The Amalfi coast is one of the most fascinating in the world for its landscape, it 's an unique opportunity to impress in your heart and memory breathtaking views protected by Unesco.
Pick up directly from your hotel or indicated meeting point by coach and proceeding along the State Road 163 "Amalfitana". The Amalfi coast is part of the Campania’s coast, located south of the Sorrentine Peninsula, overlooking the Gulf of Salerno it is bordered to the west by Positano and to the east by Vietri sul Mare. It is a stretch of coastline famous around the world for its natural beauty, home of major tourist sites. It takes its name from the town of Amalfi, the heart of the coast not only geographically but also historically. The Amalfi Coast is known for its diversity : each of the towns on the coast has its own charm and its traditions. During the first part of the day we will pass, with the coach, the famous and romantic Positano. The origin of the name of Positano is narrowed to two traditions. The historical version that the name derives from Paestum, whose inhabitants took refuge in the area during the raids of pirates. The other version has it that the name comes from a voice that kept saying "... posa posa ...", heard when, during a crossing by sea of a painting of the Madonna, the boat encountered a heavy storm. The men then fled to what is now known as the bay of Positano, and when they laid the picture on the beach, the storm stopped. The origins of Positano are lost in the mists of time, where history and legend mingle. As often happened in the past, the myth, which replaced the lack of clear data, tells us that Positano was founded by Poseidon, the god of the sea, for the love of the nymph Pasitea. At the time of the Romans, Positano was the place from which the Emperor Tiberius, stocked up "safe flour," not trusting the products to be found on the island of Capri where he feared conspiracies. The town developed around the Benedictine Abbey of St. Vito in the ninth century, and was populated only later, when the attacks of the Saracens in 915 AD forced the inhabitants of neighbouring areas to flee and seek refuge here. There are traces of these influences in many elements of architecture. During the period of the Maritime Republics the town was devastated by one of the other Maritima Republics namely Pisa, and changing its architecture in order to protect the city from invasions from the sea. Protective walls were built, streets and narrow houses clinging to the coast at a height difficult to reach and in strategic positions. The town became a busy hub for maritime trade, even competing with Amalfi between the fifteenth and seventeenth century. Then began the demographic decline that continued until the early twentieth century, when it was 'discovered' by the Germans, British and Americans. From this moment on Positano saw an economic growth that continues today. The shops and small businesses in the clothing industry have become so important that they create their own style, Positano Fashion. The clothes of Positano seamstresses constitute a recognizable style with sarongs and laced bodices, brightly coloured. Continuing at each bend, you will discover the charm of a new village built in ancient times, overlooking the sea until you reach Praiano. In the past it was one of the old farmhouses of the Amalfi Republic, together with that of Vettica Maggiore, and ancient fishing village, chosen by many as a holiday resort. Lying on the ridge of the Lattary mountains, Praiano is a thriving tourist destination of great beauty from the naturalistic point of view. The landscape is very beautiful with the mountains in the background, and out at sea you can admire the Li Galli islands and in the distance the isle of Capri. Weather permitting, we will make a stop halfway with the possibility to buy drink and admire the local pottery in Conca dei Marini. Then you will reach Amalfi, the main square which is dedicated to Flavio Gioia, the invention of the sea compass. The centre is dominated by the impressive staircase and the facade of the Duomo, dedicated to St. Andrew, also famous for its cloister and museum. Not to be missed, the opportunity to admire the coastline from the sea and photograph every single detail in this magnificent coastline shaped over centuries by wind and sea, also rich in natural caves. There will be an opportunity to have free time for shopping or to visit the medieval Cathedral, known for its beautiful façade, the result of the encounter between Islamic and Norman art. This optional tour includes the Cathedral itself and its museum, which includes the cloister, masterpieces of high artistic value as the Mitra S. Ludovico di Tolosa studded with 19,330 beads and baroque crypt of St Andrea. We continue by coach, to Ravello, about 300 meters above the sea, where the time available will be dedicated to lunch and the discovery of the medieval village. In this delightful little town you can visit the Cathedral of St. Pantaleone, beautiful Romanesque church with two precious medieval pulpits (Ambon) and the medieval Villa Rufolo with the breathtaking views, which was a source of inspiration for many artists including Richard Wagner, in fact, to commemorate the presence of the German composer, in the Villa every year there is a music festival in his honour. Return to Sorrento following the Chiunzi valley road and the motorway, after an unforgettable day!!!
Lunch and entrance fees not included. |
