You know Rome.
You know Florence.
You know Venice and Sicily and Bologna.
Now get to know Italy's hidden gem-Sorrento.
While technically not part of the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is close enough to make it the ideal base to explore some of Italy's most charming villages, as well as visiting nearby Naples and Pompeii.
And with packages such as the Italy Standard and Superior from TravelBrands, which include 17 nights in Sorrento along with either three or six nights in Rome, travelers have more than enough time to explore the best of the Sorrentine Peninsula.
Sorrento's population swells in the summer as tourists arrive in droves. While the town earned a name for itself thanks to its lemons and limoncello, there's more to it than citrus and a tasty, chilled "digestivo."
So, when in Sorrento, do as the Sorrentines do:
Cathedral of Sorrento
Centrally located, the Duomo, as it's known, features a striking clock tower making it easily recognizable despite its relatively simple exterior. Head inside, however, and visitors will be greeted with spectacular frescoes and an altar with a crucifixion.
Old Town Sorrento
Spend an afternoon or even the day wandering the narrow streets and alleyways. It's a great area for window shopping and indulging yourself at some of the quaint trattorias.
Piazza Tasso
Considered by many to be the heart of Sorrento, this piazza makes for great people watching, not to mention serving as the ideal spot to sample some of the tart liqueur for which Sorrento is known. Grab a table, kick back and enjoy the show.
Marina Grande
What goes up must come down, and in the case of visiting the old port of Sorrento the reverse is painfully true. The walk down the cliff offers spectacular views and the anticipation of exploring a charming fishing village. However, once the shopping and dining are over, the walk back up is steep. Luckily, visitors are bolstered by fond memories of a great visit.
Church of San Francisco
This 14th-centuy church is one of the oldest monuments in Sorrento and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful churches in town. Surrounded by picturesque gardens, the cloisters feature Arabic-influenced architecture. Those lucky enough to visit in summer should check out the concert schedule which frequently counts world-class artists as guest performers.
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Pompeii
Sorrento is within an easy train trip to Pompeii, meaning there's absolutely no reason not to go and discover this archeological wonder. Half-day and full-day tours are available, but be sure to allow plenty of time for exploration as new areas continue to be excavated.
Positano and the Amalfi Coast
To come all this way and not explore what is indisputably one of the most scenic spots on Earth would be a crime. If time allows, make the Amalfi Drive-a cliff-hugging road of twists and turns that isn't for the faint of heart. All three communities are worthy of a visit, but if time is short, skip Amalfi and Ravello and head straight for Positano, an over-the-top-charming village built into the side of a mountain with some stunning ocean views.
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