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Testimonials:
"My Dear Grace: What can I say that hasn’t been said to you already? Your Amalfi Coast Retreat Vacation was a trip of a life time for me. I have never felt more loved and honored to be in the presence of truly wonderful people. You are a class act. I was thankful that I didn’t have to think about a thing, just getting myself up in the morning to enjoy the day that you had meticulously planned out. It was magical in the sense that each day just got better and better. I just want to keep those memories from vanishing. I have too many special moments to list them all to you but I want you to know that you are truly a remarkable, loving, kind, generous, thoughtful person & the ultimate Goddess! I am going to put out to the universe that I need to go on your next planned trip....Hugs to you!" Jennifer Brown, Oshawa, ON
Dear Grace: "I'm still coming down to earth!!! I get goosepumps when I reflect on what was the MOST FANTASTIC FAIRYTALE HOLIDAY for me--your Vita Bella trip to the Amalfi coast! Grace, you are truly an angel! You exceeded my expectations in every way . I am so grateful and blessed that our paths have crossed and to have been on this retreat holiday with you, some of my close friends and new found friends was wonderful. My breath was taken away so many times during the trip with the most beautiful scenery one can imagine, amazing food, the laughter, the conversations and above all, feeling so loved!!! Sooooo many highlights !!!!
And then there were the unexpected moments of pure serendipity: fireworks at midnight, dancing in a cave overlooking the sea of Positano, the stunning sunset after Ravello, the cooking class you found with the most amazing Italian Chef, being baptised Italian style, listening to the song "Return to Sorrento" for the first time, travelling with "La Famiglia", journalling for the first time at heavens gate on our "Walk of the Gods!, lemon trees everywhere, tears and laughter. I feel so completely content, happy and grounded . You created a stress-free holiday by planning it in elegance and style with the utmost care to detail. Thank you Grace from the bottom of my heart... I look forward to the next adventure with you!!"
Patricia Johnson, (Pasqualina Pompeii)
"I loved Italy!!! I loved how the wonderful, energetic Grace made the entire trip so outstanding and memorable. Thank you for giving so much of yourself. It was such a personal journey. Our hotels were wonderful. The locations, the meals, the boat rides, the shopping, the guides, the views, the history and the personal touches-so outstanding. How lucky I feel to have been part of this experience. I will treasure always the wonderful inlaid wooden musical box, the bracelet and of course all your other personal touches that made this trip so joyful and special. Thank you. Thank you!! When can we go again?? With warmest regards, a renewed spirit and a grateful heart, I send you my love and appreciation. xxoo Ciao bella" Sheila MacNaughton, Collingwood, ON
"Overall, travelling alone, I really felt that I was in good hands. This was my first experience travelling overseas and Grace was a very thorough planner. She had clearly put a lot of thought and time into organizing this trip. She was always careful to consider our needs, our preferences, our safety and our thoughts and feelings. I would put my trust in Grace again and recommend this experience to anyone. I look forward to returning with Grace again one day, perhaps with a significant other to have a new experience as a couple. ...It was wonderful for me to share this experience with four couples and witness how their relationships evolved on this trip. Not knowing any of them personally, it was really neat to recognize how this experience brought them even closer together and enhanced their relationships. I believe the trip would not have been the same without Grace's presence. Her knowledge, experience, sensitivity, compassion, enthusiasm, sense of humour, natural intuitiveness and most of all, her deep passion for Italy helped make this a very moving experience for me. Thank you, Grace! " Shelly Knectal, London, ON
"The Vita Bella Retreat to the Amalfi coast was incredible. It was a trip of a life time for me. I would recommend it to anyone! I know that no one else could have organized it the way that Grace did.... I really enjoyed the women only events and dinners. I became close to many of them. Highlights for me were Pompeii, the lunch we had there, and the isle of Capri. The shopping was awesome and the hydrofoil was a great experience. I remember the laughter that we had on the way back. My tummy still hurts! I am really glad that I went on the Walk of the Gods even though I didn't make it all the way. I loved it when I heard Grace calling for me through the forest. It was wonderful when she came back looking for me and I experienced that moment with her. For me this trip was truly amazing and just at the right time in my life...Grace did an amazing job in planning and organizing ...the way she communicated with the Neopolitan people was truly wonderful. The people loved her and knew that she was one of them. Grace is an amazing woman--her heart is about helping people to grow and experience life to the fullest. Grace, you are very precious to me." Annika Daley, Seattle, WA
