuisine in a warm environment during a cooking class in reputedly the birthplace of pizza. As well as enjoying a hands-on cooking experience, you’ll learn more about the past and present of Italian food.

At the end of the class you get to sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor with alcoholic beverages. Also you will be able to take your prepared food home.

SCUBA ADD-ON : 2-Tank Dive Archeological Marine Park of Baia at 8:30am and 11am

There’s no guarantee of which sites we will dive on which days, but here are some of the sites offered at the Archeological Marine Park:

THE THERMAL BATHS of LACUS

It was a spa complex, probably of a private residence, which overlooked the ancient port of Baia, the Lacus Baianus. The site was recently discovered, restored and opened to the public in the summer of 2020. The remains of several polychrome mosaics and marble floors are incredible. It is very interesting to note the different levels of flooring with overlapping mosaics. In addition to the perimeters of different rooms, and the thermal baths, it is also possible to observe three apsed walls, which once supported large windows overlooking the Lacus Baianus.

Depth: 4 mt.

PISONI'S VILLA

We will dive on the ruins of an ancient majestic patrician villa of the roman imperial age. The residence originately was owned by the Pisoni's family, but further on the villa was confiscated by the mperor Nerone, after the attempt of a cospiracy against him.

Besides the remains of the columns of a large garden and the ruins of the corridors which sorrounded the garden (vidarium), the ruins of a huge are recognisable and, on the other side, it is possible to notice the thermal pool and the private firsh farm.

Depth: 5 mt.


July 5:
Phlegraean Fields

Today you will visit the Phlegraean Fields.

On this half day tour you'll visit the Roman amphitheater at Campi Flegrei, the third largest of the of its kind behind those in Capua and Rome. Hear stories as you wander the old village of Pozzuoli, strolling among the remaining pillars of its ancient marketplace, and discover the molten mystery of the bradyseismic phenomenon.

The Phlegrean Field area, with its over 40 craters is also knows as one of the ten supervolcanos of the world. The experience is not over without the visit of the Imperial Palace of Baia, the most impressive building  built by Cesar Augustus with its impressive thermal bath complex, one of the largest of the entire roman world.

Your tour will end in Baia with lunch (at your own expense). If you are not scuba diving or snorkeling, you can continue back to Naples for the rest of the day at your leisure.
Those who are diving, will enjoy 2 dives- an afternoon dive and a night dive on the impressive sunken ruins of Baia.

SCUBA ADD-ON : 2-Tank Dive Archeological Marine Park of Baia at 2p and 8p

There’s no guarantee of which sites we will dive on which days, but here are some of the sites offered at the Archeological Marine Park:

PORTUS JULIUS

This was an important commercial harbour, which was discovered by the diver pilot R. Bucher, thanks to aerial pictures which showed the topography of a huge port complex of about ten hectares.

During the dive it is possible to admire many ruins of floors, columns, marbles, but the peculiarity of the site is the amazing mosaics.

Depth: 3 mt.

PISONI'S VILLA PILA

There are 25 ancient Roman pillars (pila), dating back in part to the 1st century BC. to the architect Vitruvius. These are large parallelepipeds built with the technique of pouring concrete (the famous pozzolana) directly into the sea, like many other similar structures along the Phlegraean coast. They were part of the majestic Villa Pisoni as protection against the sea, probably to support a large quay. The dive takes place by swimming among these large structures (some even reach 5 meters in height) entirely covered by a very rich marine flora.

Depth: 10 mt.


July 6:
Free day - Explore Naples

Take today to explore Naples on your own.

We recommend visiting the San Gennaro Catacombs, the harbor or just roam around the city and go shopping or explore the restaurants/bars.

San Gennaro Catacombs
Visit the underground world and explore the huge number of details and passageways. Once underground, you will find a network of tunnels and passageways that are lined with graves and crypts dating back to ancient history.
Spread over two levels, the lower floor contains a staggering 3000+ burials and is dimly lit to retain the spooky underground feeling.
The top level is more spacious but just as interesting and contains many detailed frescos and artwork.

  • The entrance is next to the Basilica del Buon Consiglio,Via Capodimonte, 13.

  • Opening hours
    From Mondays to Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm (Last admission 5 pm)
    Closed on Wednesdays

  • Email contact@zone-travel.com to add this adventure to your trip. Tickets are $12.

SCUBA ADD-ON : 2-Tank Dive Archeological Marine Park of Baia at 8:30am and 11am

There’s no guarantee of which sites we will dive on which days, but here are some of the sites offered at the Archeological Marine Park:

SMOKY REEF

The dive is along twelve pillars which supported the external jetty of Portus Julius. On this dive we can go deeper than the other dives in the park, in fact we will reach the depth of about 13 mt., swimming along these structures observing the marine aquatic life grown on them.

