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Fratelli Group Travel
TRAVEL & TOURS
Limoncello
October 3-11, 2020
Food : Pizza Lunch An often recounted story holds that on 11 June 1889, to honor the Queen consort of Italy, Margherita of Savoy, the Neapolitan pizza-maker Raffaele Esposito created the "Pizza Margherita", a pizza garnished with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, to represent the national colors of Italy as on the Italian flag. Today a “pizza” Margherita lunch would definitely be in order! We will stop at one of the 100s of pizzerie located throughout Naples to savor this treat in its original birthplace.
After lunch, there will be some free time to visit the Spanish Quarter in via Gregorio Armenio, famous for it’s shops of hand-crafted Cloth Mache` Christmas Nativities. Later we will stroll down to the waterfront for some great views and photos. Here we will take some “chil–lax” time. Perhaps have a glass of wine or a coffee and relax before this evenings festival of seafood supper (included)!
This evening we will dine and be entertained at the famous seafood restaurant of “ ‘A figlia d’'o marenaro”. Translation from the Neopolitan dialect “the daughter of the sailor” this particular restaurant is run by Signora Assunta who takes special pride in her seafood’s quality, freshness and preparation. Have a look at her place and food art on “Facebook” - search—a figlia d’'o marenaro. Overnight in Sorrento.
Upon entering the factory, each participant will receive a personal kit with a smock, paper hat, and shoe covers to wear for sanitary measures. Your visit will begin with some information about the first step of production: the milk. Then you will learn how they begin to process the milk step by step. You will also be introduced to some other varieties of cheese apart from the mozzarella. There will be time to also try your hand at making your own mozzarella. Then, afterwards, taste the products in the “Tavernetta” of the factory; a relaxing place of with orange and lemon trees. Later transfer back to the hotel with free time at leisure in the afternoon. Dinner (included) with wine ,water and coffee and overnight in Sorrento.
Day 9: Sorrento to Naples—Departure Day
Today, we bid not farewell, but Arrivederci (see you again) as you board your transfer back to Naples Airport homebound or train station for the continuation of your journey. Upon boarding, not only will you be carrying many memories of fun days, wonderfully interesting meals shared with friends, but a bit more culture to add to our already cultured consciousness, but above all the recollection of an impressive and wonderful journey on the ITALIAN PENINSULA.
Fire: Pozzuoli / Today we will visit the Campi Flegrei, home of the Roman god Vulcan. The Phlegraean Fields are a large volcanic area situated to the west of Naples. It was declared a regional park in 2003. Lying mostly underwater, the area of the caldera consists of 24 craters and volcanic edifices. The name, literally burning fields, refers to the highly volcanic nature of this area. Although none of the volcanoes here are technically considered "active" today, there's still plenty of seismic activity as one can see. The ground moves, the earth shakes, and scalding, stinking steam rises from hissing fissures in one of the most seismically active volcanic landscapes on Earth. [Sofia Costanza Brigida Villani Scicolone, or Sofia Loren, is a native of Pozzuoli.]
Sorrento Limoncello is known for its exceptional quality, and as such, many tourists hope to sample some of this liqueur while in the Sorrento area. As the name would imply, limoncello in general is a lemon-flavored liqueur. It has an alcohol content of 35 percent at the least and the very best is, arguably, that which is made from Sorrento lemon peels. Local factories in the Sorrento area employ traditional methods in order to render their special liqueur. As a digestive, limoncello is typically chilled and served after dinner. That's not the only way that it can be served, however; more and more cocktails are starting to feature it as an ingredient. Among the liqueur's main attractions is the fact that while it imparts plenty of lemon flavor, it is not as bitter or sour as lemon juice.
Your tour director will give you a brief orientation of the village before setting you free to enjoy its wonder. Later we will continue our journey to visit Ravello, one of the highest points on the Amalfi Coast with spectacular views of the turquoise Meditterranean sea below. We will visit Villa Rufolo, a 13th century villa with it’s wonderous gardens and magnificent views of the coastline below. Take some time to relax and people watch in one of the many outdoor cafes or bars sipping some ice cold Limoncello. See “L’arte di fare niente” on page 10 for instructions on some Italian Style Relaxation. Supper will be on your own. Overnight in Sorrento.
