GOD'S VALLEY (SENTIERO DEGLI DEI) - private tour

Certainly with good reasons the local population have rhetorically baptized this path "God's Valley;" walking along the coast at the feet of the Mount S. Angel "A Tre Pizzi," this pathway gives the opportunity to admire one of the most spectacular panorama in the world, the view of the entire Amalfi Coast's western appendix, from Praiano to Capri. Along the crossing, participants will contemplate all the characteristic traits of the Mediterranean vegetation, from the flora to the fauna. The adventure will include legends and historical anecdotes, mythical caves, enchanted villages, such as Monterpertuso and Nocelle, up to date privileged destination for those who love peacefulness and the ancient, genuine gastronomic tradition.
Activity routing: The total path is 5.5-6 km long, with an ascent gradient of 100 mt, and a descent gradient of 650-740 mt. Walking time will be 5 hours long.
Activity materials: • sport clothing • raincoat • trekking boots • hat • sun screen protection • binocular • sun glasses • camera • bottle of water


Rates on request. Please email info@culturalitaly.com

Departure in the early morning. A lovely drive along the coast and on the highway to Cassino. Ascent to Mount Cassino and visit to the renowned Abbey. The Abbey, mother church of the benedectine order and a centre of medieval, was founded in 529 by st. benedict over the ruins of an ancient acropolis. By the 8th century it was an important centre of learning, and by the 11th century had become one of the richest monasteries in Europe. During the Second World War, in 1944, the Abbey was bombed and entirely rebuilt in the same style soon after. Visit to the adjoining British war cemeteries that commemorate the soldiers killed during this battle. Free time for lunch. The tour proceed to Caserta: Visit to the Royal Palace, built for King Charles of Bourbon by the great architect Luigi Vanvitelli, on the same of Versailles Palace Style. The palace has 1,200 rooms and a richly decorated interior. the palace was the last great building of the italian baroque, and though you can't visit each of its 1200 rooms, the ones you will see are as extravagant as they are exquisite. the majestic main staircase, whose 116 steps were all carved from one gigantic block of stone, is a perfect combination of rich marbles and dramatic perspectives. it leads to the splendiferous 25 rooms of the royal apartments. The immense park (120 hectares) has a wealth of artistic fountains ornamented with splendid statuary and waterfalls that gently ripple down the hill. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Important notice: In order to be allowed into St. Peter’s Basilica you must have covered shoulders & long trousers.

Adult Price: € 79,00 Child Price € 59
Departure time from Amalfi: 7.00 am
Pick up from Positano Supplement: € 11,00
Pick up from Praiano Supplement € 9,00
Pick up from Ravello Supplement € 8,00

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Departure in the morning by de luxe motor coach to Herculaneum. Visit of the archaeological excavations (2 hours approx). The historian Dionigi di Alicarnasso attributes the founding of Herculaneum to Hercules from his return from Spain; while Strabone holds that the city was first in the hands of the Opici-Ocsi, then the Etruscans, then the Pelasgi and at last the Sannites. As in Pompei and Stabiae, Herculaneum also most likely entered into the orbit of the 'Nucerina' confederation. Having rebelled against Rome during the Social War, it was seized and conquered in 89 B.C. by Titus Didius, legate to the Roman General Lucius Cornelius Silla. The city was built on a volcanic plateau having a sheer drop to the sea. It lay at the foot of Vesuvius and was delimited on its western and eastern sides by two rivers. Two inlets provided natural and secure landing points. Its urban planning, with division into regular plots of land, was put into effect in the first half of the 4th century B.C. During the Augustan era serious renovation work was needed on the city's buildings. Many public buildings, in fact, were rebuilt and completely restored as the acqueduct, the public fountain network, the castella acquarium, the temples in the Sacred Area, the 'Suburban Thermal Baths', the 'Central Thermal Baths' and the Gymnasium. The ruinous earthquake of 62 A.D. rendered many buildings dangerous. After the exploration along underground passageways in the theatre area between 1710 and 1711 the excavations of Herculaneum officially began in 1738. The excavations, which have been carried out here since 1981, have revealed many interesting discoveries. Recent excavations have been carried out at the grandiose Villa of the Papyri, a large part of which is still buried. (For Villa dei Papiri visit please contact us). Return in hotel in the early afternoon.