It is very impressive the presence of some fumaroles, gasous emissions coming from the bottom for the volcanic activity.

Depth: 13 mt.

VILLA IN FRONT OF THE ARAGONESE CASTLE

Just beyond the boundaries of the Park, a fishpond, an aquaculture farm from the Roman era that was located in front of the patrician villas near the sea with a semi-annular portico protects several pilae. It is also possible to see nursery tanks for water exchange.

Today the fish pond is below sea level due to bradyseism. Some projects foresee that this dive site will also become a park.


July 7:
Capri


This morning, we are going to board a ferry and enjoy the Island of Capri!

On Capri you will have a free day to roam around the island and explore.

We recommend relaxing on the beach or enjoying some water-sports or snorkeling.
Additional tours and/or diving can also be arranged for an additional fee.

July 8:
Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius

After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel.

Today we will be picked up at the hotel by your guide for a tour of Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius.

The tour will start with Mt Vesuvius on a moderate hike to the top of the active volcano with your guide. At the summit, some 3,900 feet (1,200 meters) above sea level you have an amazing view of the coast. Here you will have some time to roam around the volcano's crater.

Then, we will enjoy a guided tour of Pompeii, where you will learn about the history and the daily life here back in 79 AD. Once you’ve explored the grounds, savor an Italian pizza lunch with your group before enjoying time to wander the shops.

Afterward travel by bus to Rome where we will check into our hotel accommodations just around the corner from Trevi Fountain.

*Lodging (2nt): Hotel Delle Nazioni Rome



July 9:
Rome

After breakfast, you will tour Rome and experience the mighty Roman Colosseum for yourself. Your guide will tell you about the history, the events and the people that shaped the Roman Empire, including some of the city’s most famous attractions, including Capitoline Hill, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.


July 10:
Departure

Today is time to say goodbye (for now).
After breakfast you will transfer to the airport (self arranged) for your flight home.


 

TRAVEL DETAILS

TRANSPORT:

ARRIVAL Transfer
July 1

self arranged

Round trip ferry to Capri
July 8

Ferry (included)

Naples to Rome transfer
July 8

Private Transfer (included)

DEPARTURE Transfer
July 10

self arranged

HOTELS

(These hotels or something similar)

Naples, Italy
July 1- 8

Rex Lifestyle Hotel Naples

Rome, Italy
July 8- 10

Hotel Delle Nazioni Rome


REGISTRATION FORM

PLEASE TYPE CAREFULLY! INACCURATE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN TRAVEL DELAYS AND/OR CHANGE FEES.

(Please submit one registration form per household -max 2 people per registration form)


Pricing details

price Per Person: 

$1923 (quad occupancy)
$2094 (triple occupancy)
$
2435 (double occupancy)
$
3660 (single occupancy)


*All pricing & availability is subject to change until completed through the booking process. If your vacation package includes airfare, baggage fees may be an additional cost. For international travel, a passport book is required. Most locations require at least 6 months before expiration on your passport, as well as 2 blank visa pages. Please make sure to have the correct and updated documents if applicable. If you have a criminal background, you are responsible for knowing the travel restrictions pertaining to the offense.

Add-on SCUBA diving:

Please add $860/pp

Add-on Snorkeling:

Please add $75/pp/day


INCLUDED IN THE QUOTE

  • Ground/Ferry Transportation

    • Round-trip Ferry: Naples to Capri

    • Private Coach during tours (listed above)- where applicable

    • Naples-Rome Transfer

  • Hotel accommodations

  • Private Tour Guide and Tours

    • Daily tour itinerary listed above

  • Some Meals

    • Breakfast each day

    • meals/snacks included if included in tours

  • Entrance Fees

    • Entrance fees to attractions and activities listed in the itinerary

  • Most taxes and fees

    • Tour taxes and fees

    • Service fees and commissions (NON REFUNDABLE)

    • Current VAT- if this fee changes, we will need to collect additional charges.

NOT INCLUDED

  • Arrival/departure airport transportation

  • Daily transportation to dive sites

  • 4% processing fee per payment (if paying w/debit or credit card)

  • Airfare

  • Local taxis

  • Most meals/beverages (unless included in the itinerary)

  • Tips

    • Local guides (recommended at least $5-10/pp)

    • Bus driver (recommended at least $10/pp)

  • Optional Travel Insurance *DUE AT TIME OF BOOKING- PLEASE REVIEW THE DETAILS OF EACH PLAN THOROUGHLY

    • Basic (starting at $148)

      • Please Note: This plan does NOT include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

    • Cancel for Anytime (starting at $269)

      • Please Note: Under certain conditions, covered reasons for some benefits of this plan include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

    • Other insurance options are available, if you have questions or want more coverage options, please let us know at time of booking.

