Matera – Amalfi Coast

An exquisite contrast of regions and places.

Matera is one of the oldest cities on the planet with a story that you’ll want to hear. How strikingly different to then arrive on the Amalfi Coast, only three hours drive away.

Clever planning, timing, experience and knowledge ensure you enjoy these heavenly places between the Lattari mountains and the sea in the best way possible.

Itinerary

Rome x 2 days

Rome is a city that needs to be walked. There is something unusual, something wonderful and something unexpected around every corner. There are hidden in plain sight unbelievable treasures, if you only knew where to look! Many believe Rome is still 60% undiscovered. Today we start to discover a city that has been built layer upon layer like a lasagna for 2,779 years. As we explore ancient neighbourhoods, quiet cobblestone alleyways will reveal a secret cafe inside a 15th century monastery; artisans at work in the urban village of Monti; a courtyard near Campo de’ Fiori markets where nothing has changed for 500 years and hidden gems away from tourists that will surprise and delight you.

Matera x 3 days

We travel south to Matera in the region of Basilicata, a hauntingly beautiful UNESCO world heritage town and one of three continually inhabited places in the world. First glimpse will take your breath away. Unlike many hilltop towns that are built on rock, Matera is built into it. The rock cut dwellings are known simply as the Sassi which means stones. We sleep and eat in old caves in Sasso Caveoso that have been painstakingly restored into boutique hotels and restaurants. Matera has a story that you will want to hear that is truly remarkable. The best way to understand this ancient land is to wander the uneven stone stairways and lanes that zigzag past a tangle of stone houses stacked nine levels high and venture across the spectacular gorge to caves dating back 10,000 years.

Ravello x 3 days

High above the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is referred to as being closer to the sky than the sea, yet it is just six kilometres from Amalfi. This is a place you could happily stay for a long time. We visit lemon heaven Amalfi and take a picturesque walk through a labyrinth of tight streets above Amalfi to the smallest village by land in Italy wedged in a ravine that is a little haven by the sea. Not to be missed is one of the most stunning walks in the world called the Path of the Gods, reached by taking a thirty minute bus ride to the dizzy heights of Bomerano.

Positano x 2 days

Described by artist, Paul Klee, as “the only place in the world conceived on a vertical rather than a horizontal axis”, Positano is intoxicating. Touristy yes, but you can always get away from tourists. Positano is much more than its crystal clear water, breathtaking views, gorgeous shops and seafood from the sea to the plate. Often completely missed by tourists, in the heart of Positano is a secret that will astound you.

Capri x 3 days

A fast ferry ride will have us in Capri by mid morning. We stay in Anacapri which has a more tranquil, villagy feel than Capri, with beautiful traffic free streets to roam. We are five minutes from the village square and a chairlift that takes us to the top of Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island. Capri is a walker’s paradise with sensational walking trails that traverse the island that are not difficult to walk. The wonderful thing about Capri is that there are many places you can go and see very few people. A highlight of our stay is circumnavigating the island in a private wooden gozzo boat, visiting several sea grottoes and hidden coves.

Rome x 1 day

Ferry to Naples for a private transfer to Rome, arriving at lunch-time for a free afternoon and one more memorable night at a favourite trattoria.

Tour Inclusions

Your Italian adventure includes:

Deb is your Tour Leader from the start of the journey to the end

Accommodation x 14 nights in a twin share/double room in boutique hotels or villas centrally located

Hotel city taxes

Breakfast every day

Transfers in private, luxury airconditioned minibus: