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| Isle of Capri |
Just off the coast of Naples and Salerno, between Cape Miseno and Amalfi, a great rock soars like a dream lost in the cobalt blue sea that surrounds it. This Mediterranean jewel, yearned for and exalted in some of the world’s most famous lyric poetry, is the island of Capri. The intoxicating fragrance of flowers, delicate splashes of colour, recollections of a millennial past and a peaceful charm, shattered only by the shrill cry of seagulls, are just some of the magical qualities of this mythical isle.
Caesar Augustus was the first to discover the charm of Capri when he visited the island in 29 BC. So taken was he with the island’s beauty that he traded the nearby fertile Ischia for it with the city of Naples.
This marked the beginning of Augustan rule. He was subsequently followed by his successor Tiberius who embarked on an intense building program between 27 and 37 AD, resulting in the construction of 12 villas. The first inhabitants to settle in Capri were the Greek “Teleboi” who came to the island in the VIII Century BC. Today, only the fortified walls of an ancient Greek acropolis still survive as testimony to their presence on the island.
In 1906 a local doctor, Ignazio Cerio, uncovered the remains of a number of prehistoric animals and stone weapons during excavation work undertaken to expand the Quisisana Hotel.
According to some scholars, the etymology of the name Capri may be traced back to the Greek word Kapros (wild boar). Others believe instead that Capri is derived from the Latin word Capreae (goats). The island extends over an area of 12 square kilometres and is 3 kilometres wide.
The great political events that unfolded in Naples with the consecutive rise to power of the Angevin, Aragonese, Spanish and Bourbon dynasties between the VIth and XIXth Centuries, had few repercussions on the island itself. Exposed to the threat of Muslim attack, and left to fend for themselves, the islanders’ best defence was to flea their homes around the Marina and take refuge in the uplands. With few natural resources and a population decimated by pirate raids and pestilence, the plight of the islanders was further exacerbated in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries by the rivalry that emerged between the island’s two Communes, Capri [pag. 8] and Anacapri [pag. 18] , regarding their respective civil and ecclesiastic rights of jurisdiction. Following the last heroic disembarkation on the island, the French completed the island’s fortifications and remained there until the fall of Napoleon and the restoration of the Bourbons in 1815. It was only then that Capri finally emerged from its long hibernation, ready to embrace the romanticism of the Nineteenth Century. It was in fact during this time that the island’s magical solitude and rustic simplicity first began to attract visitors, and soon became the favourite seasonal haunt and residence of foreign artists, writers and poets. In 1826 Hotel Pagano, the island’s first hotel, welcomed the German writer Augustus Kopisch. But it wasn’t until after the Russian-Japanese war of 1905 and the great exodus of Russian intellectuals, that Capri really established itself as a literary and political refuge. It was about this time that Maxim Gorki also arrived in Capri where he was warmly embraced into the island’s cosmopolitan life. Amongst contemporary writers, two in particular enjoy pride of place in the island’s literary annals: the Swede Axel Munthe and the island’s own Edwin Cerio.
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Fully Escorted Tour
Viva Italia - 11 days |
Day 1 - Arrive Rome (2 nights)
On arrival in Rome you are transferred to your hotel. Then there is time to explore. Tonight, we enjoy dinner and drinks in a typical trattoria followed by a panoramic illuminations tour of the city. (Highlight dinner)
Hotel: Rouge et Noir (2 nights)
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Day 2 - Rome sightseeing & at leisure
Our morning sightseeing highlights St. Peter's Basilica, the Forum and the Colosseum. Maybe take a trip to the Catacombs or venture into the countryside at Tivoli. Later, if you wish to hangout in the city nightclubs we'll have late-night transportation available! (Buffet breakfast)
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Day 3 - Rome - Sorrento (2 nights)
This morning we leave Rome to travel through the Campania to fun-loving Sorrento. Tonight we enjoy dinner in a colourful restaurant. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Hotel: Moon Valley (2 nights)
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Day 4 - Isle of Capri Excursion
A full day excursion to the Isle of Capri. First across azure waters in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius to Marina Grande. Then by funicular we ascend to Capri town. Free time to visit Anacapri or to lie on the beach at Marina Piccola before heading back to Sorrento. (Buffet breakfast)
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Day 5 - Sorrento - Florence (2 nights)
This morning maybe visit Pompeii – the town 'petrified' by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. Then we travel north to Tuscany where we arrive in. Tonight, if you want to go out to one of the city's popular clubs we'll lay on the coach to take you back to your hotel. (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Tulip Inn Mirage (2 nights)
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Day 6 - Florence sightseeing & at leisure
Our walking tour with a local guide shows us the Duomo, the Baptistry, the Piazza Signoria with its many sculptures and the Basilica of the Holy Cross. This evening, we will enjoy pizza with wine in one of the most popular trattorias of the city. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)
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Day 7 - Florence - Pisa - Portofino - Milan
Today towards the coast to Pisa to see its Leaning Tower. Then we travel via the Italian Riviera to Portofino – an international resort. Visit one of the smart cafés before continuing to Milan – Italy's fashion capital. Here an orientation shows us the enormous gothic Cathedral and the 'Galleria' – busy with crowds of window-shoppers and smart suited Italians gulping espressos in the elegant cafés. (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Quark
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Day 8 - Milan - Verona - Venice (2 nights)
We head east for Verona. Here we admire the Roman Arena and Juliet's balcony before continuing on to the unique city of Venice. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner in a restaurant near the Grand Canal. Later, why not enjoy a nighttime gondola serenade? (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Hotel: Lugano (2 nights)
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Day 9 - Venice orientation & at leisure
Our included cruise by private launch shows us the Doges' Palace, Bridge of Sighs and of course, St. Mark's Square with its Byzantine Basilica. We'll also witness a demonstration of traditional Murano glass-blowing before time on your own to do as you please. Maybe take a cruise to see some of the other 2,000 or so islands. (Buffet breakfast)
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Day 10 - Venice - Assisi - Rome
Along the Venetian Plain and into the Appenines and the Umbria to Assisi, atop Mount Subasio. Time to visit St. Francis' Basilica with its delightful Giotto frescoes and to climb the hill to Piazza del Comune with its Roman Temple and its many boutiques and cafes before we return to Rome for our final night. Don't forget to throw a coin or three in the Trevi Fountain to ensure a safe return to the 'Eternal City' one day!(Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Pinewood
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Day 11 - Rome
Time for farewells or perhaps extend your stay with your new friends. (Buffet breakfast) |
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| Departure dates and prices |
Friday, May 02, 2008 |
Monday, May 12, 2008 |
A$2325.00 |
Friday, May 16, 2008 |
Monday, May 26, 2008 |
A$2325.00 |
Friday, May 23, 2008 |
Monday, June 02, 2008 |
A$2325.00 |
Friday, June 13, 2008 |
Monday, June 23, 2008 |
A$2325.00 |
Friday, July 04, 2008 |
Monday, July 14, 2008 |
A$2325.00 |
Friday, July 18, 2008 |
Monday, July 28, 2008 |
A$2250.00 |
Friday, August 01, 2008 |
Monday, August 11, 2008 |
A$2250.00 |
Friday, August 22, 2008 |
Monday, September 01, 2008 |
A$2250.00 |
Friday, September 12, 2008 |
Monday, September 22, 2008 |
A$2325.00 |
Friday, September 19, 2008 |
Monday, September 29, 2008 |
A$2325.00 |
Friday, September 26, 2008 |
Monday, October 06, 2008 |
A$2325.00 |
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