May 26 – June 1, 2024
Travel with best-selling author Steena Holmes and tour designer Nancy McGee to the breathtakingly beautiful Amalfi Coast and historic Naples. If you have always dreamed of exploring the Amalfi Coast and soaking in the enchantment you’ve only seen in photos or read in a book, now is the time! Join us as we explore, we savor, we indulge and you can even help her plot her next novel.
Calling all fellow #sweetaddicts, #AmalfiCoastdreamers and #travelholics! On this escorted and guided tour to historic Naples and the stunning Amalfi coast, you will be enchanted by the wonderfully scenic coastline, the pretty colorful villages and Positano, the region’s most exclusive resort town. In May, the coastline will be in full bloom and bright yellow lemons will dot the coastline. Foodies will enjoy the cuisine in this wonderful part of Italy and history lovers will be spoilt.
Sunday May 26 : Welcome to the Amalfi coast !
You will be picked up and transferred from Naples 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. A meet and greet welcome cocktail will be served at 6pm followed by dinner in the restaurant with a an unforgettable view.
Monday May 27 : Lemons & Mozzarella
May is the best time of the year to travel to the “land of lemons” where the orchards will be laden with vibrant yellow fruit. Our day will begin in Minori at a limoncello distillery for a tour with an expert guide and 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 time tour guide will accompany us and take you to Scala, the most ancient tiny village of the area with over 130 churches. After refreshments, 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. You’ll have a casual dinner @Il Parate, Praiano
Tuesday May 28 : 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 gift or souvenir to take home. For lunch, you’ll don your apron to learn the art of making fresh pasta. You’ll have some time off to stroll the colorful and vibrant streets of Positano before embarking on a sunset boat tour with a Prosecco toast to the breathtaking view. Time off for dinner
Wednesday May 29 : Sweet treats & other delicacies
Your perfect day in Amalfi will begin with 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 at the market, the ideal location to pick up some unique lemon pasta, risotto and salt. If you have 10 minutes to spare, why not take the opportunity to have 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 be able to o savor 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.
We won’t leave Amalfi without a Gelato made with lemon syrup, said to be the best in the world since 1918. Dinner will be @Costa Diva in Praiano.
Thursday May 30 Archeological wonder & pizza
Today you’ll bid farewell to the Amalfi coastline. On the way to Naples, you’ll be taken for tour with an expert guide of the archaeological wonder, the Roman town of Pompeii. After lunch, you will check into the grand baroque 4 star boutique 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.
Friday May 31: Historic Naples & figurines
Your day will begin with a fully 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 will be at Zi Teresa in Naples.
Saturday June 1 : Ciao Italia!
Airport transfers from hotel in Naples to Naples airport no later than 11am (check out time).
Option : If you’d like to extend your stay and do a little more touring, add on a day trip with Steena and explore beautiful Capri with a private guide. Consult us for details. Email nancy@absolutelysouthernfrance.com.
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.
Discounts
100 euro early bird discount ending on December 10, 2023.
Included
All meals as indicated in the itinerary including wine for dinner and breakfasts, gratuities ( guides & restaurants) and taxes, professional tour facilitator, professional guide, activities and admission fees, transportation by coach or vans or boat and accommodation in two four-star hotels.
Not included
Roundtrip airfare to Italy, train to Naples, tips 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 Steena Holmes 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 at a food and wine pairing buffet on June 17. Transfers to your accommodation on the first day and the last day of the tour to and from Marseille airport and Avignon TGV train station 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 29C / 84,2F and overnight lows of 16C / 60,8F. 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.
Additional Services
Absolutely Southern France is offering a post tour add on to Capri. Consult us for details. Email nancy@absolutelysouthernfrance.com.
Calling all fellow #sweetaddicts, #AmalfiCoastdreamers and #travelholics! On this escorted and guided tour to historic Naples and the stunning Amalfi coast, you will be enchanted by the wonderfully scenic coastline, the pretty colorful villages and Positano, the region’s most exclusive resort town. In May, the coastline will be in full bloom and bright yellow lemons will dot the coastline. Foodies will enjoy the cuisine in this wonderful part of Italy and history lovers will be spoilt.
Sunday May 26 : Welcome to the Amalfi coast !
You will be picked up and transferred from Naples 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. A meet and greet welcome cocktail will be served at 6pm followed by dinner in the restaurant with a an unforgettable view.
Monday May 27 : Lemons & Mozzarella
May is the best time of the year to travel to the “land of lemons” where the orchards will be laden with vibrant yellow fruit. Our day will begin in Minori at a limoncello distillery for a tour with an expert guide and 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 time tour guide will accompany us and take you to Scala, the most ancient tiny village of the area with over 130 churches. After refreshments, 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. You’ll have a casual dinner @Il Parate, Praiano
Tuesday May 28 : 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 gift or souvenir to take home. For lunch, you’ll don your apron to learn the art of making fresh pasta. You’ll have some time off to stroll the colorful and vibrant streets of Positano before embarking on a sunset boat tour with a Prosecco toast to the breathtaking view. Time off for dinner
Wednesday May 29 : Sweet treats & other delicacies
Your perfect day in Amalfi will begin with 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 at the market, the ideal location to pick up some unique lemon pasta, risotto and salt. If you have 10 minutes to spare, why not take the opportunity to have 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 be able to o savor 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.
We won’t leave Amalfi without a Gelato made with lemon syrup, said to be the best in the world since 1918. Dinner will be @Costa Diva in Praiano.
Thursday May 30 Archeological wonder & pizza
Today you’ll bid farewell to the Amalfi coastline. On the way to Naples, you’ll be taken for tour with an expert guide of the archaeological wonder, the Roman town of Pompeii. After lunch, you will check into the grand baroque 4 star boutique 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.
Friday May 31: Historic Naples & figurines
Your day will begin with a fully 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 will be at Zi Teresa in Naples.
Saturday June 1 : Ciao Italia!
Airport transfers from hotel in Naples to Naples airport no later than 11am (check out time).
Option : If you’d like to extend your stay and do a little more touring, add on a day trip with Steena and explore beautiful Capri with a private guide. Consult us for details. Email nancy@absolutelysouthernfrance.com.
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.
Discounts
100 euro early bird discount ending on December 10, 2023.
Included
All meals as indicated in the itinerary including wine for dinner and breakfasts, gratuities ( guides & restaurants) and taxes, professional tour facilitator, professional guide, activities and admission fees, transportation by coach or vans or boat and accommodation in two four-star hotels.
Not included
Roundtrip airfare to Italy, train to Naples, tips 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 Steena Holmes 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 at a food and wine pairing buffet on June 17. Transfers to your accommodation on the first day and the last day of the tour to and from Marseille airport and Avignon TGV train station 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 29C / 84,2F and overnight lows of 16C / 60,8F. 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.
Additional Services
Absolutely Southern France is offering a post tour add on to Capri. Consult us for details. Email nancy@absolutelysouthernfrance.com.
