Garden of the Cocumella
Villa Rufolo , Ravello Regina Isabella
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day one : Arrive on the Amalfi Coast You may choose to fly to Naples on any British Airways flight today - generally there is a morning flight and an afternoon flight . You are met and transferred to the hotel . Free time and dinner under your own steam . The hotel has a restaurant and there are numerous others nearby .
Day two : Visit Ravello with Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo Depart after breakfast for a full day excursion by coach accompanied by a local guide for the spectacular drive along the coast road to spend the day in Ravello and Amalfi . There is plenty of time to explore the delights of the Villa Cimbrone and the Villa Rufolo in Ravello , free time for lunch and then a visit to Amalfi where you stop to visit its Paradise Cloister . You make your own arrangements for dinner , perhaps at the hotel or nearby .
Day three : Visit Capri Today you are taken to Capri by boat with a guide for a visit first to Anacapri and the extraordinary Villa San Michele , home of Axel Munthe . Enjoy this astonishing collection of ancient artefacts , mosaics and sculptures set amidst splendid vegetation . Then there is free time for lunch before visiting the Giardini di Augustus and a gentle walk to the Punta Tragara from where you can admire the Faraglioni rocks . For those who are fit and able walkers and happy to cope with the steps and uneven surfaces , an optional visit to the amazing site and Roman ruins of Villa Jovis is possible ( entrance fees at own cost ). Return to your hotel for dinner under your own steam .
Day four : Visit Tenuta Porta di Ferro Today we are pleased to offer you a hidden gem near Salerno . The Tenuta Porta di Ferro is a private estate with several distinct garden areas devoted to rare plants , contemporary and experimental design , water plants and Mediterranean species . It is a member of the Grandi Giardini Italiani and the garden development started in the early 20th Century . The journey time is about 90 minutes by car . Once there you will visit the themed gardens , presented by a botany expert from the estate , translated by your English speaking escort . A brunch is included and there is also the chance to see and taste the farm produce , much of it DOP . The extensive gardens feature mixed borders of perennials , citrus trees , lavender , roses , wistaria , bougainvillaea , agapanthus , water plants , olives and vines . Return to your hotel for the evening .
Day five : Transfer to Ischia - visit La Mortella Leave Sorrento at 9.30 for the direct ferry ( 50 mins ) to Ischia crossing the Bay of Naples . You are transferred to your hotel where you can leave your bags but it is probably too early to check-in . This afternoon you visit La Mortella which is the highlight of your stay on Ischia . You are transferred to the garden by mini-bus or small coach . You will have an Englishspeaking guide to give you a tour of the gardens ( about 2 hours ). La Mortella is Lady Walton ’ s magnificent garden that is an oasis of greenery amid the maquis . The air is humid enough for New Zealand tree ferns and there is a range of rare and tender trees , palms , shrubs and bulbs . The garden offers a parallel existence of indigenous plants ( the aroma of the maquis or macchia in Italian abounds ) as well as the exotics . Charming , fascinating and oozing specimens to delight . You return to your hotel with free time to find a local restaurant or the hotel ’ s restaurant for dinner .
Day six : Visit of Ravino gardens This morning you are taken to the gardens of Ravino , a private garden housing a private collection of exotic plants , succulents and cacti , unique in Europe . Spread over an area of about 6000 square metres , you will be able to walk through the gardens along pathways of over 500 metres in an area with abundant plants . The gardens are the result of the passion and care of Giuseppe d ’ Ambra . There is free time in the afternoon to rest at the hotel or to explore the island on your own .
Day seven : Return to London from Naples Morning at leisure before departing in the afternoon by road and sea back to Naples and on to the airport for the flight leaving at 19.55 arriving back into Gatwick at 21.45 hrs .
Dates and prices This tour departs on the following dates from London for these prices per person . 16 June 2023 £ 3,690 1 September 2023 £ 3,690
Prices are based on two people sharing a double or twin room . Single supplement for use of double : £ 1,410 . Deluxe room at the Cocumella £ 180 per person in total
Deposit payment : £ 400 per person We include
• Flights with British Airways London Gatwick to Naples in Eurotraveller
• Transportation on the mainland in a luxury small coach with one piece of luggage per person .
• Transportation from Sorrento to Ischia and from Ischia to hotel , back from hotel to Naples .
• Services of a local guide for the excursions and visits as mentioned .
• Entrance tickets to the villas and gardens mentioned with brunch at the Tenuta Porta di Ferro
• Four nights ’ bed and breakfast at the Grand Hotel Cocumella , Sorrento in a classic double or twin .
• Two nights ’ bed and breakfast at the Hotel Regina Isabelle , in Lacco Ameno on Ischia in a superior double or twin with balcony and garden view .
Grand Hotel Cocumella Sorrento The Grand Hotel Cocumella is a luxury 5-star boutique hotel in a beautiful coastal location . The gourmet cuisine and beautiful parks and gardens afford guests a truly tranquil and indulgent experience .
Hotel Regina Isabella Ischia This is a 5-star deluxe hotel on the waterfront in the town of Lacco Ameno . Around the town are rocky outcrops , private beaches and Mediterranean pinewoods . The hotel has 128 rooms divided between three parts of the hotel . The rooms are decorated in Mediterranean style with hand-painted majolica tiles and a combination of mid-century furniture with 21st century touches . The hotel has three bars and three restaurants , where you can enjoy views of the sea or the garden . A special feature of the Regina Isabella is the thermal spa baths ; a range of spa treatments is on offer .
Different travel arrangements If you want us to arrange flights on other dates and from UK regional airports or to extend your holiday with a stay elsewhere in Italy , just let us know . If you are not arriving from the UK , then we can give you a price that excludes flights and perhaps with extra transfers included .
For our complete range of Italian holidays see www . expressionsholidays . co . uk or telephone 01392 441250 9