Amalfi Coast & Capri Bespoke

Itinerary

• Italy

  Italy is one of the most visited destinations in the world. It's top attractions include; Rome (Colosseum, Vatican City, PIazza Navona, Forum, Pantheon, Fountains of Trevi, Spanish Steps), Florence (Duomo, Old City, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi), and Venice (Grand Canal, Doge's Palace, St. Marks Square). But there is much more to discover outside these heavily travelled spots.  Tuscany and Umbria with its wine, food and hilltowns (Sienna, San Gimignano, Orvietto, Spoleto), the dazzling Amalfi Coast (Positano, Capri, Sorrento), Siciliy with its old words ways, the urbane Milan and nearby Lake Como, the Italian Riviera... and more.  One important piece of advice, the soul of Italy is in its small towns, so be sure to get outside the big cities and into the country. That is where you will find the magic.

• Positano

  Positano is a small town on the Amalfi Coast, in Campania, Italy. The main part of the town sits in an enclave in the hills leading down to the coast. Positano has been featured in several films, and is home for a number of celebrities. Considered the most prestigious spot on the gorgeous Amalfi coast, upscale boutiques and cafes line the steep cobbled steps from the narrow road down to the beach. When in Positano you should do as the locals do, enjoy the beach, the sun, the water, and the delectable local food and drink. Perfection isn't cheap, and this is the most expensive retreat in southern Italy.

• • Positano
  • Pompei
  • Boat in navigable waters
  • Room

  Day 1: Naples - Positano

  Enjoy a private transfer with a vehicle and English speaking driver from Naples to the Amalfi coast, stopping off at Pompei for a 2 hour guided visit with an English speaking Guide. Your Private Guide will meet you at Pompei and bring you through the fascinating site. Walk through some of the ancient streets of Pompeii where you can see the baths, forums and villas built by the prosperous Romans in the year 80 BC. Marvel at the fabulously preserved frescoes which adorned the walls and floors of the villas. Even if your interests do not lie in history, you will still be incredibly impressed by this massive archaeological site which includes the Amphitheatre, Gymnasium, House of Menandro, The Grand theatre and Small theatre, Gladiators Barracks, Thermal baths, House of Vetti. Continuing en route to the Amalfi coast. (Includes entrances into Pompei).

  Enjoy an invigorating 2 and a half hour shared excursion out to sea and along the coast on board a magnificent 12 seat wooden vessel. Please note that this must be reserved in advance - your Sales Consultant can arrange this for you and you would pay Le Sireneuse hotel directly.

  La Sponda - the in house restaurant at Le Sireneuse, serves delicious Neopolitan cuisine, with local ingredients. At night, in the indoor restaurant complete with magnificent antiques, is alight with four hundred candles which creates an unforgettable scene. During the summer months, relax and dine al fresco on the stunning blacony overlooking the azure waters and the town of Positano. The menu is prepared by Alfonso Iacsarino, of the two star Michelin restaurant "Don Alfonso" in nearby Sant'Agatha. The menu showcases the classic flavours of the region, based on local products and traditional Neapolitan recipes. Alfonso Iaccarino was the first chef in the South of Italy to be awarded three Michelin stars. In 1990 he bought "Le Peracciole", a six-hectare farm in Punta Campanella, where he grows his own organic fruits and vegetables. He also produces one of the best extra virgin olive oils of Southern Italy.

  Accommodation: Le Sirenuse (5*)

  The distinguished Le Sirenuse, (5*) a unique luxurious hotel in an 18th-century villa, is still privately owned by the family of the Marchesi Sersale. The hotel is centrally located in one of the most desirable hillside vantage points in Positano, overlooking the beach. Quiet elegance and intimate European charm are reflected by the antiques and keen attention to detail throughout the hotel. With the sea straight ahead, the village of baroque houses climbing the hill to the right, the view from the terraces is breathtaking. The hotel has a pool terrace, outdoor terraces, an indoor restaurant and spa.

• • Wine Tasting with Sommelier

  Day 2: Positano - Amalfi - Ravello

  Enjoy a full day private tour of the Amalfi coast with an English speaking guide.

  Enjoy lunch at leisure in either the towns of Amalfi or Ravello. A good spot in Amalfi is Pizzeria da Maria- indeed it has been listed as as one of the ten best pizzerias on the Amalfi Coast in more than 1 guidebook. In addition to a selection of pizzas, a wide variety of seafood dishes, and a few pasta dishes are served. Alternatively, Il Mulino, a 200m walk uphill from the town square is another good choice. if you feel like a fine dining experence for lunch (or indeed for dinner), the Villa Cibrone is an excellent choice and is in a fantastically beautiful location. Come before 6pm and you can stroll through the property's extensive landscaped gardens, and take in the marvellous sweeping views of the bay. This place comes highly recommended!

  Transfer using a local taxi. Please note that this is not included in trip price and is payable locally.

  Spend the evening discovering the wonderful world of wine! You will be made feel welcome upon arrival in your hosts' private home situated on a cliff top 1,000 ft above the sea with stunning coastal views. The wine class with dinner with the Sommelier Gennaro will no doubt prove to be an amazing experience for those who appreciate good food and wine. The evening is kicked off by analyzing the wine (visual, olfactory, and tasting analysis) and the sommelier will explain how the wine is made, as well as some giving an insight into the most famous vines of the Campania region. After the initial wine tasting (without food), a food and wine pairing will be done. Because we start small and move to more complex food, you will be able to see the difference with the combination of food and wine. The meal typically consists of olives, salty biscuits, toasted bread with dry tomatoes, pumpkins preserve, cherry tomatoes, caprese, eggplant parmigiana, meatballs, pasta frittata, a mix of more than 10 cheeses, and finally, for desert, cakes with grappa and limoncello - truly a feast fit for a king! The sommelier Gennaro is also a cheese and olive oil taster and Grappa collectionist, so you can be sure that you are in expert hands! If you would like return transportation to be arranged, you can do this in advance through your Sales Advisor, or alternatively, you can arrange a taxi on site.

  Transfer using a local taxi. Please note that this is not included in trip price and is payable locally.

  Accommodation: Le Sirenuse (5*)
• • Capri
  • Capri

  Day 3: Positano - Capri

  No visit to the Campania region would be complete without sailing across the Bay of Naples to the beautiful island of Capri. Enjoy a full day private tour with transportation to and from your hotel in Positano, return transfer to Capri on a jetfoil, an English speaking Guide and transportation on the island. With designer boutiques, chic cafes, dramatic scenery , Capri has captured the heart of many a visitor who have sung, written, painted and talked about this enchanting spot. Whilst visiting Capri and Anacapri, enjoy an optional visit to the fabulous villa of Dr Axel Munthe whose best selling book Story of San Michele tells of his time on Capri; or decide to take the chair lift to the top of Mount Solaro a unique and hair raising experience (payable locally). You'll also have your chance to explore Capri Town with its winding streets, many cafes and the lovely Piazza Umberto and the colourful gardens of Augustus overlooking the famed Faraglioni Rocks. Check out the turquoise waters of the blue grotto and if time allows, visit the elegant shops in Capri, stroll along the cobbled streets or simply relax before taking the boat back to the mainland. (Entrances to Villa San Michele and Mount Solaro chair lift are not included in tour price). Once back at Sorrento pier, a vehicle and driver will pick you up and drop you back to your hotel.

  Consider seeing the coastline from a different perspective by taking a private helicopter flight from Capri. A direct flight across the waters or one where some of the great sites such as Herculaneum and Pompei as well as the hilltop and coastal towns along the Amalfi coast can be arranged - please speak to your Kensingotn Tours Sales Advisor if you are interested in availing of a helicopter transfer or tour.

  Capri Restaurant Suggestions

  La Pigna; a true temple of caprian gastronomy, renowned for 120 years as a haunt of the rich and famous. Its period dining rooms, patio garden and lemon house help to create a dreamlike atmosphere while the army of chefs and waiting staff are dedicated to ensuring a wonderful gastonomical experience. Address and phone number: Via La Palazzo, 30 Capri. Tel: +39 081 8375022.

  From the veranda of the Geranio restaurant, guests have a marvellous view of the ornate gardens built on the rocky edge terrace and brimming with fabulous Mediterranean flowers and shrubs. The restaurant is at Augusto gardens, just a short distance from the Piazetta, the main centre of Capri. The cuisine is inspired by the great Mediterranean and Neapolitan astronomixc traditions with some International specialties.
  Address and phone number: Via Matteotti, 8 Capri. Tel: +39 0818370616.

  Located in the Grand Hotel Quisisana, the sumptuous La Colombaia restaurant is delightful establishment with a poolside restaurant and offers guests a relaxing environment to enjoy the best regional cuisine. (Open from 12.30 - 5pm only). Address and phone number: Via Camerelle, 2. Capri. Tel: +39 081 8370788.

  Accommodation: Le Sirenuse (5*)
• • The Royal Palace at Caserta constructed in the 1800

  Day 4: Positano

  Enjoy time at leisure at the sumptuous Le Sirenuse hotel, relaxing on the terrace, poolside, or availing of one of the many treatments available in the state of the art spa. Alternatively, consider taking a private half or full day excursion to one of the many places of interest in the area including Cumae, which is the site of the most important Greek settlement in Italy, Caserta, with it's magnificent Royal palace and quaint medieval village, as well as the historical centre of Naples.

  Enjoy a private transfer with your own vehicle and driver to Naples airport. Transfer time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• Local Pastimes

  Italian coffee rituals are often baffling to the uninitiated. Espresso coffee is very small and very strong. It is usually consumed in one or two gulps while standing at the bar. Italians will spend three hours eating a meal and then refuse the restaurant's coffee (which is always served at the end of the meal after dessert) because they want to drink it in a particular bar. If you ask for a Caffe you will get espresso, whereas a Caffe Americano will be a "long" espresso.  Caffe Latte is the true version of what we have colloquialized as a "Latte", but be careful not to order a "Latte" as you will receive simply a delicious glass of steaming milk.

• • Room

  Le Sirenuse (5*)

  The distinguished Le Sirenuse, (5*) a unique luxurious hotel in an 18th-century villa, is still privately owned by the family of the Marchesi Sersale. The hotel is centrally located in one of the most desirable hillside vantage points in Positano, overlooking the beach. Quiet elegance and intimate European charm are reflected by the antiques and keen attention to detail throughout the hotel. With the sea straight ahead, the village of baroque houses climbing the hill to the right, the view from the terraces is breathtaking. The hotel has a pool terrace, outdoor terraces, an indoor restaurant and spa.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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