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Day One
Getting Acquainted with Amalfi
Upon your arrival in Naples we will provide a private transfer to the charming Hotel Luna Convento in Amalfi Village. You will have time to unpack, relax, and marvel at the spectacular view from your hotel room.

In the early evening we will have a wonderful walking tour of Amalfi. This complex little village has deep roots in the history and culture of Italy. It was a major sea power, being one of Italy's 4 ancient maritime republics along with Pisa, Genoa, and Venice, and its reach stretched throughout the Mediterranean for centuries. It was a great prize for the Saracen and Norman invaders whose influences are reflected in its architecture, food, and language.

Amalfi has a special charm that will surely seduce you.

Day Two
Amalfi Coast by Sea
This morning we will take a private cruise in a traditional boat along this wondrous coastline. We will follow the shoreline closely to show you the fishing villages, beaches and grottos that have always been so intertwined with the daily life of the local people. There are few places so visually stunning, for which it is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We will have lunch by the sea and then visit the village of Positano. Although it is only a short distance from Amalfi, Positano is a very different village, with its pastel-colored houses climbing up the mountain to dizzying heights. It has an air of singular romance, and lots of shopping.

Day Three
Cooking with the Chef
This morning we have a cooking class with the chef of the Hotel Luna Convento in its new state-of-the-art kitchen. You'll learn how local specialties are infused with their particular flavors, how the cuisine changes with the seasons, and how to make pasta the right way. You'll see how a cornucopia of fresh ingredients becomes a fabulous lunch. At the end we'll have some wonderful recipes for you to take home.

In the afternoon we will visit the villages of Atrani and Scala, and then spend the late afternoon and evening in charming Ravello; where we will have a tour through the spectacular gardens of the Villa Cimbrone, a visit to a ceramic factory, dinner, and a chamber music concert in the famous Villa Rufolo.

Day Four
Wine Country of Avellino, Pompeii
Today we visit the province of Avellino, about 1 1/2 hours east of the Amalfi Coast. Its landscape is one of vineyards and flourishing woods, and produces wines of absolute excellence thanks to ancient, high quality grape varieties. One is Aglianico, the red grape used in the Taurasi, the first DOCG wine in the South of Italy.

We will have a private visit of the Marianna Winery, a charming family-owned operation that makes wines from most of the indigenous grape varieties. We will tour their vast vineyards, taste wine, see the winemaking process, and then have a great homemade lunch. They certainly know their wines, but they also know their food!

On our way back to the Amalfi Coast we will stop in Pompeii for a late afternoon visit. At this time of the day most of the crowds have left and you can enjoy an unhurried tour with our specially trained private guide.

Day Five
Capri, Sorrentine Peninsula, Montepertuso
Today we cruise to the island of Capri. Over the centuries Capri has attained celebrity-status for the "glitterati" that have touched down on its shores from ancient times to the present. But Capri is a multi-faceted place of history, landscapes, interesting walks and hikes, and yes, shopping.

Upon arrival we will have an orientation tour and then give you free time to stroll the island's scenic paths, check out the shopping, or just relax in the main square with a cappuccino. Lunch is on your own today (with our guidance, of course).

In the late afternoon we will board the hydrofoil that goes to Sorrento. At the dock of Sorrento we will board a comfortable minibus for a panoramic drive around the unspoiled tip of the Sorrentine Peninsula. We hope to catch a glimpse of the sunset over Capri, a sight of transcendent beauty.

Dinner will be in the hilltop village of Montepertuso, in one of our favorite trattorias, high above Positano with, yet, another fantastic view.

Day Six
Greek Temples, Mozzarella di Bufala
You may wonder what these two subjects have to do with each other. We find both of them in the Cilento region about 1 1/2 hours south of Amalfi. We will visit the archeological site at Paestum and the Vannulo Buffalo Farm, where 400 happy buffalo live in a totally organic environment. It is possible to see the cheese-making process and to visit their unique museum of antique agricultural implements.

Day Seven
Yes, Naples!
Italy's fascinating, frustrating city is a must-see to understand the history and culture of this region. We will aim for the city's historic center, called Spaccanapoli, to show you how domination by different cultures has created its architecture and art. The Neapolitan language has over 3 million speakers in Southern Italy and claims a great and enduring heritage in literature and the arts. We will visit the National Archeological Museum and, of course, stop for a sensational pizza.

Day Eight
Where did the time go?
Today you have a free day to stroll the promenade by the sea, sleep late,or perhaps buy gifts for those unfortunate friends who did not come along. We will meet in the evening for Cocktails and a wonderful Farewell Dinner.

Day Nine
Breakfast and Departure

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