Known for it’s incredible diversity of colorful properties and postcard views, cities precariously parked into the faces of cliffs, there’s not many places quite as awe inspiring as the Amalfi Coast in Italy, perhaps all of Europe. Autumn is an amazing time to be here, in the coastal South, where the temperatures are mild & enjoyable. The summer crowds have thinned and the water is still plenty warm enough to lounge the beaches and take frequent dips. Amidst its rugged terrain, the Amalfi Coast is also particularly rich in this season with fruits, vegetables & a myriad of edible gifts from the sea.

And, in my usual chef, tour host fashion, I’ve paid particular attention to the food, selecting mainly local’s haunts, many off the beaten path. Don’t worry there’s plenty of architecture & history to absorb too with every stop. As with all Jason’s Journeys tours, careful attention is paid to efficiency of time, after all we don’t come here to drive up and down the coast, instead we use ferries to help us along. 

This is where an expert guide comes in, to get behind the facade and into what really makes this area flourish. This area is known for making the best pizza in the world, influenced by nearby Napoli. It’s lemons, limoncello, lemon pasta and many other dishes touched by this powerfully alluring fragrance abound. It’s shrimp and clams and fish so fresh you can taste the salty scent still present from the sea.

Our day to day adventures takes us up and down both directions of the coast, and to the islands you’ve heard of, as in Capri, but also lesser known Ischia. The latter was recently named the best place in Italy to visit. We charter boats, sing and dance with locals high above Positano. If I may be so bold to say, you haven’t seen it all until you’ve seen this special area. Always a top-seller, Autumn in Amalfi offers you boundless photo opps, but even more important, your heart and eyes need to experience this firsthand. 

I am so thrilled to lead you through one of THE most gorgeous territories you’ll ever visit! Thinking back to my first visit some 15 years ago, I recall standing on a smooth pebble beach in Minori with my back to the sea, looking up at the jagged mountains saying out loud, “I can’t believe I am here right now!” I want this for you…Are you ready? 

Bravo, you made it, welcome to Italia! Based on our specific transfer arrangements, mainly from Naples, we are off to our first destination. It’s the quaint yet energetic town of Maiori, our home for the next six nights. Unpack, unwind, sit poolside, swim or stroll the beach across from our hotel while our hosts prepare us some welcome antipasti & prosecco. 

You’ve come a long way, so let’s savor our surroundings & sip to the inaugural day in paradiso! Later we will gather near the pool to meet one another as we prepare for our first experience.

After a check-in at the splendid Hotel Reginna in Maiori, prepare to embark on a nice dinner at Ristorante La Vela just a few hundred steps away. With a warm inviting staff and atmosphere, this place has been offering typical Mediterranean cuisine in Maiori for decades. It’s not fancy, but it’s fresh and typical of the area. 

Next to Maiori is smaller Minori (translated means Major and Minor), where we will become legit pizzaioli. Our wonderful hosts are a kind family who invite us into their home where we will learn, hands-on, how to make wood-fired oven pizza in true Neapolitan fashion. Tucked safely on the terrace, we will sing, laugh, drink and feast like locals with little worry of the outside world. 

After our exciting pizza making adventure, feel free to shop around town or head back to Maiori to relax poolside or on the beach before we freshen up for this evening's dinner. As the sun sets, we will pay a visit to our friend Marco and his ceramic studio for a quick pottery demonstration and aperitif before dinner a few steps away. 

Here at Pasticceria Sal de Riso’s, owned by none other than Sal himself, (Italy’s #1 Pastry Chef in 2010), you’ll be dazzled by sweet smells and colors galore. After you’ve picked your dessert we will enjoy a pleasing family style meal of local pasta specialties along with eggplant parmesan, other sides and salads. Time to get some rest though, tomorrow is a big day.

Dressed in our favorite yacht fashion, today we take to the sea, my friends! We will board our vintage twin-mast sailing vessel within steps of the hotel as we embark on a journey along the jagged Amalfi coastline. Always ranking as a crowd favorite day, we can enjoy boat drinks, swimming and snorkeling for the better part of the afternoon. There is just no better way to experience the grandeur & magnitude of this topography than from the water.

After our breathtaking boat journey, we will conclude our day in the enchanting coastal town of Positano. Here, you will have some leisure time to immerse yourself in the beauty of this picturesque destination. Stroll along the winding streets adorned with vibrant bougainvillea, explore charming local shops, or simply relax on the sun-kissed beaches with the deep blue sea as your backdrop.

As the sun begins to set and the town is bathed in a warm, golden glow, we will gather for a delightful dinner at the renowned "La Tagliata" restaurant, a local’s favorite run by two energetic cousins who serve up local fare, one tasty platter after another. Near the top of this mountain, we will enjoy a stunning sunset & wine amongst our new friends.

