to Amalfi Coast tour itinerary

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to Amalfi Coast tour itinerary
Amalfi Coast Tour - Itinerary
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Day 1
Travelling to the Amalfi Coast
We meet in Rome and from here we start our
journey south toward the Amalfi Coast. From here
we start our journey south, with a few interesting
stops along the way.
Our first stop is at Montecassino, site of the major
WWII battle, where we visit the Allies cemetery.
A short drive after lunch takes us to the start of the
Amalfi Peninsula and the town of Vietri Sul Mare. This
is where the famous coloured ceramics are
produced, using the maiolica method. We visit a
manufacturer where we can see the ceramics
being produced and painted, continuing a tradition
that started in the 1500s. We see the incredible array
of colours and designs of their finished product.
Following a drive along the stunning Amalfi Coast
road, with hairpin bends and amazing views in
equal measure, we reach the town of Amalfi, where
we stay for the duration of the tour.
Montecassino
Ceramics in Vietri Sul Mare
Our 4 star hotel is wonderfully situated on the
waterfront in the centre of town, making it easy to
come and go as you please. On one side you have
uninterrupted sea views, and a few steps the other
way you have ‘la dolce vita’ of Italian piazza life.
In the evening we have a Welcome Dinner, and our
first taste of the superb cuisine of this region.
Meals: Dinner (3 courses including wine)
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Amalfi piazza
Day 2 - Amalfi cuisine, the secrets revealed!
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The Amalfi Coast cuisine is renowned for the
combination of traditional techniques and superb
fresh ingredients. Today we learn how it's made with
a hands-on cooking lesson.
For the cooking lesson we travel to Ravello, which
has long been a favourite destination for both
musicians and well-heeled travellers.
We meet our charming chef, and we start our
culinary experience by visiting the organic
vegetable garden. On a terrace with a view out
over the Tyrrhenian Sea, you could well linger here
for the morning. Together we harvest some fresh
produce before moving into the kitchen. Here we
work through the preparations for a full three course
lunch, which we then enjoy overlooking the
terraced garden where it was grown.
After lunch we visit the famous Villa Cimbrone. The
villa was built originally in the 11th century as a
residence for a noble family. The grounds are
beautifully kept, and the terrace adjacent to the
formal garden offers the best views in Ravello,
looking down over terraced lemon groves to the
sparkling waters below.
We spend the remainder of the afternoon in Ravello
with some free time. You may choose to visit the
Villa Rufolo, another noble residence which
famously inspired the composer Wagner. Nearby is
the futuristic auditorium designed by Oscar
Niemeyer. Or simply wander through some of the
lanes, and relax around the piazza area where there
are numerous shops and cafes.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch (3 course lunch including wine)
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The organic garden in Ravello
Cooking lesson, Ravello
The piazza in Ravello
Villa Cimbrone, Ravello
Day 3 - Spectacular Views and Spectacular Wine
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In the morning we visit the cathedral in Amalfi. This is
more than just a church. Rather it is a complex of
different buildings from different era, and is the heart
of Amalfi. From the evocatively name ‘Cloister of
Paradise’, with elegant marble colonnades,
frescoed private chapels an ancient Roman
sarcophagus. The Romanesque style Church of the
Crucifix. The 13th century Crypt of St Andrew, down
below the church, where Saint Andrew is buried.
And finally into the main cathedral, with its
elaborate baroque decorations.
Late morning we drive to a small town near Amalfi
where we visit a leading wine producer, in fact with
their flagship wine being counted among Italy's
best. On the drive up to this winery you'll be glad we
have hired a professional driver, such are the tight
turns. On arrival at the winery the views are well
worth the drive, but you also see during our vineyard
visit how difficult this land is to work, with the vines on
small terraces clinging to the steep slope.
The winery we visit is very highly regarded. It has
been pivotal in the area in the way it has taken
traditional varieties grown only in the Amalfi Coast
area, such as ginestra and fenile, and has raised the
bar in terms of quality.
The ‘Cloisters of Paradise’
The Crypt of St Andrew
Amalfi Coast Vineyards
We have a guided visit through the vineyards and
the winery. This is followed by a degustation lunch,
where the wines are matched with dishes that
complement them. And as an added extra, the
view from the restaurant is as world class as the
wines.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch (4 course lunch including wine)
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The winery cellar
Day 4
Positano – chic and stylish by the sea
Walking the ‘Path of the Gods’
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Today we visit Positano, famous for elegant fashion
boutiques and seaside charm, this has been a
holiday destination since Roman times.
We have an optional walk in the morning,
alternatively for those that prefer we will take you
directly to Positano and re-group there for lunch.
For the walkers: We drive up to a high point above
Amalfi, and from here we start today’s walk which
has the grand title 'The Path of the Gods' (Sentiero
degli Dei’). This is one of the more popular trails on
the Amalfi Coast, and walking along this path high
above the sea you’ll see why it has gained such
renown. It commands fantastic views right out to the
island of Capri.
The trail takes you through a mixture of wooded
areas as well as typical Mediterranean countryside,
rocky with wild herbs, flowers and scattered olive
trees. Goat herders are often seen on the grassy
terraces tending their flocks, and peregrine falcons
soar high above. The walk is 2 ½ hours duration.
Positano: We meet in Positano for lunch, in a
restaurant overlooking the beach. After a relaxing
lunch we have some free time in the afternoon.
