“Gentle Journey of the Amalfi Coast” Exploring Italy’s Divine Coast
NAPLES, THE ISLAND OF ISCHIA, THE ISLAND OF PROCIDA, THE ISLAND OF CAPRI, POSITANO, THE CITIES OF AMALFI, RAVELLO, ALTRANI, AND SORRENTO
A thirteen Day Italian Journey
July 1st – July 13th, 2022
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road Trumansburg, New York 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 Day#1: “Departure for Tuscany”
Friday: July 1st, 2022
In conjunction with AAA Travel, Keyrow Tours is pleased to make all flight arrangements, including primary flights originating from anywhere in the United States and international flights.
We will depart from a major international airport located on the east coast of the United States [usually JFK (NY) or Philadelphia (PA)] and fly into Naples, Italy with one international layover.
Transportation to and from your primary airport of departure is each person’s responsibility.
“What is the fatal charm of Italy? What do we find there that can be found nowhere else? I believe it is a certain permission to be human, which other places, other countries, lost long ago.” ~ Erica Jong
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road Trumansburg, New York 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711
Day#2: “Bella Napoli”
Saturday: July 2nd, 2022
Flight arrival into Naples’s Airport Welcome to the “New City”! The word “Naples” is derived from its ancient Greek origins: “Neapolis” means the “New City”.
After collecting our luggage, a private minibus will carry us to our historic hotel located on the Bay of Naples, with breathtaking views of Mediterranean waters and Mount Vesuvius. Our accommodation is situated in front of the “Castle dell’ Ovo”. This castle stands on the mythological birthplace of the city, which dates back to 600 BC.
Hotel Check-in, time to shower and unpack.
Exploring Old Naples
Naples is rich in history. At one time it was considered perhaps the wealthiest and most important city of Europe, this part of the “Kingdom of the Two Sicilies” will enchant us.
Pranzo! (Lunch, included)
Visit to the Baroque Church of Nuovo Gesu’
Visit to the Chiesa di Santa Chiara
Stroll the ancient Greek street of Spaccanapoli
Visit the San Severo museum with masterpiece statues
Stroll the Via San Gregorio Armeno with its handmade Christmas decorations and nativity scenes
Visit the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary with the relics of San Gennaro
Light lunch provided
Cena! (Group Dinner, included)
“Put a compass to paper and trace a circle. Then tell me which other country has such a concentration of places like Amalfi, Naples, Ischia, Procida, Sorrento, Positano, Pompeii, and Capri.” - Diego Della Valle
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road Trumansburg, New York 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 Day#3: “Setting Sail for Ischia”
Sunday: July 3rd, 2022
Italian Breakfast
Late morning departure for Naples Ferry Wharf
High-speed ferry from Naples to the island Ischia (1 to 1.5 hours)
Ground transportation to our luxurious accommodations, at Ischia Porto.
Pranzo! (Lunch on your own)
Introducing Ischia: This volcanic island is the largest of three islands on the Bay of Naples. It is an intriguing collection of spa towns, gardens, forests, white beaches, vineyards and picturesque Mediterranean Sea views. Ischia attracts only a small fraction of the foreign tourists who are usually bound for Capri. Don’t tell them that the beaches and food are much better on Ischia!
Eating is one of the island's great pleasures; while seafood is an obvious specialty, Ischia is also famed for its rabbit, bred on inland farms. Another local specialty is rucolino, a green, liquorice- flavoured liqueur made from arugula leaves.
Orientation and stroll through the town
Free time to shop and explore
Hit the beach or enjoy the resort’s salt water swimming pool
Cena! (Group Dinner) and day’s recap
“The Mediterranean has the color of mackerel, changeable I mean. You don’t always know if it is green or violet. You can’t even say it’s blue because the next moment the changing reflection has taken on a tint of rose or gray.”
~ Vincent Van Gogh
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road Trumansburg, NY 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com Day #4:“Life is a Beach!”
Monday: July 4th, 2022
Italian Breakfast
Morning tour of the Aragonese Castle and its gardens, built in 474 BC
Late morning island tour by private boat
Today we will circle the island by private boat, with opportunities to swim in the sea along the way. From our village of “Ischia Porto” we will head south to “Ischia Ponte”…
The village and vistas of San Angelo Depart our boat at San Angelo. This picturesque fisherman’s village is the perfect place to explore shops, enjoy a gelato, or sip a little vino.
Pranzo! (Lunch at a local seafood shack, only accessible by private boat!)
Return mid-afternoon to our village of Ischia Porto for free time to shop or hit the beach
Day’s recap Cena! (Dinner on your own)
"Poetry doesn't belong to those who write it; it belongs to those who need it.”
