Diane Morrisey Italy May 2024 Tour - SORRENTO & ISCHIA!
Join Kelsey & Diane from @dianemorrisey on their 3rd Italian adventure! May 5th to May 13th, 2024. Together we’ll visit & Sorrento & the island of Ischia.
Embark on an enchanting journey with us as we unravel the treasures of Sorrento and Ischia – a symphony of sun-soaked cliffs, delectable cuisine, & unparalleled adventures.
From savoring authentic Neapolitan pizzas in Sorrento to indulging in the freshest seafood delights in Ischia, every meal is a celebration of flavors & a testament to the region's gastronomic prowess. Dive into exclusive foodie tours, hands-on cooking classes, & elevated dining experiences that will elevate your senses.
Explore charming harbor towns tucked away like precious gems along the coastline. Wander through cobblestone streets, discover artisan shops, & immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. Cruise along the mesmerizing Amalfi Coast on our private boat tour, where cliffs plunge into the azure sea, & each turn reveals a new breathtaking panorama. Be prepared to capture postcard-perfect moments as we explore hidden coves, crystalline waters, & the iconic landscapes that make this coast a world-renowned gem.
This isn't just a trip; it's a once-in-a-lifetime, tailor-made experience that blends the best of adventure, gastronomy, & cultural immersion. Join us on this extraordinary journey where every moment is as exceptional as the destinations themselves.
Your trip will include the following (and more!) Accommodations:
4 Nights in a Superior Room with Balcony at Hotel La Favorita Sorrento & 4 Nights in Side Sew View Rooms at San Montano Resort & Spa Ischia.
Daily breakfast included
3 Lunches & 5 Dinners with water & plenty of wine!
Daily activities & experiences
Private boat day- a day you’ll never forget!
What is not included on the trip?
Round trip flights. Arrival & departure transfers. Travel insurance- which is required for our tours. Any optional excursions that you do with your free time or meals not listed in the itinerary. Shopping & personal expenses.
How much free time do these trips include?
Although some scheduled free time is included on our tours, most days are planned with activities for everyone to enjoy together. We try to leave plenty of free time in the afternoons & evenings. We do not want this to feel like a busy trip for you, so we kept that in mind while selecting day to day plans.
Can we opt out of activities?
While we encourage everyone to take part in the included activities, we recognize that sometimes you- or your travel buddy - need a break! You can certainly meek back up with the group later. We just ask that you share your decision with Kelsey beforehand. Also, we know you won’t want to miss out on what we’ve included on this trip!
Dietary restrictions?
We are happy to accommodate most food allergies. The hotels, restaurants & our guides will do their best to accommodate vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten & dairy free clients.
Physical Rating?
No hiking or biking included on this tour. We will keep things at a nice, leisurely pace. We will be on walking tours that can be from 2 hour to 3.5 hours long & you must be able to walk well on cobblestone/uneven streets, flights of stairs, pulling your luggage onto/off of a ferry, also getting in & out of a boat.
Full Itinerary Here:
Day 1 - Arrival | May 5th
Independent arrival in Sorrento. Meet in the hotel for a welcome cocktail with the group at 6pm and walk to our first group dinner in the city center. Let the FUN begin!
Day 2 - | May 6th
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart from the hotel after breakfast. Today you will enjoy a private boat tour, a wonderful experience & a great first day to get on “vacation mode!” Sail along one of the most incredible coastlines of Europe. During the day, stop in one of Nerano’s waterfront restaurants to enjoy a 3 courses lunch! In the afternoon, get back on the boat to discover the stunning Sorrento Coast and its amazing landscapes: Punta Campanella, Massa Lubrense beaches, Regina Giovanna Beach in Sorrento and finally you will be back to Marina Piccola around 5.00pm. Inclusions: 2 Private 35 ft boats, skipper/crew, beach towels, soft drinks & water on board, snorkeling masks. Complete 3 courses lunch with beverages included in Nerano. In the evening, dinner on own.
Day 3 - | May 7th
Breakfast at the hotel. Today is foodie tour day & to make this easier on the places we visit, you will be divided into two small groups. 10am the first group will depart & the second group at 11am, each enjoying a 3 hour stroll through the maze of cobbled alleys with your local guide, soaking up the atmosphere, the sights & some delicious specialties of the cuisine of the Sorrento peninsula! Fresh cheese such as mozzarella, ricotta, caciotta, bruschetta topped with giant Sorrento tomatoes (the best!) and extra virgin olive oil, all washed down with local wine. Don’t miss the famous “gnocchi di Sorrento”, the worldwide famous potato dumplings in a rich tomato sauce, mozzarella & fresh basil. To finish, enjoy a delicious “delizia al limone”. After the tour you will surely know the best restaurants to return to taste other local delicacies! The afternoon & evening is to enjoy on your own. For those that would like to group up, visit Positano together & enjoy a dinner reservation, Kelsey can assist you in organizing this! Dinner on own.
Day 4 - | May 8th
Breakfast at the hotel. 10am – 10.30 am Private transfer to the farmhouse close to Sorrento. 10.30 am – 2.30 pm Start the experience in the farmhouse discovering their vegetable garden, the maze of aromatic herbs & edible plants, with an explanation of sustainable agriculture from locals!
