An Authentic Journey to uncover the Beautiful CILENTO October 2-9, 2016 Live and breathe the atmosphere of this lesser known area with us!
Sunday October 2, 2016 Upon arrival into Naples Airport, meet your English speaking tour escort and transfer to the reserved accommodation by private motor coach. You will enjoy a panoramic tour of the enchanting city of Naples on the way to the Cilento area. You will then have time to settle in and relax at Borgo La Pietraia (or similar), before getting ready for your welcome cocktail and dinner. You will revise the program of the week with your tour escort before dinner. Monday October 3, 2016 Today, you will explore some of the most ancient towns and villages of the Cilento coast. You will discover centuries-old hamlets where a slower pace of life and oldfashioned traditions still reign. Cilento is the homeland of the Mediterranean diet -- famed around the world for its combination of extra virgin olive oil and fresh fish. During today's excursion, you will lunch at a local farm. You will see first-hand where olives are grown and pressed into extra virgin olive oil. Following your on-site authentic lunch, you will have the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure
Tuesday October 4, 2016 Lunch will be served aboard the boat. In the morning, after breakfast, you will be taken by private motor coach to the seaside town of Salerno. From here, we will depart on a private bout excursion along the Amalfi Coast. You will have time to dive in the Mediterranean's crystal-blue waters and to explore hidden coves reachable only by boat. In addition, we will make stops in Amalfi and Positano -- giving you ample time to explore these charming coastal villages. At the end of your tour, we will dine at a seaside restaurant in Salerno before returning to Cilento. Wednesday October 5, 2016 In the early morning, a private driver will take you from the accommodation to the ancient site of Paestum -- home to some of Europe's best-preserved Ancient Greek temples. At the ancient site, you will enjoy a 2-hour private guided tour of the ruins. Following your visit to the temples, we will go to a family-run dairy farm to observe the production of (and to taste!) fresh mozzarella di bufala. You will watch as experts knead and fold the cheese, using time-tested process. During your drive home, we will make one final stop at small family-owned farm -- known in the area for raising some of the region's most delicious figs.
Thursday October 6, 2016 Relax by the beach in the morning or explore on your own the quaint village of your accommodation. In the afternoon, you will enjoy an authentic, hands-on cooking experience in the home of a local nonna (grandma). Learn how to prepare local traditional dishes and enjoy a true taste of Southern Italian hospitality. Friday October 7, 2016 Today, we will embark on a full-day exploration of the stunning Policastro Gulf. First, we will stop in the seaside town of Marina di Camerota before continuing on to the Palinuro peninsula. Once in Palinuro, we we will enjoy a 90- minute boat trip around Cape Palinuro. Along the way, the boat will visit enchanting grottoes -- offering you the chance to dive in the crystal clear waters of the Buondormire Bay. During our return ride to the accommodation, the group will stop in Marina di Pisciotta learn about the the ancient fishing traditions of this town and to taste a local specialty "pizza cilentana" -- or a focaccia topped with goat cheese.
Saturday October 8, 2016 During the day, you will take a leisurely halfday bike tour through the Cilento National Park. Your destination is Punta Licosa -- a magical place known for its rocky shores and clear blue waters. In the evening you will enjoy a closing dinner at the home of a local family. You will say goodbye to Cilento -- filled with family recipes and the friendship of its residents. Sunday October 9, 2016 After breakfast, transfer to Naples Aiport for the group s onward travel arrangements.
Agent cost = $1850 Companion cost - $2050 Itinerary includes: Private transfer from Naples Airport to the Cilento area with panoramic tour of Naples Welcome cocktail and dinner See Italy English speaking representative for the whole tour Motor coach transportation for the whole tour 7 nights in 7 double/twin rooms at Borgo La Pietraia or similar. Breakfast daily included Full day excursion at the discovery of the ancient heart of Cilento with lunch, tastings and tickets included Boat tour along the Amalfi Coast from Salerno port, snacks on board included Dinner in Salerno or nearby Full day excursion to Paestum with archaeological site entrance fees, mozzarella, wine and fig tastings included Cooking class with dinner Full day excursion along Policastro Gulf, including a bout tour to Palinuro and typical lunch and tastings as per program Bike tour in the Cilento Natural Park with picnic lunch included Farewell dinner Private transfer to Naples Airport