The fastest way to get from Florence to the Amalfi Coast is via the high-speed train to Naples…and that’s what we did. From Naples, it was about a 40-minute incredibly scenic drive to our hotel. You could look straight up to the hills and straight down to the water. Beautiful!
Driving on the Amalfi Coast with its narrow winding streets is interesting, to say the least. In fact, when we reached the road leading up to our hotel, it was so narrow that two vehicles couldn’t fit side by side; one car would have to stop and back up to allow the other vehicle to pass. When reached Casa Angelina, we knew immediately it was going to be pure luxury. The location was pristine…as was the exterior and interior of the hotel. I’ve never seen such beauty in simplicity with a white-on-white palette. It was the perfect backdrop for accentuating the modern artwork and sculptures throughout the hotel. When we entered our room, we were welcomed with refreshing fruit drinks, wafers, and custard topped with fresh fruit. As we sat on our balcony gazing at the Mediterranean, we agreed that this is paradise.
We left our balcony doors open that night as we slept…and we awakened to a cool breeze and a beautiful view of the Mediterranean. Then we went off to breakfast, which was served on the top floor of the hotel with outdoor seating. If we’d known what kind of a feast awaited us that morning, we probably would have risen at dawn! Casa Angelina is a small boutique hotel, but I’ve never seen a more decadent display of food…ever! They fed us like royalty.
After breakfast, we went on the last guided tour of our vacation, which was from the town of Amalfi to Positano. Our guide had been giving tours for 22 years and his expertise showed. He was excellent. I hadn’t realized that the Amalfi Coast contained a town by the same name…and it was adorable. Our guide knew the shop owners and he took us to one selling limoncello where we did a lot of tasting…not only of the famed local liqueur but also of candy and aged balsamic vinegar. When I tried the limoncello hard candy, it popped in my mouth within a minute and the delicious lemon liqueur delighted my taste buds. Stepping outside the shop I made three new gentlemen friends. (LOL!) Now, it was on to Positano.
We drove along the famous coastline and reveled at the scenery. As we entered Positano, our driver made a sharp turn and pulled up in front of Le Sirenuse…a five-star hotel where our travel agent had made reservations for our lunch. Now I’ve seen beautiful vistas in my life, but this one takes your breath away. Harper’s Bazaar magazine voted this hotel’s terrace as one of the best in the world! Overlooking the Mediterranean, we dined on the “Sunday Stew,” which contained perfectly cooked pasta and meat that melted in your mouth. I knew I’d always remember this incredible once-in-a-lifetime meal. Pricey but well worth it.
And now it was time to face the fact that all vacations must come to an end. We had such a memorable time and I have no regrets. I would recommend Michelle from Admiral Travel to anyone planning a visit to Italy. She certainly proved she was deserving of the title, “Italy Expert.” I know I’ve given you lots of information, but Michelle is adept at customizing a package to your personal wants and needs.
If you’d like to ask me any questions about my trip, please do. Maybe you’re wondering if most people could speak English. The answer is yes, they did. Now you think of the next question. Ciao!
