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Testimonials:
"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 a 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.. My husband felt hesitant about Italy not knowing the language and all. 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. The words "couple's retreat" worried my husband at first (he's a very private man). So you can imagine how surprised I was at the end of our trip when he announced: "O.K. Bonnie, I will declare my love for you in public just as long as we get to travel with Grace again. 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, ...I could go on and on. 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 Amalfitana. 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
June 2-12, 2008 & Sept. 21-Oct.1, 2008
With your Host Grace Cirocco, Author & Retreat Facilitator
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 - June 2/Sept. 21
Travel from North America on your own
Day 2 – WELCOME TO ITALY & LA VITA BELLA - June 3/Sept. 22
  
- Arrive at Naples airport. Your transfer by private car/mini bus to our hotel will be waiting for you. The luxurious Hotel Antiche Mura is one of the most elegant and exclusive hotels located right in the heart of Old Sorrento. 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. To see photos click here: www.hotelantichemura.it/en/index.htm Address: Hotel Antiche Mura - Piazza Tasso (Sorrento center) - 80067 Sorrento, Italy Tel. 0039-0818073523
- Hotel Antiche Mura is located strategically in Piazza Tasso (the main square of Sorrento) and near restaurants, cafes, pubs, and shops, and the staff are warm and wonderful. You will not be disappinted with this hotel. 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.
Day 3 – TOUR OF SORRENTO & SPECTACULAR WELCOME DINNER - June 4/Sept. 23
  
- 7am - 10am Buffet breakfast included. Hotel Antiche Mura serves one of the most comprehensive gourmet buffet breakfasts you'll ever experience. Eat indoors or on the terrace overlooking the gorge, you'll be very happy with the amazing variety of breakfast meats, eggs, fruits, and pastries complete with mimosa's(champagne & freshly squeezed orange juice)espresso and/or cappuccino.
- 10:00 am Meet Grace and the other travellers in Lobby of Hotel.
- 10:00 am Sorrento Train Tour 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 leads you on a walking tour of Old Town.
- 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.
- Then it’s onto the characteristic Via San Cesareo, a tiny little street right in the heart of Old Sorrento famous for it’s shopping!
- 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.
- 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.
- 1 pm Group Lunch Not Included: Sit in one of Sorrento’s most popular garden restaurants and enjoy pasta alla marinara, antipasto, Napoletana pizza, or shrimps in wine sauce in the beautiful ambience of Old Sorrento. And if you have a sweet tooth, you'll love the amazing pastries and gelato along with a perfect cappuccino to wash it down.
- Leisure Time in Afternoon: After lunch, you are free to visit the shops, and do more exploring or just relax and take in the Mediterranean sunshine at our hotel's outdoor pool and gardens. Unlike most places in Italy, shops in Sorrento do not close for siesta.
- 8:00 Welcome Dinner Included. Dine under the stars tonight as Grace welcomes you to one of the finest 5 star restaurants in Sorrento. You will enjoy the very best in Neopolitan cuisine including antipasto, homemade pasta, grilled seafood and delicious pastries. This three course extravaganza is accompanied by your choice of red or white wine and Italian mineral water.
Day 4 – THE RUINS AT POMPEII & MOUNT VESUVIUS - June 5/Sept. 24
  
- Breakfast Included
- 9am Departure for Pompeii. This morning you’ll get the chance to meet our private driver, Umberto. In Pompeii, we pick up Susy, our archeological Guide. Both Umberto 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. You will love them too.
- Vesuvius exploded in 79 AD covering Pompeii and surrounding area in several feet of volcanic ash and killing inhabitants in their tracks. Our guide will 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: The owners, Marco and Pina, celebrated and award winning chefs introduce the tastes of original Imperial Rome. This restaurant has hosted dinners for international heads of state including two US presidents! 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. On the walls are the murals and mosaics from ancient Pompei.
- 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. 4-5pm depending on how much time we spend at the volcano (and how long it takes for people to climb up and down).
- 7:30pm Dinner on your own: Tonight you are encouraged to find the perfect restaurant for your evening’s meal. Couples will receive a communication exercise to enhance romance and connection. Grace dines with the women tonight and over dinner inspires some great "girl talk".
Day 5 – VENUS & MARS GO SHOPPING, GIRL TIME, & THE TARANTELLA MUSICAL - June 6/Sept. 25
  
