Port of call: Amalfi
AMALFI & THE GROTTO - Full description
| CODE: AM09 | AMALFI & THE GROTTO HD |
| DURATION | 3 1/2 Hrs |
| TRANSPORT | MOTORLAUCH |
| GUIDE | INCLUDED |
| ENTRANCE FEE | INCLUDED AT GROTTO/CRIPTA + 3000 |
| MEAL | EXCLUDED |
| NOTES |
After disembarkation, board motorlauch to reach the astonishing and colourful Grotta dello Smeraldo (the emerald grotto) not far from the Amalfi centre. Enjoy the beauty of the Amalfi coast by cruising to the grotto and once there, on board internal local boats, experience the emotion of such a suggestive natural spot with its shining emerald green shades.
Located just 20 minutes down the coast from Amalfi lies a natural formation that attracts visitors from all over Southern Italy.
Discovered in 1932, explorers found a unique cave formation stretching 100 feet high by 200 feet wide, hidden along the coastline. The most fascinating aspect of this cave is the underwater entrance 30 feet deep that allows the sunlight to enter the cave, creating a luminescent Emerald Glow.
At the end of the visit, your launch will drive you back to Amalfi to drop you off in the main square where you will have the chance to admire the impressive Cathedral of the town or even spend some time to browse around.
Port of call: Amalfi
RAVELLO & POSITANO - Full description
| CODE: AM08A | RAVELLO & POSITAN FD |
| DURATION | 8 Hrs |
| TRANSPORT | DELUXE COACH |
| GUIDE | INCLUDED |
| ENTRANCE FEE | INCLUDED |
| MEAL | EXCLUDED |
| NOTES |
Passengers will enjoy an extremely pretty and panoramic drive climbing up from the harbour in Amalfi to Ravello, one of the most famous and popular locations on the Amalfi coast.
Ravello
You will see the "Duomo" as you enter the main square. The very linear facade conserves from the original Romanesque outline three "oculi"
and the "window" with two lights above the entrance portal, decorated with a classical marble cornice, it has a valuable bronze door made in
1179 by Barissano da Trani. On the right hand side of the church stands the bell tower, built in the 13th century.
When the "duomo" is open guests will be able to take a peep inside at the majestic marble pulpit, richly cased with mosaics friezes and columns, supported by six slim spiral posts resting on marble lions.
Guests will visit Villa Rufolo, a spectacular complex formed by the main "palazzo", built in the second half of the 13th century, and various buildings in Arabian-Sicilian style on a wide terrace facing the gulf. Having entered the smaller 14th century tower, guests will continue along a small avenue flanked by cypresses and reach the Moorish courtyard, decorated with friezes and arabesques, in front of the palazzo, which can only be visited in part.
Having passed the knights room, the picturesque "belvedere" opens up, a luxurious garden with pines cypresses and exotic plants. From here it is possible to descend to the lower terrace, also bright with flowers and exotic plants. Richard Wagner was particularly struck by the spectacular nature of the gardens and saw in them the materialisation of the magic garden or Klingsor in his Parsifal.
Positano
Then its on to Positano to the luxurious San Pietro Hotel, frequented by the international elite, where you will enjoy a delicious
Italian luncheon and another spectacular views. Situated on a cliff high above the sea, San Pietro, with its sumptuous Neapolitan
baroque decor and garden terraces, is considered one of the world's most beautiful hotels.
After your luncheon, you'll stop in Positano town along this stretch of coast, where white, Moorish style houses cling to the slopes around a small sparkling bay. In 1953, when writer John Steinbeck lived here, the town was a forgotten fishing village, loved by artists. Since then it has become a retreat for the wealthy and a popular resort area. Spend some time browsing in some of Positano's 200 boutiques, which sell the casual, locally-made cotton clothing the town is noted for.
As you enjoy the return ride back to Amalfi, your senses will be saturated by the spectacular, ever-changing panorama of today's adventure.