Private villas And gardens of the bay of Naples September 3 - 15, 2016 Tour leaders: Trisha Dixon & Philippa Torlonia

Terrazzo dell'lnfinito, Villa Cimbrone

Overview Since Roman times, well-to-do Italians have sought to ‘get away from it all' by building beautifully sited and exquisitely designed country residences. The design and construction of these villas and gardens often involved the finest artists and architects of the day. On this 13-day tour we will explore the centuries-old tradition of private villas and gardens around the Bay of Naples. Enjoying extended walks to explore the landscape and gardens of Ravello, Ischia, Capri and Naples, and on the way learning about landscaping, planting and designing of Mediterranean gardens. We will meet the owners of private palaces and villas as they host us for meals and tours of their historic estates. As you would expect in Southern Italy, the food will be excellent and hospitality generous, as is the tradition of the people and vibrant culture of Italy’s Mezzogiorno. Building on the success of their tour of private villas, gardens and palazzi of central Italy in 2015, Trisha Dixon and Principessa Philippa Torlonia have created a remarkable tour of the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Naples. Using personal contacts, the tour offers exclusive access to villas and gardens not open to the public, drinks and dinners with the villa owners, music recitals, boat excursions and much more. Our journey begins in Ravello in the hills above the Amalfi Coast, then on to the bustling city of Naples, we across the bay to the island of Capri before ending the tour in Rome. This tour has all of the characteristics of an Academy Travel tour – extended stays in centrally located hotels, background talks before site visits and a maximum group size of just 20. Garden expert and tour leader Trisha Dixon will share her professional expertise on garden design and horticulture with the group, whereas, Australian born and long-time resident in Italy, Principessa Philippa Torlonia has used her personal contacts to help create this memorable tour.

Private villas and gardens

of the bay of Naples

tour Highlights

Three nights in Ravello, a small town high above the Amalfi Coast and one of Italy’s most beautiful hill towns

The medieval Villa Cimbrone and the romantic Villa Ruffolo in Ravello

Private boat tours of the Amalfi Coast and Capri Five nights in Naples, staying in a luxurious 5-star hotel

on the waterfront A private dinner in the Palazzo Cellamare in Naples,

hosted by the owners Visit to the Capodimonte Museum in Naples, one of

Europe’s finest art museums A day on the island of Ischia, with a visit to the garden

of La Mortella, designed by Russell Page Three nights on the island of Capri, home to Roman

Emperors, film stars and everyone in between Lavish farewell dinner in a private palazzo in Rome,

hosted by the owners

Image right: looking over the Amalfi Coast from the gardens at Villa Rufolo, Ravello

Image opposite page: the garden path at Villa San Michele, Capri

Tour Price The tour price is $10,500 per person, twin share (land content only). The supplement for a single room is $1,980 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to secure a place on the tour.

Included in the tour price

12 nights’ accommodation in selected four and five-star hotels

All breakfasts; lunches and dinners are as indicated in this itinerary

Land travel by air-conditioned coach Services of two Australian tour leaders throughout the tour Extensive tour notes All entrance fees to sites mentioned on itinerary Services of a local guide at selected sites Porterage of one piece of luggage at all hotels Tips to local guides and drivers

Not included in the tour price

International airfares (see below) Travel insurance Expenses of a personal nature Meals not specifically stated as included in this itinerary

Air travel The tour price quoted is for land content only. For this tour we recommend Emirates which offers flights from Australian capital cities to Rome via Dubai. Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways and Cathay Pacific offer less frequent services. Please contact us for further information on competitive Economy, Business or First Class airfares.

Enquiries and bookings For further information or to secure a place on this tour please contact Erin Laffin at Academy Travel on 9235 0322 or 1800 639 699 (outside Sydney) or email erin@academytravel.com.au

Private villas and gardens

of the bay of Naples

Your Tour Leaders Trisha Dixon is a writer and photographer who has led many garden tours to Europe and around Australia. Her publications include Adagio: Living and Gardening Mindfully, Under the Spell of the Ages, The Vision of Edna Walling and Gardens in Time: In the Footsteps of

Edna Walling (the last two co-authored with Jennie Churchill). She has been a presenter on ABC Television and continues to act as a landscape consultant and heritage adviser. Trisha practices what she preaches, living on a 100 year-old grazing property in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales. She has an excellent knowledge of Italy and has toured throughout Southern Italy on several occasions.

