The Amalfi Coast and Napoli
23 September – 2 October 2020
The last week in September I will be returning to Campania to revisit the Amalfi Coast and Naples. Naples and the Amalfi Coast have thrilled and enchanted visitors since the early days of Rome, when the emperors endured hours of jolting discomfort to arrive at this idyllic place -“campus felix” the happy land. I love this part of Italy and over the years I have discovered small, relatively unknown trattorias where the real local food is lovingly prepared in beautiful settings. This is where I set up my very first gourmet adventure over ten years ago.
We will spend the first few days right on the sea, relaxing, eating and cooking with the De Simone family at Lo Scoglio, one of my first discoveries many years ago, where I set up my original cooking school. We will then move on to Don Alfonso, the Michelin starred restaurant and small Relais Chateaux hotel in Sant Agata sui due Golfi. The Iaccarino family are personal friends and their special hospitality makes any stay a memorable experience. We will be cocooned in understated luxury and the food is always exciting with a lighter, new take on traditional favourites. I love this part of Italy and over the years I have discovered small, relatively unknown trattorias where the real local food is lovingly prepared in beautiful settings. We will visit Positano, Amalfi and Ravello but return to peace and sanity to sleep. We will finish our adventure in Naples to explore one of my favourite cities, and visit Pompei, Pozzuoli, Cumae, home of the enigmatic Sybil, and the Campi Flegrii, believed by the Romans to be the entrance to the underworld.
