This WayMatters
Cilento, 14 - 19 September 2024
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Welcome
DAY 1 - September 14th
ARRIVAL IN CASERTA
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Our tour will start in Caserta, home of the world famous Royal Palace, a visit that cannot be missed.
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Arrival in the afternoon at the Grand Hotel Vanvitelli ****.
In the late afternoon, we will visit the Royal Palace of Caserta and enjoy a very special private dinner at this stunning Palace.
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Royal Palace of Caserta
​The Reggia di Caserta and its enormous park are two jewels on the outskirts of Naples representing the triumph of Italian Baroque, seducing anyone who visits them.
The monumental complex at Caserta, created by the Bourbon king Charles III in the mid-18th century to rival Versailles and the Royal Palace in Madrid, is exceptional for the way in which it brings together a magnificent palace with its park and gardens, as well as natural woodland, hunting lodges and a silk factory.
It is an eloquent expression of the Enlightenment in material form, integrated into, rather than imposed on, its natural setting.
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We will visit the Palace and dine in one of its 1200 rooms!
DAY 2 - September 15th
Stage 1, DRIVE TO CILENTO
(about 185 km, 4½ hours drive)
If you're looking for a gorgeous almost tourist-free coastal gem to visit then the Cilento is for you!
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A huge territory, where nature is truly wild, where the population is less than a hundred thousand, and in which rural traditions and a slow, very slow pace of everyday life are carefully preserved. Cilento is packed with historical and archaeological destinations, wildly untamed nature and gorgeous beaches.
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Embark on an extraordinary journey at the discovery of Cilento, where the beauty of nature and the allure of the sea converge.
In the afternoon arrival and check in at the Savoy Hotel & Spa *****, where we will spend our last 4 nights.
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ITINERARY:
9.00 Departure from the hotel
10.30-11.30 Visit to Montevergine Sanctuary
13.00-15.00 Lunch at a typical Masseria
16.30 Arrival at the hotel and check in
19.15 Shuttle to the Beach club and cocktail
20.00 Dinner at the beach club
Dress code: smart casual
Montevergine
A beautiful sacred site near Avellino imparts silence and a sense of peace. San Guglielmo (St. William) arrived on this mount looking for a place to pray and sensed God's presence here. Others arrived to follow his example, and a monastery was established.
The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Monte virgine) and pilgrims come for the intriguing abbey, the stunning views, the interesting history and the sense of peacefulness found here.
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The Madonna in the painting that is venerated is referred to locally as Mamma Schiavone, a term of endearment as mother; the schiavone refers to her being darker-skinned, humble, thereby relatable to the local population.
Montella
This charming town offers a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture, and its beautiful surroundings make it a perfect destination for our first lunch stop.
We will savor its delicious cuisine, as Montella is famous for its culinary traditions, which are deeply rooted in the local culture. The town is renowned for its chestnuts, which are harvested in the surrounding forests and used in many traditional dishes, such as chestnut soup, chestnut risotto, and roasted chestnuts.
DAY 3 - September 16th
Stage 2, CILENTO NATIONAL PARK
(about 175 km, 4 hours drive)
On our second day we will explore the inland of Cilento.
We will first stop at the incredibly well-preserved Greek temples of Paestum, where time stands still.
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Then we will head to the centre of the Cilento National Park, exploring the region along narrow, winding roads that come with sudden spectacular views as you make your way between villages.
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In the afternoon back to the hotel and dinner on the beach
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ITINERARY:
9.00 Departure from the hotel
9.15:10.30 Visit to Paestum Temples
12.30-14.30 Lunch at Auletta Castle
16.30 Back to the hotel
20.00 Dinner at the 2 Stars Michelin restaurant
"Tre Olivi"
Dress code: cocktail attire
Paestum
The ancient city of Paestum is home to some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world.
Standing before the magnificent temples of Paestum is a humbling experience. These imposing temples have endured wars, earthquakes, Saracen pirate attacks, pillaging, abandonment and neglect to stand on this spot for over 2,500 years. Walking among the ancient stone streets of Paestum is a rare chance to step back in time to see Italy’s Greek and Roman heritage.
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Walking through the ruins at Paestum and gazing up at the marvellous temples never fails to impress. There is a silence that fills the air, adding a sense of solemnity to the austere ruins of these impressive Greek temples.
Auletta Maquis Castle
Nestled in the charming village of Auletta, the Castello Marchesale di Auletta stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural beauty of the region. With its medieval origins and fascinating historical significance, this castle is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike.
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As you explore the castle, you'll be captivated by its architectural features. The imposing walls, sturdy towers, and intricate details transport you back in time, allowing you to envision the castle's former glory. The castle's design reflects a blend of medieval and Renaissance influences, making it a unique architectural gem in the region.
DAY 4 - September 17th
Stage 3, THE COASTAL ROUTE
(About 205 km , 4 hours and 45 minutes drive)
In the morning drive a few km to enjoy a special breakfast, based on dairy products from the area.
Then head to Palinuro, to experience the timeless allure of the Cilento Coast and create unforgettable memories amidst its stunning beaches, charming fishing villages rich history.