Philippa Torlonia grew up in the Upper Hunter Valley in New South Wales. However, she spent most of her adult life in and around Rome, Italy, as the Principessa Torlonia, married to Marco Torlonia, 5th Prince of Civitella-Cesi. Her decades in Italy have given her an

unrivalled knowledge of the estates of Italy and a great network of contacts, many of which we use on our villa and garden tours of Italy. Philippa has led several tours to Italy and of course speaks fluent Italian.

Detailed Itinerary All breakfasts included. Included lunches and dinners are indicated by the letters (L) and (D).

Saturday, 3 September 2016 Arrival RAVELLO

This morning meet your tour leaders Trisha Dixon and Philippa Torlonia in the arrivals hall at Fiumicino Airport to commence the tour. Together travel to our hotel in Ravello, about a four hour drive. Along the way we stop to visit the Royal Palace of Caserta, constructed for the Bourbon kings of Naples and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ravello is a small cliff top town perched high above the Amalfi Coast, overlooking the villages of Minori and Maiori. Long a refuge for VIPs, it is worlds away from the clamour down on the coast, and its traffic-free status gives the town an air of tranquillity. Once the day trippers leave, it reverts to being a sleepy, hilltop village and is a charming place to stays. This evening we enjoy a light dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Villa Piedimonte and Villa Maria, Ravello (D) NB. Ravello hotels are small so the group will be staying in two hotels. Tour leaders Trisha and Philippa will each stay at one of the hotels with group members.

Sunday, 4 September 2016 Villas of ravello

After a talk in the hotel we stroll through the town of Ravello to visit the nearby estates of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo. Sitting high atop a peninsula that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean and the dramatic coastline below, the Villa Cimbrone is the crown laurel of Ravello. Its origins date back to the 11th century, but the villa and the gardens were

Private villas and gardens

of the bay of Naples

Want to arrive relaxed?

The flight from Australia to Italy is long and can be tiring. To regain your energy and get the most from the tour you might like to consider breaking the journey with a stopover en route, or arriving in Rome a few days before the tour commences. Please contact us to discuss the options available.

extensively renovated by a British nobleman, Lord Grimthorpe, in the early 20th century. The Villa Rufolo, whose former residents include composer Richard Wagner and film star Greta Garbo, overlooks the Piazza Vescovado and is the historical and cultural centre of Ravello. Built by a wealthy merchant family in the 13th century, the villa has a rich and storied past. In its prime, it was one of the largest and most expensive villas on the Amalfi Coast. The afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore the area at your own pace. You may choose to take one of the walks down to Amalfi along the ‘Walk of the Gods’ or the ‘Pathway of the Lemons’, taking a dip in the Mediterranean. Dinner this evening is at the Capuchin Monastery with a walk through the pergola that inspired Edna Walling. Overnight Ravello (B, D)

Monday, 5 September 2016 Amalfi Coast by private Boat

Celebrated as the most beautiful stretch of coast in the world, the Costiera Amalfitana was already well known during antiquity, and its fame has not diminished in modern times. It is a landscape of dramatic cliffs overhanging a beautiful sea, interspersed with villages that appear to have grown from the underlying rocks. We spend the day cruising these stunning waters by private boat, stopping along the way to visit small bays for a swim (weather permitting) and to have some lunch. Our boat tour ends in the town of Amalfi, once a glorious Maritime Republic, but today is a busy resort town with a picturesque old centre and a magnificent setting against the steep slopes of the Valle dei Mulini. We stop to admire Amalfi’s lovely 10th-century Cathedral with bronze doors cast in Constantinople. We return to Ravello by coach. This evening we plan to attend a performance at the Ravello Music Festival (schedule permitting). Overnight Ravello (B, L)

