Day
1
NAPLES I MINORI
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Minori, an attractive and uncrowded seaside town at the center of a wide cove on the Amalfi Coast. A resort-like retreat among aristocratic Romans who came for the sunshine and dramatic scenery, Minori retains its identity as a laid-back fishing village. The rest of the day is at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (D)
Day
2
MINORI
This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Minori. Dubbed “the town of good taste” for its gastronomic delights, Minori is known for its terraced gardens that stagger up rugged hillsides filled with citrus trees. The lemons are used to make some of the tasty pastries sold in shops throughout the Amalfi Coast, but also in the production of limoncello, the area’s famous liqueur. After a tasting of limoncello in a local factory, you will continue your tour with a visit of local artisan shops producing ceramics and other typical products of the area. Time to rest before taking part in a cooking class held by the hotel chef, followed by dinner. (B,D)
Day
3
MINORI I AMALFI I RAVELLO I MINORI
Today, depart for a full day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage towns of Amalfi and Ravello. Amalfi was once a powerful town, and the first Sea Republic in Italy, before part of it was destroyed by a tsunami in the 14th century. Walk through the town and see examples of Moorish influenced medieval architecture, such as Saint Andrew’s Cathedral (Duomo) and the Cloister of Paradise. Amalfi is also known for its hand-made thick paper called “bambagina”, popular with artists. Continue to the nearby charming town of Ravello, which was founded in the 5th century as shelter against barbarian invasions. By the 9th century, the town was an important trading power. Later in the afternoon, return to Minori. Dinner at the hotel. (B,D)
Day
4
MINORI I POMPEII I SORRENTO I POSITANO I MINORI
After breakfast, depart for a full day filled with captivating sights. Drive to Pompeii, a prosperous Roman town buried under a thick layer of ash 2,000 years ago. A guided walk through the remarkably preserved ruins of temples, houses, gardens and public buildings will be a fascinating and moving experience. Continue to Sorrento for a pizza lunch in a local restaurant before your walking tour of this lovely resort town. On your way back to Minori, stop for a view of Positano, a town of fishermen’s white houses clustered around the glazed tiled dome of its church and overlooking the turquoise Mediterranean water. Dinner at the hotel. (B,L,D)
Day
5
MINORI I CAPRI I MINORI
This morning, weather permitting, a jetfoil will whisk you across the blue Bay of Naples to the fabled Isle of Capri. Ascend by funicular to the “Piazzetta”, the town center and where extravagance is the non-noticed norm. The magic of the island is everywhere. Walk by spotless narrow streets. Gaze at boutique displays. Sit at an open air cafe for lunch on your own, before returning to the pier by funicular and boarding the jetfoil back to the mainland. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B,D)
Day
6
MINORI I SALERNO I PAESTUM I MINORI
Today’s excursion will be to the lively port town of Salerno. During medieval times, the town’s medical school was among the most advanced in Europe. In recent history, Salerno was the site of the Allied landing in September 1942. Continue to Paestum, one of the best collections of Greek architecture in Western Europe, and see the 2000 year old Doric Temples. Next, visit a “Mozzarella di Bufala” factory to learn about the mozzarella making process, and to sample some of this delightful cheese. Return to Minori for a Farewell dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B,D)
Day
7
