The Amalfi Coast is, without a doubt, the most spectacular and beautiful coastline in Italy. Moorish style villages cling to the dramatic jagged cliffs, perched over the rippling waves below. The air is scented with lemons and wild herbs, and of course, the sea. The villages that string along the Amalfi Coast have cobblestoned streets lined with bougainvillea-covered villas, Arabic arches, and countless million-dollar views. The magic of the “Costa Amalfitana” is that while it is a magnet for jet-setters and home to a multitude of ultra-luxury five-star hotels, Michelin starred restaurants and yachts, what characterizes the region is its effortless Mediterranean simplicity. Your base for this unforgettable luxury tour will be at a romantic small hotel in Positano. The hotel dates back to the 18th century and is full of striking antiques and oil paintings. Its restaurant is magnificent at night as musicians play mandolins discreetly, and hundreds of candles flicker over the dining terrace.
Food and wine are highlights of the Amalfi Coast, and always a focus on our tours. Fresh seafood, juicy vegetables drizzled in olive oil, aromatic local wines – this is the “materia prima” or raw material that the region is rightly famous for. Local gastronomic gems include creamy Mozzarella di Bufala, and Limoncello made with ripe Sfusato lemons, and San Marzano tomatoes (known all over the world). Traditional dishes are delicious and straightforward, such as Gnocchi alla Sorrentina (with tomato, fiordilatte cheese, and basil), ‘Impepata di cozze (spicy mussels) and the delicious Spaghetti alle vongole e pomodorini (spaghetti with clams and cherry tomatoes). There are vineyards scattered through the sun-baked coast and inland in the Sorrento Peninsula, Amalfi Coast, and greater Campania. Grapes were brought to Campania by the Ancient Greeks, and cult producers are making fabulous wines with such noble grapes as the white Falanghina grape and the black Aglianico (which means “Hellenic”).
Signature journey
Highlights include Private Mercedes Chauffeured Tour, Ultra Luxurious Hotel Positano, Private Boat Tour, Wine Tasting Tours Campania, and Gourmet Dining.
Day 1Naples - Vesuvio - Positano
Michelin starred restaurant in Pompeii
Upon arrival at Naples airport in the morning, your elegant and friendly private chauffeur will meet you in arrivals. Your next stop: wine country! You will transfer by Mercedes to Vesuvio slopes (about 30 minutes drive) and visit a highly rated Lacryma Christi winery.
The origin of the name Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio (literally “The Tears of Christ on Vesuvius”) comes from Jesus’ tears over Lucifer’s fall from heaven, dropped at the foot of the volcano and making the region’s grapevines blossom and grow. The white version is made with Verdeca and Coda di Volpe grapes, with a smaller amount of Falanghina and Greco di Tufo, and the reds with Piedirosso and Sciascinoso grapes.
You will enjoy a refreshing walk in the vineyards, where the majority of vines are ungrafted thanks to volcanic and sandy soils; enjoy a full tasting of these fresh and citrusy white wines and big, intense and bold red wines.
Lunch is at Michelin starred restaurant in Pompeii, where you can taste modern reproductions of ancient Pompeian dishes. This will be a leisurely and relaxing wine lunch!
Your next stop is the spectacular Amalfi Coast, about a one hour drive. Arrive in beautiful Positano to your ultra-luxury hotel with spectacular views. Free evening to dine at the romantic restaurant at your hotel (highly recommended).
Day 2Positano – Furore – Ravello – Gete - Positano
Villa Cimbrone gardens, Ravello
Enjoy a late start today to take in your beautiful surroundings. In the late morning, you will head to the nearby Marisa Cuomo winery, a forty-minute scenic drive. You will enjoy a private visit at this highly esteemed estate, touring the terraced (and extremely steep) vineyards overlooking the Furore fjord and the cellar carved into solid rocks.
A tasting of their best wines will follow, paired to a wonderful traditional lunch on a panoramic terrace. Among the delicious dishes, you will taste “Ferrazzuoli alla Nannarella” pasta. This was Anna Magnani’s (a famous Italian actress and her nickname was Nannarella) favorite dish.
The wine tasting will also include the wonderful Furore Bianco Fiorduva. Made with the intriguing local grape varietals Fenile and Ginestra, this is a delicious white wine with apricot and orange blossom nuances. It’s also a winner of the extremely prestigious Tre Bicchieri (“Three Glasses”) Gambero Rosso award.
On the way to the next winery stop for a tour of Ravello, “The City of Music,” home of the International Music Festival dedicated to Wagner, who loved this village. Visit the Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone with its historic cloister and magnificent views over the coast.
