Unearth the Essence of the Amalfi Coast with Our Extraordinary Experiences Contents
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UNEARTH THE ESSENCE OF THE AMALFI COAST WITH OUR EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES CONTENTS SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES 3 COASTAL LIVING 12 WINING AND DINING 23 TREASURES OF THE LAND 38 ART AND CULTURE 49 – SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES 3 MYSTERIES OF NAPLES Italian writer and journalist Curzio Malaparte once wrote: “Naples is the most mysterious city in Europe. It is the only city in the ancient world that has not perished like Ilium, like Nineveh, like Babylon. It is the only city in the world that has not sunk in the immense shipwreck of ancient civilisation. Naples is a Pompeii that has never been buried.” In the company of an expert storyteller, embark on a journey through the vibrant heart of this mysterious southern capital, discovering decorated catacombs, richly encoded chapels and aged rituals. Customise your tour, choosing from: – Farmacia degli Incurabili: This pharmaceutical laboratory was a meeting point for the Neapolitan Enlightened elite. Discover the intriguing anecdotes of a place where art and science collided. – Biblioteca dei Girolamini: Home to a vast archive of books and opera music since 1586, this is the oldest public library in Naples. – San Gaudioso Catacombs: Concealed beneath the Basilica di Santa Maria della Santità lies one of the most important early Christian cemeteries in Naples. Head underground to unearth the mysterious crypt’s secrets. – Sansevero Chapel: Preserving the Veiled Christ, one of the greatest masterpieces ever carved in marble, this chapel is an iconic example of 18th-century creativity. The statues appear so fluid and soft, you may be tempted to reach out and touch them. Visits may vary according to availability. All sites will be opened exclusively for you. 5 LUXURY IN THE ANCIENT WORLD The archaeological wonders around Mount Vesuvius are among the most fascinating in the world. But beyond the celebrated sites in Pompeii, Herculaneum and Oplontis lies an entire universe of secret underground marvels still inaccessible to the public. We invite the most curious travellers to uncover them, exploring the sophisticated world of ancient Campania where Roman villas competed for supremacy on the Mediterranean coast. On this guided tour you can visit three treasures normally closed to visitors: Herculaneum thermal baths Terme Suburbane di Ercolano is an ancient Roman bath complex buried by the Vesuvius eruption in 79AD. Discover this fascinating site, where volcanic lava has perfectly preserved structures, original paint, floor mosaics and statues through the centuries. Herculaneum Theatre Teatro di Ercolano, an elaborate Roman theatre, was also enveloped when Vesuvius erupted. Immaculate imprints of statues, preserved by the thick ash, will be revealed to enthralled guests. New Pompeii excavations Explore Pompeii’s most recent discoveries, including the Domus del Frutteto (House of the Orchard), a frescoed thermopolium – an ancient predecessor to the takeaway, and an aristocratic, four-wheeled processional chariot from the suburban villa of Civita Giuliana. Personalise your tour with the Concierge. 7 A TASTE OF THE AMALFI COAST Meet local culinary characters with our selection of exclusive foodie forays. Lemon experience Just a short ride from the centre of Amalfi, explore one of the region’s grandest lemon groves. Taste the fruits and learn how they’re cultivated using time-honoured methods. Colatura di alici experience Discover the secrets of Cetara’s coveted anchovy sauce. Your authentic experience includes a private visit to the family-run Nettuno workshop. San Salvatore Farm On the slopes of Vesuvius, in the Cilento area, visit the olive groves and vineyards of San Salvatore farm. Meet the buffalos whose milk is used to produce creamy mozzarella and the busy women preparing homemade pasta and cakes. Ask the Concierge to personalise your tour. 9 AMALFIGRAM When it comes to spellbinding views, nowhere has quite the same allure as the Amalfi Coast, particularly for influencers and photography fans. To help you capture the perfect shot, we’ve created a guided tour to follow from Caruso. The route starts in Amalfi, just 3km from our Ravello clifftop perch. Reach it by complimentary shuttle or on foot, passing through the enchanting village of Atrani with its stunning vistas and narrow alleyways jutting towards the sea. Once in Amalfi, stop for a delicious lunch before hopping aboard a private boat. Ask the captain to sail to Pandora’s Grotto, where the blue, crystal-clear water dazzles in its intensity. On the other side of Amalfi, put Positano in the frame to capture an iconic shot. End the idyllic day in Praiano, a prime spot for sunset views that you can enjoy from the local beach, cocktail in hand, or from the beautiful square, a lofty, 385- step climb away. Ask at Front Desk for details. 