Positano has an enviable combination of a good
beach with a broad seaside promenade, with cafes
and chic boutiques jostling for position in the pastel
coloured buildings. This is a good time for a swim.
You can spend some of the afternoon exploring the
narrow back streets lined with bougainvillea, or just
find your nearest café, put your feet up and sample
the local specialty – limoncello!
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Positano
The ‘Path of the Gods’
Positano
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To return to Amalfi we go by boat, and cruising
along the coast reveals a new perspective on the
area, with some incredible houses tucked away and
tiny hidden beaches.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch (3 course lunch including wine)
Day 5 - Island time in Capri
Today we travel to Capri, a favoured destination for
the rich and famous in recent times, but also with an
interesting history stretching back beyond ancient
Roman times.
On Capri we take the funicular railway up to the
town centre, where top fashion boutiques jostle for
space alongside locals selling fruit and vegetables.
Those that wish can cruise around the island, where
you will see the magnificent Faraglioni rocks
dramatically rising from the sea, and pass through
the arch below them.
Then you may visit the famous Blue Grotto and enter
in smaller local boats. Here the sunlight produces a
glowing, magical effect – this is a very evocative
experience (note: cruise around Capri and into Blue
Grotto not included in tour price - optional).
Capri
The ‘Faraglioni’, Capri
The Grotta Azzurra
We dine in a 5 star hotel in central Capri. After lunch
we have some free time. Capri has plenty of scope
for simply browsing the shops and enjoying the
ambience. And stroll down to the Gardens of
Augustus.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch (3 course lunch including wine)
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Capri
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Day 6 - All Roads Lead to Rome
By now you know the local barista by name - and
he knows which coffee you order - but we must say
'arrivederci' to Amalfi and return to Rome.
En route we visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Here
we have a guided visit, where we see both
evidences of the lifestyle of the inhabitants of this
Roman city, as well as the destruction caused by the
eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79AD. Even for those who
have visited Pompeii before, having a specialist
guide provides an in depth experience and is very
revealing.
We enjoy a final lunch together in Pompeii, having
our last chance to enjoy regional cuisine, before
heading north to Rome.
We reach Rome early evening.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch (3 course lunch including wine)
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Pompeii
Frescoes in Pompeii
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Amalfi Coast Tour
The Amalfi Coast is world famous for its spectacular coastline
and the picturesque towns clinging to the hills. In this tour you will
see all of the famous sights such as Positano, Ravello and nearby
Capri. But you also dig deeper, experiencing a cooking lesson in
an organic garden, seeing ceramics being produced, and
visiting a winery and vineyard. This six day tour gives you an indepth insight into the lifestyle of the people who cultivate this
land, the natural beauty (and stunning sea views), and the layers
of history that make up this fascinating region.
Highlights
Ravello, with spectacular views from high over the coast.
Cruise to Capri, with its luxurious villas and elegant streets.
See Pompeii, with a guided visit to this Roman archaeological site.
Visit Positano, a combination of seaside relaxation and chic
boutiques.
Wine cellars and terraced vineyards, we visit on a private tour.
The ‘Walk of the Gods’ in the hills above Positano (optional)
Harvest seasonal vegetables.
Make a 3 course lunch, in a cooking lesson with a local chef.
Villa Cimbrone, an elegant noble residence in Ravello.
Relax on the beach in Amalfi, a few steps from your hotel.
See the famous ceramics of Vietri Sul Mare, with their vivid designs.
Visit a working ceramics producer
Boat cruise along the Amalfi Coast, revealing magnificent villas.
Visit the Cathedral of Sant’ Andrea, an historic and artistic treasure.
Boat cruise past the Faraglioni, rising from the water off Capri.
See the cathedral in Positano, with its vibrant majolica tiled dome.
Terraced lemon orchards, with the local sfusato lemon.
Local cuisine 3 course meals with wine in quality restaurants every day
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Amalfi Tour Dates:
12 – 17 June 2017
26 June – July 1 2017
28 August – 2 September 2017
18 – 23 September 2017
Amalfi Tour Price:
€2285
Amalfi Tour includes:
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'Italy With Pleasure' provides a tour manager for the
duration of the trip.
All accommodation is included (Hotel Residence,
Amalfi).
Meals as listed in the itinerary.
All costs/entry fees for activities are included.
All transport during the tour is included.
( GBP£1900 / US$2500 / AUD$3300 / NZ$3500 / CAD$3300 )
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ITALY WITH PLEASURE
Small Group Tours of Italy
ITALY WITH PLEASURE is a specialist provider of small group
tours to Italy. We would like to take you to some of our
favourite destinations and unveil to you some of Italy’s
best kept gems.
We take you to the places that we like visiting – we've
travelled extensively throughout Italy, and the itineraries
that we've put together allow you to maximise your
experience of the best that Italy has to offer.
TOURS :
PUGLIA – SICILY – AMALFI
Some features of our tours are:
Contact with local people: Careful selection of a range of
activities and visits allow you to have genuine experiences
in contact with local people... this is what memories are
made of!
All our tours are organised directly by Italy With Pleasure:
Not by third party tour operators.
Our guided tours are in small groups: Tours are always fully
guided and in a small group context, giving a more
personal touch and flexibility where needed.
Experience Italy like a local: As well as organised
excursions, we leave some time each day for you to
explore at your own pace so you can get a sense of how
it is to live like a local.
See you in Italy - a presto!
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