Dear Grace, "The Vita Bella trip to the Amalfi coast surpassed all my expectations...It was fantastic.... And yes, I would recommend it; in fact I have been telling my friends how wonderful a trip this was.... Don't change a thing...You did an excellent job, Grace of balancing the number of meals in groups and women only dinners.... I loved the card exercise.... I am not a shopper but I really liked the shopping exercise too.... Pompeii was one of the highlights of the trip for me and climbing to the top of the volcano, and of course the HIke of the Gods! Grace, the trip was a trip that you think only possible in your dreams.... The places we visited were amazing.... The Italian people are so friendly and kind.... The food was beyond delicious...and I have never seen sunsets so beautiful... Then there were these wonderful men and women in our group that made this trip that much more fun and special.... We all bonded in no time and many wonderful new friendships were born....Grace, you never stop to amaze me.... Sicily was amazing and now Amalfi even more so. Everything you do or touch turns into something very special, fantastic.... It is obvious that you put a lot of time and effort into these trips because they are trips that I will never forget and that I will want to do with you again.... Looking forward to returning to bella Italia with you soon...." Monique Danis, Cantley, Quebec
Dear Grace: "I have dreamed of a 'romantic' trip to Italy with my husband for many years.. Your Vita Bella Vacation Retreat to the Amalfi Coast allowed us to relax knowing that you speak Italian and that you had all the details covered. I was excited for the opportunity to travel to new places, and share many interesting experiences together as a couple all while meeting new people. Our small group shared laughter and learning about one another as we savoured new foods in beautiful restaurants... We loved the group excursions... They were beautiful and rich with history that we enjoyed discussing. I can't believe how stunningly beautiful the Amalfi region is....We enjoyed every moment Grace. We also appreciated the extra added touches, and the relationship exercises--they added to our romantic trip allowing us to share more deeply than we ever had and enhanced our feelings for each other. We will be coming with you to Sicily next year! Thank you Grace for everything!" Bonnie & Bill Demers, Edmonton, Alta.
"I absolutely loved Positano…I was nurtured by the landscape, the splendor of the mountains, the people, the blue of the sky, the “red” of the tomato, the openness and warmth of the residents, the art, the architecture, the water, the great variety of trees As I review my pictures, I am still in awe of the beauty my eyes behold. I also thoroughly enjoyed Amalfi and Ravello.The hotels and the staff were great! The meals fabulous! I also liked the Guides... they spoke clearly and were enthusiastic about their work. The bus drivers…they were patient, committed to us the travelers, they were courteous and understanding….
You did a splendid job, Grace!!! What I appreciate about you Grace, is your warmth, your smile and welcoming nature, your kindness, your honesty and sincerity, your organizational skills and your enthusiasm. I would most certainly participate in one of your organized tours again…Sincerely and affectionately," Diane & Ed, Timmons, ON
"The trip lived up to its name of vita bella... I had a great experience in Amalfi .. Loved the energy and beauty of the people and places along the way. I was curious as to how the mixed couples and singles would be like -- it all turned out fine. The mix had an organic flow to it, as you indicated
at our first briefing, people could join in or do their own thing, and we did. I loved Hotel Antiche Mura with its gracious staff, elegant decor, modern amenities, and excellent buffet breakfast! And the view from our hotel in Positano! Wow! The restaurants were all well chosen for their excellent food and lovely setting. (Grace: you put so much heart into these things). I loved the shopping exercise you gave us all which was purposeful shopping beyond the thrill of buying more stuff.
And the conversations with suggested themes at dinner were an important part of sharing who we are, beyond the surface, which took this trip beyond the usual group tour. I enjoyed this very much...and deepened my understanding of self and others on the retreat. Food for the mind and spirit as well. And that Walk of the Gods? One of my best memories of the trip, in terms of beauty and spirituality.
Grace, this is my second trip to Italy with you, and it is your personal touch with heart, the unique mix of personalities you attract, and the giving and receiving of generous people that made this a special, uniquely memorable and enjoyable experience. I am grateful to be a part of la vita bella Amalfi. I will return to Sicily and the Amalfi coast for sure." Jeanne, Kingston
Magnificent Italy
What a beautiful adventure
I am to experience once more
In the beautiful country
That is Italy
Last year, beautiful Sicilia
And now, the region of Campania
Last year, the Valley of the Temples
And now, Pompeii and its lost people
Last year, temples erected to revere Gods
And now, the Walk of the Gods
Last year, mount Etna
And now, Vesuvius and Somma
Last year, Taormina and Agrigento
And now, Positano and Sorrento
Last year, the island of Sicily
And now, the island of Capri
With its fantastic landscapes
And its people kind faces
Italy, is where I long to be
With Grace who's so special to me
Monique Danis, Cantley, Quebec
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La
Vita Bella Vacation Retreat
To the Amalfi Coast -Italy
Sept. 19- 29, 2009
With your Host Grace Cirocco
Welcome to the Amalfi Coast! You will be enchanted and amazed as this is one of the most celebrated and cherished regions in all of Europe.With it’s dramatic vistas, splendid mountains that rise steeply out of the Mediterranean, hill-side villages, lemon groves, picturesque towns, fiords, and hidden beaches, this is the land of the mythical mermaids, whose sweet, irresistible singing tempted Ulysses and his crew in the Odyssey. You will enjoy mouthwatering cuisine, breathtaking sunsets, picturesque ocean views, history, culture, and friendship.Welcome my friends to the Campania region and the land of my birth & ancestry.
Day 1 - INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TO ITALY - Sat. Sept. 19
Check with your travel agent for the best flights to NAPLES via Rome, Milan or London. Your first sleep in Sorrento is Sept. 20. If you want to spend a few days in Rome before the tour starts we recommend www.nycerome.com for hotels.
Day 2 – WELCOME TO SORRENTO & LA VITA BELLA - Sun. Sept. 20
  
- Arrive in Sorrento at the luxurious and beautiful Hotel Antiche Mura Address: - Piazza Tasso (Sorrento center) - 80067 Sorrento, Italy Tel. 0039-0818073523
- Hotel Antiche Mura (antique walls) is one of the most elegant and exclusive hotels located in the heart of Old Sorrento (Piazza Tasso) near restaurants, cafes, and shops. This 4 star property was built in the 19th century and completely refurbished in 2005. It boasts elegant traditional décor, and modern comfort in all the rooms. With lovely views dominated by the ancient “Valley of the Mills”, the hotel internally houses the ruins of one of the four original towers of Sorrento. Michele and his staff are all warm and wonderful. You will not be disappointed with this hotel. To see pictures of this hotel visit: www.hotelantichemura.it/en/index.htm
- Hopefully you'll arrive with plenty of time to rest and unpack. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, a stroll through the gardens or explore the amazing energy of Piazza Tasso just steps from our hotel.
- TIP: Schedule your flight so that you arrive as early as you can on this day and leave as late as you can on Sept 29th to take full advantage of your vacation.
- 9 pm: If you're around and feel like connecting early to Grace and other Vita Bella travellers, check us out in the lobby bar of our hotel.
Day 3 – TOUR OF SORRENTO & SPECTACULAR WELCOME DINNER & MUSICAL THEATRE - Mon. Sept. 21
  
- 9:00 am Group Breakfast/Briefing: Hotel Antiche Mura has one of the one most comprehensive buffet breakfasts in Sorrento and this morning Grace has arranged for a group table out on the terrace for introductions and a group briefing.
- 10:15 am Walking Tour of Sorrento (Meet Grace in hotel lobby at 10:10am). We’ll travel down cobble-stoned side streets and scenic squares and we’ll stop to see a demonstration of the ancient art form of inlaid wood working. Sorrento is famous for its inlaid wood music boxes, picture frames and tables and you'll get to see first-hand how these works of art are made.
