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Small Group · Naples

The Coast of Maratea and the Cedri Riviera for Travel Professionals June 8-15, 2022 and September 1-8, 2022

6 Days Campania · Calabria · Basilicata · Calabria · Basilicata · Campania

The Overview

Overview

South of Italy's Amalfi Coast a region of incredible natural beauty, history and adventure awaits visitors and is only just now starting to be explored.  On this journey we touch on some of the highlights of Italy's south including the coast of Maratea (recently featured in the Blockbuster film, James Bond coming out in 2020), the Arcomagno cave and grottoes of Dino Island.

We stay in the beautiful sea-side town of Praia a Mare, home to the Madonna della Grotta, a massive church inside the cave with a unique sanctuary where we will be based for 4 nights as we explore the mountain towns and villages which dot the Cedri Riviera like Diamante, Orsomarso, Maiera which are all, in their own right unmistakeably beautiful.

Over the course of the week you will explore the products native to this area like the Cedro fruit, Pepperoncino,  Bergamot and many other unique plant species which are used in a wide variety of dishes and world famous perfumes.

You will enjoy wonderful local wines, fantastic food and a variety of unique properties that are perfect for destination weddings, relaxing romantic holidays as well as family style travel options for your clients.  

Come away from this adventure with a new appreciation for an area in Italy that offers a truly authentic and refreshing experience unlike any other. 

 

Duration

6 days

5 nights

Starting From

EUR 1,250

Per person for two travelers

Tailored to your departure and group.

On this educational experience of Italy for travel professionals we explore Italy's secret coast - the Coast of Maratea and the Cedri Riviera where many locations have been used in the hit film James Bond coming out this summer. The area is home to wonderful mountain towns, unique cuisine, Dino Island and the magnificent cave of Arcomagno and the Redeemer Christ overlooking the entire town of Maratea.

Regions
Campania · Calabria · Basilicata · Calabria · Basilicata · Campania
Tour Style
Small Group
Departs From
Naples
Meeting Point
Inside Naples Rail Station
Included Meals
Daily breakfast · 4 dinners · 3 lunches · 1 wine tasting · 1 cooking class
Day by day

Itinerary

Follow the route as you read. The map traces each day of the journey, moving with you from place to place.

Campania

Chapter 1 · Days 1–1

Welcome to Campania

The region of Campania on the south-west coast of Italy is home to one of the world's most famous and most beautiful coastlines - the Amalfi Coast. This spectacular area draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to enjoy the mildness of the climate, the exotic vegetation of palms, lemon and orange trees and the remarkable sandstone cliffs which…

Explore Campania
Day 1

Campania, Paestum

Private Transfer from Naples to Praia a Mare

  • Dinner
Private Transfer from Naples to Praia a Mare — photo 1 Private Transfer from Naples to Praia a Mare — photo 2 Private Transfer from Naples to Praia a Mare — photo 3 Private Transfer from Naples to Praia a Mare — photo 4 Private Transfer from Naples to Praia a Mare — photo 5

Our tour today will start from inside the Naples rail station at a designated location where we will depart at 10:00 AM and head south, stopping firstly in the magnificent archeological site of Paestum in the Cilento national park, where some of the best temples from ancient Greece are preserved.

Following our guided tour of these unique ruins we will enjoy lunch at an authentic Mozzarella di Buffala farm with local olive oil and an assortment of local products from the area. 

Following lunch we venture through the Cilento national park towards Sapri and begin our journey further south along the coast of Maratea towards Praia a Mare, where we will be staying directly in the center of town, right on the beach at the lovely Hotel Garden. 

Where we meet Inside Naples Rail Station
Calabria

Chapter 2 · Days 2–2

Welcome to Calabria

  Calabria is the region in Italy where many members of the team at Italy Vacation Specialists, still call home and lead guided tours and experiences for travelers from all over Italy and the world at large.   On our siste site, VisitsItaly, which is quite literally an encyclopedia about Italy, we have written about over 50 different towns and cities in the…

Explore Calabria
Day 2

Calabria, Dino Island

Tortora - Praia a Mare and Dino Island

  • Breakfast
Tortora - Praia a Mare and Dino Island — photo 1 Tortora - Praia a Mare and Dino Island — photo 2 Tortora - Praia a Mare and Dino Island — photo 3 Tortora - Praia a Mare and Dino Island — photo 4 Tortora - Praia a Mare and Dino Island — photo 5

This morning, weather permitting we will be met by our captain in front of the hotel to begin our morning tour of Dino Islands and the wonderful grottoes, which many people say are much better even than the Blue Grotto on the island of Capri.  We will explore the island and the magnificent geography of the coast as we head south to San Nicola Arcella into Arcomagno. 

In the afternoon we return to Praia a Mare and break for a light lunch, time to get changed and then head up to the Madonna Della Grotta cave network, learning the history of this remarkable place and enjoying wonderful views.  Good footwear is required today.

In the later afternoon we head up to Tortora town (about a 20 minute drive from Praia a Mare) in the mountains to enjoy this unique town and visit the hotel La Loggia, a gorgeous property perfect for weddings and special events, where we will enjoy a wonderful dinner this evening.

