This has been the highlight of our trip. We are feeling more like visitors rather than tourists if that makes sense.
the Amalfi coast is just a special place that makes you feel good. the people, the food, the spectacular scenery, the relaxing lifestyle and yes, alright and the shopping......
we are down to three couples now as most of the other people on the tour have headed back to Naples and Rome. Scott and Belinda from Morinington who we clicked with from our first meeting in Sorento, and Robert and Sandra from the Bay of Islands in NZ.
we were picked up from our hotel Vesuvio at 10.45am by our driver Valentino. the roads are so narrow that this leg of the tour is by mini bus somewhat like a Tarago. It was comfortable and air conditioned and Valentino turned out to be a tour guide as well as a very safe driver, pointing out yvarious interesting spots along the way and a run down on the history and even making a few photo stops on the 1.5hour drive to Amalfi.
we passed Positano which looked really interesting and there were already plans being discussed for the 6 of us to get a car or ferry for our free day in Positano.
We reached our hotel Excelsior, which was perched high above the township and the bustling little port.
the views from the hotel are spectacular with all of the rooms oriented to the south and the panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the distant shores and mountainous peaks of Sicily. The township and the port in the foreground, as well as the terraced slope with dense planting of lemon trees, grape
vines, tomatoes, and everything else you can fit into the fertile terraced gardens. We felt like rock
stars in Beverley Hills perched on the hillside looking down over the town and the breathtaking Mediterranean. there is a large pool with sun lounges, tables and chairs and umbrellas along the
terrace edge. after checking in we went for a swim and had Limoncello by the pool.
we met an Australian, Italian born couple in the pool, who had been in the area for a week and they gave us a heads up on what to see and do and the operation of the hotel shuttle bus that goes to town
and back every 30 minutes and also stops at the private beach, which costs e10 per person per day, about $15. You get a lounge and umbrella but no beer or wine, or massage.
Anyway after our swim we got changed and caught the free shuttle bus into town to have a look around. Amalfi has a bustling port and bus interchange and a main road that winds up the slope which is lined with shops and restaurants. No hawkers peddling tacky Gucci handbags and sunglasses here, just the locals and visitors enjoying the beach and the sun, only interrupted by the occasional
motorbike, fiat or mini wizzing up or down the narrow shopping strip.
We found a shop selling their own organically produced Limoncello and we had a taste. It was definitely stronger than the one we had the hotel. Needless to say we bought two bottles, they will
squeeze into our bags somehow. We are in love with the Amalfi coast and the relaxed atmosphere of
the town and the region...., the vibe. We are so happy that we added this leg onto the holiday, and we are really missing Jess and Dylan ......ha ha.
Ves is so happy, and tanned as she gets. We think there may be something in the water here or maybe it's the Limoncello. Back to the hotel on the shuttle bus for dinner and maybe after we will head back into town to check the night activity. We had been told that the food at the hotel was really good so we were excited about that.
We dressed for dinner, long pants for me and shoes, no thongs as that seems the norm for dinner and was suggested in our summary of the tour at the start. We were shown tour table for 2 on the edge of
the outdoor terrace. I wish I could add some photos, they would really supplement the description and I,m sorry if I am rambling. When I get back I will.
Scott and Belinda got a second row table and joked about how we always get the best table at breakfast and dinner, and the good room with the best views, and there is a little side story to that.
Anyway was dinner was included and we had a choice of several entrees and mains and a desert. Ves had been able to obtain her gluten free options and it didn't,t take long for the staff to start treating her like royalty.
The food was great, the pasta was cooked to, perfection and the flavours and presentation were amazing. No time for desert though tonight as we had to catch the 9pm bus into town, to have a look at the town at night and there was always a desert option there if we need it. Have I mentioned at all how good the gelato is, I'm sure I must have and the coffee.
We had a lovely walk around the town and had a coffee at one of the cafes and just watched life in Amalfi as you do.
Tomorrow we are off to Positano with our new found friends. Its only about 16kms by road but we have decided to take the early morning ferry, that way we will avoid the winding roads and it will take half the time and we will also get a another interesting view of the Amalfi Coast from the water.
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