Welcome to Sorrento!

This is the part of Italy that most of us think about when we conjure up our fantasies of sunny weather and friendly people, along with the soundtrack of those classic Italian folk songs. And what a view!

For those of you joining me (or thinking about joining me) on my Rome to Amalfi Coast Tour in the fall, I thought I'd give you a little preview of our home base along the coast. We are staying in Sorrento, my favorite town in this area for many reasons. First of all, it meets and exceeds all of our expectations when we dream about Southern Italian charm. The people, the food, the panoramas.... it just doesn't get any better than this.

For our accommodations, I've chosen the opulent Grand Hotel De La Ville, a property where I once stayed a few years ago, so I can personally vouch for its WOW factor. It’s everything that you’d want in an Italian hotel: elegant Old-World style, paired with a relaxing Mediterranean vibe. A pool deck with a breathtaking view of Mount Vesuvius and a lovely garden patio where we’ll have breakfast each morning. As an added bonus, the location is just a 10-minute stroll to the lively center of town, perfect for an evening post-dinner passeggiata.

Grand Hotel De La Ville

We will probably dine at Ristorante O' Parrucchiano on our first night in Sorrento. The ambiance is dream-like, as you linger among the lemon trees and twinkling lights. I’ve recently learned that they have a lovely roof garden dining area with a view of the volcano—perhaps we’ll check that out, too.

Ristorante 'O Parrucchiano La Favorita

It’s worth repeating (often) that food is one of the main reasons to visit this area of Italy. This is definitely my favorite restaurant in Sorrento. Last time I was there, they had an amazing seafood pasta dish called paccheri ai frutti di mare ... I had it two nights in a row, it was that good!

Limoncello

After a great meal like this, taking a passeggiata is a must when you're in Italy. It's especially enjoyable in the smaller towns in the South, like Sorrento. Just stroll and take in the atmosphere. Chat with the locals. Enjoy the view. Stop for a drink... how about a limoncello?

This is where the famous liqueur comes from, after all. There are several places around town to sample this local digestive in all its colors and flavors.

The Gardens of Villa Cimbrone

There’s plenty to see in this area, too, and we’ll take you to one of the most dramatic panoramas in all of Italy at The Gardens of Villa Cimbrone.

The author Gore Vidal once remarked, “The most beautiful sight that I have ever seen in the world is the panoramic view from Villa Cimbrone, where the sky and the sea are so vividly blue that it is not possible to distinguish them from each other.”

But these photos don't do it justice. You'll have to come see for yourself in September!

Well, I hope you've enjoyed this quick preview of the Sorrento portion of my tour, but this was only a small "taste" of what we'll see, do, and eat! I have plenty of more surprises planned... and I haven't even touched on Rome!

If you'd like to learn more, visit the tour page here on my website: Rick's Rome to Amalfi Tour

To reserve your spot, you can...

Email me directly at: [email protected]

Or phone me at: 561-318-3510

See you in Italy this September! Ciao!