- Then Grace has arranged for a train tour of Sorrento. You'll receive headsets and commentary in English and a wonderful introduction to this amazing town. You’ll travel along the route of one of the most famous and amazing views in the world, following a valley created 36,000 years ago by a fierce volcanic eruption. Sorrento lies on a Tufa terrace and is enclosed by impressive rocks of the limestone mountains. For 2000 years visitors from all over the world have been attracted to Sorrento’s breathtaking sunsets and orange and lemon gardens.
- Following the train tour, Grace takes you to the famous Via San Cesareo, a tiny little street right in the heart of Old Sorrento famous for it’s shops, limoncello factories and artisans.
- Included Limoncello Tasting: We’ll stop at a family owned and operated limoncello factory to taste and sample Sorrento’s most famous export—the lemon liqueur and lemon pastries.
- Than we'll visit the Church and Cloister of St. Francis of Assisi and finally we'll end at what is called the “balcony of Sorrento” with the majestic Gulf of Napoli and views of the Versuvius where Grace will take your picture.
- Byron, Keats, Goethe, Wagner, to name just a few, came to Sorrento, la terra dell’amore, looking for sun and inspiration. Sorrento was the birthplace of the poet Torquato Tasso (1544-1595), author of the Gerusalemme Liberata after whom the square where our hotel is located is named. Enrico Caruso, the celebrated 19th century Neapolitan tenor who reigned over the Metropolitan Opera for eighteen years, loved to come to Sorrento and we'll see where he spent his last days.
- 1 pm Group Lunch (not included): Grace will take you to one of the oldest and most exceptional garden restaurants in Sorrento for our first group lunch.
- Leisure time in afternoon: Enjoy your free time this afternoon either alone, in pairs or in small groups. Keep exploring or just relax and take in the Mediterranean sun under the lemon trees at our hotel's outdoor pool and gardens.
  
- 7:30 pm Welcome Dinner & Musical Theatre Included. (Meet Grace in lobby at 7:00 pm for group photos) For your first night in Sorrento, you'll be treated to a musical and cultural extravaganza accompanied by a four course Neopolitan meal complete with a champagne toast, your choice of red or white wine, cappucino and limoncella liqueur. After dinner, you'll be entertained by Campania's most talented dancers and singers in "La Tarantella" musical performed in Sorrento's Tasso theatre. After the show, meet the singers and dancers on the Terrace and enjoy a drink of your choice.
Day 4 – THE RUINS AT POMPEII & A CLIMB UP TO MOUNT VESUVIUS - Tues. Sept. 22
  
- Breakfast Included
- 9am Departure for Pompeii. (Meet Grace in lobby at 8:45am) This morning you’ll get the chance to meet our private driver, either Salvatore or Umberto. In Pompeii, we pick up Susy, our archeological Guide. Both the drivers and Susy have worked with Grace before and they have been invited to join the Vita Bella team because of their extensive knowledge, excellent command of the English language and their friendly personalities.
- If you’ve never been to Pompeii, this is sure to be a highlight of your trip. When Vesuvius exploded in 79 AD, it killed inhabitants in their tracks and covered Pompeii and the surrounding area in several feet of volcanic ash. Susy will tell us how these ancient people lived and explain the history and significance of the ruins at Pompeii for the world and how the town remained buried for almost 1700 years until it was re-discovered in 1748. The find allowed anthropologists to study an intact Roman town.
- 1 pm Group Lunch included at the famous Il Principe Restaurant: You’re in for a real treat today. Il Principe restaurant has hosted dinners for international heads of state including two US presidents and is the official restaurant of the Pompeii Museum! Enjoy a 3 course luncheon plus your choice of red or white wine and mineral water in the delightful atmosphere that is "Il Principe" restaurant. If the delightful owner, Marco is in, he’ll be sure to drop by and entertain us with his stories.
- After lunch we travel by bus to Versuvius National Park. The bus drops us off at the base of the mountain and then we will hike to the top to see the live smoke that rises up near the crater. If “Signore Professore” happens to be there, you’ll get the most entertaining version of events that lead to the 79AD explosion. We arrive back into Sorrento by late afternoon, approx. 5pm depending on how much time we spend at the volcano (and how long it takes for people to climb up and down).
