Sept 7th thru 9th:  The next three days, our Private Driver will take us on beautiful sightseeing adventures. Puglia, the Heel of the Boot, is the New Uptrend Destination.  We will visit many places along the Coast, as well as many inland places of tourisms -- Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Monopoli & Ostuni, as well as several Hidden Gems, selected just for this group: Matera, the town Mel Gibson filmed “Passion of the Christ" and the Picturesque Villages of Locorotondo, Altamura, Trani, Martina Franca and more! 

A true understanding of Old-World Italy is to join the people in celebration!  One of the evenings, we will stop by Mola di Bari, to join in festivities as they Observe their Patron Saint, Maria S.S. Addolorata (Madonna, Our Lady of Sorrow). This is an evening for all to experience!! Many people travel into town, just to spend the weekend in celebration!! Depending on our scheduled Sorrento pick-up time, the next day, we will see if our driver won’t mind taking us back to Mola so that the group may get the chance to witness a live Procession in Italy.

Sept 10th: Time to head over to the West Coast!!  This Sunday morning, we will meet in the lobby, with all our belongings, as we continue our journey over to the West Coast to the Postcard City, Sorrento!  With views of the Gulf of Naples, Mount Vesuvio and Island of Capri, it will surely take your breath away!  Sorrento is a popular town with a charming historic heart, atmospheric ruins and a bustling port which looks over the Bay of Naples and is known for their sweet Limoncello liquor, made from their delicious local Sorrentine Lemons. In the Center of town, you will find Piazza Tasso, the city’s main square, which is lined with Trattorias, Cafes, Clubs and Pubs, which become brought to life at night with live music.

Once settled into our next hotel, the evening is yours to stroll and enjoy the liveliness of the town! 

Sept 11th thru 13th:  During these upcoming days, you will be mesmerized by this Seaside Paradise, laced with breathtaking terrain of vineyards and orchards, boasting a dramatic coastline scattered with cliffside homes and waters of blue hues. This will be an exhilarating day touring the spectacular coastlines of Amalfi, Positano, Ravello & Salerno Campania. 

This region is best known for their fresh seafood, Scialatielli pasta and Sfogliatella pastry. 

Experience a day trip to the Island of Capri:  From the Port of Sorrento, we will spend the day cruising the waters around the Amalfi Coast, fall in love with the picturesque scenery and marvel at the views of the White Grotta, Green Grotta, Faraglioni Rocks and Bagni Regina Giovanna. (Please keep in mind that going out to sea is always weather permitting)

Once we’ve arrived on the Island of Capri, you will have approximately 4 hours to sightsee, explore the hills up to the town of AnaCapri, enjoy a swim, bask in the sun and/or enjoy lunch. 

Spend a few hours of reflection and exploration while visiting Pompeii, a vast archaeological site in southern Italy’s Campania region, near the coast of the Bay of Naples. Once a thriving and sophisticated Roman City, Pompeii, occupied by Greeks, had been buried under meters of ash and pumice after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The preserved site features excavated ruins of streets and houses that visitors can walk the grounds and explore.  

Sept 14th & 15th :  Hand your luggage over.... Rome, Here We Come!! This morning our driver will pick us up from Sorrento, and take us up North, for just a little over 3-hour ride, with stops in between, ending at our hotel, located in the Center of Rome. After settling in, we will meet for a bite to eat at one of the eateries (time & place TBD) as we celebrate this amazing time and experience together! 

Rome, A/K/A The "Eternal City", brims with ancient history, from the Colosseum to the port of Ostia Antica to the majestic Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel. Because of its history, art, architecture, and beauty - of course, perhaps its gelato & pasta too - Rome is one of our most popular cities. The hotel Is centrally located; 7 min walk to Fountain of Trevi, 5 min walk to the Spanish Stairs, 7 min to Piazza di Spagna, 10 min walk to Villa Borghese, 11 min walk to Roman Forum, 19 min to Colosseum, 24 minutes to St. Peter’s Basilica & 37 min walk to Vatican Museum. 

 There is access to local bus systems that are easy to use for traveling around the City as well.

Sept 15th: Day of Departure.  We recommend that everyone asks the hotel front desk ahead of time for their own individual Airport Transportation (Not included in our Tour)

This is always a bittersweet day…..We truly hope you've embraced and enjoyed every moment with us!      Arrivederci! Until Next Time!!  Rosa & Maria

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Rosa was a child who loved engaging in conversations with people.  At the young age of 15, she began scooping ice cream cones at a Baskin & Robbins shop in Tucson, Arizona. That was the beginning of her working with the public.  As a young adult, she started her career as a billing clerk at a Cadillac dealership in NYC. A few years later Rosa expanded into working as an assistant comptroller at a NYC Public Relations Firm.  In 1985, she left New York to manage her family-owned Pizzeria/Restaurant.  After several years, Rosa moved on to accept a position as a manager at a prestigious Lexus dealership.  As the years passed, while keeping her management position, Rosa’s entrepreneurship also comprised of owning her own Italian Restaurant for 14 glorious years, which developed into a Top 1000 Zagat Rated restaurant in the nation. 

Today, as a retiree from the hustle and bustle of a brick and mortar, Rosa has expanded herself into working alongside other restaurant owners, helping them continue in their thriving businesses; being a private chef for individuals; and preparing delicious meals for Maria’s Weekend Yoga Retreats and small private venues. You will find that Rosa’s mild mannerism, concern for others and the will to please is second to none. Her main mission in life is to keep it simple and light and to do the best she can to put joy in everyone’s heart and witness a smile on their faces. 

Travel Insurance is highly suggested for international travels. As we all know, especially as travelers, “life happens.” Whether it’s family, work, mother nature, or a change of heart, it is important to be prepared in case you need to unexpectedly change your travel plans. In addition to refunding your trip fees, it can also include medical evacuation coverage, medical expense coverage (remember that your USA based health insurance may not apply out side of USA) and reimbursement for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects.  

You may check with your credit card company first to see if they offer it as well.  

Travel insurance that includes medical coverage is important. 

We suggest this policy from Travel Guard or similar: Travel Guard- Gold (Protect Assist) with Cancel for Any Reason.

https://www.travelguard.com

If you or any member of your party, cancel your arrangements at any time, written notification from the person who made the booking must be received by email at marinabee@aol.com 

If you must cancel, the required deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. 25% refund will be given if cancellation is made 60 days or more before our trip. Cancellations made within 60 days or less, will be forfeited. Due to our need to commit to accommodation and other arrangements in advance, exceptions to our policy cannot be made.