Next, your turn to get your hands dirty by preparing 2 of the most important ingredients of the Italian cuisine! The chef will teach you how to prepare hand-made pasta & mozzarella! Wear your chef hat & apron, be ready to receive a demo of how pasta & mozzarella braid are done & create your own. End the experience with typical local lunch made of 4 courses (starter, 1st course, 2nd course, dessert). Lastly, a lunch in Sorrento can only end with a tasting of homemade limoncello! Transfer back to the hotel, enjoy the afternoon on your own. Meet back up at the hotel to walk to a pizzeria for dinner- beverages included.
Day 5 - | May 9th
Breakfast at the hotel. 9.30am Ferry to Ischia- 1 hour. Once we’ve arrived, meet the drivers and private transfer to San Montano Resort and SPA. Free time to either enjoy the beautiful hotel spa, the beach club, have lunch on property or enjoy the amazing pools! You could even fit in a hike in the area. Then back at the hotel in the evening we will enjoy a fantastic “Benvenuti” (welcome) 3 course dinner our hotel- wait until you see the views!
Day 6 - | May 10th
Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer from San Montano to Ischia Ponte. Meet our private, local guide to start our tour. Visit the ancient village with the beauty of the architecture of its palaces & churches, walk through the alleys & visit the oldest bakery of the island. Then continue to visit the king of the island; "Aragonese Castle"; where 2400 years of history combine with breathtaking views. Twenty five centuries of history between churches, convents, prisons, lush gardens and…did we mention views?! 3 hour tour. Surely you’ve worked up an appetite. Either you can enjoy exploring this area on your own or join Kelsey for a fun lunch reservation by the water. This is not included & we can play this by ear to see what people want to do! Others will probably want to shop in this cute town by the water. Others can take a taxi to go back to the beach club by the hotel or enjoy the pools at our property for the afternoon. Dinner reservations for our group in a casual trattoria near to the hotel will be secured, but dinner is not included. Leaving you to either a date night with your spouse or join the rest of us for some fun.
Day 7 - | May 11th
Breakfast at the hotel. Your day, your choice, with my help! Kayak, hike, thermal waters & mud bath? We are going to see how the weather is this week & then organize things accordingly with the hotel concierge based upon your interests. The hotel has a shuttle to their beach club area, or we can organize a taxi for you to another beach. For me- I hope to kayak!
Meet back up at 3.00pm, private transfer from San Montano to Sant’Angelo. Here you will have some free time to explore this area & stop somewhere for an aperitivo in the main piazza by the water. Sant' Angelo d'Ischia is an ancient fishing village & one of my favorite spots. It is the characteristic Mediterranean village with all the colorful houses perched on the tuff ridge of the mountain leaning against each other and overlooking the wonderful panorama of the crystal clear sea of Ischia. Then in the same village we will enjoy a fantastic, 3 course dinner with wine, water and espresso included. Our transfers will take us back to the hotel at the end of the night.
Day 8 - | May 12th
Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer from San Montano to Forio. A little free time to explore this area that can’t be missed! The largest town on the island, famous for its many watchtowers, but for some of us we will be excited about the pottery shops, cute boutiques & cafes that line the streets & alleyways. Then we’re off to a winery, which was “born” more than 300 years ago, in the untouched environment of the highest part of the island of Ischia. Amongst the caves excavated in the heart of the Epomeo Mountain, ancient citizens of Ischia, wise farmers, began the wine production following the systems of their fathers. One of them was grandfather Francesco Mattera, also known as "Raustella" because of his always nicely red colored cheeks, which in the local dialect means "lobster"!
Learn about this family & the story of wine making on an island like this. The tour of the winery will be followed by a wonderful lunch. Afterwards, we will take you back to the hotel for some time to pack up, freshen up & then meet back up for our final meal together. A farewell dinner at the most charming restaurant in the main piazza of Lacco Ameno. Let’s end this trip with a meal to remember! Then a leisurely Italian “passegiatta”. A little stroll in the evening, by the shops & restaurants of the harbor.
Day 9 - | May 13th - Ciao ciao for now!
Breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart. Ferry tickets back to Napoli are not included until we know your trip plans. If you’d like to add an additional night on the island of Ischia or head onto Napoli for the next leg of your trip, we are here to assist!
*We reserve the right to make amendments to the timetable and program
Pricing - EURO 7,250 per person.
This trip is priced in EURO & is a shared room basis. One room for 2 people.
Deposit - EURO 2,175 per person. Due immediately to hold your spot on the tour. This is a non refundable deposit.
IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ!! CANCELLATION POLICY
The following Terms & Conditions govern the relationship between you, the client, and my supplier Deluxe Italy. You will also be required to sign terms & conditions through Foreign to Domestic. Lastly, trip insurance is a requirement for ALL of our tours. We can assist with a trip insurance quote or you can purchase your own plan.
PAYMENT POLICY: Deluxe Italy requires 30% down payment & balance 60 days prior to clients arrival either by bank wire or by credit card. The deposit is not refundable in any case, even though the minimum number of participants to the tour is not reached.
CANCELLATION POLICY: