Welcome to Campania – Naples and The Amalfi Coast
Welcome to the Amalfi Coast, Capri and the Naples region. This overview will give you a taste of the nine days we will spend together eating, exploring, hiking, drinking, cooking, relaxing or taking in the exemplary vistas that are unparalleled anywhere on earth. Its crazy driving yes, but you just leave that up to me, relax and have fun
September 16, 2016 - Day 1 Arrivals and Nola
Fly into Naples (or train arrivals) to be picked up at the station or airport by Michael who will whisk you to our villa for one night at Castel Cicala Nola (below) where we will eventually bring all guests by 3pm – We will enjoy a tasting of some of the best wines of Italy with our host followed by a local welcome dinner in a nearby restaurant, then back to the villa for the evening and some deep sleep to shake off the jet lag.
Our first night villa - Castel Cicala in Nola
September 17th - Travel to Pompeii:
The next morning we visit Pompeii for a tour of this extraordinary slice of early civilization. Enjoy a three hour guided tour 3 with Alessandro Fazzini, followed by lunch in Pompeii at restaurant. Then we transfer about 1 hour on a majestic mountain drive to Ravello where we settle in to Villa Porta Donica (below) for the week Pasta Dinner in the villa prepared by Chef Michael
The next morning we visit Pompeii for a tour of this extraordinary slice of early civilization. Enjoy a three hour guided tour 3 with Alessandro Fazzini, followed by lunch in Pompeii at restaurant. Then we transfer about 1 hour on a majestic mountain drive to Ravello where we settle in to Villa Porta Donica (below) for the week Pasta Dinner in the villa prepared by Chef Michael
Pompeii - of course
September 18 – relaxing morning at Villa
Have a little sleep in, wake up to some expresso and breakfast prepared by Michael and then a late morning walk of Ravello including lunch in a local restaurant. We visit Villa Rufalo and its beautiful gardens and the Duomo di Ravello before strolling the beguiling streets of this most beautiful city in the region. We visit Biagio Staiano's cheese shop and witness mozarella being made by hand (Give it a try!) Early light supper with our acquisitions before a concert at the Ravello Festival that evening
Have a little sleep in, wake up to some expresso and breakfast prepared by Michael and then a late morning walk of Ravello including lunch in a local restaurant. We visit Villa Rufalo and its beautiful gardens and the Duomo di Ravello before strolling the beguiling streets of this most beautiful city in the region. We visit Biagio Staiano's cheese shop and witness mozarella being made by hand (Give it a try!) Early light supper with our acquisitions before a concert at the Ravello Festival that evening
Our welcome Aperol Spritz
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The gardens at Villa Ruffalo
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Villa Porta Donica in Ravello with its splendid views over the coast
September 19 - CAPRI EXCURSION DAY
Drive to Amalfi for 10 am departure to Capri – a day on a private luxury Power boat exploring the Amalfi coast the way it should be seen - enjoy a full day guided tour of the Costa Amalfitana, seeing the Saracen Castles, glorious private villas, Rudolf Nureyev's Limari Islands, then out to Capri for visit to Blue Grotto, Emerald Grotto and then 2 hours ashore for a very light lunch and excursion on funicular to Capri town and the Castello Belvedere. Return to Amalfi for 6pm. Dinner at Villa with grilled seafood
Drive to Amalfi for 10 am departure to Capri – a day on a private luxury Power boat exploring the Amalfi coast the way it should be seen - enjoy a full day guided tour of the Costa Amalfitana, seeing the Saracen Castles, glorious private villas, Rudolf Nureyev's Limari Islands, then out to Capri for visit to Blue Grotto, Emerald Grotto and then 2 hours ashore for a very light lunch and excursion on funicular to Capri town and the Castello Belvedere. Return to Amalfi for 6pm. Dinner at Villa with grilled seafood
Our private 45 foot yacht with captain for a day on the water
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Your singing guide at The Blue Grotto
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September 20 - Sorrento
10 am we leave to drive the Amalfi Coast Road to Sorrento - walk the narrow streets of this charming city doing some souvenir shopping then down to Old Port for lunch at Da Emilia.vvWe'll take a 15 minute drive to Marina Di Puolo for an afternoon visit to fishing village – swimming if you like – and an Aperol Spritz . Return to Praiano via Coast road. Dinner at Vivaro Wine Bar with the talented chef owner Gennaro – Praiano. Transfer back to Villa
10 am we leave to drive the Amalfi Coast Road to Sorrento - walk the narrow streets of this charming city doing some souvenir shopping then down to Old Port for lunch at Da Emilia.vvWe'll take a 15 minute drive to Marina Di Puolo for an afternoon visit to fishing village – swimming if you like – and an Aperol Spritz . Return to Praiano via Coast road. Dinner at Vivaro Wine Bar with the talented chef owner Gennaro – Praiano. Transfer back to Villa
Sorrento waterfront with Vesuvius over the Bay of Naples
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Sorrento Marina Grande
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September 21 - Lemon Tour!
