JUNE 2013

MUST-DO EXCURSION

06012013 From the main wharf in Positano, wait until you see the small boat with the little red fish standing proud on the mast, the return both ways from Da Adolfo to Positano and back is about every 40 minutes. Positioned in between Praiano and Positano's main beach, the address still Positano on the extraordinary Amalfi Coast, Da Adolfo restaurant is detached from everything fast paced and just sits quietly on its own little beach serving up delightfully colourful plates of mouth watering seafood, bowls of home made pasta and tumblers full of light local crisp wine. Da Adolfo is a hidden slice of paradise in Positano... | Italian Allure
06022013 For a quintessential, sand-between-your-toes summer lunch, catch the shuttle boat to tiny Laurito beach, a gentle 10-minute chug from Positano, where Adolfo's shabby-chic beach cabana turns out unpretentious local specialities accompanied by jugs of ice-cold white wine. This is casual eating at is best (paper cloths, barefoot waiters, menu chalked up on a blackboard), and the food zings with the sunny flavours of the south: mozzarella grilled on lemon leaves, mussels in an intense, garlic-spiked tomato sauce. And there's even a beach bed for a post-lunch snooze. Gold Standard Restaurants 2013 | Conde Nast Traveller
06032013 In celebration of Wagner's life and his love of Ravello, the town has hosted a lavish, internationally renowned music festival every summer since 1953, the 140th anniversary of his birth (and the 70th of his death). Villa Rufolo is no longer a private home. Today, its gardens are open to the public and many of the concerts take place there on a vast stage built out over the sea. Arias and graces in Ravello | The Independent
06042013 A leading company at a national level in the strawberry sector, the Sole cooperative is located in Parete, in the Caserta province, and it produces the Sabrina variety in particular, which is also sold under the Solarelli brand as "Sabrina della Campania". High quality and fluctuating markets for Italian strawberries | Fresh Plaza
06052013 Rudi Pinkowski liked La Mortella in the island of Ischia best for its “excellent selections of interesting plants around the world with awesome architecture.” Best garden from Italy tour | The Vancouver Sun
06062013 This holiday combines a stay perched above the Amalfi Coast in the town of Ravello, home to two of the most famous gardens of the region. Here, the remarkable site of Villa Cimbrone boasts a wisteria-clad pergola almost the length of the garden, formal and informal side gardens, a rose garden and trees such as umbrella pines, plane trees and olives that intermingle with palms, cycads, phormiums and yuccas. An air of slight neglect and seemingly wild native euphorbias, scented anemones and giant fennel create a pleasing and relaxed atmosphere. Nearby the gardens of Villa Rufolo extend along three terraces that contain a variety of trees and flowers, from palms and yuccas to oleander and bougainvillaea. Holiday to gardens and villas of the Amalfi Coast and Capri | Expressions Holidays
06072013 Titian Danae (1544-1546), Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte, Naples. 50 works of art to see before you die | A Luxury Travel Blog
06082013 Gesualdo's fifth and sixth books of madrigals were published in 1611, printed in his castle in the village near Naples that carries his family name. The composer died two years later, and further editions of these 39 settings of mostly anonymous texts quickly followed; with their vivid responses to the significance of every word, the aching chromaticisms in the part writing and the bare nerve ends of the harmony, they contain some of the most extraordinary music Gesualdo ever composed. Mario Longhini and Delitiae Musicae have added both books to their continuing survey of the complete madrigals as a single, hugely impressive collection, which steers a perfectly judged, immaculate course between the extremes of earthy expressionism and sterile detachment. Gesualdo: Madrigals Books 5 and 6 | The Guardian
06092013 The landscape turned from grey to green as we headed out of the city and into the mountains. We didn’t know what to expect from Avellino or who would meet us there, but this had become a familiar scenario. Though Avellino suffered earthquakes and World War II bombardments, it remains rich in historical evidence – there are churches and castles and intriguing ruins – but it’s not for the nose-in-a-guidebook tourist. You come to Avellino to discover it by yourself. Or, if you’re lucky, you might make some friends who can show you around. Momentary Strangers | NY Girls Eats World
