Sorrento, Capri & the Amalfi Coast
October 5-10, 2017
Gay Group Tour of Italy — HIGHLIGHTS
- The handsome and venerable resort town of Sorrento — the historic gateway to this area, perched on cliffs above the Bay of Naples and looking out towards Mount Vesuvius
- Fabled and romantic Capri island with its magnificent views, glamorous shops, bucolic footpaths, and pretty lanes
- Diminutive but historically-rich Amalfi town, once a significant maritime superpower, with its exceptional Cathedral, lemon groves, and steep alleyways
- Heavenly views from lofty and refined Ravello, a sky-high retreat that’s hosted writers, musicians, and actors the likes of Garbo, Vidal, Capote, Woolf, Wagner, and Lawrence
- Stunning, steep Positano — one the Mediterranean’s jewel towns — with its chic boutiques, swaths of bougainvillea, and pastel-colored buildings cascading down to the sea
- Visit to an excellent winery in the hills overlooking the sea
- Fun pizza-making session at a working farm with beautiful views of the coast
- Delicious meals and lovely accommodations, of course!
INTRODUCTION
The Amalfi Coast is often thought of as the most beautiful coastline in Italy – and one of the most beautiful in the world. Having done nearly 30 tours in various parts of the country we know Italy very well – and we have to concur with that assessment of this region’s beauty. The scenery is just stunning; the fragrances intoxicating; the engineering feat of the coast road simply amazing to witness; and the colorful towns so attractive and inviting as they cling to the mountains with vistas over the azure waters. The entire area is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our tour will begin in lovely Sorrento, looking out on the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius. This was historically the terminus of the “Grand Tour” of Italy popular with northern Europeans in the 19th century, and it still maintains its very charming draw. A ferry whisks us over to famous Capri so we can capture the best of this utterly captivating island on a day-trip. Then it’s time to explore the Amalfi Coast itself using the town of Amalfi as a base while we explore nearby towns like famously jaw-dropping Positano and lofty, serene Ravello.
This tour will also bring us to a winery high up in the hills — perhaps the best in the region — where we enjoy a tasting of their various wines accompanied by an excellent lunch. And how about a fun pizza-making session at a real working farm in the hills with glorious views out to sea? And we’ll toss in world-renowned gardens as well as a visit to a traditional paper maker, a prominent industry in Amalfi for centuries.
This 6-day / 5-night tour combines easily with other destinations in Italy (which has so very much to offer) or in Europe. We can add extra nights for you in Sorrento at the beginning, in Amalfi at the end, or in Naples at either end. Should you be in Naples prior to the tour we can also set up private transfers from Naples (city or airport) to Sorrento, the starting point of our tour.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The following are the hotels that we plan to use for the tour at the time of publishing this itinerary. We reserve the right to make changes to the accommodations.
Sorrento – 2 nights
With a nice mix of old-school splendor and boutique chic the vibe at our selected 5-star hotel could be described as elegantly casual. The 80 or so spacious guest rooms are well-equipped and have painted-tile floors and carved walnut beds. The hotel’s garden is a delight with lemon trees, fountains, and Roman busts. Service is professionally attentive and cordial. From the rooftop pool and bar/restaurant area you can enjoy a magnificent outlook with the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius forming the panoramic backdrop. Live music is featured a few nights a week. The hotel is in the heart of Sorrento, making it easy to stroll the appealing city center in your free time and choose from the many good restaurants for dinner the second evening. (Please note: the pool might not be open at the time of our tour.)
Amalfi town – 3 nights
Founded as a convent in 1222, allegedly by St. Francis of Assisi himself, our iconic 4-star property (43 rooms) was the first hotel to open on the Amalfi Coast in the early part of the 19th century. It has coved ceilings, graceful arches, and marble columns along with Flemish religious artwork, church and convent artifacts, antique furnishings, and mosaic flooring, all of which blend nearly seamlessly with modern comforts. It’s an intimate atmosphere brimming with historic character. Guest rooms overlook the sea, which is right across the street. Past guests include Otto van Bismarck, Benito Mussolini (:-/), Ingrid Bergman, and Tennessee Williams, among other noted figures. One of the restaurants and its bar are in the 15th-century Saracen tower, perched on a rock over the sea. The famed southern Romanesque cloisters and the beautiful baroque chapel form the heart of the hotel. Below the tower is a seawater pool (which may not be open at the time of our tour). Just a 5-minute walk and you’re in the center of town with its numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops.