For Questions & Reservations Contact:
Christine Gardner
903-922-9209 or 903-729-9500
TASTE ITALY ON A CHEF-GUIDED TOUR!
CULINARY TRAVELS WITH CHRISTINE GARDNER & SIMON WEBSTER
PRIVATE VILLA * EXCLUSIVE TOURS
PERSONAL CHEFS * SMALL GROUP
PRIVATE DRIVERS * PERSONAL SERVICE
Two Amalfi Coast itineraries are planned for 2024. One itinerary is based in a private villa in Sorrento. The other itinerary is based in a private villa in Positano.
Sorrento Itinerary - Couples/Mixed: Read Below
Positano Itinerary - Ladies Only: Click Here
Please inquire for trip dates.
Dates are not published for privacy reasons.
Click HERE for a printable PDF of itinerary.
8 DAY/7NIGHT ITINERARY
DAY 1: BENVENUTO ALLA DOLCE VITA!
Members of our group rendezvous at our private villa in Sorrento during the afternoon. (Additional information regarding travel and airport transport will be given upon reservation. Transport from Naples airport or train station to villa is provided. Transport from other locations can be arranged, but additional cost will be applied.)
Upon arrival you will have time to relax at the villa, get settled, or enjoy time by the pool. (See villa photos below.)
For our evening meal, the villa chef has prepared a welcome dinner featuring authentic dishes of the Campania region. We’ll enjoy a casual family style Italian meal on the terrace of our villa overlooking Mt. Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples.
MORE DETAILS ABOUT OUR VILLA:
Our villa is located on the west side of Sorrento and situated on the beachside hills of the Sorrento Coast. You’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Capri, Mt. Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples. The blue of the Mediterranean meets the blue skies and captures the timeless beauty of the Sorrento coastline.
Everything about our villa is defined by classic Mediterranean beauty. The villa's interior design focuses on an elegant blend of complementary styles and decorative features, creating a sophisticated whole that is both contemporary and timeless.
Built in the 1800s, care has been taken to update the villa with modern amenities, but still preserve the European aristocratic charm.
Each room includes a private bathroom, Wi-Fi, hair dryers, toiletries, housekeeping and air conditioning. To see more villa photos, click here.
DAY 2:
BOAT EXCURSION TO CAPRI & WINE TASTING DINNER
Each morning, breakfast at the villa will be provided. Today we take an all day excursion to the island of Capri. You will be amazed by the marvelous scenery of the Sorrento coastline and the beauty of the “blue island” of Capri. Our cruise takes us through the famous grottos and around Capri to admire the beautiful island. We will be dropped off at the Marina Grande and have free time to visit Capri for shopping, exploring, eating and relaxing in the Italian atmosphere. The group will disperse so you are free to enjoy Capri as you wish.
Beverages and snacks provided on the boat. Activities and
food while in Capri are an additional cost. This excursion lasts about 8 hours. The boat is very comfortable with ample deck space, seating and a bathroom.
After returning from Capri, we will enjoy a wine tasting dinner in the exclusive Sophia Loren wine cellar. Chef Lena creates an exquisite menu featuring favorite dishes fit for the Italian cinema queen! Pairings feature amazing wines from the region of Campania. (Additional cost for this day: Lunch in Capri. Personal expenses in Capri and taxi cost in Capri.) Click here for more photos of Capri.
DAY 3:
THE ANCIENT CITY OF PAESTUM
At the Southern end of the Amalfi Coast is a city known for its Greek temples dating from 450 B.C. It is also the home to buffalo mozzarella. This premier cheese is made from the milk of Italian buffalo. We will visit an organic dairy farm that raises the buffalo and produces the richest and most flavorful mozzarella, ricotta, yogurt and gelato. They also make leather products from the buffalo hide. Also, near Paestum is San Salvatore vineyards and winery. An organic farm where buffalo roam freely, and wine grapes are grown from the area’s nutrient-rich soil. A wine tasting with lunch prepared by local housewives represents the products, flavors and culinary traditions of this ancient land. After returning to the villa, you are free to dine on your own in Sorrento. (Additional cost for this day: Dinner in Sorrento.)
DAY 4:
HISTORY OF PASTA & MT. VESUVIUS VINEYARD
Today we visit Gragnano: Citta dei Pasta. In this valley, the purest wheat grows and becomes flour for pasta and pizza. We will visit a historic family-owned pasta making factory.
