To Italy With Love Tours: 14 Nights in Sperlonga (Plus Rome, Pompeii, Ponza & Ninfa Gardens)

If you love Italy—but prefer it without big tour buses, rushed hotel-hopping, and “follow-the-flag” crowds—this is the kind of trip that feels like you’ve unlocked a secret.

For many years, we’ve worked with June Morrocco of To Italy With Love Tours, and plenty of Traveling Professor friends have already traveled with June and come home raving. Now we’re inviting you to join her upcoming small-group tours in May and September for a true “live like a local” Italian experience—intimate groups of 4–14 travelers, guided personally by June.

June lived in Italy for over ten years and still has friends and family there. This isn’t a scripted tour—it’s a passion project built on real relationships, insider access, and a deep love for the region.

Why Sperlonga Is the Star of This Trip

Instead of changing hotels every other day, you’ll unpack once and settle into the enchanting seaside village of Sperlonga, perched on the Mediterranean halfway between Rome and Naples—often called “The Pearl of the Mediterranean.”

You’ll spend 14 nights based in beautiful accommodations at Marconi’s charming bed and breakfast, perfectly positioned for sunset views and that dreamy coastal rhythm: morning cappuccinos, afternoons by the sea, and evenings wandering whitewashed alleyways.

From this home base, June leads gorgeous daily excursions to nearby villages, iconic historic sites, and unforgettable coastal escapes—without the chaos of constant luggage and early departures.

What’s Included That Travelers Love

This tour is designed to be both immersive and comfortable—and June keeps it very affordable for what you’re getting. Highlights include:

• A 14-night stay in Sperlonga

• Day trips to local villages filled with history and charm

• A ferry ride to the Island of Ponza

• A private guided tour of Pompeii (plus a virtual component)

• A guided visit to the enchanting Ninfa Gardens

• A festival experience in Sperlonga

• Winery time, incredible meals, and those “how is this real?” moments daily

June asks travelers to call for the most recent rates (and please, tell her The Traveling Professor sent you).  This tour is of exceptional value.

A Day-by-Day Look at the Experience

Here’s what a typical itinerary looks like—packed with variety, but balanced with plenty of free time.

Day 1: Welcome to Italy

Arrive in Rome around 10:00 a.m., then transfer to Sperlonga and check in at Marconi’s B&B. Group lunch at Tirreno’s Restaurant, afternoon relaxation, and a casual evening gathering on the patio.

Day 2: Fall in Love with Sperlonga

Beach time, charming alleyways, and shops—plus a sunset appetizer gathering at the Aurora Hotel.

Day 3: Fondi and a Castle Town Day

Explore Fondi, including a visit to the castle and Palazzo Caetani, local churches, and shops, with lunch at Capricci di Mare.

Day 4: Gaeta + Split Mountain Sanctuary

A scenic day in Gaeta with the Split Mountain Sanctuary and the Golden Chapel, plus markets and seaside atmosphere.

Day 5: The Antica Appian Way + Winery Day

Drive through the countryside to walk the original Antica Appian Way, followed by a winery tour at D’Ausilio Winery with tasting and lunch.

Day 6: Island Day on Ponza

Early ferry to the Isle of Ponza—shops, sights, and coastal magic—lunch at La Scogliera, then return to Sperlonga in the evening.

Day 7: Terracina + Temple of Jupiter Anxur

Visit the Ancient Temple of Jupiter Anxur with plenty of time to enjoy the views and the relaxed pace back in Sperlonga.

Day 8: Pompeii (A Bucket-List Day)

A 7:00 a.m. departure for Pompeii with a private guided tour of the ruins and a virtual tour experience. Lunch in Pompeii, followed by time at a Cameo Factory.

Day 9: Local Farming Culture + Villa Paola

Tour local greenhouses, learn about Italian farming with hands-on picking of fruits and vegetables, then visit beautiful Villa Paola.

Day 10: Sermoneta + Ninfa Gardens

Explore the medieval hilltop town of Sermoneta, then enjoy a guided tour of the breathtaking Ninfa Gardens—one of the most romantic places in Italy.

Day 11: Mountaintop Villages + Olive Grove Lunch

A peaceful day in Campo di Mele and Lenola, capped by lunch among the olive groves at L’Ambrifano Restaurant.

Day 12: Rome Day (Big Icons, Done Right)

A full Rome experience: the Colosseum and Roman Forum walk, St. Peter’s Basilica, lunch at Il Cicciaro, and free time at Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.

Days 13–14: Sperlonga’s Best Finale

Visit the Tiberius Museum and Grotto, then enjoy a boat excursion along the Sperlonga coast with grotto swimming. Celebrate with a final group dinner at Tirreno’s—and yes, a classic group hug.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This trip is ideal if you want:

• A small group Italy tour (4–14 people) that feels personal

• A Mediterranean coastal base with day trips (no constant hotel changes)

• A mix of iconic sites (Rome, Pompeii) and lesser-known gems (Sperlonga, Fondi, Gaeta)

• A tour led by someone who truly knows Italy from the inside out

Ready to Join June in May or September?

If this sounds like your style of Italy—coastal, intimate, authentic, and joyfully unhurried—we’d love to see Traveling Professor friends on June’s next departures.

Contact June directly for the most recent rates and availability for May and September, and be sure to mention you’re traveling with friends of The Traveling Professor / Small Group Tours.