Day 6: Sorrento to Positano
Today we’ll depart Sorrento and travel south on the Amalfi Coast Drive to the magnificent city of Positano, which like the legendary Sirens of Li Galli, never fails to seduce. Seen from the sea, Positano is set in a dramatic vertical panorama of colors; the green of the Monti Lattari, the white, pink and yellow of the Mediterranean houses, the silvery grey of its pebble beaches and the blue of the sea. Once a vital part of a mighty sea power, Positano is today a sophisticated resort on the central Amalfi Coast. Moorish-style architecture rises up steep slopes that gaze out on the Sirenuse Islands. Smart boutiques, selling fashions for visitors to display on Grand Beach, abound in the village; it’s a great base for exploring the area. You'll find everything you could possibly make with the Amalfi Coast's lemons in Positano. This will be a totally free day for you to enjoy this little bit of paradise on your own. Weather permitting, you can bring swimwear and enjoy the beach or just meander through the quaint streets and alleyways, browsing the unique boutiques and art shops. Other suggestions by your tour director will be offered. Supper (included) with wine and water and overnight in Sorrento.
port to re-board our boat back to the mainland. Tonight a farewell dinner (included) with wine and music will be in order. Overnight in Sorrento.
Highlights:
Naples / Phlegraean Fields / Sorrento / Capri / Amalfi / Amalfi Coast / Ravello /Positano / Wine & Food / Pompeii Tasting on Mt Vesuvius / Limoncello Tasting and more
Christ) wines, paired with local products from the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. The tastings are held on the terrace (weather permitting) under the slopes of (Her Majesty) Mount Vesuvius with the Mediterranean Sea in the distance.
Day 8: Sorrento– CAPRI – Sorento - Capri, the Isle of Lovers
For those of you who have never been there you will soon realize why it is so called one of the most romantic places in the world. Its streets are lined with boutiques famous for perfume making and lemon products of every sort imaginable. YES IT’S TRUE!!! Lemons on Capri grow as large as grapefruits. A private chartered boat will take us from Positano to the Isle of Capri, approximately a one hour boat ride that offers wondrous views of the entire Amalfi Coast. Along the way we will see the natural rock formations including the Green and White Grottos. After cruising around the entire island of Capri, we will have a couple of hours to take in the sights. Capri is a glamorous island that features high fashion shopping and breathtaking panoramic views. We will visit the Garden of the Four Seasons and Anacapri with its magnificent views; there will be free time for lunch, shopping and leisure before returning to the
Before returning to Sorrento we will continue up the slopes of the volcano in a special 4x4 vehicle called a “Busvia” to the observation area, the rest of the journey to the crater is on foot for those who are still willing! Supper will be on your own this evening and overnight in Sorrento.
Day 4: Sorrento – Napoli /Fire & Food & Food
The city of Naples is thought to be one of the oldest continually inhabited cities on the planet, but its recorded history began when Greek settlers established colonies in the area during the second millennium B.C. Later, another colony, called Parthenope, was founded by more Greek colonists from the Aegean island of Rhodes during the ninth century B.C. Parthenope eventually declined, however, and the true beginning of Naples (as such) was found in the new Greek settlement called Neapolis during the sixth century B.C. Today will be quite an interesting day for all.
DAY 5– Mozzarella Making Class
After breakfast, once again, a transfer will transfer to a typical caseificio (Cheese Factory) in nearby Sorrento. A special tour in the factory will take place with an English speaking tour escort. During this time you will discover and witness the production of mozzarella and other typical cheese of this region. The term mozzarella derives from the procedure called mozzare which means "cutting by hand", separating from the curd, and serving in individual pieces, that is, the process of separation of the curd into small balls. It is appreciated for its versatility and elastic texture and often called "the queen of the Mediterranean cuisine", "white gold" or "the pearl of the table". The classic “Mozzarella di Bufala” is made strictly from milk of the water Buffalos. The history of water buffalo in Italy is not settled. One theory is that Asian water buffalo were brought to Italy by Goths during the migrations of the early medieval period. Another theory is that water buffalo were brought from Mesopotamia into the Near East by Arabs and then introduced into Europe by pilgrims and returning crusaders.
