NOMA Circles Members are invited to join a seven-day deluxe tour of Naples and the Amalfi Coast this fall from October 7–14. The cost is $10,600/person for double and $12,600 for single, airfare not included. For more information, please contact Elisabeth Rietvelt, Development and Membership Associate: erietvelt@noma.org; (504) 658-4130.

Without a doubt, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most fabled and scenic coastlines in the world. Both by boat, tracing the spectacular, rugged shoreline, or by car, winding along the corniche, the views are spectacular. This exclusive travel proposal to the Amalfi Coast includes both, and so much more. The gateway city is Naples, rich in its own history and art. Special guided visits to the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum are part of the program, along with a private boat trip to the island of Capri, renowned in film, fashion, and forever. We will stroll the picturesque streets of Positano and Amalfi and small villages and coves in between. Everywhere we will focus on the historical and artistic treasures, but also the specialties for which the area is renowned—pizza, mozzarella, limoncello, handmade sandals, marvelous lace, linens, and hand-painted maiolica.

ITINERARY

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 | Arrival in Naples

Upon arrival at the airport/train station, our private car service will provide transport to the Excelsior Hotel, where deluxe rooms with Gulf of Naples view await you. Located on the seafront next to the iconic Castel dell’Ovo, this is the first building to welcome visitors to Naples who arrive by sea. With spectacular panoramic views of Vesuvius, the Gulf of Naples, and the paradise islands of Ischia and Capri, the Excelsior enjoys an enviable, unrivaled, and privileged position. Our opening get-together is a cocktail party and dinner in a private residence on a terrace overlooking the magnificent bay.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 8 | Around Naples

We begin with a privately guided visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, MANN). The museum contains a large collection of archaeological treasures and works of art recovered from excavations in Pompeii, Stabile, and Herculaneum, including masterpieces of Greek and Roman times. It is the most significant Italian archaeological museum and is considered one of the most important in the world.

A light lunch is followed by a guided visit of the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace). Built around 1600, when Naples was under Spanish rule, the royal palace located in downtown Naples is still the heart of the city today. Inside, a majestic staircase leads to the royal apartments and their renowned 17th-century frescoes.

Afterwards, with our expert guide, we will stroll around the heart of Naples taking in the city’s unique sights, sounds, and smells. Dinner will be on the bay, with authentic Neapolitan pizza and much more.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9| Ercolano (Herculaneum), Pompeii and Positano

In the morning, after check out, we will make a brief visit the archaeological ruins of Ercolano (Herculaneum). According to legend, the ancient site was founded by Hercules returning from one of his Twelve Labors. On the 24th of August in the year 79 AD, nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted and completely buried the city under a deep layer of hot mud and volcanic ash. Herculaneum is smaller and perhaps less famous than Pompeii, but is better preserved in some aspects.

After a light lunch in a local restaurant, in the afternoon we will visit the major highlights of the extensive archaeological complex of Pompeii. In what was one of the most active and splendid Roman cities, life in the city came to an abrupt and permanent standstill when Mount Vesuvius erupted. The city was rediscovered in the mid 1700s. Due to the lack of air and moisture, much of the city and thousands of objects were perfectly preserved for centuries, testimony today of the art, customs, and everyday life of the ancient Roman civilization.

In the late afternoon, we arrive in seaside town of Positano, at the five-star Hotel Villa Franca. The hotel, in the heart of the village, features deluxe rooms with views and the picturesque cobbled piazzas of Positano are just steps away. Stroll the beautiful streets of the historical center before dinner in one of the best restaurants in town.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10 | The Island of Capri

In the morning, a private boat, the LADY L, a 46-foot motor launch, will take us to Capri, one of the most famous islands in the world. Its unique beauties were celebrated in ancient times, both in Greek legends and in the works of Homer. Odysseus (known in Latin as Ulysses) sailed past the island, narrowly escaped the fate of those who hear the voices of the Sirens. The island has a mythical charm, as well as natural treasures. Its beautiful and breathtaking landscapes have been an inspiration to poets, lovers, and travelers across the centuries.

We will disembark for lunch in a private villa, hosted by the owners, and we will spend the afternoon wandering around the island before returning to Positano for dinner.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11 | Costiera Amalfitana and Ravello

Enjoy a cruise along one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world, the Costa Amalfitana, winding our way along the coast past Praiano and Conca dei Marini before docking in Amalfi.

We will explore the town and its specialty shops and visit the Duomo with its magnificent 13th-century Lombard-Norman facade of striped arches, Gothic tracery, interlocking arches forming blind arcades, and glittering mosaics rising majestically at the top of a mighty set of 62 stairs. After a leisurely lunch we will visit Ravello, a town with an enchanting mountaintop setting on Italy’s most beautiful coastline. Views have captivated countless souls, inspired artists and filled hearts with passion. Dinner will be in Amalfi

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12 | Mozzarella and Wine Tasting

We will visit a mozzarella factory to see how real buffalo mozzarella is made daily. Later, we will enjoy a ride along the famed Costiera Amalfitana to our destination: lunch in a small winery in Furore with terraced vineyards and unsurpassed vistas. By afternoon we will depart for Rome where we will check in the Hassler, the legendary, luxury five-star hotel in the city center located at the top of the Spanish Steps. Dinner will be served on the spectacular hotel terrace overlooking the Eternal City.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13 | Rome

There is much to do and see in Rome, but we will spend our last day together experiencing the confluence of the best of Roman history, art and culture. We will visit the Ara Pacis, the magnificent ancient altar dedicated to peace built by the first Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus, and today enshrined in a museum with changing exhibits designed by the famous American architect Richard Meier.

After lunch in a trendy restaurant in the area, ideal for people watching, we will have a private visit to Palazzo Colonna, one of the oldest, largest, and most extraordinary private palaces in Rome. Its construction began in the 1300s by the Princes Colonna family, descendants of whom still reside there. In the 1600s, the palace was transformed into the Baroque splendor seen today. The Galleria Colonna conserves the art collection of the family, including superb Old Master works by artists such as Carracci, Guido Reni, Tintoretto, Salvator Rosa, Bronzino, Guercino, Veronese, and many others. There will be free time in the afternoon for strolling the nearby streets and shops. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner in a private noble palace hosted by the owners.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 | Departure from Rome

Our private car service will drive you to the airport or the train station.