11 – COASTAL LIVING 12 YOUR SPOT ON THE BEACH Let us whisk you away to live your best beach life on the Amalfi Coast. Our complimentary shuttle will escort you to the harbour; from there you sail to a secluded paradise by private boat. Arrive on the pristine shores of a charming beach, where sun loungers, parasols and complimentary kayaks or windsurfers await. Please book your spot in advance at Reception. Open daily from June to September. 14 SUNSET CRUISE Few experiences can surpass a sundowner on the serene waters of the Amalfi Coast. Board a private boat and glide into the sun’s last warm rays. Toast the end of a wonderful day with a glass of chilled Prosecco, accompanied by delicious canapés. If the mood takes you, jump into the water for a refreshing dip before returning to the mainland. Depart from the hotel at 18:00 using the hotel’s courtesy shuttle. Return by private car. The cruise lasts approx 2 hours. 16 ENCHANTING BAYS Prepare to be surprised by the bays around Naples. Let us arrange a private driver to transport you in style. Baia Sommersa Nicknamed the submerged Pompeii, the sunken city of Baia is a Marine Protected Area north of the Gulf of Naples. It’s a unique example of underwater archaeological and ecological conservation. To admire the extraordinary finds beneath the water, you need to plunge in. Prepare to feel emotional as you explore the wonders of this small Roman Atlantis. Baia di Ieranto Part of the Marine Protected Area of Punta Campanella, this wonderful inlet is great for lovers of land and water adventures. Kayak and snorkel with marine biology experts who explain their studies into aquatic biodiversity, or trek around the bay to discover its vibrant flora and fauna. Spot many birds on their migratory routes and admire the rich Mediterranean scrub. 18 BOAT TOURS Embark on a full-day excursion and sail to the wonderful Phlegraean Islands, gems of the Gulf of Naples: Capri Your journey begins with a leisurely cruise along the coast. Stop at Li Galli, also known as Sirenuse, an archipelago of three small, private islands where you can leap into the crystal-clear waters and explore the marine nature reserve. Sail across the Bay of Naples to Capri and circumnavigate the entire island to admire its beauty. Visit the stunning Blue Grotto and cruise beneath the iconic Faraglioni rock formation. Pause for a swim in the hidden coves before enjoying lunch at a charming restaurant on the rocks. If you’d like to explore the island on foot, we’ll drop you off at the Marina Grande and meet you back there when you’re ready to return. Ischia and Procida Board a luxury boat for an unforgettable day discovering Ischia and Procida. Visit Ischia’s elegant, traffic-free town, Sant’Angelo with its characterful boutiques, local pottery and handicrafts. Admire the villas up in the cliffs and the Grotto del Moro, a magical emerald cave. On Procida, indulge in a delicious lunch overlooking the picturesque marina. Return to Sant’Angelo to explore the phenomenal Fumarole beach. Jets of hot steam rise up from beneath the surface, the result of volcanic activity. The natural thermal waters, mud and hot sands have many health benefits – reserve a luxurious treatment at a local spa to try them for yourself. Suggested departure time: 10:00. 20 A DAY AT CONCA DEI MARINI Cruise slowly on the gentle Mediterranean waves aboard a gozzo, a traditional wooden boat, to lose yourself in dreamy blue skies, emerald waters and a sense of old-school glam. Stop for lunch in a charming trattoria in the bay of Conca dei Marini and take a cooling dip in the waters surrounding the Li Galli Islands. Finish your adventure in Positano with a stroll around its colourful buildings, cobblestone alleyways and boutiques filled with perfumes, linen and much more. 22 – WINING AND DINING 23 KRUG TABLE We’ve set the scene for a spectacularly lavish yet laid-back dinner. Gather around a unique table, fashioned from an 18th- century door that once graced the old Caruso palace. Sit on chic chairs adorned with Emilio Pucci fabrics and dine on Chef Mimmo di Raffaele’s exceptional menu, featuring the freshest local produce, paired with Krug Champagne. Embrace the opportunity to celebrate, socialise and raise a toast to life in one of the Amalfi Coast’s most beautiful spots. No need to stand on ceremony: kick off your shoes and dig your toes into the soft grass as you share delicious food and a chilled magnum with the wonderful company of your friends. Available from May to October on request, subject to weather conditions. Suitable for up to 4 people. Please book at least 3 days in advance. 25 CHEF’S TABLE Join our Executive Chef, Mimmo Di Raffaele, for a spectacular foodie experience. Meet him to design your personalised menu and follow him to his Chef’s Garden, where an intimate and elegantly laid table awaits.