 

SUGGESTED PAYMENT SCHEDULE

There are three payment options available to you. 
*Payment schedule does not include insurance costs. Insurance is due with initial payment. 

Option 1: Pay in full
(Most affordable overall)
Full payment (plus insurance)- due upon receipt.
*Please keep in mind, a 4% processing fee will be charged at time of payment if paying with debit/credit card. (this has not been included in the costs.)


Option 2: Monthly payments
(There will be a one time $50 fee per person, an additional 10% administrative fee per payment is applicable for this delayed payment option)
*Please keep in mind, a 4% processing fee will be charged at time of payment if paying with debit/credit card. (this has not been included in the costs.)

Payments will be split equally between remaining months, with final payment due by March 15, 2023.
(we suggest including the cost of insurance in your first payment.)

***Payment plan SPECIAL: IF YOU PAY THIS TRIP IN FULL BY February 1, YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO PAY THE $50/PP FEE!***

 

REGISTRATION 

  • A completed registration form (one per household -max 2 people per registration form)

    • If you have more than 2 people from the same household going on this trip, please fill out multiple forms, as the maximum per form is 2 people.

 

FINAL PAYMENT

  • Payments not received on time will result in reservation cancellation without refund.

  • Additional bookings after the final payment deadline may result in higher prices, less availability and additional administrative fees.

  • Fee amounts imposed are at the discretion of Zone Travel.

 

CANCELLATION

Cancellation in writing must be received by Zone Travel 60 days prior to departure for appropriate refund on the land tour cost minus the following fees:

  • Commissions and Travel insurance are non-refundable.

 


F.A.Q.

What time should I arrive in Naples?

Often times, others in your group are flying from the same airport. You may want to consult with your group to see what flight they are all on so that you can travel with them!

  • We do suggest arriving in Naples around 2 or 3pm on July 1..


What time is the check in to the hotel?

  • Check in at your hotel will not be until 3pm at the earliest.

    • If you arrive early, or your room is not yet ready for you to check in when you arrive, you may be able to leave your bags with the front desk and they will keep them securely held behind the desk while you go out and eat or explore the city until your room is ready.


Do I have to wear my mask the whole time?

At this time, No.

When you are on your own, please follow all local laws-ask your guide if you are unsure about each city's current COVID19 Mask policy.

Is breakfast included?

Yes!

The serving times vary by hotel (they will tell you at check-in), but usually breakfast is served starting at 6:30am.


How much should I tip the guide and driver?

They worked hard for you all week- please take care of them appropriately.

Please consider a tip of (at least):
$32/pp for the driver

$56/pp for the guide
(so- that’s a minimum of $88 per person) -(and yes, cash is best)

You can tip at any point in the tour; however, it is customary to tip on the last tour day (before you get off the bus at the hotel in Barcelona.)

It is also customary to tip any other guides that may lead part of your itinerary- $5-8/pp is a nice gesture.


Can I snorkel at the Roman Ruins in Baia?

Yes!
You can admire the submerged ancient roman ruins by swimming on the surface with fins, mask, snorkel and wetsuit. You will be accompanied by an expert snorkeling guide. The Archeological Marine Park of Baia offers 8 diving sites!
 
Prerequisites:

  • Good water skills, good physical shape

  • Minimum age: 6 years old

Included: wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins.

2 excursions to visit 2 arch. sites € 55
Admission fee to the Archeological Park €5 per dive


If you're an American traveling to Italy or planning to stay there for an extended period, it's important to be aware of the following information about using electricity in Italy:

  1. Voltage and Frequency: Italy operates on a different electrical system compared to the United States. The voltage in Italy is 230 volts, whereas in the U.S., it is 120 volts. Additionally, the frequency in Italy is 50 hertz (Hz), whereas in the U.S., it is 60 Hz. This difference in voltage and frequency means that American electrical devices may not be compatible with the Italian electrical system without the use of adapters or converters.

  2. Plug Types: Italy uses Type C or Type F electrical plugs and outlets. These plugs have two or three round pins, so if your American devices have flat pins, you will need plug adapters to fit them into Italian outlets. It's advisable to carry multiple adapters to accommodate your various devices.

  3. Power Adapters and Converters: Most modern electronic devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, are dual voltage and can support both 120V and 230V. In such cases, you will only need a plug adapter to fit your American plugs into Italian outlets. However, certain devices, like hairdryers, curling irons, and some kitchen appliances, might only support the U.S. voltage. For these devices, you will need a voltage converter or a transformer to safely use them in Italy.

  4. Safety Considerations: It's crucial to ensure that your electrical devices can handle the higher voltage in Italy before plugging them in directly. Using devices not compatible with the higher voltage can result in damage or even fire hazards. Always check the voltage requirements and capabilities of your devices by looking at the labels or the user manuals. If in doubt, it's safer to use a voltage converter or seek expert advice.