- Breakfast Included
- This morning, Grace will give you a very enjoyable “shopping exercise”. Tourists love the shopping on Via San Cesareo, the most colourful and characteristic street in Sorrento! There are beautiful things here: Lace sheets, 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!
- Men lunch on your own or as a group while Grace invites all the ladies for some serious “girl time” over lunch. (Lunch on your own) This is when we can share stories and favourite finds from our morning of shopping.
- Afternoon at your Leisure. 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.
- 5:00- 6:00pm Grace available for private individual or couple consultation/coaching. Location: Antiche Mura’s Pool gardens
- 7:30pm Dinner & Musical Theatre included tonight in Sorrento. This evening enjoy a 3 course dinner plus a cultural extravaganza. You will get treated to an aperitif before dinner followed by a delicious Neopolitan meal and afterwards you’ll be entertained by Campania’s most talented dancers and singers in ”La Tarantella” musical performed in Sorrento’s Tasso theatre. After the performance, you’ll be invited to have another drink of our choice on the outdoor terrace.
Day 6 — EXCURSION TO THE BEAUTIFUL ISLE OF CAPRI - June 7/Sept. 26
  
- Buffet Breakfast Included
- 8:45am Meet Grace and our Archaelogical Guide, "Susi" in 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. As well we will see various grottos: the blue, the white, and the green and we'll pass under the famous "arch of love" (molto romantico) at which time Susi & Grace will encourage anyone in love to kiss.
- After the boat ride, we are dropped off at Marina Grande where 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 famous faraglioni-- the beautiful rock formations depicted on many postcards of Capri.
- The official program concludes just before 1pm at which time you are free to have lunch and continue exploring the island at your own pace.
- Grace will give you a meeting time, your return portion of your funicolare ticket back to Marina Grande as well as your return portion of your Hydrofoil ticket back to Sorrento.
- Lunch and Leisure time on your own: Ideas: Walk around and get a feel for the place. Go window shopping in the very ultra exclusive designer boutiques. Dine at one of the many splendid outdoor cafes and enjoy the people watching. Take a taxi ride to the very top, Ana Capri, (stay away from the buses!) and visit the 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.
- Take advantage of your free time to explore until our departure back to Sorrento.
- 8pm Dinner on your own back in Sorrento. 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 are free to dine together or in pairs.
Day 7 —TRANSFER TO HOTEL POSEIDON, WALKING TOUR OF POSITANO, & GROUP DINNER --- June 8/Sept. 27
  
- Breakfast Included
- 10:00 am Arriverderci Sorrento! Our 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 spectacular scenery.
- Arrive at the luxurious 4 star 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 this Mediterranean-style hotel/villa which is privately owned and managed by the Aonzo Family. You will feel like the rich and famous especially when you step onto the Garden Terrace. There is a fresh water swimming pool there, exotic vegetation, gorgeous white 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 Poseidon also 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 beach.
- 11:30 am Leisure time: Chances are that it will be too early to check in, but we are free to relax on the terrace and cool off in their gorgeous swimming pool. After all the activity of Sorrento and our one hour bus ride, this is your chance to really take it easy and take in the sun. Positano is unlike any place on earth…just sitting and starring at the view from the terrace will fill your heart to the brim.
- Lunch on your own. For lunch you don’t even have to move since the outdoor BBQ serves up grilled fish, steaks and chicken and the delightful restaurant staff are more than willing to serve you. Ahhhh, la vita e bella! Note: Your luggage will be stored at concierge until your room is ready. You might want to pack your bathing suit and sun gear in a small bag or wear it under your clothes.
- 5 pm WALKING TOUR: Grace will lead you down the winding Via Pasitea to the main Piazza in Positano giving you commentary on the history of Positano. After a brief visit to the Cathedral Santa Maria dell’Assunta where we’ll probably see a wedding taking place, (weddings are very popular here andexpensive!!!) we’ll head down to the beach and take in the many wonderful sights and sounds of this unique town.
- 7:30pm Group Dinner Included at one of the oldest and best restaurants in Positano, “La Cambusa”, near the beach right in the heart of old Positano. This evening sample the local fish caught fresh every day in this three course dinner complete with dessert and acqua minerale. After dinner, you’re free to explore on your own. At the end of the main beach is the nightclub “Music on the Rocks” where you can dance the night away. Or if you want something less energetic, you may wish to visit La Zagara tearoom (Via dei Mulini, 6) which offers drinks on their outdoor terrace and live music at night.
DAy 8 -THE TOWNS OF RAVELLO & AMALFI - June 9/Sept. 28
  