Adult Price: € 49,00 Child Price: € 35,00 Entrance Fees: € 11,00 **
Departure time from Amalfi: 08.00
Departure from Positano Supplement € 11,00
Departure from Praiano Supplement € 9,00
Departure from Ravello Supplement € 8,00

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ROME OVERNIGHT

Day two (mon)
An early call is arranged by the guide for 7.00 am. A Basic Breakfast in Hotel is included then the coach takes customers to the Vatican City parking area from where it is approx. a 10 minutes walk to St. Peter Square. Once in Vatican City guests have 3 ½ hrs to discover their own the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel with the fabulous ceiling paintings by Michelangelo. Departure from Rome, en route stop for lunch (lunch not included). Arrival to the drop off point on the Highway and transfer by minibus/car to the Amalfi Coast. Expected return at 7.00 pm approx.
Important notice: In order to be allowed into St. Peter’s Basilica you must have covered shoulders & long trousers.

Adult Price: € 495,00
Entrance Fees: € 12,00 **- Departure time from Amalfi: 07.00

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MINICRUISE TO POSITANO & EMERALD GROTTO - group tour
Every Thu

Discover the Amalfi Coast from the sea. A wonderful guided cruise from Maiori to Positano, passing Atrani, Amalfi and Praiano. Stop to the famous Emerrald Grotto (optional): discovered in 1932, the once dry grotto, later invaded by the sea due to bradyseismical movements, owes its name to the unusual colour of the water reflecting the light that penetrates off the rocks. The interior of the cavern presents the visitors with an extraordinary, unequalled scene: the atmosphere, dominated by brilliant green and blue, is made even more fascinating by thin stalactites and above all by the spectacular formations of stalagmites that emerge from the sea and, like huge columns over 10 m high, they join to the roof. Landing in Positano, the town famous for its white-washed cubes of houses, famous for its cultural events and for the exclusive fashion creation sold in delightful little boutiques. Free time for a walk trough the beautiful alleys or to do an exclusive shopping (2 hour approx.) Expected return at 6.00 pm

Adult Price: € 49,00 Child Price: € 35 Entrance Fees: € 5,00
Departure time from Amalfi: 14.15
Departure from Praiano Supplement € 9,00
Departure from Ravello Supplement € 8,00
Departure from Maiori/Minori Supplement € 5,00

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No holiday on the the Amalfi Coast would be complete without a trip to the evocative island of Capri! Meeting on the Amalfi Pier and departure by steamer for a pleasant sail to Capri. During the crossing, abreathtaking sight of our Coast from Amalfi to Campanella Cape and of the Sorrento Coast will disclose before your eyes. Landing in Capri and start of the guided tour of the island by private minibus, stop at Anacapri for the visit of Villa St Michele, built by the Swedish doctor and writer Axel Munthe on the remains of Roman ruins, offering a wonderful view of the island from its beautiful shady garden. From the Chapel St Michele’s terrace, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the sea. Transfer from Anacapri to Capri by private minibus. After lunch (optional), visit to the Garden of Augustus, with a wonderful view of the famous “Faraglioni”. The main square Piazza Umberto I, has a pretty white church and several open-air cafes where you can sit and watch the world drift by. Free time for shopping browsing around the elegant and exclusive island boutiques. . Transfer by steamer from Capri to Amalfi. Expected return 6.30 pm approx.

Adult Price: € 83,00 Child Price: € 83,00 Entrance Fees: € 5,00
Departure time from Amalfi: 08.30
Departure from Positano Supplement € 11,00
Departure from Praiano Supplement € 9,00
Departure from Ravello Supplement € 8,00
Departure from Maiori/Minori supplement € 5,00

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LET'S COOK - group tour
Every day

Every Italian has in his chromosomes the taste and scents of the food his "mamma" used to cook for him and he will never forget. Our itinerary will not teach you the great restaurants chefs' recipes, so complicate to repeat and far from the traditional simple Italian cookery, but they will prepare and taste dishes "locally preferred", the ones that locals want to keep all to themselves. Mamma Anna with her family will welcome you in the shade of a beautiful garden, under lemon groves and bougainvillaea and once and for all, will share these secrets with you. Learn how to prepare the local liqueur limoncello, the typical eggplant parmigiana, home made pasta and more.

