positano Arrival in Positano Upon your arrival in Positano you check into your sea view room at the Hotel Villa Franca. With its commanding position over the town and sea, this family-owned hotel has the feel of an elegant private villa reflecting the Mediterranean architectural style of white walls, painted tiled, lacquered terracotta, and stone accents from Mt. Vesuvius. The warmth of Southern Italian hospitality soon takes hold as you settle in and begin to explore Positano on your own. One of the Amalfi Coast’s best known towns, Positano is situated at the mouth of a splendid gorge that gradually widens as it moves towards the sea. Originally a small fishing village, Positano’s characteristic houses, cubes of white, pink, red, orange, almost all with a small porch in front, some with a spherical dome, spiral down the narrow streets of the hillside to the port, interspersed with palm trees, trailing bougainvillea, and terraced citrus groves. Featuring in many films such as “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” the waterfront is a colorful bustle of fishing and pleasure boats and beach loungers and parasols. Dinner is on your own this evening in one of Positano’s many fine restaurants or trattorias. A list of recommended restaurants is available for dining ideas. Hotel Villa Franca Positano, Italy An elegant and welcoming four-star hotel with striking views of the sea and Positano. Reflecting local architectural style, spacious sea-view guest rooms and common spaces in white contrast with terracotta, painted tile, lush gardens, and terraces, and a rooftop pool with a 360-degree view of Positano. In addition to fine dining al fresco and a poolside bar, the hotel also has a fitness area and spa facilities (massage and Turkish steam bath). A complimentary room upgrade (pending availability) can be requested on arrival.

Amalfi Coast Drive; independent explorations of the towns of Amalfi and Ravello This morning, after breakfast in your hotel, you embark on an ideal introduction to one of Italy’s most beautiful coastlines—the Amalfi Coast—with your local expert driver. One of the world’s most scenic drives is enhanced by the sheer vibe of the Amalfi Coast—the perfume of lemons, the people, the sunshine, the contrast of blue sea, sky, and striking white cliffs. Amalfi, the first stop of the day, approximately 30 minutes drive from Positano, is one of the most famous towns along this coastline. Also situated at the mouth of a ravine, surrounded by striking cliffs, the seaside resort town has a long history and was a powerful maritime republic in the Middle Ages. In the heart of the town overlooking the main square is its 11th-century Arab-Norman style cathedral. Inside is the 12th-century white-columned “Cloister of Paradise.” A very short drive up brings you to the beautiful town of Ravello, perched high above Amalfi, with its privileged views over the entire coast. A gem, Ravello has been a magnet for artists and writers stretching from Boccaccio to Truman Capote. Stroll its narrow lanes and squares, with enticing boutiques and pastry shops—some of the region’s best dolce or sweets can be found here. A highlight is the evocative 13th-century Villa Rufolo, an inspiration to the operas of Richard Wagner, with its stunning Moorish-style courtyard, villa, gardens, and breathtaking views of the coast. Returning to Positano in the later afternoon, you are free to stroll into town, relax at the beach or poolside at your hotel before dinner on your own. Hotel Villa Franca Positano, Italy An elegant and welcoming four-star hotel with striking views of the sea and Positano. Reflecting local architectural style, spacious sea-view guest rooms and common spaces in white contrast with terracotta, painted tile, lush gardens, and terraces, and a rooftop pool with a 360-degree view of Positano. In addition to fine dining al fresco and a poolside bar, the hotel also has a fitness area and spa facilities (massage and Turkish steam bath). A complimentary room upgrade (pending availability) can be requested on arrival.