Overnight at the Hotel Garden, Praia a Mare. 

Basilicata

Chapter 3 · Days 3–3

Welcome to Basilicata

Basilicata is a beautiful and diverse region in Southern Italy, known as the 'breadbasket' of the south considering that most of southern Italy's wheat and other grains are produced here. It is home to unique and sprawling landscapes where rolling hills covered with crops give way to some of Italy's most ancient and important cities like Matera, Melfi,…

Explore Basilicata
Day 3

Basilicata, Maratea

Maratea - The Redeemer Christ - Cave of Marvels

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Maratea - The Redeemer Christ - Cave of Marvels — photo 1 Maratea - The Redeemer Christ - Cave of Marvels — photo 2 Maratea - The Redeemer Christ - Cave of Marvels — photo 3 Maratea - The Redeemer Christ - Cave of Marvels — photo 4 Maratea - The Redeemer Christ - Cave of Marvels — photo 5

This morning we depart from Praia a Mare and head to the remarkable and very exclusive property the Santa Venere where we will enjoy a guided tour of this magnificent estate.   Following our time at the Santa Venere we head up to the Redeemer Christ at the height of Maratea overlooking the coast and valleys below in all directions.  

For lunch we head to Maratea town, where we will meet with mayor and some town officials who will welcome you to this town which held a very important role in the history of southern Italy and is home to over 55 different churches! 

After lunch, we explore Maratea's grottoes and then head back to Praia a Mare (a 25 minute drive) for time at leisure and shopping in Praia a Mare home to many local artisans that we will introduce you to. 

Calabria

Chapter 4 · Days 4–4

Welcome to Calabria

  Calabria is the region in Italy where many members of the team at Italy Vacation Specialists, still call home and lead guided tours and experiences for travelers from all over Italy and the world at large.   On our siste site, VisitsItaly, which is quite literally an encyclopedia about Italy, we have written about over 50 different towns and cities in the…

Explore Calabria
Day 4

Calabria, Orsomarso Calabria, Diamante

Towns and Cities of the Cedri Riviera; Orsomarso, Papasidero, Maiera, Diamante, San Nicola Arcella

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Towns and Cities of the Cedri Riviera; Orsomarso, Papasidero, Maiera, Diamante, San Nicola Arcella — photo 1 Towns and Cities of the Cedri Riviera; Orsomarso, Papasidero, Maiera, Diamante, San Nicola Arcella — photo 2 Towns and Cities of the Cedri Riviera; Orsomarso, Papasidero, Maiera, Diamante, San Nicola Arcella — photo 3 Towns and Cities of the Cedri Riviera; Orsomarso, Papasidero, Maiera, Diamante, San Nicola Arcella — photo 4 Towns and Cities of the Cedri Riviera; Orsomarso, Papasidero, Maiera, Diamante, San Nicola Arcella — photo 5

Today we will journey south into Calabria and enjoy many towns and cities along the Cedri Riviera including Orsomarso (featured in the hit T.V. series - Trust),  Santa Maria Del Cedro, Maiera (home to the Pepperoncino museum), Diamante (city of Murals) and finally San Nicola Arcella before we head back to Praia a Mare stopping in the Castello di Praia a Mare, a perfect venue for weddings where we will enjoy some light snacks and site inspection.

Return to Praia a Mare in the evening for dinner (at leisure) and overnight. 

Basilicata

Chapter 5 · Days 5–5

Welcome to Basilicata

Basilicata is a beautiful and diverse region in Southern Italy, known as the 'breadbasket' of the south considering that most of southern Italy's wheat and other grains are produced here. It is home to unique and sprawling landscapes where rolling hills covered with crops give way to some of Italy's most ancient and important cities like Matera, Melfi,…

Explore Basilicata
Day 5

Basilicata, Matera

Transfer to Matera with stops in Rivello and Lago Negro,

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Wine Tasting
  • Cooking Class
Transfer to Matera with stops in Rivello and Lago Negro, — photo 1 Transfer to Matera with stops in Rivello and Lago Negro, — photo 2 Transfer to Matera with stops in Rivello and Lago Negro, — photo 3 Transfer to Matera with stops in Rivello and Lago Negro, — photo 4 Transfer to Matera with stops in Rivello and Lago Negro, — photo 5

This morning we depart Praia a Mare for Matera (the European Captial of Culture in 2020), and an increasingly visited town in southern Italy (only 2 hours from Praia).  We will stop en-route in Rivello an some various wineries around Lago Negro where we will experience some unique wines that are gaining notoriety all over the world.

Finally we conclude in Matera where you will have time to settle into the hotel before we begin our early evening walking tour of this fascinating city, one of the oldest in Italy and Europe.

Farewell dinner this evening in Matera and overnight in Matera. 