- 8:00 pm Dinner not included. Tonight Grace dines with the couples. (Couples meet Grace in lobby at 7:45pm) Women are free to dine as a group or in pairs.
Day 5 – COOKING AT MAMA CAMILLA'S, LEISURE TIME & VENUS & MARS GO SHOPPING - Wed. Sept. 23
  
- Breakfast Included
- 10:30 am This morning you're in for a real treat as we visit Mami Camilla's Cooking School in nearby San Agnello. Get a hands on experience with world renown chef, "Biagio" as we learn to prepare the best of the best in Neopolitan cuisine. Then sit down and enjoy this amazing 4 course luncheon accompanied by homemade wine and espresso/cappuccino. After lunch Biagio will take you to his garden where you can pick fresh figs, apricots and lemons. Cooking class plus 4 course lunch included.
- Late Afternoon & Evening at Your Leisure: You will receive a “shopping assignment” from Grace this afternoon, something you will enjoy as most tourists love the shopping on Via San Cesareo, the most colourful and characteristic street in Sorrento! There are beautiful things here: Lace sheets, silk scarfs, exquisite furniture, table linens, music boxes, hand-crafted jewelry, clothes, leather purses, coats, shoes, art pieces, paintings, and ceramics. Grace knows the local dialect, so if you really fall in love with something, make sure you bring her along with you to get the best price! Warning: Most people have to buy luggage in Sorrento. Pack light!
- Other Suggestions: Take the steps down to the Marina Grande and walk around the lovely harbour. There are cafes and restaurants there and the Mediterranean sea is lovely. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a ferry or hydrofoil to Naples or the Island of Ischia or even to Pozzuoli, Sophia Loren’s hometown. Visit the museum in Sorrento. Relax by our hotel’s pool and read. Continue to explore Sorrento on foot. Visit the gardens of Hotel Tramontano and eat gelato on their patio that overlooks the Gulf of Sorrento.
- 6:30pm Grace available for private life or relationship coaching and/or angel readings. Location: Antiche Mura’s Pool gardens
- 8:00pm Dinner (not included). Tonight the couples will be encouraged to find that perfect romantic spot for their dinner and Grace dines with the single travellers for an evening of fine food, music and laughter.
Day 6 — EXCURSION TO THE BEAUTIFUL ISLE OF CAPRI - Thur. Sept. 24
  
- Buffet Breakfast Included (Tip: Take a snack with you today for your boat ride in Capri. Also bring gravol for the boat ride.)
- 8:45 am Meet Grace and our Guide, Susy in hotel lobby. Then it’s a ten minute walk to the harbour to board our luxurious Hydrofoil to the Isle of Capri. The trip which can take up to two hours with ferry boats takes only twenty minutes by hydrofoil leaving you more time to enjoy this stunning island.
- Capri is one of the most visited places on earth and when you see the panoramic vistas virtually from every spot of this island, you’ll understand why. The unparalleled beauty of this island will dazzle and overwhelm you. The dramatic scenery, soft colors, ancient architecture and fresh island air fills you with a sense of romance and serenity.
- Most tourists head straight for Ana Capri, the town at the very top of the island, but the wait for the buses can be tiring, frustrating and time consuming. So based on past experience and the advice from Susi, our expert guide, we will start our day with a private boat cruise that goes around the island. Susi will give us commentary and you'll be delighted with the colors, the rock formations, the fresh air and of course the history of this special place.
- OPTIONAL: If the waves are not too high, we’ll stop at the Famous Blue Grotto. Those of you who may wish to go inside the Blue Grotto will have to board another very small row boat on-site. Warning: The opening of this grotto is very small and tight and those who suffer from claustrophobia should not go in. Also, there may be many, many boats ahead of us which could mean a long wait. If the group's consensus is to wait, those who wish to go into the grotto can. Fee for Blue Grotto is 10 euro (not included because some people may not wish to participate) to be paid to the cashier just before the entrance.
  
- After the Blue Grotto, we’ll continue to travel around the island to see more of it's famous grottos: the white grotto, the green grotto and the red grotto. Finally we'll pass under the famous "arch of love", a hole in the rock formations depicted on many postcards of Capri called “I faraglioni”. Legend has it that if you kiss under the arch of love, you'll have good luck forever.
