Hosted Villas
Inspirations
Contact Information: 1-800-374-6637
According to legend, Hercules loved a nymph named Amalfi and when she died he buried her in the world’s most beautiful place and honored it with her name. It’s no wonder he chose this spot, as the dramatic coastline from Sorrento to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello is one of the most stunning stretches of coast along the Mediterranean.
Natural beauty shines, with panoramic views in all directions. Picturesque villages cling defiantly to the cliffs as they plunge into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. The famous islands of Capri and Ischia are nearby, both immaculate in their natural splendor. A mere pebble’s throw away from the vibrancy of Naples and Sorrento, the towns of the Amalfi Coast – with their unassuming grandeur – combine sumplicitiy and sophistication. The drive along the narrow, winding road that joins each romantic coastal town isn’t for the faint of heart, but the scenery is nothing less than spectacular as the route twists and turns, barely clinging to the cliffs.
Base yourself in the legendary Amalfi, which sits nestled amongst hillsides of lemon grooves, olive trees and vineyards. With its delicate climate, delightful beaches and soothing scenery, it is the perfect place to enjoy the ease of the Italian lifestyle. Enjoy a traditional meal in one of the many restaurants or find a spot on a terrace, sip on limoncello and watch the sun gently dip into the Mediterranean.
Or perhaps take a climb to enchanting and serene Ravello where the beauty of the Amalfi Coast can be experienced in one sweeping glance. Enjoy the timeless charm of Positano – one of the most picturesque towns on the Amalfi Coast with its tidy terraces of Moorish-style pink, yellow and white homes nestled among lush gardens that tumble down to the sea. Once a sleepy fishing village, Positano has made the transition to trendy resort town, where fashion is paramount. Explore its many shops and boutiques and dine in style.
For your enjoyment this evening, a light arrival buffet will be laid out for you composed of regional favourites and delicacies that have been chosen with you and your guests’ tastes in mind. Please note that this is sufficient for a large snack and that exact foods will vary depending on the season. Enjoy this buffet of food while you settle into your home away from home and start to fall into life in Italy!
This lively and bustling town boasts many lovely squares and interesting sights such as the enormous Cathedral of Sant Andrea, with its 52 wide, steep steps, the Piazza dei Doggi, several peaceful cloisters and the Museum of Paper, where you can learn about the history of this important (and often overlooked) invention, first introduced to the West through Amalfi trade with the Arab world.
Delve right into Italian life with a visit to the main piazza (square) and heart of your nearest town. Being Sunday, all shops will be closed but the caffe/bars, restaurants, pastry shops and fresh pasta shops will all be open and flowing with activity. No visit to the main piazza would be complete without first stopping off at the local caffe bar for a frothy cappuccino or creamy espresso. Take a seat with the locals outside, where you can watch the piazza grow with activity. Church bells will ring, children will be running in the square and everyone will be buying fresh pasta for their big Italian Sunday lunch.
After the piazza and your first taste of a truly wonderful coffee, take some time to explore the town’s side streets and meandering alleys — this is a fun exercise, as most of the alleys and streets along the coast are a continuous up and down on cobblestone stairs. Cascading window boxes full of bright red geraniums and pots of fresh basil, climbing purple bougainvillea and heady lemon trees will most likely be a common sight in these lovely, coastal towns. Head back to the piazza and try another caffe bar for the pre-lunch aperitivo with a sparkling glass of prosecco or a non-alcoholic cocktail that is quenching and fresh. Buy some fresh pasta and head back to your home, just like all the Italians. If you stay in the square for even a minute past 13:00 you will be able to hear a pin drop! Once the pasta shop closes it is home for everyone and all you can hear are the birds chirping and smell the aromas of the various pasta sauces from the open windows.
This stunning cliff-side town offers fabulous dining options and panoramic views of the Mediterranean. HV can arrange a reservation at one of Ravello’s finest restaurants, where you will enjoy an unforgettable meal before returning home to your villa.
Start the day off with a trip to the Sorrento market to load up on delicious cheeses, breads, olives and other goodies. Embark on a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, taking in the dramatic cliffs and picturesque villages perched high above the crashing waves. Stop in at one of the many lemon orchards along the coast for a sip of limoncello – an Italian favorite – and enjoy your picnic lunch in one of the many bustling seaside towns, such as Positano. Alternately, you can take a scenic walk out to the point called Punta Campanella, where you can sit and picnic while gazing out at the island of Capri.
You and your guests will have the honor or learning some tasty secrets of authentic Amalfi cuisine from an expert chef in your own home! Gather around the kitchen for the lesson and then most importantly, to sample the finished product. It’s time to learn how to make that wonderful pasta you had last night at the restaurant or a delicious crostata. This is an event that can be organized for any age group and any type of food preferences.We have a handful of wonderful local cooks and a few choice Italian chefs to please every type of request. Come with a pen, a good appetite and a curious mind.
HV can arrange for an exciting full day excursion to visit historic Pompeii and Herculaneum with lunch and wine tour in between. A car and driver will pick you up at the villa and take you to Pompeii where you will meet your guide. Enjoy a private guided tour of the famously preserved city of Pompeii, which sits eerily beneath the shadow of nearby Mt. Vesuvius. After Pompeii head to a nearby winery for a visit and tasting of some of Campagna’s local wines. After lunch and the wine tasting your driver and guide will take you to Herculaneum for your tour of this Roman archeological site.
After being out all day, for dinner tonight why not take it easy and have us arrange for a drop-off meal. Or if you prefer a full service meal, we can arrange for a local cook to come in and have dinner prepared for you when you return from your day of touring.
There are two options for a day in Naples. For those who wish to visit only the National Archeological Museum we can arrange for a driver to pick you up and take you directly to the museum where a guide will meet you. A tour through the museum takes approximately 2 ½hours. To spend the day in Naples center a private local guide will give you an insider’s look at the bustling historic city and all its charm. We recommend you do not drive to Naples but rather let us arrange for a driver to take you to the city center where you can meet your guide.
Isle of Capri and the Blue Cave Capri, the Isle of Dreams, has been drawing visitors since the days of the Roman Emperors to enjoy its natural beauty and its wonderful views. The Blue Grotto, the Faraglioni, Anacapri and Monte Solaro are just a few of the natural attractions to be found here. Awake early to board the hydrofoil boat from Amalfi, or arrange with your Local Host to have a private boat transfer you to the island on your own time. Your private tour of the island includes stops at some of Capri’s most famous sights such as the Villa San Michele and Villa Jovis. You will marvel at the magnificent scenery so characteristic of Capri, and will have a chance to take a dip in its clear, blue waters.
It can be tempting to spend your whole vacation running around, seeing as many sights and towns as possible. Today, why not take some time to enjoy your villa and the beautiful land around you. Take a leisurely stroll, snooze by the pool, snack all day? it’s up to you! This is your chance for guilt-free indulgence and relaxation. And if you’re still experiencing any lingering tension, we can arrange for a masseuse to come by the villa for a private massage, ensuring that you’ll leave from your time on the Amalfi Coast relaxed and fulfilled.
This evening, one of our Regional Chefs will arrive at your villa to begin preparing your authentic Italian meal. Sit back and relax as plate after plate of delicious Italian fare is brought before you.
Time to pack up and say “Arrivederci” to the villa and the Amalfi Coast.