Tuesday, 6 September 2016 To Naples

“Built like a great amphitheatre around her beautiful bay, Naples is an eternally unfolding play acted by a million of the best actors in the world.” Herbert Kubly observed in his American in Italy

Naples is Italy's third-largest city and one of its oldest, most Images clockwise top left: the throne room in the Royal Palace of Caserta; gardens at the Villa Ruffalo in Ravello; stunning scenery along the Amalfi Coast; the main square of Amalfi, Piazza Flavio

Gioia; the terrace at Villa Cimbrone in Ravello

Private villas and gardens

of the bay of Naples

artistic and vibrant. After a leisurely morning in Ravello, we head to our hotel on the sea front with views of the Bay of Naples. In the early evening we stroll to the nearby Quartiere San Ferdinando to visit Palazzo Cellamare. We will walk around the private palace garden and enjoy dinner with our host Marchesa Manora Acton Taccone. Overnight Grand Hotel Vesuvius, Naples (B, D)

Wednesday, 7 September 2016 Island of ischia

The volcanic outcrop of Ischia is the most developed and largest of the islands in the Bay of Naples. It is made up of sprawling spa towns, abundant gardens, buried necropolises and spectacular scenery, with forests, vineyards and picturesque small towns. Today we travel to Ischia by ferry to explore some of the island’s sites with a local guide including a visit to the botanical garden La Mortella, designed by Russell Page for the musician Sir William Walton and his glamorous Argentinian wife, Susanna. La Mortella was inspired by the Moorish gardens of Spain’s Alhambra, and is recognised as one of Italy’s finest botanical gardens. We return to the hotel in the late afternoon and gather for dinner along the waterfront. Overnight Naples (B, D)

Thursday, 8 September 2016 PARCO VIRGILIANO

Today we venture off on a walk through the Parco Virgiliano, the site that has a monument tribute to the poet Virgil, and a plaque claims that the site is the final resting place of the poet. The park is also the location of the "Neapolitan Crypt," an ancient Roman tunnel that leads through the Posillipo hill. With the fall of the Roman Empire, the tunnel was abandoned and over the centuries was gradually filled in. Many hundreds of years later, the Bourbon Kings of Naples had it excavated and reinforced. Time permitting; we will explore the nearby Roman amphitheatre before having lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards we return to the hotel by coach. Overnight Naples (B, L)

Friday, 9 September 2016 Capodimonte museum

The Palace of Capodimonte is in the hills above Naples. Once a royal hunting lodge, the palace is today a world-class art gallery, containing paintings by Raphael, Titian, El Greco and

Private villas and gardens

of the bay of Naples

Above: the Aragonese castle on the island of Ischia and La Mortella garden

Below: Titian’s Danaë with Eros, 1544, in the Palace of Capodimonte, Naples

Botticelli, as well as fine examples of Neapolitan silver and majolica ceramics. Afterwards visit the nearby San Martino Monastery that sits on top of a rocky promontory and commands sweeping views of the city. Built in the 14th century, it was restored in the 17th century in exuberant Neapolitan baroque. This evening we plan to attend a performance at the San Carlo Opera Theatre (schedule permitting). Overnight Naples (B)

Saturday, 10 September 2016 Botanical gardens

This morning we head to the Naples Botanical Gardens, located in the centre of the city and covers some thirty acres of quiet land. Created in 1807, it brings together plants from many differing climates, including an oasis of cacti. The afternoon is at leisure however you might choose to join your tour leaders on a stroll up to the stunning Galleria Umberto I. Overnight Naples (B)

Sunday, 11 September 2016 To the Island of Capri

The island of Capri is a place of immense natural beauty, a rugged, mountainous island jutting dramatically from the sea. This chic playground for the wealthy was the haunt of eccentrics and intellectuals in its past, and continues to beguile with its spectacular scenery and impossibly azure sea. It was a favourite haunt of Roman emperors; archaeological evidence suggests that there were up to 12 imperial villas on the island. We take the ferry across to Capri arriving midday to our hotel just 100 metres from the islands celebrated La Piazzetta Square. In the late afternoon we make our way to Anacapri to visit Villa San Michele, built by the Swedish physician Axel Munthe who built this villa on the ruins of one of Tiberius’ villas. We sip cocktails on the terrace while admiring the stunning views. Evening is at leisure. Overnight Hotel La Palma, Capri (B)

