Capri Boat Rental

Going to Capri or the Amalfi Coast for the holiday season is a fabulous idea! The coast is not just a summer destination, but a winter one as well. Staying in the city of Naples? You can still go sightseeing from a private boat...get picked up at the port in Naples and head to Capri and Positano. The sea is still very calm on many days throughout the winter months-the sun shines and the colors are vibrant. Your private captain will cruise the boat along the coastline to all of the villages, decorated for Christmas with their shops and markets. Enjoy the island of Capri- you will see the island as the locals see it, without the crowds of tourists. You will have the freedom to truly enjoy this wonderful coastline...through the eyes of a local. Contact us for more information: exclusivecruisesitaly@gmail.com
www.exclusivecruisescapri.com

CONCA DEI MARINI & THE MONASTERO SANTA ROSA

Conca Dei Marini is a lovely little fishing village of roughly 700 people, situated strategically between Amalfi and Positano in the Gulf of Salerno. Conca, as the village is dubbed, remains close to our hearts because Exclusive Cruises calls this their primary base during the summer months.

If you are traveling to the Amalfi Coast/Sorrento/Naples/Capri areas, do not miss a stop in Conca dei Marini. Simple beauty, extreme luxury, breathtaking views and out-of-this world cuisine, Conca  is a slice of paradise that has (luckily for locals and visitors alike) kept it’s old-world charm and values.

The locals of Conca are a close-knit community, sharing their homegrown crops, freshly caught fish, homemade liquors and much more. Since Conca is a “verticle town” there are many stairs and hidden walkways leading to tiny stucco homes, delicious smells of traditional cooking seeping out of every door, and fabulous views of Li Galli Islands, Capri and Praiano on one side, Amalfi, Maiori and Salerno on the other, and the Cilento Coast directly across the Mediterranean.

The beach in Conca (I call this my “happy place”) is a hidden gem all on it’s own. Rent a lounge chair and relax in the sunshine on the beach or the man-made solarium. The solarium has a wonderful breeze and always seems to maintain the perfect temperature. Swim in the turquoise water…. since Conca, (Conca means “shell” in English), is situated in a quiet inlet, the water is always clean and clear. Hungry? Choose from three delicious and genuine family operated restaurants on the beach for a full barefoot luxury experience.  It was on this beach that Jacqueline Kennedy chose to spend her days during the summer of 1962, at the private villa of Gianni Agnelli.  

If you are looking for a more luxurious experience, the five star, luxury hotel Monastero Santa Rosa sits high on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, with an infinity pool stretching out to the horizon. This 17^th century monastery was purchased by American Bianca Sharma, and completely restored- maintaining it’s original structure and style.  The story goes that Sharma first spotted the monastery while boating along the coastline! (People see much more while boating in this area, since many of the structures are actually built BELOW the windy Amalfi Drive.

            The nuns who lived within the monastery walls invented the famed Sfogliatella pastry, celebrated every year by the village of Conca with a big street party.

If you are planning a vacation to the Amalfi Coast, don’t overlook Conca Dei Marini as a base to stay; it truly is a peaceful inlet of serenity, culture and beauty.

Pompeii & Mt. Vesuvius

Guest Blogger: Michael Mammele 

In Southern Italy there are countless things to do and experiences to be had. I’ve been lucky enough to live along the Amalfi Coast for the past month and a half but recently, I was able to travel farther inland to two sights that are rich in history: the ruins of Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius. I embarked on a bus with a group of about 50 people from Amalfi and began the journey to Pompeii.

Pompeii is now ruins of an ancient Roman city that experienced the devastating eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in the year 79AD. The eruption killed over 3,000 people, while over 20,000 fled the city entirely. Upon arriving I was immediately blown away by the vast architecture. It made me think about how incredible it is that nearly 2000 years ago, a structured civilization was able to create such a breathtaking city. The ruins themselves are much like an outdoor museum. Our tour group walked through old palaces, thermal spas, and looked at ancient paintings frozen in time. We walked through the famous amphitheater, completed in 80BC. This site was home to numerous spectacles and gladiator battles. I grew up watching the movie “Gladiator” with Russell Crowe and here I was literally standing on the very grounds that partly inspired the film.

We looked into small cement rooms where the gladiators, who were prisoners, slept. The rooms were no bigger than the average home bathroom; most of them had no roof to protect from rain. Not only was I in amazement at the historical sights I was seeing but I was humbled in the process.

While I loved Pompeii and the ruins, I couldn't wait to start the second half of the day: the climb of Mt. Vesuvius. The bus ride took about 45 minutes from Pompeii and pulled nearly to the top of the mountain, where the group disembarked and climbed the rest of the way. Standing at the top of a volcano was always something I considered to be a “bucket-list” activity, and not a very realistic one at that. Yet, here I stood well over 3000 feet in the air, staring into this massive crater. In fact, massive doesn't even do the size of this beauty justice.

I was surrounded with a jaw-dropping panoramic view over the city of Naples, the Bay of Salerno, and the islands of Capri and Ischia. I could see smoke slowly protruding from the bottom of the crater. I had to pinch myself to realize that I wasn’t dreaming. It was a day that I’m certain I will never forget.

While I met some great people from all over the world, I was truly happy to spend a day by myself and experience a real adventure. While traveling with companions is always pleasant, I think everyone should travel to at least one destination by themselves; it clears your head and gives you a great sense of independence. I couldn't have been happier with how the day turned out, and can't wait for my next adventure.

Aperativo at Sunset

Guest Blogger: Michael Mammele

The Relais Blue is a four-star hotel on the coast of Sorrento, with a breathtaking view of Capri, Ischia, and the Bay of Naples. Last Sunday, I was lucky enough to dine there for an aperitivo- An aperitivo consisting of appetizers, drinks, and an out of this world sunset.

We sat on a large terrace with rows of white rattan arm-chairs with small tables in front of them. Our view was impeccable, accentuated by an infinity effect because there were no railings in front of us, just glass. We felt so close to the water, yet we could see far out beyond Sorrento and towards the sun.

I was blown away immediately. I struggled for fifteen minutes to take a half-decent panoramic picture, something I can never quite seem to master, yet no matter how badly I botched them, the pictures were stunning.

We each ordered an aperol spritz with oranges, and started with some fried calamari and burger sliders. Next came two small pasta dishes-one with zucchini and the other linguine with carbonara sauce. Upon learning that carbonara sauce was just eggs, melted Parmesan cheese, and bits of bacon, I became excited to try and make this at home, because even a simpleton like myself should be able to manage to do so.

Watching the sunset is something that I don't do enough of, and I’m convinced that on this night, we had to have had one of the best views in all of the world, it was truly that amazing. The descending sun painted the sky with an unreal peach color. Cruise ships and small sport boats all slowed down to take in the view. To the hotel employees, I’m sure it was nothing new, but to myself and the other guests, it was a sight that no picture or world-renowned artist could quite capture.

The view, the company, and the food were easily 5 out of 5 stars. Stevie Wonder played softly in the background, allowing for a calm and tranquil vibe, as all the guests looked out into the abyss. No matter where each of us came from, we were all in awe of the view.