06102013 Serpico, which carries the Irpinia IGT designation as its appellation of origin, is Feudi di San Gregorio's flagship wine. The Serpico vineyards are planted at more than 1,000 feet of elevation and range from 40 to 70 years old. I have long thought it is one of the greatest red wines in the world. I tasted the 2008 Serpico in a flight of a dozen mostly impressive Italian reds. It was the standout by far. Ten hours later, I went back to retaste the open bottle and found it to be even better the second time around. It is quite possible that Serpico would not be to your liking. For me, however, the complex flavors, the remarkable structure, the real or imagined potential for historic longevity all add up to what I am looking for in the perfect red wine. The 100-Point Wine | Whitley on Wine
06112013 Deleo - who has worked at Le Crillon des Gourmets and the Astrance in Paris, Le Gavroche in London, and more, and earned Michelin stars at two other restaurants earlier in his career - has completely revamped the menu at Rossellini’s to highlight his twist on Campania-style cooking. Decadent stuffed pastas, like tortello packed with leeks and cheek sausage served on top of creamed peas, lobster, molten egg yolk, and mint-scented oil, accompany Deleo’s signature quail served six ways. Chef Michele Deleo Heads the Kitchen at Amalfi’s Most Majestic Resort | Robb Report
06122013 You started as a financier in Italy. When did you decidet to do tailoring business, and how did you end up in New York City? It happen circuitly. As a Neapolitan, when I grew up I loved to wear high quality suits and coats. I use to come to New York quite often and I saw clearly what the difference in style from Neapolitan and Italians in general was to that of American men. So I always thought that where ever there is a need, there is an opportunity. Bellucci Napoli - From Naples to New York | NssMagazine
06132013 The Villa Fattorusso Suite is a beautiful renovation of a old mill, designed with an authentic ambiance in mind. Famous for it geographical setting and its picturesque views on the Bay of Naples, the Villa Fattorusso is ideal for making the setting of any festive occasion or just a lunch and swim like a dream come true. With its delicate flower arrangements, its illustrious and distinguished table array and its enjoyable and selective banquets. Villa Fattorusso Suite | Campania Pages
06142013 Villa Angelina's estate is situated only 3 km from the centre of Sorrento, on the headland of "Capo di Massa" (once it was the summer residence of the famous ship-owner Achille Lauro). In the centre of the estate, our holiday farm, "La Villanella", 30 hectares of Mediterranean fauna and flora, terraces on different levels to the sea, a breathtaking view of the Penisola Sorrentina on one side and on the other the Island of Capri. Farm Holidays | La Villanella
06152013 How Seven Hostel even classifies itself as a hostel we're not sure. It has dorm rooms, but it also has the sort of sleek, modern design that would make it the envy of most hotels. Plus, its setting in Sorrento, with views to Capri, Naples and Vesuvius, is hard to top. If it's the flashpacker experience you're after, then this is your hostel. Seven's rooms are immaculately furnished. There are privates on the top floor and dorms below. The piece de resistance, however, is the rooftop terrace, with its plush couches, sun lounges and views out to the Amalfi Coast. If all hostels looked like this, the big hotel chains would be out of business. Ahead of the pack / Sydney Morning Herald
06162013 The best pasta in town is… At Donna Rosa in Montepertuso. Q&A: Positano | Qantas Travel Insider
06172013 We'd been told that GAS Bar in Amalfi does the best coffee, and it is true – the coffee is fantastic, as are the little oval pastries, filled with custard and cherry, called pasticciotti. The owners are young and passionate about their coffee, taking great care of their espresso machine. It's not an easy place to stop, as it's on a junction, but locals pull up and nip inside for a perfect espresso and then zoom off. Italian cuisine: the Amalfi Coast's great fish, pasta – and views | The Guardian
06182013 All classes were held in Carol LeWitt's ancestral home, Casa L'Orto. Four hundred years old, terraced on nine levels, it supports local arts initiatives as well as a passionate effort to restart farming in the village of 2,000. During the conference, there was a home-cooked Italian feast, a night of the poets and readings from faculty and students. Locals became our friends, our chefs, drivers and one much needed translator. Praiano Writers was beautifully organized, and intelligently flexible. A Writer's Vacation With Wally Lamb On The Amalfi Coast | The Hartford Courant
06192013 Aglianico is heavy by any means. We were all impressed by the consistently high quality of these wines. Some, as the range of vintages suggested, were more immediately approachable, while others will continue to benefit from aging. We found big differences in texture and density, but most of the wines were distinctively structured and earthy, with flavors of red fruit, licorice and menthol. Aglianico Emerges From the Bottom of Italy’s Boot | The New York Times