Monday, 12 September 2016 LIDO del Faro and monte solaro

After a talk in the hotel, we suggest you put on your walking shoes and pack your swimmers as today we visit charming Lido del Faro for a wonderful lunch beside the lighthouse and a swim in the protected cove. We then embark on an optional walk back along the ‘Path of the Forts’ which takes a few

Above: the stunning glass dome of Galleria Umberto I and the glorious view of Capri from the balcony at Villa San Michele, Capri

Below: stunning views over the Faraglioni isles from the summit of Monte Solaro

Private villas and gardens

of the bay of Naples

hours. The funicular takes us to the summit of Monte Solaro, a soaring 589 meters above sea level, the highest and most panoramic point on the island. The view extends across the whole of the island of Capri, the surrounding Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast and as far as the distant mountains of Calabria. Evening is at leisure. Overnight Capri (B, L)

Tuesday, 13 September 2016 Tiberius’ VILLA Capri was the favourite island retreat of the Roman Emperor, Tiberius. Today we visit the ruins of Villa Jovis, the best preserved of the Emperor's villas, in the Astarita Park. The park, with its fabulous coastal pines and Mediterranean flora, is built on a series of terraces above the sea. The strategically located villa was constructed on the top of cliffs from which there are views of the whole of the Bay of Naples. In the afternoon we board a boat for swimming in any number of the idyllic coves and, with weather permitting, visit the islands most famous site - the Grotta Azzurra, surely one of the great wonders of the world, chosen by Emperor Tiberius as his personal nymphaeum. Overnight Capri (B) Wednesday, 14 September 2016 To ROME

This morning is free to relax before we travel by ferry to Naples, met by our coach to continue on to Rome where we end the tour. We arrive in Rome in the afternoon with time to freshen up before taking an evening stroll through the ancient city to a historic private palace. Our visit is hosted by a family member, and includes a tour of the palace before we are seated for a lavish farewell dinner. Overnight Hotel Kolbe, Rome (B, D)

Thursday, 15 September 2016 Departure

On the final day of the tour there is a transfer to Fiumicino Airport timed to coincide with departing flights. Depending on flight schedule there may also be time for some sightseeing today. (B)

Private villas and gardens

of the bay of Naples

Above: the ruins of Villa Jovis, strategically located on the top of cliffs with spectacular views of the whole of the Bay of Naples Below: the Grotta Azzura or Blue Grotto - a stunning sea cave illuminated by an other-worldly blue light

Hotel Information NB. Ravello hotels are small so the group will be staying in two hotels. Tour leaders Trisha and Philippa will each stay at one of the hotels with group members.

RAVELLO, Villa Piedimonte (3 nights)

A new four-star hotel that was originally a 12th century villa. The hotel is situated in the heart of Ravello and boasts an outdoor pool and a sun terrace with panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast. www.villapiedimonte.com

RAVELLO, Villa Maria (3 nights)

This four-star hotel is a refurbished historic building that was originally a Roman nobleman’s retreat. Today the Villa boasts a distinguished Liberty and Art Deco ambiance and a sun terrace with unforgettable views. http://www.villamaria.it

Naples, Grand Hotel Vesuvio (5 nights)

Located right on the seafront, the prestigious five-star hotel overlooks the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. The hotel is opposite the Castel dell'Ovo in the historic quarter of Santa. www.vesuvio.it

Capri, hotel LA PALMA (3 nights)

Just around the corner from the famous Piazzetta, Hotel La Palma is in the centre of Capri, the most vibrant area of the Island. The hotel spaces are large and bright with a dynamic atmosphere and decor. www.lapalma-capri.com

Rome, hotel Kolbe (1 night)

Once a convent, this 15th century four-star hotel is located in the heart of Rome. The Kolbe is one of the few hotels in Rome that have this unique combination of historical importance coupled with elegance and comfort. www.kolbehotelrome.com

Weather on tour September is a pleasant time to travel in Italy. The days are still warm and the evenings are becoming cool. Expect average maximum temperatures of 20°- 23°C during the day and minimums of 12°-15°C at night. It is reasonable to expect passing showers or rain on a few days, but it is usually a sunny time of year.

