Capri and Amalfi
We relished the opportunity to visit Capri and Amalfi again during our 40th anniversary celebration.
Capri is not visited, it is listened to. In the silence of the wind, in the light of the sea, and the stillness that embraces every moment.
Anacapri has many delights to offer, and one of the most stunning is the Church of San Michele and its exquisite floor. The magnificent floor was created in 1761.
We hiked the Sentiero dei Fortini (Path of the Forts) is a breathtaking coastal trail in Capri, Italy. It took about 3 hours to complete the 3.5 miles which connects three historic forts and afforded breathtaking coastal views.
After the hike we treated ourselves to a light lunch by the sea (Italians view this amount of food as light) and enjoyed the delicious fresh seafood and fish.
One of our most cherished memories from our 25th anniversary celebration was a private tour around the island of Capri to explore caves, grottos and the Faraglioni island. Our experience this time was even better!!
Terry recalled that the water seemed warmer 15 years ago.
"Aperitivo" is an Italian term that refers to a cultural tradition, where friends gather before dinner to enjoy drinks and light snacks. It includes beverages and a spread of complimentary appetizers and it is a social occasion where people unwind, chat, and enjoy each other's company.
The best part of this tradition is that you are relaxing and enjoying the sunset over Ischia before dinner. Bellissimo!
We are sad to leave Anacapri and this beautiful hotel, but the Amalfi Coast is waiting for us.
During our time on the Amalfi Coast, we stayed at a historic Palazzo in Scala, 3 kilometers from Ravello. It is a stunningly beautiful location, peaceful and not touristy. We enjoyed a wine tasting experience in the hotel’s ancient wine cellar which dates back to the time of the Templars.
We were shocked to find the Knights Templar’s marking on the cave wall, just 10 feet from our table. Bucket list!!
Our first evening included a private romantic dinner paired with excellent local wines.
Our next adventure was a lemon farm experience. Stacy opted for walking from Scala to Amalfi rather than driving down.
Walking from Scala to Amalfi is a beautiful and historic route, taking about 75 minutes, entirely downhill, 1,500-foot elevation change and consists of roughly 600 steps of steep, centuries-old stone steps. Terry did not approve, but learned that it could have been worse.
We fared better than the donkey who had to carry cargo along the same path of stairs that we used. The use of donkeys for hauling things up the steep hills of Amalfi is still a common practice.
We learned a great deal on our lemon tour experience and now appreciate the challenges that lemon growers face in Italy.
We sampled lemon slices with the peel and noted how mild and enjoyable the taste was, unlike the bitter lemon peels we taste in the U.S. I guess that is why the limoncello is so enjoyable to drink.
A five minute walk from our hotel in Scala leads you to the fantastic and mighty Basilica of Sant’Eustachio that was founded in the 10th century and still retains part of its structure while offering breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast. During our stay, a wedding was held in the Basilica. I wish I would have thought of that.
Visiting Villa Rufolo and Cimbrone gardens never looses its charm. You cannot help but be filled with awe.
The view from the terrace in the gardens at Villa Rufolo, built in the 13th century is astonishing. Legend had it that there was hidden treasure buried at this Villa.
While Terry was searching for the hidden treasure, Stacy was immersing herself in the beautiful hydrangeas.
While enjoying lunch at the garden restaurant in Villa Rufolo, we reminisced about our first taste of Prosecco, 15 years earlier at this same restaurant. Today we are instrumental in keeping demand strong for this refreshing white wine. It is a tough job, but we are up to the challenge.
We made the most of our last night on the Amalfi Coast with a boat ride to enjoy the sunset over Positano. Arrivederci to the Amalfi Coast and on to Florence. David awaits!
