October 7 – 13, 2024 Join James Beard award winning cookbook author Chef Cheryl Alters Jamison and trip designer Nancy McGee on this specially curated tour to savor, sip and indulge in the stunningly beautiful Amalfi Coast and historic Naples.
Cheryl can’t wait to share with you her love for the Amalfi coast, where she first visited more than four decades ago. The area’s awe-inspiring views around every hairpin turn—of azure sea, and quaint towns literally hanging off the dramatic cliffs—initially captivated her. The deceptively simple foods of the area then further enchanted her, and have kept her returning. The cuisine of the area takes advantage of pristine seafood, and the lemons the size of our heads are used in savory as well as sweet dishes, and in the famous limoncello. She loves too, the pastas and pizzas, and everywhere, the strings of dried red chiles adding punch to many dishes. It’s all accompanied by great wine, and served on gorgeous local tableware. Cheryl has succumbed to the charm. We know you will too.
Monday October 7 Welcome to the Amalfi Coast !
Benvenuto ! You will be picked up and transferred from Naples airport to 4-star boutique hotel Onda Verde a corner of paradise with a pool and breathtaking views. Ideally located in the lovely village of Praiano, you will be pampered in this family-owned and operated hotel with its infinity pool. A meet and greet welcome cocktail will be served at 6pm followed by dinner in their restaurant with an unforgettable view.
Tuesday October 8 : Ceramics & Pasta
You’ll spend your day in Positano one of Italy’s most picturesque towns with three fun experiences concocted just for you. The first will be an introduction to ceramics where you will hand paint your ceramic plate, which will be a beautiful souvenir or gift to take home. For lunch, you’ll don your apron to learn the art of making fresh pasta. There will be time to stroll the colorful and vibrant streets of Positano before embarking on a sunset boat tour with a Prosecco toast to the breathtaking view. Dinner will be at your leisure this evening.
Wednesday October 9 : Extreme wines & delicacies
Your day will begin with visit to an exceptional vineyard to meet the renowned winemaker Marisa Cuomo. The tour of her facility will include a stroll in the vineyard to observe how extreme wines are produced in areas located beyond the extreme limit of the cultivation. After lunch paired with her wines, you’ll head to Amalfi for a private guided tour of the ancestral papermaking museum where you will make your own souvenir card. After the visit, you’ll have some free time to stroll Amalfi which will be the ideal location to pick up some unique lemon pasta, risotto rice and salt. And why not take the opportunity to have a pair of leather sandals custom made in just 10 minutes! After lunch (do not order a dessert) you will be welcomed by one of Italy’s best pastry chefs to the oldest coffee and pastry shop in Amalfi dating back to 1830. This is where you will taste some of the finest sweet delicacies the area has to offer. Right next to the pastry shop, our guide will take us for a tour of the extraordinary Saint Andre Cathedral and Cloister of Paradise. You simply can’t leave Amalfi without tasting a Gelato made with lemon syrup since 1918. Dinner will be @Costa Diva in Praiano
Thursday October 10: Land of lemons & Mozzarella
Your day will begin in Minori at a historic limoncello distillery where you’ll truly understand why the Amalfi coast is the “Land of Lemons”. Your expert guide will take you for an informative tour and introduce you to the onsite limoncello master. Next will be a hike through a private property with a lemon grove offering picturesque landscapes and breathtaking views of the valley and seaside. If you feel the hike is not for you, don’t worry! A full-time tour guide will take you to Scala, the most ancient tiny village of the area with over 130 churches. After refreshments in Scala, we will head to the enchanting village of Ravello to meet Biaggio in his cheese shop where you will don an apron and make your own mozzarella for lunch. Next, you will have time off in Ravello to tour the stunning Villa Ruffalo, have a Spritz or browse the narrow ancient streets to admire the ceramics and other crafts. Dinner will be at @Il Parate in Praiano.
