Here comes the SUN - Spring 2023

Package 33 - Here Comes the SUN

12 Nights / 13 Days

Local Tours

Price from€13.050or less

PRICE LOCKED

Price locked at 13.050€ (or less) per person for a private party of two in a 4 or 5-star hotel in a standard double occupancy room. If there are additional guests in your party, the price per person decreases.

INTRO

Embark on a captivating 13-day journey through Italy
Experience the wonders of the Path of the Gods, Pompeii Ruins, Herculaneum Ruins, Naples, Mt. Vesuvius, Rome, VaticanMuseums, SistineChapel, Colosseum, Catacombs, and Tivoli Gardens on private guided tours
Indulge in a gastronomic adventure with mozzarella making, pizza making, and olive oil tasting
Explore the beauty of Capri on an unforgettable boat tour
Relax in hand-picked 4 or 5-star accommodations, with breakfast included, throughout your Italian odyssey

HIGHLIGHTS

Here Comes the SUN - 12 Nights/13 Days

13 day tour with 7 Nights in Sorrento, 5 Nights in Rome
Private guided tours of the Path of Gods, Pompeii Ruins, Herculaneum Ruins, Naples, Mt. Vesuvius, Rome, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, Colosseum and Catacombs, Tivoli Gardens
Enjoy a gastronomic tour that includes, mozzarella making, pizza making and olive oil tasting
Amazing boat tour to Capri
Hand-picked 4 or 5 star accommodations with breakfasts included

our safety measures

English speaking driver at your disposal for 10-11 hrs per day
New luxury mercedes vehicle
Vehicle sanitized prior to pick up of guests
The vehicle will be used exclusively for you for the duration of the vacation/tour
The driver and vehicle is exclusive the same from the start till the end of the vacation.
Our tours frequent off the beaten path locations, less frequented by tourists with a greater authentic feel.
No hidden costs: guides and tickets are always included in our packages
Company representative available by phone 24 hrs per day
Flexible, risk bookings and penalty changes*
Changes to land portion of tours up to 30 days prior to the travel date without penalty*

Why choose our tours vs big groups?

Customize your days and timing at sites directly with your driver
Private, comfortable luxury vehicle exclusively for your party for the duration of your tour
Our private vehicles (which can hold a maximum of 8 guests) can arrive directly in the main center of the cities, while taking a bus involves a considerable amount of walking which is a significant amount of lost touring time.
No need to wait around for groups members to arrive and designated meeting times
More time to spend actually visiting sites
Air conditioning (temperature control) and wifi on board
Water, snacks and refreshing cotton wipes with aloe vera, provided everyday
Friendly, local, english speaking driver/guides who engage with guests and share information to optimize your touring experience
24/7 assistance and support from our ground operational office in Italy
Private small groups of 3, 4, 6 and 8 + price per person will be lower
For groups more than 8 guests, we’ll use 2 minivans and the service provided will be the same
For custom made tours we work with any reasonable budget

When

Spring

Price From

13050.00

Level

Very Easy

Service Type

Vehicle + Walking Tour

What’s included

Vehicle and driver at your disposal for 10/11 hrs a day
7 Nights in a 4 or 5 star hotel in Sorrento
5 Nights in a 4 or 5 star hotel in Rome
All breakfasts included
Private guided tours of Pompeii and Herculaneum Ruins, Naples, Rome city, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum and Catacombs,
Private boat tour to Capri
Enjoy the famous Path of Gods hike
Gastronomic tour, cheese factory, olive oil and pizza making experience.
Wine tasting at the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius
Visit to Tivoli, Lake Bracciano, Cerveteri

Not included

Gratuities
Any meal or beverage not mentioned above
City taxes at the hotel

Here Comes the SUN - 12 Nights/13 Days

Day 1	Arrival at Naples Airport. A driver will meet you outside of the baggage claim area and will transfer you from Naples airport to a 4 or 5-star accommodation in Sorrento for a seven night stay. Remainder of the day/evening at your leisure.
Day 2	Today, you will enjoy a unique experience. The legendary Path of Gods, offering the most striking panoramas of the area along the way. From Punta Licosa to the island of Capri, these views will be imprinted in your mind forever. You will enjoy every bit of this wonderful hike thanks to the help of your private guide. Afterwards, your table with a view in one of the best family owned restaurants located just above Positano will be ready for you! You will also have free time in Positano, the "Jewel of the Amalfi Coast". Enjoy a stroll among its beautiful maze of alleys and steps with small shops displaying the typical products of local crafts, such as the fresh linen dresses known as "Positano fashion", the leather sandals, the colorful ceramics and the limoncello.
day 3	Enjoy a wonderful day mixing history and good wine! You will explore the ruins of Pompeii, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, with a two hour private guided tour (tickets included). Your guide will escort you through its millennia-old streets and show you a glimpse of how ancient Roman life was in 79 A.D. You will have time to hike up Mt. Vesuvius (tickets included), the volcano responsible for the premature end of Pompeii. The cone stands roughly 4200 feet high, and if you venture to the top you will see the entire Gulf of Naples, from Sorrento to Capo Miseno, to Procida & Ischia. You will also visit one of the vineyards located on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius and taste some of the locally produced wines. You will taste 4 different wines, such as the famous Lacryma Christi, paired with a simple yet delicious light lunch.
day 4	Discover the Amalfi Coast and its golden treasure, its majesty, the Lemon! You will have a relaxing drive through the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. You will visit Ravello, that unlike most of the other towns of the area, is located atop a hill. You will stop in Amalfi, where you will have time to stroll around or splurge on shopping of handmade Amalfi paper, bottles of local limoncello, and of course ceramics. You will visit one of the oldest lemon groves in the area where, together with a local guide, you will discover everything about this golden treasure! You will learn how Limoncello is made, have a tasty appetizer and a full course lunch where the main ingredient will be lemon!
day 5	The best way to see Capri is by boat! Enjoy a day sailing around the island of Capri and the Sorrento Coast. Discover panoramas of incomparable beauty, while enjoying a luxurious and relaxing day at sea. You will have the chance to take a swim in the crystal clear waters in some spectacular areas while cruising around the island. You will discover the charms of Capri even on land, with free time to explore this incredible island.*
day 6	This is the perfect experience for all food lovers! You will stop in a small, family cheese factory where they will demonstrate how this delicious food is made, starting from raw milk to the final product. You will also have the opportunity to understand the art of cheese making and what it means to be a Cheesemaker today. We have thought of a cultural itinerary that includes a guided tour of the Cheese Museum followed by cheese tasting. A professional pizza chef will show you how a real pizza is prepared! You will make your own pizza, starting with the dough, then adding various toppings, and finally baking it in the traditional wood oven. After this unforgettable cooking class you will have the pleasure of eating your own masterpiece! Pizza will be served with drinks and a dessert, all included in the price. You will visit an old mill in the Sorrento area and see how the original olive oil is made. Raw material carefully selected and a strict control on the entire production chain ensure a product with an inimitable taste and with extraordinary organoleptic properties. You will have the chance to taste more than 30 different locally produced goods while learning everything about their making!
day 7	Day at your leisure in Sorrento
day 8	Check-out of Sorrento hotel. Your driver will transfer you from Sorrento to Rome with stops in Herculaneum and Naples en route. Enjoy a private, two hour guided tour of the Ruins with a professionally licensed, English speaking guide. Entrance tickets included. Experience the delight of an authentic Neapolitan pizza in its birthplace. Upon arrival in Rome, check in to your 4 or 5 star hotel, for a five night stay.
day 9	Day tour of Rome part 1. Private 8 hour guided tour of Rome city center with a professionally licensed, English speaking guide. Sites include: Navona Square, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, St. Peter’s Basilica. Includes skip the line entrance tickets to the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel.
Day 10	Day tour of Rome part 2. Private 8 hour guided tour of Rome city center with a professionally licensed, English speaking guide. Sites to be visited include St. Peter in Chains, Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus, Caracalla's thermal baths, Aventine Hill, Capitoline Hill and Venezia square. Includes private, guided tour and skip the line entrance tickets to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Also includes a visit to the Catacombs, tickets included.
day 11	You will visit two of the most beautiful ancient villas located in Tivoli, close to Rome. Villa Adriana was built by the Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd Century A.D. It is the largest and most luxurious residence ever constructed in Italy, covering an area of 120 hectares. Started by Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este and enriched by his descendants, Villa d’Este is a masterpiece of the Renaissance architecture, especially because of its stunning gardens.
day 12	Travel back in time and discover the Etruscan history just outside Rome. You will visit Tuscania, an ancient town allegedly founded by Tusco, son of Hercules, famous for its medieval walls and towers, and for the Etruscan necropolis. Do not miss a visit to Santa Maria Maggiore church, half-Christian and half-Etruscan, where the sacred and profane blend perfectly. You will stop at Lake Bracciano, the second largest of Lazio’s volcanic lakes. There you will have a chance to visit the “Castle on the Lake”, a medieval castle which dates back to the 10th Century, or just take a relaxing stroll along the clean shores of the lake. You will reach Cerveteri, home to a Unesco World Heritage Site, the Etruscan Necropoli in Banditaccia, dating back to IX century B.C. and visit what used to be one of the most important commercial centres in the Etruscan time.
day 13	Have your breakfast at the hotel, meet your driver. Private transfer from Rome hotel to FCO Rome Airport. Departure from Italy 😔.
*Seasonal service. During off season or not favorable weather conditions, a private, professionally licensed guide will accompany you to Capri via hydrofoil and provide a guided walking tour of the island.