- Buffet Breakfast Included
- 9:00 am: Departure. This morning you’ll understand why no visit to the Amalfi Coast is complete without visiting the towns of Ravello & Amalfi!
- Today Susy is back to tell us all about Ravello & Amalfi while our driver Umberto navigates one of the most treacherous roads in all of Europe! The drive that connects Positano to Amalfi is extremely narrow and dangerous and will have you holding your breath. This road which snakes through rock and fjords showcases one of the most spectacular coastlines in all of Europe. The journey is breathtaking one minute (prepare your digital cameras!) and heart-wrenching the next. I suggest you sit on the driver’s side if you have a weak stomach!
- Located at the top of the Dragone Valley, Ravello, considered to be the rooftop of the Amalfi coast, 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 of all nationalities for centuries. We’ll visit the spectacular gardens and palaces of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo before heading down to visit the town of Amalfi.
- Tucked in between mountains and sea, Amalfi is a perennial favourite with visitors for its scenic beauty and original architecture. It also has a 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.
- 1pm: Leisure and lunch on your own. Previous Vita Bella Visitors have wanted more free time in this pretty town, so this afternoon you can endulge. 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.
- 5:00 pm Meet Grace at the designated place for our private bus back to Positano.
- Dinner on your own:
- Back in Positano, you may wish to relax and go casual, or dine in at our hotel’s lovely rooftop restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean and the twinkling lights of Positano or venture out to find that perfect romantic restaurant. Grace dines with the women tonight and leads the shopping exercise.
Day 9 – THE AMALFI COAST BY BOAT, THE EMERALD GROTTO & FESTIVE FAREWELL DINNER – June 10/Sept. 29
  
- Buffet Breakfast Included at your hotel
- 10:30am Explore the Amalfi Coast by chartered boat. Grace will lead you down the winding Via Pasitea to the main Piazza in Positano and there we’ll board our private jet boat that will take us on a tour of the Amalfi coast.
- Visit the Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto). Our charter boat docks and we walk into a dark cave where we board a smaller boat that is paddled by hand by gondoliers who not only describe the history of the the emerald grotto but who sing opera to us while we visit the emerald waters of the Grotto. Truly an unforgettable experience. Make sure your flash works!
- Lunch & Afternoon at Your Leisure: This afternoon do as you please. Lounge by the beach or go back to our hotel and relax by the pool, or visit some of Positano’s exclusive shops. You may want to endulge in a facial or get your nails done 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.
- 8:00 pm FESTIVE FAREWELL GROUP DINNER INCLUDED—Put on your fancy outfits tonight as we visit one of Positano’s most elegant restaurants for our farewell bash. A three course meal complete with wine is planned for you. Enjoy the lively hospitality and delicious Campania cuisine as you revisit your favourite memories from your trip with your new friends. This is also your chance to show off your Italian vocabulary.
Day 10 – THE "WALK OF THE GODS" & LEISURE TIME TO ENJOY POSITANO - June 11/Sept. 30
  
- Breakfast included at your hotel
- You cannot leave 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 it’s magnificent views and natural beauty.
- 9:00am Meet Grace and your Guide, Maurizio, a specialist and great connoisseur of the paths and trails of the Sorrento Peninsula. Maurizio will meet us at our hotel and 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.
- 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
- By 1pm we’re back at our hotel soaking our muscles in the hot tub, going for a swim in the pool or relaxing in the sun on the lovely terrace.
- Group Lunch Included on Poseidon’s Terrace Café. Depending on when we get back to our hotel, the suggestion is to put on your beach wear and enjoy a succulent lunch around the pool. Share your impressions of the Walk of the Gods, your digital photos and enjoy a variety of delightful entrees as well as refreshing gelato and other dessert specialities, like Grace’s favourite, “the Sofia Loren”. After lunch, there will be a contest of Italian words/idioms/phrases and prizes and surprises for the winners!
- Afternoon at Leisure: After burning so many calories this morning, this afternoon, you may wish to rest and lay low. You may decide to shop for some last minute gifts and souvenirs or go down to the beach today. 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. The views, the food, and the special friendships you make on this trip are sure to touch your heart.
- 7:30pm Dinner as a group or on your own: Not Included.
- On your last night in this idyllic place, you can choose to dine however you want: elegant, casual, as a large group, in small groups or privately on your own with your mate. The choice is yours. Those who want to dine together, Grace recommends “Lo Guarancino”, an unpretentious Trattoria Pizzeria that serves the best pizza in Positano, possibly in all of Campania, but the best part is where it’s located, off the beaten path right, on a hill and overlooking the sea.
Day 11 – ARRIVERDERCI ITALIA! - June 12/Oct. 1st
- Buffet breakfast included at your hotel (note if your plane is early, you will receive boxed breakfasts from the hotel staff).
- Group Transfer to the Naples airport for your international flight home or to your next Italian/European destination.
A FEW NOTES:
This is not a packaged tour, but a high end, unique experience designed for the discriminating traveler. It includes luxury accommodations, personalized service, private tours and excursions and personal growth and relationship enhancement exercises to create an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience. You must be in good health and able to walk without pain to get the most out of this vacation retreat.
- For more information regarding cost break down (what we pay to the hotels and Italian tour company) please email grace@gracecirocco.com
***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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