By Todd Tufts
ITALIAN STYLE
Amalf i Coast 6 days on the
GO! DREAM! LIVE! EXPLORE! DANCE! LAUGH! BREATHE!
Covo dei Saraceni Hotel
POSITANO
T
To say this is a trip of a lifetime would not be overstating it. Yes, it includes mountains, beaches, and breathtaking views, but it also unveils immense Italian hospitality, mouth-watering food and drink, and a glimpse at living la dolce vita ! Planning your own trip overseas might seem like a daunting task. However, our recent experience on a self- planned vacay might surprise you with how simple, beautiful, and amazing your stay can be. We visited the Amalfi Coast, which runs from Positano down to Vietre sul Mare, Italy, and includes thirteen villages. Each village offers its own character and story. Day 1 & 2: Pompei & Positano Many will start their trip by flying into Naples, Italy (NAP). From the States, you’ll often arrive
early, around 7-9 a.m. This allows you to see many things as you make your way south. First off, skip the rental car. We could spend a lot of time explaining why, but essentially, it’s about cost, parking, and convenience. Also, the drivers enjoy telling you about what you’re seeing on the way and can assist you in many surpising ways. We booked Gianpiero Fiorentino (https://www.gianpierofiorentino.com) for a tour on our way to Positano that included a two-hour stop in Pompei. He can customize any sort of trip, provide you with a quote online, and meet you at baggage claim. So simple! Gianpiero suggested we get a tour guide for Pompei and even lined it up for us. On our way to Pompei we stopped at the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompei, an incredible Catholic cathedral. Since the ruins did
not open until 9 a.m., he also took us to his favorite, nearby Pasticceria De Vivo for pastries and a couple of their famous Italian cappuccinos. Pompei can be hot in early June, so purchase a bottle of water and expect some walking through uneven rocks and gravel. It would take a full day to see all of the ruins, but two to three hours is plenty to get a great experience, and it is well worth your visit. Truly fascinating! The drive to Positano was jaw-dropping. We wound around the coastline of beautiful Sorrento while Gianpiero contacted the hotel and arranged for a porter to meet us at a designated parking lot just a short, steep walk down to our Covo dei Saraceni Hotel. It was the perfect location, near the restaurants, beach, and marina, and had an available balcony room, a highly-rated restaurant,
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