What is the currency used in Italy, and where can I exchange money?

The currency in Italy is the Euro (€). You can exchange money at banks, exchange offices ("cambio"), or ATMs. Banks offer competitive rates but may have higher fees. Exchange offices are convenient but compare rates. ATMs are widespread with favorable rates, but watch for bank fees. Major credit cards are accepted, but carrying cash for small purchases and emergencies is advisable.

Do I need a Visa to travel to Italy?

Whether you need a visa to travel to Italy depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of many countries, including those in the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, can enter Italy visa-free for short stays as tourists

What are hotel taxes in Italy, how do I pay them and how much are they?

In Italy, hotel taxes, known as "tassa di soggiorno" or tourist tax, are fees charged by local municipalities on guests at accommodations like hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals. These taxes vary based on location and accommodation type, usually calculated per person per night. They're not typically included in the room rate and are paid directly to the provider upon check-out, often in cash or added to the final bill. Exemptions may apply for certain guests, such as children or those with disabilities.

How do you greet people in Italy?

Greetings in Italy are typically warm and involve a handshake. It's common to greet people with a friendly "Ciao" or "Buongiorno" (good morning) during the day. In the evening or when meeting someone for the first time, "Buonasera" (good evening) is more appropriate. Italians value politeness, so don't forget to use "Grazie" (thank you) and "Per favore" (please) when appropriate.

What are the opening hours for shops and businesses?

In Italy, traditional business hours are observed, with most shops opening around 9:00 am and closing for a few hours in the afternoon (usually between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm). Shops then reopen at around 5:30 pm. Some smaller businesses may close on Sundays, so it's advisable to plan shopping accordingly.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Italy?

While major credit cards are generally accepted, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially in smaller establishments. Notify your bank of your travel dates to avoid any issues with card transactions.

How do gratuities work in Italy?

Gratuities are not mandatory and never included, but if you've been pleased with the service, it's customary to show appreciation, and workers are very thankful. Generally speaking, gratuities can be 100€ full day guides, 50€ half/partial day guides, driver 75-150€ on full day use of vehicle, skipper 150-250€ for full day tours, hotel porters 3-5€ per bag, restaurants 10-20% on the total, guest ambassadors, based on service received, 1-5% on rhe total amount. Gratuities in Italy run anywhere from 10-25% depending on the services and your satisfaction with them.

What should I wear if I want to visit some religious sites?

If you intend to visit religious sites, please have knees and shoulders covered (both men and women).

Neil D

From

We took a 21 day private tour of Italy. Everything was perfectly planed and executed: We have traveled the world using tours from A&K and Tauck.The Joe Banana's Tour was better than both. Our travel coordinator Milena and our driver Rafaela were both professional and personable. We were well taken care of for the whole 21 day trip. We would highly recommend them to our family and friends.

roxyblackbu

From Houston, Texas

Best guided tour in italy: We enjoyed a 10 day private tour of Venice, Florence, Rome with day trips to numerous smaller cities for wonderful experiences like balsamic and wine tasting, cooking classes and gondola rides. Our driver Giuseppe’s was fantastic and the van was very luxurious. All aspects of the trip were delightful with plenty of down time, personal requests attended to and highly knowledgeable guides who enriched our experiences immensely. Our guides ensured we saw all the highlights in the many museums and churches we toured and helped us to understand ancient and Italian history and art. Would definately use Joe Banana again and highly recommend to anyone traveling to Italy. The entire experience was professional and excellently planned and carried out

Mike M

From

My wife and I had a personal driver tour of Italy for a once in a lifetime adventure, and Joe Banana's did not disappoint. Our trip included Rome, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Assisi, Venice, Florence, and Cinque Terre. We had private tours of Rome, Venice, Florence, and Cinque Terre. Our driver was engaging and entertaining as we drove from place to place. We had a private tour of a cheese factory and a cooking class, but the highlight was a private tour of a family run balsamic vinaigrette that included a meal up in the hillside. From working with their staff, to the all the details they took care of, we would highly recommend using this company for your Italian Tour needs.