Friday October 11 : Cooking in Sorrento & pizza
Today you’ll bid farewell to the Amalfi coastline. On the way to Naples, you’ll stop in Sorrento for a unique culinary experience hosted in a private residence by two cousins who will share their grandmother’s secret recipes. After lunch, you will check into the grand baroque 4-star hotel Art Galleria Umberto in Naples located in the heart of the historic district. You’ll have time to relax, unpack and prepare for dinner at the iconic Brandi’s where in 1889 the Marguerita pizza was invented.
Saturday October 12 : Historic Naples & figurines
Your day will begin with a private sightseeing tour of historic Naples’ magnificent art and architecture. After the tour ends in the city center, you will have some free time for lunch and shopping for last minute souvenirs. And why not head to the “Christmas Alley” where artisans craft nativity figurines all year round. Put a little zing to your attire for your farewell dinner @ Zi Teresa in Naples.
Sunday October 13 : Arrivederci Italia!
Airport transfers from your hotel to Naples airport will be arranged no later than 11am (check out time).
Optional add ons : Full day trip to dazzling Capri or half day trip to UNESCO heritage site Pompeii with an expert guide. Consult us for details. Email nancy@absolutelysouthernfrance.com
Read here why Cheryl likes travelling with tour participants.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Deposit
To secure a place on our tour, we ask that you fill in our reservation form, which indicates that your deposit of 30% will be required to secure your space. The balance will be due 2 months prior to the tour.
Included
All meals as indicated including breakfast, wine for dinner, gratuities ( guides & restaurants) taxes, professional tour facilitator, professional guide, activities and admission fees, transportation by coach or vans or boat and accommodation in 2 four star hotels.
Not included
Roundtrip airfare to Italy, train to Naples, gratuities to drivers, any personal souvenirs or purchases, additional wine, beer or spirits beyond what is offered at meals, travel insurance (highly recommended) and trip medical coverage (required for travelers over 50 years of age).
Terms and Conditions
If insufficient numbers of participants register for the tour, in the event of conditions deemed unsafe for our clients, the tour may be cancelled or postponed. If Cheryl Alters Jamison is unable to travel, the tour will be maintained. While we endeavor to operate all trips as described, we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary owing to circumstances beyond our control. Any changes will be of similar or superior quality and content.
Cancellation Policy
This is a packaged group tour and non-refundable even in case of injury or illness or personal emergency. Cancellation must be notified by email to nancy@absolutelysouthernfrance.com. We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance including medical assistance and cancellation. If you get sick from Covid or any other disease, before the trip departs or during it, you will need to have your own medical and trip cancellation insurance to cover any costs incurred.
Payment
We accept Mastercard, Visa and Amex.
Travel with insurance – and rest assured
Check out SquareMouth, insurance specialists that compare coverage, including Covid, from 19 reputable providers. Just select what best suits you (Covid-19 cancellation, Covid-19 medical, cancellation, interruption, medical evacuation…). Prices are reasonable and well worth it for a stress free trip.
Arrival and Departure
You will be welcomed on arrival by Cheryl and Nancy at your hotel for a meet and greet cocktail followed by dinner at your hotel. Transfers to your accommodation on the first day from Naples airport to Praiano and on the last day of the tour (in the morning – check out is at 11am) from Naples hotel to Naples airport are included.
What to Pack
Phone chargers, medication, hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes. Temperatures should be pleasant. We expect clear sunny skies with average daytime temperatures between 22C / 72F and overnight lows of 16C / 61F. A pre tour virtual meetup will be held 3 months prior to arrival in Italy.
Accommodation
You will be staying in a 4 star boutique hotel with a pool on the Amalfi coast for 4 nights and a 4 star historic boutique hotel in Naples for 2 nights.
Transportation
You will be travelling in comfortable air- conditioned vans, coaches and a private boat with fully licensed drivers and guides.
Physical Requirements
Our tour is “physically active.” You may be on your feet, walking and standing, for over an hour, indoors and outdoors, rain or shine. That means if you need help climbing in a tour bus or if you are winded after walking 50 feet, Nancy has other tour options you may want to explore.
Additional Services
Absolutely Southern France is offering a post tour add ons to Capri and Pompeii. Consult us for details. Email nancy@absolutelysouthernfrance.com.