Adult & Child Price: € 120,00
Departure time from Amalfi: 10.00 am
Departure from Positano Supplement € 12,00
Departure from Praiano Supplement € 10,00
Departure from Ravello Supplement € 8,00

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We will drive trough the wonderful countryside of the Amalfi Coast with its local traditions: Departure to Ravello and visit of the fascinating Duomo, built in 12th century, and of the famous Villa Rufolo with its bell-tower and the enchanted place which gave the right inspiration to Richard Wagner for its music. Do not miss a photo on the Villa Rufolo Belvedere, the famous terrace where summer classical concerts are held! Free time for shopping. Our tour will continue to Tramonti, along a breathtaking road up to the mountains, to discover the different local activities with their own traditional crafts: first stop at the Belvedere of Valico di Chiunzi to have a full view of the Mount Vesuvius and Naples area from the top, then visit to a limoncello factory with free tasting of the Amalfi Coast liqueours. Drive to one of the well-known wine cellars of the area through the beautiful wine yards of the Amalfi Coast. Stop al fresco for a break to taste the wine (white, red and rosè) and some local products. Expected return 1:30 pm.

Adult Price: € 49,00 Child Price € 35,00 Entrance Fees: € 5,00**
Departure time: 8.00 am
Departure from Positano Supplement € 11,00
Departure from Praiano Supplement € 9,00

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Departure from the hotel in the afternoon to Sorrento. Arrival in Sorrento and visit to an inlaid wood-work shop, the typical Sorrentine production. Free time to discover the beauties of the town. During the evening stopover in a typical local restaurant for pizza and wine. Soon after transfer to the well known Teatro Tasso for a spectacular show: On the stage of the theatre Tasso our traditions, our dances, the nineteenth-century costumes and songs such as "Torna a Surriento" and "O Sole mio" magically turn into a Musical. A 75 minute-performance tells about the daily life of southern people in 4 different scenes. The first one represents the Market place, the meeting spot where people while bargaining chat and gossip. Soon after melodies and dances make their toll pleasant. In the third scene Love, which inspired poets and writers, is here the protagonist. The musical ends with the setting of the Feast: it's the most popular moment when everybody dancing and singing communicates their joy of living. Return to hotel after midnight.

Adult Price: € 105,00 Child Price € 75,00
Departure time from Amalfi: 15.00
Departure Praiano Supplement INCLUDED
Departure Positano Supplement INCLUDED
Departure Ravello Supplement € 8,00
Pizza & local wine INCLUDED

RESERVE by phone or online

Departure from the hotel in the afternoon to Sorrento. Arrival in Sorrento and visit to an inlaid wood-work shop, the typical Sorrentine production. Free time to discover the beauties of the town. During the evening stopover in a typical local restaurant for pizza and wine. Soon after transfer to the night club Fauno Notte: the show has the duration of 75 minutes ad consists in four acts: THE SARACEN LANDING: One june l3th 1558 Sorrento was invaded by the Saracens. The strong rhythm of the percussion instruments, and the masked dances, represent this event and the terror of the local people. MASANIELLO REVOLUTION: In 1647 the people rebel against the corrupt government, which wants to introduce new taxes. (rumba of the sheet urchins). A fisherman, Thomas Aniello, nicknamed Masaniello, leads the revolution to its tragic end. The heart rending sound of a guitar represents the pain and grief of his young wife, Bernardina. THE FESTIVAL OF PIEDIGROTTA: In 1800 there was a festival to inaugurate the tunnel which linked two districts of Naples. This festival soon became the symbol of a historical period , a town, and its people. "the festival of Piedigrotta" (Popolo po'). Scenes of daily life, candlelight procession, courting couples and lively street urchins, are portrayed in the music of a festival where anything could happen, even the loss of your girlfriend. (Zà zà - Cammesella). The final scene shows how Piedigrotta is a festival which can only exist with the following ingredients: sun, the magical bay, the joy of an unpredictable people. (sta festa o ssaje). WAR: The 2nd World War 1940-45 is another sad wound inflicted on an already suffering population, which can only survive dreaming of a better world. (Tamurriata nera - Ma io ce credo). Of a world governed by splendid, dreaming Pulcinella, the Neapolitan character who hides his tears under a smile. At the end of the show return to the Hotel (expected at midnight approx).

