Postcards from the Edge
Thanksgiving on Italy’s Amalfi Coast
and the Isle of Capri
November 21- 30, 2009

ROAD OF A THOUSAND BENDS

Legend has it that Hercules loved a nymph called Amalfi. When she died, the fabled strongman buried her in what he considered to be the world’s most beautiful place. In her honor, he gave the place her name.
      The Amalfi Coast, Italy (la Costiera Amalfitana) is a breathtakingly gorgeous 35-mile stretch of mountainous coastline situated on the Sorrento peninsula, just south of Naples, in the region of Campania. Considered one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, it is characterized by very steep, rocky hillsides plunging dramatically into the Mediterranean Sea. Precariously perched on these hills are charming old fishing villages. Untouched by modern architecture, they have retained all their centuries-old charm.
     The region’s origins date back to the first century B.C. when the Roman aristocracy built luxurious villas in this area. Soon Amalfi and its surroundings became a refined and well-developed community, supported by commerce with the many other wealthy populations around the Mediterranean Sea. It owned a powerful fleet and revered strong marine traditions and laws. It was justly proud of one of its most famous mariners, Flavio Gioia, who invented the compass.
     Amalfi’s hardy people gained their independence in A.D. 838, fighting against one regional empire, only to fall to another a few hundred years later. The watchtowers still scattered along the coastline serve as ancient reminders of those fierce conflicts.
     Around every turn of this zig-zagging “road of a thousand bends”, one catches a new view of the seaside more spectacular than the last. Across the water lies the Isle of Capri, or the Blue Island. The Isle of Capri is renowned the world over as an exclusive holiday destination. Everyone undoubtedly has their own Capri fantasy, whether it is the myth of Sirens charming seafarers, of ancient Roman orgies, of dreamy seaviews, of 1950s celebrities in big sunglasses, or of artistic hangouts with the likes of Graham Greene and Rudolph Nureyev.
     Start in Naples and view the fabled ruins of Pompeii. Look into the crater of Mt. Vesuvius. Experience the lifestyles of the rich and famous on the Isle of Capri. Spend an unforgettable Thanksgiving on the Amalfi Coast. End the tour with three nights in fabulous Rome. You will understand why Toto Tours is repeating this tour again after several years. It is simply divine!

ITINERARY

Saturday, November 21, 2009
Departure

Today is a travel day. Depart the United States on overnight flights, arriving in Naples, Italy, tomorrow morning.

Sunday, November 22, 2009
Arrival in Naples / Welcome Dinner

The tour commences today at our hotel in Naples. Since we are not providing group air travel arrangements to Italy, everyone is responsible for making his own way from the airport to the hotel. Transfer options will be described in Final Documents mailed prior to departure. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel room and enjoy a free afternoon to explore Naples. This evening, we gather for pre-dinner cocktails to get acquainted, then enjoy a Welcome Dinner in the hotel’s restaurant. Afterwards, you may wish to sample some of Naples’ gay nightlife.     (Dinner Included)

Monday, November 23, 2009
Pompeii & Mt. Vesuvius

After breakfast at our hotel, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour in Naples including entrance to the Royal Palace. After lunch we head out of the city toward Mt. Vesuvius and the site of Pompeii, buried during the volcano’s biggest eruption in 79 A.D. Vesuvius continued to erupt regularly every 100 years or so, until it entered a 600-year period of quiescence in 1037. After another deadly blast in the 1631, workers repairing the damage discovered the ruins of Pompeii, but it would be almost 300 years before excavation of the site would begin in earnest. Now it is an outdoor living museum documenting a great tragedy. Ascend Mt. Vesuvius for an invigorating climb to the summit to peer into the fuming crater and to enjoy impressive views of Naples.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Isle of Capri

After breakfast we transfer as a group to the port of Naples, where we catch a hydrofoil that whisks us over to the Isle of Capri. This Island is a place that most people love and some people hate. Those who speak ill of it usually take just a daytrip and find an expensive, commercialized destination crammed to bursting with other daytrippers. The romantic idealist, however, will love the combination of island simplicity, natural beauty and busy glitz. Since we are staying the night, you will experience an entirely different side of Capri. After the last daytrippers leave, a kind of exclusive peace settles over the island as those who are privileged to be staying here emerge for their evening passeggiata, or to sip drinks on the famous little square, the Piazzetta. Depending on the sea conditions, enjoy an optional boat trip (not included) to the famed Blue Grotto.     (Breakfast)

Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Sorrento and Amalfi

Following breakfast we head back to the Marina Grande to take a boat the short distance to one of Italy’s most famous resorts, Sorrento. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the quaint streets before joining our motorcoach for one of the world’s most scenic drives—the Amalfitana, passing between sea and mountains on a road carved out of the sheer rock. The coast was named on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 1997. Continue to our hotel near the town of Amalfi, the world’s oldest republic founded in 840, for a 2 nights stay.     (Breakfast)

Thursday, November 26, 2009 — Thanksgiving Day
Positano by Boat

At the port of Amalfi we board a private boat and travel to Positano, the small town much loved by artists, writers and stars of screen and stage, experiencing a completely different perspective of the Amalfi coast. Plenty of time to explore the steep streets, narrow alleyways, sidewalk vendor stalls and boardwalk cafes before returning to Amalfi.     (Breakfast / Thanksgiving Dinner)

Friday, November 27, 2009
Ravello and Rome

Leave the Amalfi coast this morning and travel to the town of Ravello, clinging to the mountain overlooking the sea. Enjoy a guided visit of Villa Rufolo, built in the 13c by the Rufolo family and home to several popes, Charles of Anjou and Richard Wagner, who found inspiration for Parsifal here. Continue across the Monti Lattari and head north to Rome for the first of a 3 night stay.     (Breakfast)

Saturday, November 28, 2009
Rome

Enjoy a morning walk across the historic center of the city, seeing the Trevi Fountian, Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps. Some tour participants may have already visited Rome, so we have planned a free afternoon to enable you to visit the sites of greatest interest to you. However, if you have not yet seen the Vatican Museums and St.Peter’s Basilica, we encourage you to join our optional tour to these most impressive places. The collection in the Vatican Museums was the private property of several popes, who either collected statues and objet d’art or had the greatest artists of the time fresco their apartments and chapels. The highlight is the Sistine Chapel, masterpiece of Michelangelo. Then enter St.Peter’s, the largest Christian church in the world, constructed of precious marbles, bronzes and mosaics.     (Breakfast)

Sunday, November 29, 2009
Colisseum and Roman Forum

Visit the Colisseum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, built between the years of 72 and 80AD using the rewards of the sack of the Temple of Soloman in Jerusalem. Following a guided tour, walk through the Roman Forum, seeing remains of temples, monuments and triumphal arches built 2000 years ago. Following a free afternoon for last-minute sightseeing and shopping, reconvene for our farewell dinner.     (Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Monday, November 30, 2009
Departure

The tour officially ends after breakfast this morning. We will assist with arranging airport transfers for those departing today (transfer not included in tour cost).     (Breakfast)