Carry on to Gete hamlet for an intimate tour of the family-run estate, a unique experience. Their vineyards are hundreds of years old and have rare pre-phylloxera vines. Of course, you will also taste the fantastic wines produced with local, native grapes: Per’E’ Palummo, Tintore di Tramonti, Biancazita, Biacolella, and Pepella. In the late afternoon, you will head back to Positano and enjoy free time to relax, go for a walk, or do some shopping at the elegant boutiques. The evening is yours to dine on your own, with our suggestions for ristoranti in town
Day 3Positano - Amalfi Coast - Seiano - Sorrento - Positano - Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi - Positano
Spectacularly beautiful Amalfi town
Enjoy breakfast at your luxurious hotel, overlooking the sea. This morning you will have a private boat tour of the one and only Amalfi Coast. Visit the ethereal Emerald Grotto and, with your private captain, take in the stunning coastline to the village of Amalfi, known for its exquisite hand made paper and gorgeous cathedral. Once on land, enjoy some free time on your own.
Next, you will transfer to Sorrento peninsula and meet a lovely couple, Salvatore and Annamaria, for a tasting of divine cheeses produced in Campania region, washed with locally produced wines: creamy buffalo mozzarella, fiordilatte di Agerola, goat cacioricotta del Cilento, smoked provola, Casoperuto, Provolone del Monaco and more.
Enjoy some free time in Sorrento, before going back to Positano to freshen up before dinner.
Tonight is a gastronomic highlight of your luxurious break- dinner at the Ultra Gourmet Don Alfonso 1890. This is one of Italy’s finest restaurants and is equally well known for its stunning wine cellar carved into the rock (which you will visit!) The restaurant has its own farm, and all of the vegetables, fresh herbs, and olive oil come from there directly to your table. The cuisine is based in tradition but with innovative and creative flair and presentation. A chef’s tasting menu of various courses and paired wines is in store. After your farewell dinner, your private chauffeured Mercedes will take you back to the hotel for you to enjoy your last night.
Day 4Positano - Naples
Buon Viaggio!
Today at your preferred time, you will be transferred to Naples airport (or other port of call). If time permits, we can organize additional activities such as private cooking classes, more wine tasting, an archeological gourmet tour and much more. We hope you have had a marvelous stay and look forward to seeing you again!
Cellar Tours private itineraries include chauffeur-led transportation, carefully selected hotels, winery appointments, restaurant planning, and practical support before and during your journey.
Depending on the destination and proposal, your tour may also include private guides, tastings, special experiences, cultural visits, regional transfers, and dining reservations.
Your custom proposal will clearly show what is included, what is optional, and what is not included.
Our custom itineraries include chauffeur-led transportation, carefully selected hotels, private winery appointments & tastings, restaurant planning, and support before and during your travel.
International flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional spa treatments, gratuities and meals or tastings not listed in your itinerary are usually not included unless specifically stated.
All itineraries are private and pre-arranged for your party.
Yes, 100%. Share mobility considerations, allergies, dietary preferences, and pacing needs early so we can adapt hotels, transport, restaurants, and visits wherever possible.
Susan Cook, Canada
Everything was absolutely perfect.
Relais Blu was very very nice, no complaints! Il Riccio in Capri was better than perfect, we had fun with the Sommelier, the food was top notch and they were very accommodating with the food. Vigne di Raito – again, better than perfect. Everything about the meal, setting, conversation, etc was amazing. Visiting Patrizia was such great fun! Driver Frank was always punctual, helpful, never flustered with traffic, and a most polished driver. We LOVED the boat trip, it was great. Francesco was very polite and accommodating – we enjoyed many swim stops. The Limoncello tasting was fun, we really enjoyed it. Pompeii was good, very hot! Great trip for sure, the trip to Capri with the wine tasting and lunch at Il Riccio was a highlight for Joe and me.
David M. Roth, Kentunky
The tour was well organized and implemented.
We enjoyed Feudi Di San Gregorio, but that was primarily because of the spectacular meal. The winery building and grounds are very striking and beautiful. The gardens are magnificent. All of that was a fabulous visual experience. Each part of the multi-course gourmet extravaganza was perfect. One of our family members doesn’t eat meat, and the chef and servers adjusted her courses accordingly (and hers were every bit as wonderful as ours). The meal and wines were beyond compare! Thank you once again, and we will definitely come back to Cellar Tours when we travel in the countries you handle.
