The treasures of the land of dreams
The land where the lemons flourish
Campania - the Ager Felix of Italy for explorers
One region in Italy offers us many delights within a short distance: Campania.
It is not only the region that has featured in many hit song lyrics, it is an area that many dream of. No matter how many negative headlines are associated with Naples, one thing remains, the beauty.
Just enjoy the known and unknown sides of a region that can arguably be considered unique.
Day 1: Welcome to the land of Mignon
At the airport or alternatively at the railway station you will be met by your tour guide in Naples. You will move into a hotel in the centre of Naples, almost in the immediate vicinity of many sights. Depending on the time of arrival, ideally in the afternoon, first sightseeing.
Day 2 and 3: Napoli totale
Naples may often be disreputable, but it also offers ravishing cultural treasures. You have to bring a little time with you for Naples, because its Greek-Roman "ventre", i.e. its historic city centre, laid out in a chessboard pattern, shows it from its impressive side with its manifold cultural assets.
To name just a few sights that should not be missed: the cot street, the Piazza San Domenico, the Sansevero chapel with the magnificent statue of the veiled Christ, the magnificent Gesu' Nuovo church, the beautiful majolica of Santa Chiara, the subterranean Naples, not forgetting San Gennaro and his blood in the cathedral....In addition, there are literary cafés in the Piazza Bellini, the restaurant where the best pizza is made and so much more. At this point you can say: Bella Napoli.
Day 4: Where it smokes and bubbles
Ercolano. At the foot of Vesuvius lie the excavations of the city that fell victim to the volcano in 79 AD. Unlike in Pompeii, you can imagine life at that time very well, thanks to the good state of preservation of the buildings. Before the buildings were covered by ash, their interiors had already been filled in, so the roofs did not collapse. Under the dense mass of tuff, about 20 m high, Herculaneum lay sealed off from the air and thus as if preserved.
Naples and Vesuvius, just like Ercolano and Pompeii, are in a way like Siamese twins. It is therefore almost a must to have been on Mount Vesuvius. The ascent is already very impressive and those who want to walk the last stretch to the crater rim can imagine all the better what would happen if... Even if actually every visitor to Naples goes up to Vesuvius, it is and remains fascinating even with mass tourism. After a small lunch, with a magnificent view of the Campi Flegrei, we turn to the second major archaeological site, Pompeii. Much larger and better known than Ercolano, but no less fascinating. After visiting the excavation area, return to the hotel in the late afternoon for dinner.
Day 5: Italy's most popular route, the Amalfitana
In the morning you start your journey to the probably most famous road in Europe, the Amalfitana. Who doesn't know them, the towns that nestle very romantically along this stretch of coast: Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi. You will have an overnight stay in Sorrento, which will give you the opportunity to wander around the famous town and also to drink the real Limoncello, which is very popular here.
Day 6: Postcard idyll and animal luxury
In the morning we continue to Ravello. It is not only the panoramic views that make this place above Amalfi so worth seeing, it is also its architectural gems. Villa Rufolo, which we visit, and Villa Cimbrone (visit optional) with ancient Sicilian-Arabic style elements will remain unforgettable. You can find them on all the brochures, but the reality is a little more beautiful than all the pictures.
You have seen a lot in the last few days, but it means a lot of effort. Therefore, a slower pace today. Through the hinterland we reach our next destination, Paestum, in the afternoon. Here, near the magnificent temple complex, you will relax on a buffalo farm and taste the original Mozzarella di Bufala. On a tour of this buffalo farm you will be amazed at the luxurious life the buffaloes lead. Afterwards you will move into your hotel.
Day 7: Magnificence of the ancient world
We start with a visit to the grandiose archaeological park of Paestum. The temple complex gives an idea of the grandeur once created here by the Greeks. The excavation of the original city of Poseidonia offers unique monuments that cannot be found anywhere else in the ancient world. A visit to the associated museum deepens the impressions. The most famous exhibit is certainly the diver's tomb. In the afternoon we continue our journey deeper into the Cilento, where we check into the next hotel.
Day 8: Take a breather
In the meantime, the Cilento has become a popular tourist destination in Italy, but it has still managed to preserve its beauty. To give our guests at least a small impression, we will visit some of the highlights of the Cilento. Your excursion will include: Palinuro, one of the most beautiful harbours of the Cilento. From here, boat trip to the Cilento Grotta Azzurra and the other grottos, such as the Grotta degli Infreschi (4 hours). Drive to Camerota. Visit to the historical centre. In between, of course, a delicious fish dinner by the sea (optional) and time for relaxation.
Day 9: Of gladiators and other Romans
Today we drive north through the interior of Campania, where we head for a town that has made rather negative headlines in modern times, but which is one of the most interesting in terms of cultural heritage, Capua and, in addition, S. Maria Capua Vetere. In Roman times, they were famous for hosting gladiator fights. In 73 BC, the slave revolt of Spartacus originated from Capua. Actually, Capua was the most powerful and luxurious city in Campania and certainly one of the oldest (800 BC). Today, in connection with S. Maria Vetere, it is worth a visit to admire the largest amphitheatre after Rome, Hadrian's Arch and not forgetting the Mithraeum, a rare and probably unique place of worship of the kind found here in Capua Vetere.
Day 10: Ciao, ciao and an arrivederci
On this day we depart from Naples, preferably with a return flight in the late afternoon. We hope you have new impressions in your suitcase and wonderful memories.
©ulla kastner
Minimum number of participants: 8, max. 14
Travel dates:
09.06. to 18.06.2023
22.09. until 01.10.2023
03.05. until 12.05.2024
Services included:
9 x B&B, accommodation as per programme
4 x evening meals
1 x lunch at Vesuvius
1 x snack on a buffalo farm
1 x boat trip in Cilento
Permanent German tour guide
2 x guided tours in Naples
All transfers from/to Naples airport or train station in air-conditioned minibuses
Not included:
Travel (we are happy to assist with arrival/departure arrangements).
All meals not listed
Entrance fees
Drinks
other services not listed
Prices:
in double room from 8 pers. € 2.360,00
in double room from 10 pers. € 2.180,00
double room as single + € 270,00
