My Mini Grand Tour

As I mentioned in my “Notes from Naples” post, I was fortunate enough to enjoy a springtime visit to that city. What I didn’t mention was that the eight-day trip was a circle tour that included Capri.

Traveling with the Friends of FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) – a nonprofit “whose mission is to foster in the United States a deeper appreciation of and support for the preservation of buildings and properties of architectural and environmental significance located in the Republic of Italy” – means a trip endowed with personal visits to palatial homes, sumptuous meals hosted by Italian dignitaries, and exceptional visits favoring the finest local traditions. Here’s a brief overview of the itinerary:

DAY 1
Arrive in Naples, Grand Hotel Vesuvio. Visit to Certosa di San Martino.
Dinner at Villa Lucia received by Diana de Feo.

DAY 2
Visit Grotta di Seiano. Lunch at Villa Trentaremi received by Marchese and Marchesa Diana. Drink at Palazzo Donn’Anna at the residence of Lia Rumma. Return to the hotel. Drink at the Thomas Dane . Dinner at the residence of Antonio and Marilú D’Amato.

DAY 3
Visit Metropolitana di Napoli: Visit Museo di Capodimonte. Lunch at Capodimonte. Visit Catacombe di San Gennaro. Drink at the residence of Luca Rivelli. Dinner at the residence of Signori Pontecorvo.

DAY 4
Visit to Museo Archeologico. Walk in Spaccanapoli. Visit to Cappella San Severo. Visit to Pio Monte della Misericordia. Lunch in a pizzeria. Private visit to Palazzo Cellammare received by Signori Pisani and by Principi di Leporano. Dinner at Circolo dell’Unione. Traviata at Teatro San Carlo.

DAY 5
Visit to Pompeii. Lunch at the private island of I Galli. Arrive in Capri, Hotel Quisisana.

DAY 6
Visit to Villa Jovis. Visit to La Certosa. Drink at the residence of Antonio and Marilú D’Amato. Private visit to Villa Axel Munthe. Dinner at the residence of Diego della Valle.

DAY 7
Depart by private boat and sail by Baia di Ieranto. Drink at the private island of I Galli received by Giovanni Russo. Return to Capri and tour of the island by boat. Dinner at the residence of Pietro and Camilla Valsecchi.

DAY 8
Home.

As you might imagine, it was difficult to be wrenched away from such wonderful people, sights, and history. The trip home was populated by visions of all the delectable flavors of the journey to this exceptionally beautiful part of the world.