Private villas and gardens

of the bay of Naples

Above: stunning views over the Amalfi Coast from the sun terrace at Villa Piedimonte, Ravello and a room at the Grand Hotel Vesuvio, Naples Below: the grounds of the Hotel La Palma, Capri

Physical rating

It is important both for you and for your fellow travellers that you are fit enough to be able to enjoy all the activities on this tour. To give you an indication of the level of physical fitness required to participate on our tours, we have given them a star grading. Academy Travel’s tours tend to feature extended walking tours and site visits, which require greater fitness than coach touring. We ask you to carefully consider your ability to meet the physical demands of the tour.

Participation criteria for this tour This Grade Three tour is among our most physically demanding. To participate on this tour, you should be able to comfortably undertake up to seven hours per day, over several days. Activities may include travelling long distances, walking on difficult terrain, climbing stairs, embarking and disembarking trains and/or boats, exposure to high altitudes and long days of touring. These tours may include one night stops and early starts. You should be able to: keep up with the group at all times walk for 5-7 kilometres at a moderate pace with only short

breaks stand for a reasonable length of time in galleries and

museums tolerate varying climatic conditions such as humidity and

heat a reasonable level of physical and respiratory fitness tolerate a diet that can be significantly different from a

typical Australian diet, and where some dietary requirements cannot be met

walk up and down slopes negotiate steps and slopes on archaeological sites or

mountain paths, which are often uneven and unstable get on and off a large coach with steep steps, train or boat

unassisted, possibly with luggage move your luggage a short distance if required

A note for older travellers We regret that we are not able to accept bookings on a Grade Three tours from people more than 80 years old, or with restricted mobility.

The gardens at Villa Cimbrone, Ravello

Physical Requirements of THIS tour

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A

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Mobile:

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DEPOSITS A deposit of $500 per person is required to confirm your booking on a tour. Final payment of the tour fee, insurance and any additional travel will be due 60 days before departure.

CANCELLATION FEESIf you decide to cancel your booking the following charges apply:More than 60 days before departure: $500*60-45 days before tour start: 25% of total amount due44-15 days before tour start: 75% of total amount due14 days or less before departure: 100% of total amount due*This amount may be credited to another ADFAS Travel tour within 12 months of the original tour you booked.

UNUSED PORTIONS OF THE TOURWe regret that refunds will not be given for any unused portions of the tour, such as meals, entry fees, accommodation, flights or transfers.

TRAVEL INSURANCEADFAS Travel requires all participants to obtain comprehensive travel insurance. We offer a comprehensive policy with a reputable insurer if required.

PASSPORT AND VISAA valid passport is required for all international travel. If you do not hold an Australian passport you may require a re-entry permit. Some countries require a visa to be issued before you depart Australia. We will advise you of all passport and visa requirements, but it is your responsibility to ensure that you meet passport and visa requirements before you depart.

WILL THE TOUR PRICE CHANGE?If the number of participants in a tour is significantly less than budgeted, or if there is a significant change in exchange rates ADFAS Travel reserves the right to amend the advertised price. If this occurs you will be given the option of canceling your booking and obtaining a full refund. If an ADFAS Travel tour is forced to cancel you will get a full refund of all monies paid.

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FINAL PAYMENTFull and final payment for the tour, airfare travel, insurance and any additional travel you book is due 60 days before departure. Payment may be made by bank deposit, cheque, cash or credit card. Please note there is a surcharge for payments made by credit card.

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ADFAS Travel is managed by Academy Travel. Please send your completed booking form to: Academy TravelGPO Box 5057Sydney NSW 2001or fax it to (02) 9235 0123Additional booking forms can be downloaded from our website: academytravel.com.au/adfas

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