Embark on an extraordinary journey along the Cilento Coast, where the beauty of nature and the magnetism of the sea converge.
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ITINERARY:
8.15 Departure from the hotel for a special breakfast at Tenuta Dispensa
8.30 - 9.30 Experience how to make mozzarella and breakfast
11.00-12.00 Coffee break in Pioppi
13.15-15.30 Lunch at Torre Punta Galera
17.15 Back to the hotel
20.00 Dinner at the hotel
Dress code: smart casual
Dispensa
The process of making mozzarella cheese is a fascinating blend of art and science, dating back to ancient times. With operations that have been repeated since centuries, the cheesemaker every day, as in a religious ritual, reenacts the gestures of docking. You will have the chance to participate in the process and then have a special breakfast with the local dairy products.
Pioppi
The small town is a seaside destination of about 300 inhabitants. Pioppi offers a rocky beach that stretches for the entire length of the town.
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The town welcomed important and distinguished guests, such as physiologists Ancel Keys and Martti Karvonen and cardiologist Jeremiah Stamler, who carried out research into interaction between diet and cardiovascular disease. Ancel Keys has lived in Pioppi for 40 years to study the dietary habits of the inhabitants. He is unanimously recognised as the theorist of the Mediterranean diet.
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Tenuta Punta Galera
Tenuta Punta Galera was born in symbiosis with the surrounding nature, twenty hectares of Mediterranean scrub overlooking the crystal clear sea of Palinuro, in the heart of the Cilento National Park.
Surrounded by Aleppo pines, centuries-old olive trees, citrus groves and vineyards. A wonderful, unique setting, enhanced by the song of cicadas and the ethereal music of the sea.
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On one side a beautiful bay, with beaches that are among the most beautiful in Italy, on the other "Punta Galera" one of the ends of the imposing Palinuro cliffs and, overlooking the sea, the ancient watchtower from 1500, Torre del Giudeo, where we will enjoy our lunch.
DAY 5 - September 18th
Stage 4, VALLO DI DIANO
(about 235 km, 3 hours and 45 minutes drive)
Our last day will bring us in the hearts of Cilento, a mountainous area furrowed by valleys where rivers flow into the Mar Tirreno, and the Vallo di Diano, a vast and fertile plateau, UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve area since 1997.
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Our first stop will be at the Charterhouse of San Lorenzo in Padula, on the Vallo di Diano plateau, the largest monastic complex in Southern Italy and one of the most interesting in Europe for architectural magnificence and abundance of artistic treasures.
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After lunch drive back to the hotel for our farewell dinner and party.
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ITINERARY:
09.00 Departure from the hotel
11.00-12.00 Visit to the Charterhouse in Padula
13.30-15.30 Lunch in Rofrano
17.30 Back to the hotel
20.00 Farewell dinner at the hotel and party
Dress code: Casual chic
Padula Charterhouse
The Charterhouse of St Lorenzo, in Padula, with its 250,000 square meters of gardens and yards and with over 320 rooms and halls is the largest Chartusian monastery in Europe. This outstanding monument was built in 1306, and is characterized by the refined and articulated architectural style.
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During the past five centuries the original monastery has preserved the same structural scheme, even if every single part's been continuously enriched with new architectural parties, statues, gardens, works of art and craftsmanship, an immense library.
The Charterhouse was used as setting of the fairy-tale film "More than a miracle" (1967) with Sophia Loren and Omar Sharif.
Rofrano
Rofrano, with its streets that tell centuries-old stories, continues to be a valuable link in Cilento's historical landscape. Its architecture and history bear witness to a community that has withstood the passage of time, preserving its timeless charm.
In addition to evidence of the past, the village invites visitors to lose themselves in its narrow streets and discover the fascinating combination of history and contemporaneity.
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We will have lunch in the restaurant Da Cono. A unique place of its kind. The structure exudes history and tradition from every single wooden beam, inside you will feel embraced by Cilento and every dish, every sip of wine will leave you inside a little bit of this fantastic land.
DAY 6 - September 19th
FAREWELL AND OPTIONAL POMPEI TOUR
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After breakfast individual departure.
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We are organising an optional trip to Pompei for those who never had the chance to visit that unique venue.
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Should you be interested in adding this tour to the trip, please let us know.
TERMS AND REGULATION
We are eager to have you onboard! If you have any question and would like to participate in the event, please contact:
WayMatters
Via Principe Eugenio 30 - 20155 Milan - Italy
Email: info@waymatters.it
We will be happy to answer any question you may have regarding the tour, and to register you as a participant.
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Package price: 7.500 Euro (6.147,55 + VAT) per car.
The price is per vehicle and based on two people sharing one hotel room.
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The entry fee covers full hospitality, from the welcome reception on September 14th until departure on September 19th after breakfast. The entry fee includes: food & beverage, accommodation for 5 nights, welcome package, logistics, technical support, and professional photographers.
Please note that transportation costs to and from the event are not included in the price.
Programme may be subject to changes without notice.
