At this time of year, everyone seems to be making lists of one sort or another, so we thought we’d put together some of our own, focusing on some of the best experiences we’ve “collected” in Italy this year. Memorable experiences really are gifts to be treasured.
Today’s Top 5: Day Trips (in no particular order).
Boat ride around Capri with a visit to the Grotta Azzura (Blue Grotto)
Boating around the island is a spectacular way to see the beauty of Capri without rubbing shoulders (literally) with the thousands of day trippers who descend upon the island daily. Capri is small and geographically interesting – there are all kinds of rock formations, cliffs and grottoes, as well as beautiful homes and private property that can be see from the water. Maria Gabriella’s favorite part was seeing the goats of Capri, perched on what look like impossibly steep and craggy cliffs, but they’re goats, so it’s what they do. Did you know that Capri is actually believed to have been named after these guys – Capri from the Latin capreae – goats?
At the blue grotto, our private boat lined up with other boats, all of us awaiting to transfer into smaller row boats that would take us first to the cashier boat (yes, lots of boats!) where we paid a few euro for the ticket, and then into the grotto. This is the fun part – you must lie down on the bottom of the boat or risk decapitation at the grotto entrance, as your boatman rows back and sort of lays on top of your group at the mouth of the cave. Inside the grotto, some of the rowers work for better tips by singing arias. OK, the singing is a bit cheesy but also funny – the boatmen know it’s cheesy and we’re all laughing at ourselves at this point.
The grotto is gorgeous and tiny, and after about 2 minutes max in the shimmering aqua cave, you’re back in the sunshine. We then climbed back in our boat and continued our journey around the island. Although maybe not life changing, this is something worth experiencing. You can visit Capri on a day trip from anywhere on the Amalfi Coast or Naples.
Central Italian Vineyards:
We love visiting vineyards and we couldn’t choose just one from the dozens of vineyards we know, so this entry is a category. In Tuscany’s La Maremma, we went behind the scenes at the exclusive Ornellia and Tua Rita vineyards.
Another highlight was a fabulous day in Montalcino that included delving deep into the private cellars of Livio Sassetti, pictured above in a photo with 100 years of Montalcino wine-making tradition in one wall. And in Umbria, our longtime favorite, the small family run Cantina Fongoli is one of the most charming traditional family run vineyards in existence.
The Tuscan vineyards are great day trips from countryside villas and hotels or the city hotels of Siena and Florence. Umbria’s best wineries are centered around Montefalco or Orvieto, located between Rome and Florence and either is a good stop between these capitals.
Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna:
We combined a quick stop in Bologna with a return to Ravenna to see the ancient mosaics. For art and history lover’s, these mosaics are a must. You can also pay homage to Dante at his tomb.
Easily reached as a day trip from Bologna or Venice.
Piano Grande, Umbria:
This seems to make our list every year and with good reason. The alpine plain at the end of June is a riot of wild flowers that is simply spectacular. Nature’s beauty at its best. It also comes with the benefit of Castelluccio and the rustic hearty fare served in the small family owned restaurants there.
A day trip to the Piano Grande can be arranged from anywhere in Umbria.
Pompei:
Our visit to Pompei didn’t start out so well. Our nerves were already frayed from driving ourselves across downtown Naples at “rush hour” (not sure if there is any other hour in Naples) so when we almost drove past the spot where we were to meet our guide, Brian quickly swerved left into a parking area and got out of the car ready to begin our visit. Not so fast, or the Italian equivalent of that, was shouted across the lot by a policeman who wouldn’t listen to excuses or pleas of ignorance. Ten minutes and 70 euros later, we were with our amazing guide, walking among in the ruins, deftly avoiding the crowds and getting our fill of ancient history. So, Pompei makes the list despite our run-in with the authorities. It is an incredible place to visit with someone in the know. After the ruins, we recommend hitting a local seafood restaurant or pizzeria for the best of what the food of Campania is about.
A day trip to Pompei is easily accomplished from Rome or on either leg of a transfer from Rome to the Amalfi coast. By booking a private driver you can avoid the problems we had with the local traffic authorities. Driving in this part of Italy is not for the faint of heart!
Check back next week for our Top 5 restaurant meals.
Brian Dore | Concierge in Umbria
Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist: Italy
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