Campania

Chapter 6 · Days 6–6

Welcome to Campania

The region of Campania on the south-west coast of Italy is home to one of the world's most famous and most beautiful coastlines - the Amalfi Coast. This spectacular area draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to enjoy the mildness of the climate, the exotic vegetation of palms, lemon and orange trees and the remarkable sandstone cliffs which…

Explore Campania
Day 6

Campania, Salerno Campania, Amalfi Coast

Matera - Salerno - Amalfi Coast - Back to Naples

  • Breakfast
Matera - Salerno - Amalfi Coast - Back to Naples — photo 1 Matera - Salerno - Amalfi Coast - Back to Naples — photo 2 Matera - Salerno - Amalfi Coast - Back to Naples — photo 3 Matera - Salerno - Amalfi Coast - Back to Naples — photo 4 Matera - Salerno - Amalfi Coast - Back to Naples — photo 5

This morning after breakfast at the hotel we leave Matera and depart back to Naples, with a beautiful drive along the coast you will get a chance to see Salerno and Vietri Sul Mare, the southern-most tip of the Amalfi Coast.  

We will continue from here back to Naples rail station, hotel or airport where our services will conclude and it will be time to say arrivederci! 

The details

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Included

  • Excellent Photo Opportunities
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Small Group Sizes
  • Transportation in deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach
  • Water and Light Snacks on Board
  • Wine and Olive Oil Tastings in Chianti and Montepulciano

What's Not Included

  • Food and beverages not mentioned in the program
  • International fights
  • Personal Expenses or Extras at hotels
  • Travel Insurance
In their words

Traveler Reviews

Emily and David Davison Travelled with us

My husband and I just took a two week trip to Italy that was planned for us by Eleanor Kinchin-Smith. It was a fantastic trip and we could not have been more thrilled. We worked together with Ele to let her know about our interests and our style of travel. She planned the perfect trip with excellent private guides at all of our sites, professional drivers and lovely hotels. We arrived in Italy with all of our train and ferry reservations made by Ele, with tickets in hand. She was in touch with us daily throughout our trip to make sure that things were going smoothly. She was able to make a few changes to our itinerary as needed. We look forward to working with Ele again on our next trip and have put her in touch with another family member to help plan their trip as well.

Ron and Deb Crosby Travelled with us

Dear Guiseppe and Jesse,

We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future.

Hotels

1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of our journey very stress free. They made us feel like we were part of their family. I would recommend it to anyone and would specifically ask for it if we were to make a return visit.

2. Hotel La Baia in Monterosso was nice and it's location was very good especially for us older folks humping luggage from/to the train station.

3. Hotel Lucchesi in Florence- what can I say expect FANTASTIC. The rooftop view at sunset is well worth it. Again very friendly and helpful staff. Would recommend it to everyone.

Wine Tour

Money well spent. We had a great time overall. The driver Mario was OUTSTANDING. He had lots of local knowledge as well as about winemaking. USE HIM AGAIN!!!

The various wineries we visited on tour:

Altesino- fantastic and they were not cheap on their pouring. Great experience.

Azienda Agricola Patrizia Cencion Sloaria- Again a great tour by one of the owner's daughters. We felt like we were the only thing on their mind although there were other customers there. A great way to complete the day.

Again we had a fantastic time and are very appreciative of everything you booked for us. We wish you continued success and if our travels should bring us back to Italy, we know who to call.

Leon and Michele Travelled with us

The trip was great we appreciate all the hard work you and your team invested to make our experience a once in a lifetime trip. We appreciate all the attention to the details in particular Giuseppe spending the time and the focus with us on the road and as we were exploring your great country.

Bob & Sandy Travelled with us

Jesse & Giuseppe,

Sandy and I have been looking through my slides of our trip to Southern Italy. We had such a good time with you and Giuseppe that we wanted to let you know again. You were the best guides ever.

Where you are

Location

Italy Naples

Naples and beyond

6 days through Italy, with every stop chosen by the people who live here.

Where we meet

Inside Naples Rail Station

Where it starts

Naples

Nearby Experiences

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Private Tour of Pompeii & Vesuvius
Wellness in Italy & The Good Life: Spas and Food in Emilia Romagna February 10-14, 2024
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Mediterranean Marvels: A Private Journey from the Amalfi Coast, Sicily & Malta
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The Amalfi Coast & Capri for Lovers
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Taste of Southern Italy and Rome: A Gourmet Experience for Food and Wine Lovers including the Amalfi Coast, Naples, Island of Capri and Rome
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Private Tour of Naples Underground City
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Private Tour of Naples
Tour of the National Archaeological Museum, Naples
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Basilicata: Luxury Tour of Undiscovered Italy
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Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private tour, or will we join a group?

Private. You travel with your own guide and driver, and the only people on the itinerary are the ones you bring with you. Nothing is shared with strangers, and the pace of each day is yours to set.

Can the itinerary be changed to suit us?

Yes. What you see here is a starting point, not a fixed departure. Tell us how long you have, what you love and what you would rather skip, and we will reshape it around you. A slower morning, an extra night somewhere you fell for, a different region entirely.

How do we start planning?

Send us a note using the form on this page, or call us on 1-866-779-2565. A travel specialist replies within one business day, usually with a few questions of their own. There is no cost and no obligation in asking.

When should we book?

The earlier the better, particularly for travel between May and September, when the best small hotels and the guides worth having are taken first. That said, we have put together beautiful trips at short notice, so ask and we will tell you honestly what is still possible for your dates.

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