After a long day yesterday, this morning we can sleep in a bit and enjoy a leisurely morning and afternoon to ourselves in Maiori. Perhaps you may want to lay on the beach or near the pool, or embark on a half-day excursion on your own, to Ravello or another nearby area of interest. 

In the evening, we have an exciting dinner planned at our friend’s place, with The Barbaro Family. We may want to arrive a little earlier to enjoy the swimming pool and epic views surrounding their property. Either way, we need to be ready for an unforgettable experience filled with local cuisine, good cocktails and a lively atmosphere. There’s plenty of music and dancing so tonight we can let go a little because we have the place all to ourselves.

This morning we are off to the nearby hub town of Amalfi, the thriving center of the coast. Taking the ferry is the most efficient and picturesque way to arrive, so here we go. After a walk through town, past many shops and the cathedral, we will find ourselves above the action, immersed in the golden jewels of the region, LEMONS. Our humble hosts, Salvatore and family, will lead us through terrace after terrace of this magical fruit, as we learn of its history & cultivation. 

We of course want a lesson in making Limoncello, so here we will toast, taste & move onto a delightful lunch served to us on site. After lunch you'll have the opportunity to meander on your own. You may decide to visit the historical paper mill where you can do a tour and learn of the origin and role paper production played here. Stroll through the picturesque streets of Amalfi, where charming cafes and eateries abound. 

Soon we will meet for an aperitif before an enjoyable dinner experience at Buonvicino restaurant. Among the ancient streets, this place is a gastronomic haven, where the flavors of the region are expertly prepared and served with a touch of Italian elegance. Buon appetito!

Today we bid farewell to our hosts at Hotel Reginna as we set off for destinations inland and arrive at the base of the mighty Mount Vesuvius. Here we take the morning to explore the mysterious ruins of Pompeii. Our experienced guide will share with us the history of this once advanced civilization as our imaginations unfold, going back in time to get a true sense of what is before us. The remarkable preservation of this World UNESCO site is impressive by all accounts, as they continue to uncover new bits of earth and knowledge with each passing year.

Upon finishing up our excursion here, we can stop for a coffee and bite to eat as we make our way to our next destination and final resting place, Sorrento. Once checked-in at our hotel Antiqua Mura, we can take some time to get acclimated to our new surroundings. Sorrento is vibrant and full of activity and well-liked by travelers from around the world. 

Before dinner tonight we will take a short detour to visit one of the area’s last expert woodworkers using the veneer technique. Our friend Enzo will quickly explain the process his father still uses to make beautiful inlayed wood boxes and many other decorative items for the home. Afterwards we can enjoy a local menu prepared by a welcoming bunch. Our hosts Luigi and Tonino are a happy duo, and enjoy sharing tasty treats from their meat locker. 

Today our journey starts as we set sail on a ferry ride to the enchanting island of Ischia, known as “lsola Verde, that is, the green island. Let’s be ready to be greeted by the allure and captivating landscapes. Our adventure continues with our archeological guide Alessandra, who will take us on the Aragonese Castle Tour, the symbol of the city, allowing us to immerse in the rich history and culture of this small, but magnificent island.

Afterward, enjoy Ischia's culinary tradition with a nice lunch on the shores of the sea featuring local delicacies that capture the essence of the Mediterranean. As the day unfolds, we'll bid farewell to Ischia and board the sunset ferry back to Sorrento, where you'll have the opportunity to explore this coastal gem at your own pace during a the evening. Charming streets, Italian gelato and stunning Mediterranean views? OH YEAH! Your evening in Sorrento promises to be a delightful and memorable experience.

As if we haven’t had enough fun so far, let’s rally one more time for a day of exploration on the Isle of Capri. Life is tough, I know. Did someone mention shopping? Here the world is your oyster & there are definitely pearls to be had, if your credit card can handle it. There’s been so much written about Capri, it’s good we’ve finally made it to see & experience it for ourselves. If shopping isn’t your bag, you can hike, or we can arrange for you to visit the famous caves by boat to the Blue Grotto. Don’t be late for lunch though, because it will be one you won’t soon forget. 

“La Zagara” is located near the top of the island in Anacapri. Classy, and of course under the lemons, there’s a lot to take in but also talk about. Here we will celebrate our final meal together…. Let’s swap stories, reminisce about our journey & discuss new parts of Italy we decide to conquer next time!

After a ferry ride back to the mainland, tonight in Sorrento is yours. It’s time to say goodbye to the tribe & take a break from the group. Spend your time packing, strolling the streets with your spouse, or just rest seaside before you slip off to your final destination. Buon viaggio!

Maybe we see you one last time for breakfast, maybe we don’t. Either way, I’ll be sure to bid my gracious farewells & take a deep breath knowing I’ve just given you all that I (and Costa Amalfitana) had for the last nine days.