Departure time: 2:30 pm
Pick up from Positano & Praiano INCLUDED Pizza & local wine INCLUDED

Rates on request. Please email info@culturalitaly.com

Departure from Amalfi by bus, driving along the untamed beauty of the Amalfi Coast, through the picturesque villages of Conca dei Marini, Furore and Praiano. Photo stop at the famous Belvedere in Positano for a photo-taking. Arrival in Sorrento and visit to an inlaid wood-work shop, the typical Sorrentine production. Free time to discover the beauties of Sorrento: In the lanes of the old city centre, still untouched in spite of the progress and mass tourism, have survived churches and ancient monasteries, keepers of valuable memories. Centuries old palaces and Durazzo portals evidence the splendour of the noble families of Sorrento. Via S. Cesareo, the lively "decumanus", is the beating heart of the town, with its many-coloured shops, where tourists from every part of the world crowd. But the real architectonic jewel of the town is the fourteenth century Cloister of San Francesco, with crossed tuff arches of Arabian derivation, where the traditional concerts of the "Estate Musicale Sorrentina" take place. Optional lunch. Expected return at 6.00 pm.

Rates on request. Please email info@culturalitaly.com

RESERVE by phone or online

SENTIERO DEGLI DEI - group tour

Certainly with good reasons the local population have rhetorically baptized this path "God's Valley"; walking along the coast at the feet of the Mount S. Angel "A Tre Pizzi", this pathway gives the opportunity to admire one of the most spectacular panorama in the world, the view of the entire Amalfi Coast's western appendix, from Praiano to Capri. Along the crossing, participants will contemplate all the characteristic traits of the Mediterranean vegetation, from the flora to the fauna. The adventure will include legends and historical anecdotes, mythical caves, enchanted villages, such as Monterpertuso and Nocelle, up to date privileged destination for those who love peacefulness and the ancient, genuine gastronomic tradition.
Activity routing: The total path is 5.5-6 km long, with an ascent gradient of 100 mt, and a descent gradient of 650-740 mt. Walking time will be 5 hours long.
Activity materials: • sport clothing • raincoat • trekking boots • hat • sun screen protection • binocular • sun glasses • camera • bottle of water
Meeting in Amalfi in Sant’Andrea square, in front of the BAR Protontino and leave with a public bus towards Bomerano di Agerola. Leave Bomerano and walk towards the God's pathway. Reach the "Biscuit Cave". Stop and 5-10 minutes of lecture with explanations about history and local myths. Cross the Serra Hill Pass. Beyond the Serra Hill, walk up and down across a hilly pathway, with an example of the typical Mediterranean vegetation. 10-15 minutes stop in an ideal position to enjoy the outstanding view (500 mt above the sea level). Following Tagliata Street, leading towards Montepertuso, a Positano hamlet (20 minutes walk). Next destination will be in the hamlet called Montepertuso Old Fountain. Visit the fountain, the cave and an artifact representing the Holly Mary of Graces (another 20 minutes walk). Arrival at a restaurant "Il Ritrovo" and light lunch. Leave Montepertuso and walk uphill towards Gambera Mount (15 minutes walk). Arrival and visit of Gambera Mount. Stop and lecture on local myths and traditions. Leave Mount Gambera and walk downhill towards Positano. Arrival in Positano. Free time for relax or shopping. Departure from Positano with public bus. Arrival in Amalfi and end of the excursion.

Rates on request. Please email info@culturalitaly.com