Learning about the grain grown at the base of the Lattari Mountains will help you understand why the purity of the wheat and flour from this area is like no other in the world. We’ll learn the history of the industry and pasta-making techniques that have been passed down for centuries. Lunch will be prepared featuring some of the factory’s specialty pastas.
After the pasta factory, we take a short drive to our favorite vineyard at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius. Our friends at Cantina del Vesuvio winery will welcome us with a wine tasting, tour and dessert. Also, a chance to relax in their cantina and take in the amazing views of Vesuvius.
DAY 5:
POSITANO & PIZZA MAKING EXPERIENCE
Today we go to nearby Positano to explore this amazing seaside town. This vertical paradise is a wonder to see and explore. You will have free time to peruse the town and visit the shops, church and beach. There are numerous restaurants on the beach level where you can have lunch and soak in the amazing views.
After Positano, we will go to a family-owned agriturisimo for a farm to table cooking class featuring woodfired pizza and mozzarella. All of the gardens surrounding the property are used to grow ingredients for the family’s restaurant, bed & breakfast and food market in Sorrento. They produce olive oil, herb blends, tomato sauce, preserved vegetables, marmalades and limoncello. We’ll learn the art of of Neapolitan pizza making & everyone will have the chance to make their own pizza and enjoy some other Southern Italian delicacies. (Additional cost for this day: Lunch in Positano.)
DAY 6:
AMALFI COAST TOUR
This all-day excursion will take us on a tour of the scenic Amalfi Coast. Our first stop is the seaside city of Amalfi where you can tour the famous Duomo, browse the harbor & visit the unique shops. Next stop, along this picturesque route, is a 13th century medieval watch tower that is now one of the most picturesque restaurants along the coast. After lunch we will go to Ravello. An exclusive haven, known for its musical festivals and historic villas – Rufolo and Cimbrone. You will have free time in Ravello for exploring. The excursion ends with a visit to one of the largest ceramic stores on the Amalfi Coast where you’ll find beautiful Italian ceramics in dozens of patterns. When we return to the villa everyone is free to dine on their own in Sorrento. (Additional cost for this day: Dinner, personal expenses during excursion.) Click here for more photos of this excursion.
DAY 7:
FREE TIME
On this day there are no planned group excursions. Spend the day enjoying the incredible views and amazing scenery of Sorrento, our villa and the beautiful Amalfi Coast.
You are free to plan your own excursion, relax by the pool, visit the beach, or shop and stroll through Sorrento.
Other possible activities include return trip to Capri, tour of Pompeii/Herculaneum or massages at the villa.
We will rendezvous at the villa in the evening for a farewell dinner.
(Additional cost: Added excursions, lunch, personal expenses. Assistance is available for arranging whatever activity you choose.)
DAY 8:
DEPART FROM VILLA
Everyone departs the villa by 10am. Group transportation to Naples airport or train station is provided. Assistance with travel to other destinations is available. Rome transfer is available for an additional fee.
RESERVATION & PRICE DETAILS:
This itinerary is for 2024
Dates are not published for privacy reasons.
Contact us for exact dates.
(EMAIL for inquiries about private groups or other custom itineraries.)
Please be advised, the terrain of the Amalfi Coast area and many locations visited on this tour are not advised for those with limited mobility. This tour requires a great deal of walking. Most locations visited are not handicap accessible and involve stairs, inclines or uneven cobblestone pavement.
6250 euros per person includes double occupancy accommodations, group excursions, group scheduled transport from Naples to and from villa, group meals, wine at villa and other designated activities.
(Airfare not included. Does not include some meals, as indicated in itinerary.)
(Additional fee for single occupancy/solo travelers. Limited availability. Please inquire for details.)
Cost in dollars is calculated at current exchange rate. At publication $1.06/1 euro = $6625.
Final price will be calculated based on exchange rate at time of final payment, plus 2% for bank fees.
$2500 deposit due upon reservation, per person.
($500 nonrefundable service charge for cancellation, per person.)
Balance due 180 days from departure. Cancellation after balance is paid is 100% non-refundable.
(Participants are advised to purchase travel insurance. Additional payment/cancellation details provided in travel agreement.)
Must comply with all COVID-19 restrictions in Italy.
Itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
When changes occur, we work to achieve the same level of service and offer better or similar excursions.
For Questions & Reservations Contact:
Christine Gardner
903-922-9209