- We arrive back at Marina Grande and then we will travel by funicolare (cable car) to Capri, which is the most popular place to visit with all the restaurants, hotels, and ultra designer shops. Here we will be given a short tour, make a stop at the "Piazzetta" and visit the spectacular Gardens of Augustus (a must see), because from this vantage point, you will also get to see the turquoise coastline and the faraglioni.
- 1pm Group Lunch (included) at "Il Geranio", a beautiful spot high above the Augustus gardens with the most spectacular view of the faraglioni of Capri.
- 2:00 pm: Free time to explore the island. The top designers in the world have shops here and many hollywood stars come out only at night to shop. Check out Capri's famous perfumeries, sit at one of the many splendid outdoor cafes and enjoy the ambience of this island.
- You can also go the village above Capri called Ana Capri by taxi, bus or cable car and visit the famous Villa of Axel Munthe--a Swedish writer and doctor who built his villa on ancient Roman ruins. Visit the collection of archaelogical artefacts at the museum there. Visit the Church of San Michele. Hike. Take pictures. Visit all the spectacular hotels and restaurants, or just hang out in the lively Piazzetta where musicians will entertain you.
- Make sure you get your return portion of your funicolare ticket back to Marina Grande as well as your return portion of your Hydrofoil ticket back to Sorrento and a meeting place and time from Grace.
- 8:30 pm Tonight Grace dines with the couples at one of Sorrento’s leading restaurants and afterwards on our hotel’s private terrace leads the “VENUS AND MARS” exercises sure to stimulate romance and tenderness between the sexes.
- Women dine together or in pairs.
- Couples meet Grace in lobby at 8:15pm.
Day 7 —TRANSFER TO POSITANO, WALKING TOUR & GROUP DINNER BY THE BEACH — Fri. Sept. 25
  
- Breakfast Included
- 10:30 am Arriverderci Sorrento! (Meet in lobby with your luggage at 10:15 am) ur private air conditioned coach will take us to our next destination, the gorgeous beach resort town of Positano, made famous by movies like Under the Tuscan Sun. Prepare to be amazed as you come across the Sorrento peninsula, smell the sweet fragrance of the citrus groves and take in the spectacular panoramic views. views.
- Arrive at the luxurious Hotel Poseidon. Address: Via Pasitea 148, 84017 Positano Ph. +39 089 811 111 To read more and see pictures visit http://www.hotelposeidonpositano.it
- You will love everything about this Mediterranean-style hotel/villa. It is luxurious but not stuffy; elegant yet homey, sophisticated yet friendly. There is a fresh water swimming pool, exotic vegetation, white rattan furniture in their outdoor café/restaurant and best of all, the most inspiring and breathtaking views of Positano and the Mediterranean that you’ll ever see. This picture perfect postcard vista can also be seen from your private terrace which comes with your Superior Room. Hotel Poseidonalso has a beauty centre & spa which offers a wide range of body and facial treatments should you want to indulge. Hotel Poseidon is a ten minute walk to the center of town and the beach.
- If your room is ready, you may want to settle in and unpack. If not, lie back on a chaise lounge and enjoy. Positano will dazzle you. It is unlike any place on earth…just sitting and starring at the view from the terrace will fill your heart to the brim.
- Today’s TIP: (Wear your bathing suit under your clothes. In case your room is not yet ready when you arrive in Positano, you can relax and sunbathe on the terrace or go to the beach. Just ask the pool attendant for towels.)
- Lunch & Leisure time: Poseidon’s outdoor cafe serves up pizza, pasta, and toasted sandwiches and Domenico and his restaurant staff are more than happy to serve you. Take advantage of your free time this afternoon to do absolutely nothing but enjoy “la vita bella”.
- 5:00 pm WALKING TOUR (Meet Grace in lobby at 4:45pm)Grace will lead you down the winding Via Pasitea to the main Piazza in Positano giving you commentary along the way. After a brief visit to the Cathedral Santa Maria dell’Assunta where we’ll probably see a wedding taking place, we’ll head down to the beach and take in the many wonderful sights and sounds of this unique town. You'll experience the energy of this resort town with the many colours of the local artists who bring water colours and oil paints to life.
- 7:30pm Group Dinner Included at one of the oldest and best restaurants in Positano “La Pergola” right in front of the beach in the heart of old Positano. This evening sample "La Spigola", local fish caught fresh every day in this three course dinner complete with dessert, wine and mineral water. After dinner, you’re free to walk back to our hotel (ten minutes) and enjoy the romantic ambience of “Le Terrazze del Poseidon” complete with an open bar and live musicians. If you want something more energetic, visit the beautiful and lively nightclub “Music on the Rocks” just steps from the beach. Since its Friday night, you can dance the night away.
Day 8 – THE TOWNS OF RAVELLO & AMALFI – Sat. Sept. 26
 
- Buffet Breakfast Included.
- 9:00 am: Departure. (Meet in lobby at 8:45am) This morning you’ll understand why no visit to the Amalfi Coast is complete without visiting the towns of Ravello & Amalfi!
- Today you’ll meet our guide, Sabina, a former lawyer with a passion for history and art. Sabina will tell you about Ravello & Amalfi while our driver navigates one of the most treacherous roads in all of Europe! The drive that connects Positano to Amalfi is extremely narrow and snakes through rock and fjords showcases one of the most spectacular coastlines in all of Europe. The journey is breathtaking one minute and heart-wrenching the next, but don’t worry, our driver will take it real slow however I do suggest you sit on the driver’s side if you have a weak stomach!
- Located at the top of the Dragone Valley, Ravello, “City of Music” really seems as though it is a town and a garden at the same time. Enclosing endless numbers of amazing views, and examples of traditional architecture, the beauty of Ravello has been charming travellers from all over the world for centuries.
  
- We'll start our visit at the Villa Cimbrone where we'll see the gothic crypt, the cloister and the Avenue of Immensity and then the incomparable Terrace of Infinity adorned with 18th century marble busts. Adjectives are not enough to describe the view from this spectacular terrace. Make sure to bring your cameras today!
- Then Sabina leads us back to the main square where we'll visit the spectacular romantic gardens and palaces of Villa Rufolo stopping for pictures along the way.This villa inspired Wagner and other classical musicians to write some of their most influential work. Each summer Ravello hosts the world’s top musicians as they come together to play at outdoor concerts.
- Lunch in Ravello (not included) Enjoy a sit down meal in one of the outdoor café’s or grab a sandwich and walk around. Ravello is famous for its ceramics. Visit the shops, or just relax outdoors and enjoy the views in this great mountain town before we head down to the town of Amalfi. Grace will give you a time and place to re-group.
- Tucked in between mountains and sea, Amalfi is a perennial favourite with visitors for its scenic beauty and original architecture. Sabina will give us a synopsis of its glorious history as a powerful maritime republic. Our visit begins at the impressive Sant’Andrea Cathedral—a monumental complex that dates back to 596 A.D. Once a Cathedral Church, it is now a museum and it houses the “Cloister of Paradise”, the “Basilica of the Crucifix” and the Crypt of St. Andrew, Jesus’ first disciple. If the museum is not booked by private groups, we’ll get a chance to visit it followed by a walking tour of medieval Amalfi with its characteristic twists and turns and narrow cobble-stoned streets.
- 3:30pm (approx) Previous Vita Bella Visitors have wanted more free time in this pretty town, so this afternoon you can indulge. Visit the paper museum, the unique shops selling jewelry, art and ceramics or simply sit by the beach and soak in the ambience of this gorgeous seaside resort.
- 5:30pm Meet Grace for our private bus back to Positano.
- 8:00 Dinner (not included): Back in Positano, the suggestion is to dine in tonight. "Le Terrazze del' Poseidon"has amazing food, great ambience and live musicians every night. Positano has been called the most romantic city on earth and one look from our terrace at night and you'll understand why. Couples wanting some privacy can dine alone while the ladies can enjoy dinner with Grace.
Day 9 -THE "WALK OF THE GODS" & LEISURE TIME - Sun. Sept. 27
  
- Breakfast Included at your hotel.
- You cannot come to the Amalfi coast and not have experienced the famous “Walk of the Gods” (Sentiero Degli Dei) considered to be one of the top three hikes in the world because of its magnificent views and natural beauty. It is a sacred and holy experience. On this Sunday morning, talk to God from these mountain peaks. Say a prayer for someone you love or just take in the energy of the inspirational views. (TODAY’S TIP: Dress in layers, bring stable walking shoes, backpacks and a small bottle of water for your hike. Don’t forget your cameras today!)
- 9:00am Meet Grace in lobby. Maurizio, a specialist and great connoisseur of the paths and trails of the Sorrento Peninsula will be our mountain guide today. Then rather than climb the 1000+ steps to get to the top where the hike begins, Grace has arranged for private transportation to the small hillside town of Nocella so we can begin our hike from there. Note: Water/coffee can be purchased in Nocella.
- We’ll follow a walking route along ancient paths and stairways linking isolated villages, across hills with lemon and chestnut groves, through forests, vineyards and meadows. This 3-4 hour hike is sure to be a highlight of your vacation. You must be in good health and able to handle moderate exercise to do this walk. To read more about the walk of the Gods, or to see pictures visit http://www.giovis.com/sentdei.htm
- Group Lunch Included at Hotel Poseidon's Terrace Restaurant: Share your favourite moments from your Walk of the Gods over this 3 course lunch complete with mineral water and gelatto.
- Afternoon & Evening at Your Leisure: The rest of the day and evening is yours to enjoy as you please. If you’re not too tired, you may wish to go for a walk and continue exploring. Or you may just rest in your room or by the pool. Whatever you do, make sure you take some photos of yourself from your private terrace otherwise no one will believe you back home when you tell them you stayed in paradise.
- 5-6pm Grace available for private coaching regarding any life or relationship issues. Location: Poseidon's Pool Terrace.
- For dinner tonight you are free to follow your heart. Ideas: Buy a bottle of wine, fresh cheese, bread, fruit and sweets and head down to the beach or turn right when you exit our hotel and enjoy one of the many outdoor restaurants overlooking the sea.
Day 10 – BOAT RIDE TO PRIVATE BEACH AND SPECTACULAR FAREWELL DINNER - Mon. Sept. 28
  
- Buffet Breakfast included at your hotel
- 11:30 am Boat ride. Wear your bathing suits today and bring a beach towel (from our hotel). We’ll be visiting a unique restaurant on the Mediterranean for lunch. Perched on a cliff and carved into the mountain side, “La Gavitella” is only accessible by water and is unique because it also has its own private beach. Owner, Francesca and her team will have a large table set up for us on the terrace overlooking the sea. Truly an unforgettable experience. Afterwards you can relax on the private beach, go swimming in the sea or take the boat back to Positano.
- Lunch is not included however a refreshing treat is.
- Afternoon at your leisure. Give yourself time late this afternoon to pack your bags or to shop for those last minute gifts. This is also the day you may wish to indulge in a massage, facial or manicure at our hotel’s spa. Make the most of your time off but make sure you’re well rested for our spectacular farewell dinner tonight!
- 7:30 pm Festive Farewell Dinner Included—(Meet Grace on Poseidon's Terrace for group photos at 7:00 pm.) Put on your fancy outfits tonight as we visit a Frommer favourite restaurant tonight and if the weather is right, we'll dine under the stars. Tonight celebrate with your new friends and share your favourite memories from your vacation to the beautiful Amalfi Coast.
- 10:30 pm Good-bye’s on Poseidon ’s Terrace. Depending on when your plane leaves the next morning, this is your chance to linger one last time on this beautiful terrace and say your good-byes to Grace and your Vita Bella travel mates.
Day 11 – ARRIVERDERCI ITALIA! - Tues. Sept. 29 th
  
- Buffet breakfast included at your hotel (note if your plane is early, you will receive boxed breakfasts from the hotel staff).
- Transfer to the Naples airport for your international flight home or to your next Italian/European destination.
***PLEASE NOTE: CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS MAY HAVE TO BE MADE TO THIS ITINERARY ONCE WE ARRIVE IN ITALY DUE TO UNFORESEEN EVENTS OR INCLEMENT WEATHER.
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