- Mario Ruoppolo in Il Postino
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road Trumansburg, NY 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com Day #5:“Ischia’s Offerings”
Tuesday: July 5th, 2022
Italian Breakfast
Free morning and lunch on your own
Early afternoon at the Negombo Hydrothermal Resort in S. Montano Bay
A unique opportunity to relax in the European tradition. This famous outdoor European spa not only features one of the very best beaches on Ischia, but 8 natural outdoor thermal pools of varying temperatures (from 86F to 106F), a seawater swimming pool (ambient temperature), a Turkish steam room (130F), massage therapy (prices not included) and more.
Since the days of the Etruscans, thermal waters have been used by priests in religious rites. As the Romans spread through Italy, they popularized thermalism with the creation of numerous thermal centers throughout the peninsula. Thanks to its volcanic origins, the island of Ischia has one of the richest and most varied hydrothermal resources in the world, with over 100 thermal springs. Negombo was conceived to combine the extraordinary therapeutic properties of its thermal waters with a healthy, pleasurable experience. Hit the beach, swim in hot thermal mineral water pools and live in the moment.
Return to hotel
Day’s recap
Cena! (Group Dinner)
“Eternity. It is the sea mingled with the sun.”
- Arthur Rimbaud
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road Trumansburg, NY 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com Day #6:“Paradise Awaits…”
Wednesday: July 6th, 2022
Italian Breakfast
Morning private boat ride to the Island of Procida, where we will have time to explore, shop, and soak in magnificent views…
Pranzo! (Lunch on your own)
Return to Ischia after lunch
Free afternoon in Ischia: Hit the beach. Treat yourself to a spa treatment at our resort. Enjoy the saltwater swimming pool. Go Shopping. Explore hidden corners…
Return to hotel
Day’s recap
Cena! (Group Dinner, included)
“They say that when Judgement day comes, the people of Amalfi will have no change in life, for they are already living in paradise...” ― Melissa Hill, The Summer Villa
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road Trumansburg, NY 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com Day #7:“Vitamin Sea in Italy”
Thursday: July 7th, 2022
Italian Breakfast
Late morning tour of the island by private ground transportation, where we will visit the scenic:
Village of Casamicciola
Village of Lacco Ameno
Village of Forio
In Forio, will spend half a day at the famous Poseidon Giardini Terme Hydrothermal Spa. This is Ischia’s largest outdoor thermal park, features highly curative waters in over twenty outdoor pools, an expansive beach, restaurant and juice bars, all surrounded by lush greenery and gardens. It’s health and wellness center is a place to pamper yourself with relaxing massage and beauty treatments by its highly qualified staff.
Return to hotel
Day’s recap
Cena! (Group Dinner, included)
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road Trumansburg, NY 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com Day #8:“You, Me and Capri ”
Friday: July 8th, 2022
Italian Breakfast
Today we travel in style and explore the Mediterranean Sea. After backing our bags and saying our farewells to Ischia, we “set sail” by private power boat the island Capri. After several hours of exploring that little slice of heaven, our boat will then take us along the Amalfi Coast to the magical shores of Positano.
The Amalfi Coastline winds its way along scenic cliffs, following the Mediterranean Sea. For many, this is “Paradiso in Terra” or “Paradise on Earth!” Enjoy the panoramic views… Our hotel in Positano is an absolute treat: a beachside resort on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Stroll the winding roads of Positano. Take a walk on the pebbled beach. There are great ceramic shops, clothing, and opportunities for hiking. Positano is not a place to be “busy” seeing things. It is a place to relax and allow nature’s beauty to touch us in positive and happy ways. Don’t forget to try a little limoncello along the way J.
Day’s recap
Cena! (Group Dinner, included)
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road Trumansburg, NY 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com Day #9:“Paradise in Positano”
Saturday: July 9th, 2022
Italian Breakfast
Free Day in Positano: Enjoy Positano! Hit the beach… Go shopping... Soak in the atmosphere
Pranzo! (Lunch on your own)
Cena! (Group Dinner)
"Life for the Italians was what it was, no more and no less, an interlude between meals." ~ Abraham Verghese in "Cutting for Stone”
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com Day#10: “When Life Gives you Lemons…”
Sunday: July 10th, 2022
European breakfast
The City of Ravello
Today after breakfast, we depart by private minibus for the city of Ravello. This resort town set 365 meters above the Tyrrhenian Sea along the Amalfi Coast, and is home to iconic cliffside gardens. The 13th-century, Moorish-style Villa Rufolo offers far-reaching views from its terraced gardens, and hosts indoor and outdoor concerts during the popular summertime Ravello Music Festival. Ravello is magical: breathtaking cliff top views of the sea, cute shops, and delicious things to taste…
The City of Altrani
Altrani is part of the Amalfi Coast and is located to the east of the city of Amalfi, several minutes-drive down the coast. This fishing village will charm us with her beach-side beauty, whitewashed houses, and churches crowned with colorful enamel domes. Once inhabited by the Romans, Altrani is still very much a living residential town that is off the beaten path.