The Lemon Tour - We start from the Amalfi Duomo at 10,00 a.m by meeting a local Slow Food member Salvatore Aceto. We visit his family's lemon groves and taste Lemon, Lemon Cake and Lemonade, and then some limoncello back in the limoncello factory . We will have a light lunch in Amalfi and then Afternoon stroll and shopping for dinner supplies in the town. Visit the Paper museum if you wish. Then its a 20 minute drive To Tramonti and an ancient cheese making establishment for fior di latte in Antica latteria di Tramonti . On our way back to Ravello we wil stop at Ettore Marco Cuomo for some local wines. For dinner we enjoy Pizza cooked al fresco by Michael in the outdoor oven back at Villa
The Lemon Tour - We start from the Amalfi Duomo at 10,00 a.m by meeting a local Slow Food member Salvatore Aceto. We visit his family's lemon groves and taste Lemon, Lemon Cake and Lemonade, and then some limoncello back in the limoncello factory . We will have a light lunch in Amalfi and then Afternoon stroll and shopping for dinner supplies in the town. Visit the Paper museum if you wish. Then its a 20 minute drive To Tramonti and an ancient cheese making establishment for fior di latte in Antica latteria di Tramonti . On our way back to Ravello we wil stop at Ettore Marco Cuomo for some local wines. For dinner we enjoy Pizza cooked al fresco by Michael in the outdoor oven back at Villa
Salvatore Aceto is our Lemon Tour Guide
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The Duomo in Amalfi town
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September 22 – Hike The Path of The Gods and visit Positano
Positano and the Path of The Gods. I have arranged for local food guide Lucia (Lucy) to guide you on a 3.5 hour walk along the Sentieri degli Dei. I will drive you to the starting point in Bomerano , then she will lead you on this stunning hike with the most amazing views of the Amalfi Coast – Be sure to bring some hiking footwear and some water. At the other end of the trail – I will meet you and we will enjoy a light lunch at a local Slow Food restaurant. Then we head down the hill to Positano for a late afternoon stroll and a couple of hours shopping for souvenirs or fashionably en vogue clothing and accessories, or put your feet in the water at the beach and cool off after your hike. A refreshing and light supper back at the villa.
Positano and the Path of The Gods. I have arranged for local food guide Lucia (Lucy) to guide you on a 3.5 hour walk along the Sentieri degli Dei. I will drive you to the starting point in Bomerano , then she will lead you on this stunning hike with the most amazing views of the Amalfi Coast – Be sure to bring some hiking footwear and some water. At the other end of the trail – I will meet you and we will enjoy a light lunch at a local Slow Food restaurant. Then we head down the hill to Positano for a late afternoon stroll and a couple of hours shopping for souvenirs or fashionably en vogue clothing and accessories, or put your feet in the water at the beach and cool off after your hike. A refreshing and light supper back at the villa.
The Path of the Gods
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The views over the coastline from the Path of the Gods walk
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September 23 - Villa day – enjoy Ravello
Spend our last full day lazing by the pool, taking in the views, or shopping for ceramics in Ravello. Take a walk out to Villa Cimbrone or plan your own simple day hike down to Minori (and I can come pick you up to return to the Villa). Lunch at the Villa or enjoy the views from Finally I will take you down the hill one last time to Marina di Praia for a beautiful seaside dinner at Bar Mare Petit restaurant where Mama will prepare simple but delicious seafood dishes in a most magical setting for our last evening in Amalfi
Spend our last full day lazing by the pool, taking in the views, or shopping for ceramics in Ravello. Take a walk out to Villa Cimbrone or plan your own simple day hike down to Minori (and I can come pick you up to return to the Villa). Lunch at the Villa or enjoy the views from Finally I will take you down the hill one last time to Marina di Praia for a beautiful seaside dinner at Bar Mare Petit restaurant where Mama will prepare simple but delicious seafood dishes in a most magical setting for our last evening in Amalfi
Afternoon View from our Villa
September 24 - Vesuvius and Naples
We enjoy the Busvia di Vesuvio bus ride 3/4 of the way up Vesuvius and then finish the last 500 feet on foot to see the steam still escaping from the crater of Vesuvius 2000 years after it exploded. (40 minutes round trip – difficulty – low ). Then down the side of the volcano for lunch and wine tasting at Cantina del Vesuvio for an extensive tasting and pasta lunch. transfer to Naples (45 minutes) Check into hotel Transatlantico. Then you have a free afternoon for exploring seaside farewell dinner in Port – evening passegiata along promenade or nightime adventure walk through Naples with Michael!
We enjoy the Busvia di Vesuvio bus ride 3/4 of the way up Vesuvius and then finish the last 500 feet on foot to see the steam still escaping from the crater of Vesuvius 2000 years after it exploded. (40 minutes round trip – difficulty – low ). Then down the side of the volcano for lunch and wine tasting at Cantina del Vesuvio for an extensive tasting and pasta lunch. transfer to Naples (45 minutes) Check into hotel Transatlantico. Then you have a free afternoon for exploring seaside farewell dinner in Port – evening passegiata along promenade or nightime adventure walk through Naples with Michael!
The views over Naples from the top of Vesuvius
September 25 Departures – transfers to Naples Airport or Train Station
Details
all inclusive $4595 pp/ DO
Details
all inclusive $4595 pp/ DO
