It is a place like no other on earth, an incredibly beautiful land of mountain and sea, where pastel buildings tumble down the hillsides and little beaches rim stunning aquamarine Mediterranean water.
It is as magical as it is majestic.
For many, it’s the most beautiful place in Italy.
 
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
- Photography along hidden beaches by private boat
- Photograph the famous Path of the Gods
- Evening photography among the ancient Temples of Paestum
- Experience Ravello's Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone Gardens
- Photography lessons at your villa overlooking the sea
- Feast on Italian Cuisine and enjoy cooking lessons
- Optional sunrise photography shoot every morning
 
ITINERARY:

DAY ONE
Buongiorno!
After settling into your room in the beautifully renovated, historic seaside villa in Vietri Sul Mare, Campania Italy, enjoy a welcome party and introductions on the main lawn.
(Incl. dinner with local products on welcome party)

DAY TWO
Sunrise in Salerno.
We will enjoy a leisurely breakfast and photography lessons before heading off to Paestum.
Here, the Temples of Hera and Athena, built circa 500 BC and the ancient community remain in remarkable condition.
Words are hard to find to describe this foregone landscape where we will spend a fair amount of time.
After a private tour, we will work on night photography skills by shooting the temples into the evening.
Authentic Italian pizza dinner at one of the area's finest.
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Photography hot spots: Temples area, free beach at sunset.
(Incl. breakfast and pizza for dinner)

DAY THREE
Today, we will take a short drive to Ravello, a mountaintop village and gateway to the Villa Rufolo, built in the 13th century and known as one of the largest and most expensive villas on the Amalfi Coast.
Then it is off to Villa Cimbrone Gardens.
Cooled by the umbrella pines, we will take our time working on our photography meandering through the spectacular gardens overlooking the sea.
Here, we will witness the merge of history, culture, architecture, arts and natural beauty.
After the visit, we will drive down to Amalfi for lunch and take our free time to enjoy the famous town before driving back to the villa.
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Photography hot spots: Villa Rufolo, gardens, tower, apartments and the iconic landscape with pine and church, Infinity garden in Villa Cimbrone, main square and alleys in Ravello, St. Andrew Cathedral in Amalfi.
(Incl. Breakfast and lunch in Amalfi)

DAY FOUR
Today, a private boat will take us to the seaside villages and hidden beaches where you can hone your photography skills, take a swim, catch some rays, take a nap or read a book.
We will leisurely boat along to have a different perspective of the imponent coastline, challenging ourselves with photography on the go until we reach our restaurant on the sea.
In the afternoon we will boat back Cetara, a lovely fishermen's village where photographic details make a difference, after a 2 hours photosession a transfer will be planned to take the guests back to the villa.
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Photography hotspots: Salerno tourist harbour (nicer at sunset on our way back), seacaves, Erchie’s watchtower, Cetara.
(Incl. breakfast and lunch by the sea)

DAY FIVE
Today we will live a bit of the immediate territory, visiting nearby villages of Raito and Vietri sul mare, in the late morning a wine tour and tasting will welcome us on private terraces in Raito, a day filled with fun, informative tips on wine, tasting and abundancy of home cooked Italian food.
This is in no way a commercial vineyard, you will be welcomed into owner’s home and family and live the real south italian way.
In the afternoon we will drive to Vietri for a guided visit of the village, famous for ceramics and we will also have the chance to pick an object and decorate it personally to keep it as a souvenir.
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Photographic hotspots: Raito’s landscape, vineyard, Vietri ceramic alley, ceramic decorating people.
(Incl. Breakfast, wine tasting with local products lunch)

DAY SIX
An earlier wake up call for a ferry to Amalfi and then to Boomerano, where we will begin the trek along the famous Path of the Gods.
We will walk along the highlands above the emerald sea contemplating the most striking panoramas on earth.
We will take our time to enjoy, shoot, rest and of course eat along the path.
In the evening we will meet for dinner by the marina of Vietri.
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Photgraphic hotspots: Different stops along Path of the Gods, view is incredible all the way and ruined houses, mountains, a famous fountain and a statue will be perfect subjects for very special shots.
(Incl. Breakfast, dinner)

DAY SEVEN
Today Salerno will be our model, we will take a long walk in one of the most ancients urban development in Italy, accompanied by an expert guide who will lead us through the alleys of the old town, learning its history and stopping in suggestive places for our pictures, after tasting a delicious pizza at lunch time, we will board our bus towards Mt. Bonadies where the majestic views from Arechi castle will be the perfect scenery for some more beautiful shots.
In the late afternoon we will go back to the villa.
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Photographic hotspots: castle view from city garden, old town, Minerva gardens, Cathedral’s crypt, Arechi castle.
(Incl. Breakfast, pizza for lunch)

DAY EIGHT
Experience the wonders of Pompeii.
Pompeii is 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 was 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 freely explore.
After the visit we will reach a nearby wine resort where we will have a quick visit of the production of some special vesuvian wines and a wine tasting based lunch in a comfortable and peaceful environment.
In the afternoon we will return to the villa and gather together in the evening for a nice dinner.
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Photographic hotspots: Pompei archeological site, villa romana, small resort vineyard.
(incl. Breakfast, lunch, dinner at the villa)

DAY NINE
Farewells, debriefing and transfers to Rome.

Accommodation:
Marina Palace, Vietri sul mare

The palace boasts 5 terraced gardens (with an outdoor jacuzzi surrounded by beautifully-kept gardens) overlooking the sea with breathtaking views over the Vietri sul Mare, the Amalfi Coast and the Gulf of Salerno.
The amazing beauty of our 18th century Palazzo will fascinate guests with its enchanting rooms and beautiful frescoed halls overlooking the Amalfi Coast and the Gulf of Salerno.
Lose yourself in the culture and beauty of times gone by: stroll through the tastefully decorated halls, read fine books from the well-stocked library, seat in the delightful gardens or simply enjoy breakfast surrounded by the Mediterranean colours of frescoes and hand painted ceramics, with the sound of a gramophone playing an old record in the background.
The villa has 3 floors, 9 ensuite double bedrooms (only 1 with external, but still private bathroom), 7 in the main building and 2 in the apartment upstairs with separate access from the upper yard that can accommodate up to 18-20 people, adding an extra bed in 2 rooms; 2 beautiful living rooms, a wide kitchen (can be used only with local personnel, half or full board are on request) and an old library where guests can relax reading or just admiring original old newspapers and books.
Breakfast is served in the breakfast room or on the outdoor seaview terrace if weather is good enough to, everyday from 8 to 10 am, times can be flexible on request.
 
Room amenities: Air conditioning - TV - Tea and coffee making facilities - Complimentary WIFI - Safe deposit box - Two extra pillows - Mini bar - Hairdryer - Toiletries and vanity kit - Towels and shower mat
 
Inclusions:
 
Delicious breakfast with local products served on a terrace with seaview
Terraced sea view gardens and solarium
Outdoor jacuzzi surrounded by beautifully-kept gardens
A library with books in several languages
Frescoed communal halls
Free Wifi internet connection
Daily housekeeping service
Linen change every two days
 
Marina Palace is ideal for groups or families who want to stay in an exclusive historic accommodation with easy access to the beach of Marina di Vietri and still close to the active life of beautiful Salerno, a magical spot where guests will experience an absolutely fine and relaxing stay in one of the most charming places om Amalfi coast.