Gordon C

From

Our family of four just finished a three week European vacation which was organized and executed by JBL Tours. This was the best travel experience we have had so far. This was our fourth trip with JBL but first one to include other countries besides Italy. The arrangements were complex but Cindy and Milena were awesome at meeting all of our specific needs including hotels, tours, guides and any thing else we requested. Our trip started in Paris and France, went thru Switzerland and then Italy from Lake Como to the Amalfi coast. Our driver, Antonio, picked us up at the Paris airport and served as our driver and sometimes guide managing all the details with local English speaking guides, tours, restaurant recommendations and multiple cruises over a three week period. Thanks to him and all the JBL staff, we never had to worry about any details. Antonio feels like part of our family now. We had the pleasure of meeting Joe in Sorrento and saw his dedication to individualized travel experience. We will definitely be using JBL in our future European travel.

Andrew

From

Our private tour through Italy with Joe Banana was incredible. They arranged a beautiful journey with stays in Rome, Florence and Venice, as well as side trips to Naples, Pompeii, Orvieto and Modena. Milena helped us craft a perfect itinerary and was always readily available, when we wanted to make changes. Our driver, Giulio was an absolute pleasure to be around, and he took such great care of us. The guides in each city were so fun and knowledgeable, that we were always sad to only have a day or two with each. I cannot recommend Joe Banana highly enough. There was always someone there to help us. We wanted for nothing. This was truly a trip of a lifetime!

U9770EOmarkb

From

We built a customized tour with Joe Banana that was centered around Sorento / Amalfi / Pompei / Rome / Vatican City. It was an INCREDIBLE trip. Everyone we interacted with from Joe Banana was great. Our main driver Raffaele and main contact Milena were always above and beyond and the fact that we found our own VRBO places to stay and Joe Banana worked that in so easily made it even better! Our local guides in Rome and Pompei were extremely pleasant and knowledgeable and we even planned a private boat day with our Captain Luigi out to Capri (HUGE BONUS)! All in all would HIGHLY recommend Joe Banana and will absolutely use them again for our next visit to a different part of Italy!

968hollys

From

Anna at JB was amazing at helping me plan a whirlwind tour of a ton of Italy. She tailored the trip to be everything I asked for and more. Their communication throughout the trip was perfect, and we had 10 days of amazing adventures that I will never ever forget. A trip of a lifetime. I am already plotting my return to Italy, now that I have a taste of so much of it. I couldn't recommend Joe Banana more. Nothing will ever be perfect, but they are as close as it comes. I don't think anyone else would have helped me cram so much in, in the timeframe we had. We were never left without communication or a guide. From the start to the finish- TOP NOTCH planning and communication. Trust me, and use JB for your Italy travel. They KNOW Italy!

31suzannel

From

We searched for the right tour and the right company to help us celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. We reached out to Joe Banana based on reviews we had read and started planning a trip for August 2023. Milenia was the best person to ask all my questions and make suggestions. She calmed my fears when I was “nervous” about things and let me know she would always be in contact with us. We spent two weeks in Italy visiting Venice, Florence/Tuscany region, Sorrento/Amalfi Coast and finally Rome. We planned all private tours and drivers and none of them disappointed. They were all fabulous. At the end of the tours we felt like family. Milenia always checked in every afternoon and asked how things went. Some days we suggested a slight change for the next day and she would always try to accommodate. All do the tours guides were phenomenal and so knowledgeable about the areas. All the drivers were friendly and great. I would 1000% recommend them to anyone and should we find ourselves back in Italy I would not hesitate to work with them again.

Daniel Febbroriello

From South Carolina

I highly recommend Joe Banana and his crew for any of your vacation needs in Italy! We booked a 13 day tour with them and it was fantastic. From our first contact with Melana our entire trip was handled without us having to worry. She planned the perfect vacation for the 6 of us. All of our local tour guides were phenomenal and offered the best recommendations. Our driver Giuseppe was great and went above and beyond to make sure everything was taken care of. Wouldn't hesitate to book another trip with them!

Package 33 - Here Comes the SUN

12 Nights / 13 Days

PRICE LOCKED

INTRO

HIGHLIGHTS

Here Comes the SUN - 12 Nights/13 Days

our safety measures

Why choose our tours vs big groups?

What’s included

Not included

Here Comes the SUN - 12 Nights/13 Days

Day 1

Day 2

day 3

day 4

day 5

day 6

day 7

day 8

day 9

Day 10

day 11

day 12

day 13

What is the currency used in Italy, and where can I exchange money?

Do I need a Visa to travel to Italy?

What are hotel taxes in Italy, how do I pay them and how much are they?

How do you greet people in Italy?

What are the opening hours for shops and businesses?

Are credit cards widely accepted in Italy?

How do gratuities work in Italy?

What should I wear if I want to visit some religious sites?

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