Naples an enchanting city by all accounts, keeper of the heart and soul of Italy and about which the most romantic and soulful songs were written. By appreciating the warmth, the joyfulness, the spirit of its inhabitants, one cannot but feel overtaken by the Neapolitan “gioia di vivere”.

This is the way to experience Naples during the first two days of our tour, to appreciate its beauty along the Via Caracciolo, the Castel dell’Ovo domineering on the island of Megaride where, as legend goes, Mermaid Partenope was entangled. We will have the best vantage point from which to do this during our stay at the elegant Hotel Excelsior, whose sweeping terraces reveal the beautiful Bay of Naples. We will appreciate the harmony and beauty of Piazza del Plebiscito, dating back to the 1600’s, the elegance of Galleria Re`Umberto and Teatro San Carlo. We will also stroll along to see its most important churches Santa Chiara, San Domenico Maggiore and San Gennaro the patron saint of Naples where a famous miracle takes place every year, their significance in the Neapolitan life being religious as culturally important; its most notorious yet unpretentious shopping streets, which are really narrow lanes flanked by centuries old buildings, one of the most important being San Biagio dei Librai where one can find any statuette needed for a beautiful Neapolitan Creche.

We will have the obligatory “merenda” mid-day snack, at the famous Pasticceria Scaturchio to sample some of the famous Neapolitan pastries that my son as a child, not being able to remember the name, referred to the incomparable, hot out of the oven “sfogliatelle”, as “the best of Naples”. Our lunches and dinners will be held at the most “characteristic” and highly rated restaurants where food is considered an art form and an almost spiritual experience not to be hurried, each morsel leisurely savored. Not to be missed the incomparable Neapolitan pizza, now trademark protected. (See NYT 6/9/04) During a visit to Da Michele, one of the oldest pizzeria in Naples, we will have an opportunity to determine if it truly is the best in the world, I personally wouldn’t wager against it!

Our home base during our wine journey will be an amazing new hotel, the Crown Plaza Stabiae Sorrento Coast. Perched on a cliff, impeccably conceived under the auspices of the local historical preservation society from the remnants of an old cannery, it provides a unique blend of modern comfort while complementing its beautiful location on the Sorrento coast, overlooking Mt. Vesuvius across the bay. This very unique hotel, boasting a health and fitness center including thalassotherapy, a salt-water pool and a private beach, affords us a most beautiful contrast to the wine country.

Our journey will take us to Sant’Agata dei Goti where the Mustilli family with their warm hospitality, will escort us on a tour of their estate, one of the most ancient in Campania whose cellars date back to the Byzantine era. The highlight of our visit will be to share some of their wonderful wines including Vigna Fontanella Greco Sannio, Cesco di Nece, Conte Artius, Piedirosso and Vigna Falanghina. To complement the wines, we’ll be treated to some of Signora Marili` scrumptious specialties. (See NYT 9/10/03)

Our quest for ancient wines will continue to Taurasi to visit Cantine Antonio Caggiano, one of the most highly regarded in Campania. Antonio Caggiano has combined his remarkable technical skill and artistic flair to produce Taurasi, Sale Domini, Tauri, Belchar, Devon, Mel and if you dare, the most amazing Grappa Taurasi! The wines are kept in very impressive and dramatic cellars carved out of stone; a perfect presentation for these important wines. This scenic area has been prized for its wine production since the Roman times and during an al-fresco dinner surrounded by the vineyards on the Caggiano estate, we will have the opportunity to experience first hand the beautiful harmony of environment, food and wine.

Our oeno-gastronomic adventure continues but with an eye to the cultural wonders of Campania. Our next stop will be at the family run I Borboni, producers of fine wines for four generations, making their home in Lusciano in a palace dating back to the 18th. Century. Under the direction of the Numeroso family, I Borboni has undertaken the task of bringing back to production the ancient “asprinio” vine whose wine, after vinification is stored for aging in grottos dug out of rock under their family estate. After a taste of this unique wine, we will proceed to the Antica Locanda in Caserta for another memorable meal.

In the afternoon, we will pay homage to the Neapolitan old way of life by visiting the incredibly beautiful and regal Reggia di Caserta, conceived some say in competition with Versailles in 1750, by King Carlo di Borbone. The evening will find us in the center of Sorrento, whose vistas are recognized the world over and where we’ll dine at the Antica Trattoria.

The following day is another blend of food, wine and culture, not necessarily in that order, as we begin our day by visiting Paestum where the famous ancient ruins of temples dating back to the Ellenic era majestically stand guard. Food is never far from out thoughts however, and we will have our due at the impeccably maintained Caseificio Vannulo, famous producers of the highly prized buffalo mozzarella. We will have an opportunity to taste other buffalo milk delicacies surely not available elsewhere with such purity and wholesomeness, such as buffalo milk pudding and yogurt as part of a wonderful lunch.

Our next dinner is at a restaurant probably considered one of the best in Italy, Don Alfonso, a Michelin two star, 91 points Gambero Rosso guide, and Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner August 2004. The food will be incomparable and the wines, kept in cellars dating back to the Roman period, unforgettable.

This enchanting journey continues on to Capri. We will realize why this island is regarded by anyone who has been here, the most romantic, beautiful and breathtaking of all islands. Manicured gardens, Neapolitan coffee, lunch at a Gambero Rosso restaurant, shopping and the Blue Grotto are all part of this unforgettable day’s itinerary.

Our last day in Campania will be sure to provide us with memories that will last a lifetime. We will depart from the Crown Plaza’s private jetty on a cruise along the coast of the Gulf of Salerno, as we make our way to Positano and Amalfi. Words cannot describe the beauty of such journey, sailing along the way to the breathtakingly beautiful Il San Pietro di Positano for lunch. As a most fitting end to this incomparable journey, the evening will end with a farewell dinner at the Crown Plaza.

Some of us will choose to extend our stay, let the dream continue a little longer and go on to Ischia. (Details upon request). For some of us however, it is time to reluctantly step back into reality and the next day, start our return trip back home.

 

COST OF TRIP: Available upon request, Please ask for details at: info@shopwineanddineitaly.com

TOUR FEATURES:

• HOTELS:
  Naples: 2 Nights 5*Excelsior Hotel
  Castellammare di Stabia: 5 Nights 5* Crowne Plaza Stabiae Sorrento Coast.
  
• Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner Daily, Including Beverages And Wines As Chosen By ShopWineAndDine
  
• Wine Tastings And Visits To Cheese And Olive Oil Producers As Indicated.
  
• Cooking Class
  
• Sightseeing Tours As Indicated
  
• English Speaking Guide
  
• Private driver
  
• Hotel taxes
  

Day-by-day itinerary with detailed information on all the venues and price is available upon request. Please contact info@shopwineanddineitaly.com

NOT INCLUDED: