Exploring Rome & the Amalfi Coast with Collette Tours 

I recently returned from an amazing 10-day adventure with Collette Tours exploring Rome and the Amalfi Coast, and I wanted to share a few highlights—especially if you’ve ever been curious about guided group tours.

The tour I joined was Collette’s Rome & the Amalfi Coast Tour, which ran during the last days of August and the first week of September. It was a traditional group tour experience with 40 fellow travelers (a full motorcoach), a wonderful tour manager, and a professional driver who stayed with us for the entire trip.

Each morning began with breakfast at the hotel, and our days typically started around 8–9 AM with either travel or a guided excursion.

Some of the key highlights included:

• - Immersing ourselves in ancient history with expert-led walking tours in Rome
• - Experiencing the scenic beauty of Sorrento, Amalfi, and Ravello
• - Visiting the ruins of Pompeii—an unforgettable journey back in time
• - Taking in breathtaking coastal views along the Amalfi Coast
• - Enjoying free afternoons to explore on our own, shop, or relax with gelato

Our time in Rome featured several walking tours, each lasting about two to two and a half hours. The local guides brought history to life, and our exceptional tour manager offered helpful insights and tips along the way. One of the best parts of the tour was not having to worry about logistics—everything from transportation to tickets was handled seamlessly. Even during transfers between hotels, we simply left our luggage in the hallway, and it reappeared in our next room. That convenience was especially appreciated in Rome, with its cobblestone streets and steep hills.

The group itself was a great mix of ages and personalities, including a fun couple in their 30s and travelers from various parts of the country—even a few from New Jersey. Everyone was friendly and enthusiastic, making it easy to connect and share experiences along the way.

For me, one of the biggest benefits of a guided tour was the stress-free nature of the trip. Having someone else handle logistics—especially things like navigating ferry systems or managing transportation—made everything so much smoother. And our driver was phenomenal; driving in Italy, particularly around Rome and the Amalfi Coast, is not for the faint of heart, but nothing ever seemed to ruffle him.

Of course, group tours aren’t one-size-fits-all. Collette offers a range of options—from small group experiences and flexible itineraries to more specialized tours focused on activities like hiking, history, or food. This particular tour was a more traditional, structured style, which worked perfectly for what I wanted this time. If you’ve ever considered trying a guided group tour, I’d highly recommend it. This trip was a truly enjoyable, expertly organized, and stress-free way to experience Italy. And if you’re curious about exploring something similar, Collette has a wide variety of destinations and styles to choose from.

Let me know if you have any questions about the experience—I’d be happy to share more and help you explore options for your own getaway.