Amalfi Coast - Part Uno

Amalfi Coast
Part Uno

October, 2012

We flew from Marseille airport through Lyon to Rome en route to Amalfi.  The airport in Marseille is getting a facelift and looks ok.  Our planes were tiny and the connection in Lyon was a little frantic because all flights arrive close together and leave close together at this tiny airport.  FCO (Rome International Airport - Fiumicino), Rome’s major airport was the same and it seemed that it took longer to get to the rental car area than the time it took to fly both flights.

HELPFUL TRAVEL HINT:
Driving to Amalfi from Rome saved over $850 per person…would I do this again….probably not!!!  So, to everyone who follows this blog…the routing is quite challenging especially in the dark and the hairpin turns are endless…especially in the dark.  My husband is a brave, confident driver so of course, we arrived in one piece BUT…and this is no reflection on Jeff, I would consider doing this in the daylight…maybe…but NEVER in the dark.  Also, unless you love driving and accept that you would be missing one of the most beautiful drives in Italy, I would always recommend a driver for you, my friends and clients.

Hotel Santa Catarina

We arrived at Hotel Santa Catarina at 10:15 pm.  We were greeted with smiles and amazement that Jeff drove from Rome.  We were tired and hadn’t had anything to eat except a piece of pizza at the Rome airport.  Simone at the front desk arranged for us to eat dinner (after they had closed) on the patio (with a lovely local wine).  Great setting and we met Pino, the head waiter who made our evening complete.

**Picture of Jeff at Da Constatino October 2012**

We woke up the following morning and it was hot!  After a delicious Italian buffet breakfast, we went to the city of Amalfi for a little shopping (hot weather clothes for me and something for Maddy).  

After that, we drove to Positano for Jeff’s favorite place to have lunch, da Constantino.  Da Constantino overlooks Positano.  It is located high up on a hill and faces southward so the views of the Sea are spectacular. 

Food Served at the Table

Sadly leaving da Constantino, we drove to Sorrento where we had to drop off our car.  We hired a driver to take us back to Amalfi which was a 1 hour drive.  This gave us a chance to speak with the driver, Claudio about the local sights and history. 

We met our group of 3 travel consultants and our I.C. Bellagio hostess, Monica for a site visit of Santa Catarina (honeymooners  and anyone wanting romance…ask me about the Romeo and Juliet villa), cocktails and dinner.  Everything was delicious and again, the service was flawless.  Pino was the hit!

View from Da Constatino

A word about the service here at Santa Catarina.  This hotel is independently owned by a 4 generational family.  Service is in their blood.  It is not the corporate “we believe in excellent service…blah blah blah”.  Here at Santa Catarina…it’s the real thing.

We are now off to visit 2 hotels and have a pizza lesson…stay tuned!!!

Mari