Day 7: AMALFI Coast to Amalfi
Amalfi is a town in a dramatic natural setting below steep cliffs on Italy’s southwest coast. Between the 9th and 11th centuries, it was the seat of a powerful maritime republic. The Arab-Norman Sant' Andrea Cathedral at the heart of town, with its striped Byzantine facade, lives to tell the tale of this era. After lunch we will have some free time in the area known as the Spanish Quarter. Via Gregorio Armenio, famous for it’s shops of hand-crafted Cloth Mache` Christmas Nativities. Today you will have a short guided tour and then some leisure time to discover the beauty of this wonderful coastal resort or to explore the area.
Day 3 SORRENTO - POMPEII—The SLOPES of MOUNT VESUVIUS
This morning, after breakfast, we will journey to the remarkable and extraordinary city of Pompeii at the foot of Mount Vesuvius; the volcano responsible for the destruction of this city and the surrounding area of the Bay of Naples. Pompeii lay under ashes and lava for almost 2000 years until it was discovered in the 19th century. Here, we can marvel at the advanced culture of this Roman city and the Pompeian citizens. The baths, the homes, the market place and the gardens had all been remarkably preserved under the lava for nearly two millennium. The cataclysmic eruption re-shaped the entire coastline of the Bays of Pompeii, Naples and Sorrento.
Afterwards we will begin our ascent of the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. Along the way we will be stopping at a local winery and agriturismo for much needed refreshments of food and wine tasting. This will be our lunch (included) of the day. Here we will sample the unique Lacrima Christi (Tears of
Day 1 Departure USA to Naples, Italy
This evening’s trans-Atlantic flight to Naples, Italy will depart from Newark Liberty International Airport. Meals and entertainment are aloft and arrival in Naples. Time schedule TBA.
Day 2: NAPLES – SORRENTO
Arrival and pickup at NAPLES, Capodichino Airport or Napoli Centrale Train Station (if you have arrived on your own). After collecting all the passengers we will begin our day with a panoramic city tour of Naples including Mergellina, Castlel dell’Uovo, the Galleria and Piazza Plebescito. Some free time for lunch (on your own) in Naples. Time permitting we can make a stop for a wonderful Neopolitan Espresso and the famous “Sfogliatella” pastry invented in this region.
Tonight supper (included) will be at a local restaurant in Sorrento with regional seafood dishes; wine, water and coffee included. After supper tonight we can stroll around the old village of Sorrento for some free Limoncello tastings. Overnight in Sorrento.
Day 6: Sorrento to Positano
Today we’ll depart Sorrento and travel south on the Amalfi Coast Drive to the magnificent city of Positano, which like the legendary Sirens of Li Galli, never fails to seduce. Seen from the sea, Positano is set in a dramatic vertical panorama of colors; the green of the Monti Lattari, the white, pink and yellow of the Mediterranean houses, the silvery grey of its pebble beaches and the blue of the sea. Once a vital part of a mighty sea power, Positano is today a sophisticated resort on the central Amalfi Coast. Moorish-style architecture rises up steep slopes that gaze out on the Sirenuse Islands. Smart boutiques, selling fashions for visitors to display on Grand Beach, abound in the village; it’s a great base for exploring the area. You'll find everything you could possibly make with the Amalfi Coast's lemons in Positano. This will be a totally free day for you to enjoy this little bit of paradise on your own. Weather permitting, you can bring swimwear and enjoy the beach or just meander through the quaint streets and alleyways, browsing the unique boutiques and art shops. Other suggestions by your tour director will be offered. Supper (included) with wine and water and overnight in Sorrento.
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