Read here what Cheryl has to say about travelling with tour participants.
Cheryl can’t wait to share with you her love for the Amalfi coast, where she first visited more than four decades ago. The area’s awe-inspiring views around every hairpin turn—of azure sea, and quaint towns literally hanging off the dramatic cliffs—initially captivated her. The deceptively simple foods of the area then further enchanted her, and have kept her returning. The cuisine of the area takes advantage of pristine seafood, and the lemons the size of our heads are used in savory as well as sweet dishes, and in the famous limoncello. She loves too, the pastas and pizzas, and everywhere, the strings of dried red chiles adding punch to many dishes. It’s all accompanied by great wine, and served on gorgeous local tableware. Cheryl has succumbed to the charm. We know you will too.
Monday October 7 Welcome to the Amalfi Coast !
Benvenuto ! You will be picked up and transferred from Naples airport to 4-star boutique hotel Onda Verde a corner of paradise with a pool and breathtaking views. Ideally located in the lovely village of Praiano, you will be pampered in this family-owned and operated hotel with its infinity pool. A meet and greet welcome cocktail will be served at 6pm followed by dinner in their restaurant with an unforgettable view.
Tuesday October 8 : Ceramics & Pasta
You’ll spend your day in Positano one of Italy’s most picturesque towns with three fun experiences concocted just for you. The first will be an introduction to ceramics where you will hand paint your ceramic plate, which will be a beautiful souvenir or gift to take home. For lunch, you’ll don your apron to learn the art of making fresh pasta. There will be time to stroll the colorful and vibrant streets of Positano before embarking on a sunset boat tour with a Prosecco toast to the breathtaking view. Dinner will be at your leisure this evening.
Wednesday October 9 : Extreme wines & delicacies
Your day will begin with visit to an exceptional vineyard to meet the renowned winemaker Marisa Cuomo. The tour of her facility will include a stroll in the vineyard to observe how extreme wines are produced in areas located beyond the extreme limit of the cultivation. After lunch paired with her wines, you’ll head to Amalfi for a private guided tour of the ancestral papermaking museum where you will make your own souvenir card. After the visit, you’ll have some free time to stroll Amalfi which will be the ideal location to pick up some unique lemon pasta, risotto rice and salt. And why not take the opportunity to have a pair of leather sandals custom made in just 10 minutes! After lunch (do not order a dessert) you will be welcomed by one of Italy’s best pastry chefs to the oldest coffee and pastry shop in Amalfi dating back to 1830. This is where you will taste some of the finest sweet delicacies the area has to offer. Right next to the pastry shop, our guide will take us for a tour of the extraordinary Saint Andre Cathedral and Cloister of Paradise. You simply can’t leave Amalfi without tasting a Gelato made with lemon syrup since 1918. Dinner will be @Costa Diva in Praiano
Thursday October 10: Land of lemons & Mozzarella
Your day will begin in Minori at a historic limoncello distillery where you’ll truly understand why the Amalfi coast is the “Land of Lemons”. Your expert guide will take you for an informative tour and introduce you to the onsite limoncello master. Next will be a hike through a private property with a lemon grove offering picturesque landscapes and breathtaking views of the valley and seaside. If you feel the hike is not for you, don’t worry! A full-time tour guide will take you to Scala, the most ancient tiny village of the area with over 130 churches. After refreshments in Scala, we will head to the enchanting village of Ravello to meet Biaggio in his cheese shop where you will don an apron and make your own mozzarella for lunch. Next, you will have time off in Ravello to tour the stunning Villa Ruffalo, have a Spritz or browse the narrow ancient streets to admire the ceramics and other crafts. Dinner will be at @Il Parate in Praiano.
Friday October 11 : Cooking in Sorrento & pizza
Today you’ll bid farewell to the Amalfi coastline. On the way to Naples, you’ll stop in Sorrento for a unique culinary experience hosted in a private residence by two cousins who will share their grandmother’s secret recipes. After lunch, you will check into the grand baroque 4-star hotel Art Galleria Umberto in Naples located in the heart of the historic district. You’ll have time to relax, unpack and prepare for dinner at the iconic Brandi’s where in 1889 the Marguerita pizza was invented.