06202013 Taurasi Vendemmia, literally "Harvest of Taurasi," takes place in and around the black volcanic peaks which ring the Calore River. There is a village called Taurasi at the heart of the DOCG, but this is only one of 17 towns that are allowed to label as Taurasi their local sub-form of Aglianico. It is, along with Piedmont's Nebbiolo, the last-harvested grape in Italy. Italy's Shin | The Tasting Panel
06212013 Highlights of a major British Museum exhibition will be streamed into more than 1,000 cinemas around the world. Life and Death in Pompeii comes to a cinema screen near you | Northampton Chronicle and Echo
06222013 Put simply, Pompeii wasn't the only city that was buried under that eruption from Mount Vesuvius. Herculaneum, Stabia, Nuceria...and Oplontis. Oplontis was even closer to the volcano, and joins the list of Roman towns buried under that fateful eruption. Emperor Nero had a house built for his wife here named the Villa Poppaea. Unfortunately, Nero then killed her. The house was found mostly empty, as much of the statuary had been removed in the earliest stages of reconstruction and redecoration. Villa Oplontis | World Reviewer
06232013 Portus Julius was built during the Roman civil war (37 BC). The port was intended to shelter the Classis Misenensis Roman fleet. The port was connected to Lake Lucrino and Lake Avernus via a navigable canal. The port was later named in honour of Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus. Portus Julius offered a comprehensive array of administrative naval services and recreational facilities. The walls and pillars still rise from a few inches to more than a meter above the sea-bed and their stonework bears witness to the various building methods used, particularly reticulated work. Pathways, floor mosaics, ceramic wares and even the indication of frescoes can still be found in-situ. Port of Baia | IAS: International Archaeological Society of Naples
06242013 Ischia’s volcanic hot springs are at the heart of its popularity as a spa destination. They feed a number of beachside spa parks, including the famous Negombo Spa adjacent to the beach at the beachside town of Lacco Ameno, with numerous hot pools, relaxing park-like grounds, spa treatments, massages and water therapies. Ischia’s top 10 | A Luxury Travel Blog
06252013 Positano, on the Amalfi Coast, provides long summer days for basking in the sun. Ask Lonely Planet: A south Italian adventure | The New Zealand Herald
06262013 The name “Punta Civita“ draws it's origin from it's spectacular location on the Gulf which today hosts many tourists from all over the world but at one time served as a lookout to guard from the invasions of the Saraceni. The floors and tiles are handmade ceramics from Vietri, family antique furniture and artifacts adorn each room, while careful attention has been paid to every detail, it is the passion and personal warmth of the owners that transformed this house into a B& B in 2003. Description | Punta Civita Bed & Breakfast
06272013 High on the clifftops of the Bay of Naples sits Capo la Gala hotel, a stone-built spa-enhanced sanctuary made for sea-gazing and sunbathing. Admire the colour-rich and madcap art, pottery- and plant-lined pool and dine somewhere different every night. Capo La Gala | Mr & Mrs Smith
06282013 Hailed as the Delano of the Almalfi, Casa Angelina has turned the “quaint” whitewashed villa image inside out — with chic white-on-white interiors (pictured) and furnishings by Philippe Starck. Now, the Praiano retreat’s panoramic views of the Med are about to get some on-site competition: this summer, it unveils a new outdoor infinity pool, which accompanies an existing indoor pool where dips are taken beneath a canopy of fiber optic stars. A Tale of Two Whitehouses | globorati
06292013 The Amalfi Coast Drive is also known as the Strada Statale 163, and runs along the shore for about 25 miles, standing out as one of the world's most legendary drives. It begins in Salerno and passes through terraced coastal towns and tunnels carved into the cliffs, and has stunning vies of the Mediterranean Sea. Best European Drives: Go For a Road Trip Abroad This Summer! | Travelers Today
06302013 Following once again in Steinbeck’s footsteps, we dined one night at Buca di Bacco, one of the town’s oldest restaurants and now a popular hotel. Looking out as the sun set and turned the sea first a burnished gold then an inky black, we dined on linguini and fresh fish then learned from the owner, Salvatore Rispoli that his grandfather Giulio Rispoli had apprenticed with John French the fashion photographer and ran his own photography studio in the town before reluctantly taking over the family business. Going to town on Positano | The Scotsman