  5. Charging Electronic Devices: When charging your electronic devices in Italy, you can usually use a simple plug adapter. Most smartphones, tablets, and laptops have built-in power adapters that can handle different voltages automatically. However, it's always a good idea to check the device's label or documentation to confirm its voltage compatibility.

  6. Hairdryers and Personal Care Appliances: If you plan to use American hairdryers, curling irons, or other personal care appliances in Italy, be cautious. These devices often require a higher wattage than what Italian outlets provide. Using them with a voltage converter is an option, but it's worth noting that converters can be large and heavy. Alternatively, you can consider purchasing hairdryers or styling tools with dual voltage settings or ones specifically designed for international use.

Remember, electrical standards can vary between countries, so it's essential to research the specific requirements and prepare accordingly to ensure a safe and hassle-free experience while using electricity in Italy.

Can I pay by Zelle?

Yes!

We started taking Zelle payments last month and we found this to be a fast and FREE way to pay!
For those who don’t know what Zelle is… it is very much like a wire transfer (but it is not a wire transfer).

Everyone’s bank is different, though, so you may want to call/go in to your local bank and ask to have the maximum amount available to transfer every day.

Example: Some banks only allow $500/day transfer. Other banks will allow $1200/day.

Always be careful when making payments through Zelle to people that you do not know. There is no protection guarantee provided and you cannot reverse the fee.

The Pros for using Zelle:

  • It is FREE (no processing fees)!

  • It is instantaneous (funds will go directly to Zone Travel- so this is the absolute fastest way to make a payment)

The Cons for using Zelle:

  • Every bank is different when it comes to maximum amount available to be transferred every day. So, this may mean that you need to make multiple payments to Zone Travel, multiple days in a row.

  • It does require an app download onto your phone, and you need to set up your account with your bank information.

Can I pay by check?

Yes!

If you would like to avoid the 4%processing fees, you may pay by check.
It is very important that you pay in advance of the deadlines and allow ample time for delivery.

You can make checks payable to “Zone Travel”

Please mail your checks (allowing 3-5 business days for delivery - PRIOR to deadline) to:
Zone Travel
PO Box 12052
Columbus, OH 43212


Payments received after the deadline could result in cancelation of your reservation or increased fees.


Travel Insurance

TRAVEL INSURANCE - AVAILABLE FOR ALL USA CITIZENS - DUE WITH INITIAL PAYMENT

Zone Travel LLC strongly suggests purchasing Trip Cancellation insurance. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider as most U.S. medical coverage will not cover you outside of the country.

Insurance costs are based on the total package cost, including air taxes and charges listed under "Included."

Approximate amounts can be given at time of reservation in order to purchase the appropriate amount of insurance.

BASIC PLAN:

The Basic Plan is so affordable you can have your fun and protect it too - all while staying within your budget. The plan has a wide-variety of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption, and it can also include coverage for existing medical conditions so you can book your trip with complete confidence.
Please Note: This plan does NOT include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

Trip Cancellation: Trip Cost

Trip Interruption: Trip Cost

Emergency Medical/Dental Coverage: $10,000.00

Emergency Medical Transportation: $50,000.00

Baggage Coverage: $500.00

Baggage Delay: $200.00

Travel Delay: $300.00

24-Hour Hotline Assistance: Included

 

CANCEL ANYTIME: 
(NY RESIDENTS-PLEASE ENQUIRE ABOUT SIMILAR OPTIONS)

The Cancel Anytime Plan gives you the extra flexibility of knowing you can cancel your trip for almost any unforeseen reason that the Classic plan does not already cover at 100% and receive 80% of your non-refundable trip costs back. It includes benefits like trip cancellation protection, primary emergency medical benefits, 24-hour travel assistance, and more. This plan also has SmartBenefitsSM that can pay you proactively and simplify your claims process with no receipts required. Under certain conditions, covered reasons for some benefits of this plan include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.
Please note: This plan must be purchased within 14 days of your initial trip deposit and must cover the full non-refundable trip cost ($10,000 maximum). You could also be eligible for pre-existing condition exclusion waiver if all requirements are met (please refer to plan documents for details).
Important information about this plan: Plan charge includes costs of insurance benefits and assistance services. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, your plan excludes losses due to that condition unless you qualify for a waiver under the terms of your plan. See Plan and Pricing Details for more information.

Trip Cancellation: Trip Cost

Trip Interruption: Trip Cost

Emergency Medical/Dental Coverage: $25,000.00

Emergency Medical Transportation: $500,000.00

Baggage Coverage: $1,000.00

Baggage Delay: $300.00

Change Fee Coverage: $500.00

Loyalty Program Redeposit Fee Coverage: $500.00

Travel Delay: $800.00

24 Hour Hotline Assistance Plus: Included