Saturday October 12 : Historic Naples & figurines
Your day will begin with a private sightseeing tour of historic Naples’ magnificent art and architecture. After the tour ends in the city center, you will have some free time for lunch and shopping for last minute souvenirs. And why not head to the “Christmas Alley” where artisans craft nativity figurines all year round. Put a little zing to your attire for your farewell dinner @ Zi Teresa in Naples.
Sunday October 13 : Arrivederci Italia!
Airport transfers from your hotel to Naples airport will be arranged no later than 11am (check out time).
Optional add ons : Full day trip to dazzling Capri or half day trip to UNESCO heritage site Pompeii with an expert guide. Consult us for details. Email nancy@absolutelysouthernfrance.com
Read here why Cheryl likes travelling with tour participants.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Deposit
To secure a place on our tour, we ask that you fill in our reservation form, which indicates that your deposit of 30% will be required to secure your space. The balance will be due 2 months prior to the tour.
Included
All meals as indicated including breakfast, wine for dinner, gratuities ( guides & restaurants) taxes, professional tour facilitator, professional guide, activities and admission fees, transportation by coach or vans or boat and accommodation in 2 four star hotels.
Not included
Roundtrip airfare to Italy, train to Naples, gratuities to drivers, any personal souvenirs or purchases, additional wine, beer or spirits beyond what is offered at meals, travel insurance (highly recommended) and trip medical coverage (required for travelers over 50 years of age).
Terms and Conditions
If insufficient numbers of participants register for the tour, in the event of conditions deemed unsafe for our clients, the tour may be cancelled or postponed. If Cheryl Alters Jamison is unable to travel, the tour will be maintained. While we endeavor to operate all trips as described, we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary owing to circumstances beyond our control. Any changes will be of similar or superior quality and content.
Cancellation Policy
This is a packaged group tour and non-refundable even in case of injury or illness or personal emergency. Cancellation must be notified by email to nancy@absolutelysouthernfrance.com. We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance including medical assistance and cancellation. If you get sick from Covid or any other disease, before the trip departs or during it, you will need to have your own medical and trip cancellation insurance to cover any costs incurred.
Payment
We accept Mastercard, Visa and Amex.
Travel with insurance – and rest assured
Check out SquareMouth, insurance specialists that compare coverage, including Covid, from 19 reputable providers. Just select what best suits you (Covid-19 cancellation, Covid-19 medical, cancellation, interruption, medical evacuation…). Prices are reasonable and well worth it for a stress free trip.
Arrival and Departure
You will be welcomed on arrival by Cheryl and Nancy at your hotel for a meet and greet cocktail followed by dinner at your hotel. Transfers to your accommodation on the first day from Naples airport to Praiano and on the last day of the tour (in the morning – check out is at 11am) from Naples hotel to Naples airport are included.
What to Pack
Phone chargers, medication, hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes. Temperatures should be pleasant. We expect clear sunny skies with average daytime temperatures between 22C / 72F and overnight lows of 16C / 61F. A pre tour virtual meetup will be held 3 months prior to arrival in Italy.
Accommodation
You will be staying in a 4 star boutique hotel with a pool on the Amalfi coast for 4 nights and a 4 star historic boutique hotel in Naples for 2 nights.
Transportation
You will be travelling in comfortable air- conditioned vans, coaches and a private boat with fully licensed drivers and guides.
Physical Requirements
Our tour is “physically active.” You may be on your feet, walking and standing, for over an hour, indoors and outdoors, rain or shine. That means if you need help climbing in a tour bus or if you are winded after walking 50 feet, Nancy has other tour options you may want to explore.
Additional Services
Absolutely Southern France is offering a post tour add ons to Capri and Pompeii. Consult us for details. Email nancy@absolutelysouthernfrance.com.
Read here what Cheryl has to say about travelling with tour participants.