Pranzo! (Lunch included!)
Visit to a Limoncello Production
Learn how locals create limoncello, and enjoy a few samples along the way…
Day’s recap
Back to hotel
Cena! (Dinner on your own)
“And that is … how they are. So terribly physically all over one another. They pour themselves one over the other like so much melted butter over parsnips. They catch each other under the chin, with a tender caress of the hand, and they smile with sunny melting tenderness into each other's face.” – D.H. Lawrence, English novelist.
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com Day#11: “Getting Nauti in Amalfi…”
Monday: July 11th, 2022
European breakfast
A.) Exploring Amalfi in style by private boat Enjoy a day on the Mediterranean Sea! A private chartered boat will take us from Positano along the southern coastline, providing breathtaking views along the way. Take a swim off the boat along the way…the water will be perfect!
B.) The Emerald Grotto Along the way, we will disembark at the “Grotto Smeraldo” or “Emerald Grotto”. This is a natural cave in the side of the mainland. Once inside, a smaller boat will navigate us through the cave itself. As the Mediterranean sun shines through the grotto’s mouth, it illuminates the water in an incredible display of emerald-blue light.
Pranzo (Lunch included) Dine like the locals at this family-run restaurant that is only accessible by private boat! As our boat is too large to dock, smaller boats will pick us up to bring us to shore. While the restaurant features local seafood (and is usually filled with local fishermen!), it offers everything edible from both land and sea. Personally, I have never seen English-speaking tourists dining here, as few tourists have a private boat for a day…
C.) The City of Amalfi After lunch we will boat to the City of Amalfi. Enjoy free time to explore this beautiful medieval seaside village with it’s beautiful cathedral… the final resting place of the Apostle Saint Andrew. Amalfi has cute shops and café’s. Enjoy a gelato and watch the world go by…
Day’s recap
Cena! (Group dinner)
“You may have the universe, if I may have Italy.” – Giuseppe Verdi
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com Day #12: Serenity SurroundsSorrento
Tuesday: July 12th, 2022
Italian Breakfast
Late morning departure for Sorrento
Sorrento overlooks the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. With its ancient Greek and Roman origins, its oldest ruins date back to 600 BC. Sorrento’s VIP guest list includes Lord Byron, John Keates, Johann von Goethe, Charles Dickens, and Richard Wagner to name a few. When the likes of Dean Martin or Luciano Pavarotti sing the iconic song, “Come back to Sorrento”… you will never hear it the same way again.
Herculaneum
Similar to Pompeii, this ancient town was destroyed and buried under volcanic ash in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. One of the few towns to be well preserved because of the thick layer of ash, it differs from Pompeii in two important ways: First, the pyroclastic material that covered the town actually carbonized organic material such as roofs, beds, doors and food…and they are still actually visible. Second, Herculaneum was a wealthier town that acted as a popular seaside resort for the Roman elite. Therefore, houses and structures were more lavish, grandiose, and luxurious than other archaeological sites. Let’s step back in time, under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius!
Last Night in Naples
Cena! (Closing Dinner Pizza Night) with day’s recap
“When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore!”
The natives of Naples claim that their city is the original home to authentic pizza. The world’s first pizzeria opened its doors in Naples and still remains in business today. Using the simplest of ingredients, Pizza Margherita is a triumph of Neapolitan cuisine… the humble ingredients of fresh San Marzano pomodori (tomatoes), fresh aromatic basil and mozzarella (di bufala) on char- marked dough is all that is required to make this highly-praised and delicious pizza. The colors of red, white, and green represent the official colors of the Italian flag. Fresh, and bubbly-hot straight out of a wood-fired oven… pizza in Naples might change your life!
“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” ~ Jack Kerouac
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com Day#13: “Ciao, Italia!”
Wednesday: July 13th, 2022
A.) Very early morning departure for Naples airport
B.) Early morning departure for the United States
C.) Arrival in U.S.A
“Open my heart and you will see, graved inside of it, Italy.” ~ Robert Browning
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 Tel: 35.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com