JRA Insiders Tour Itinerary
Please note that this is a sample itinerary only, which reflects the anticipated schedule
for the trip. It will be updated as further details are confirmed. See annotated list of venues .
DAY 1 ~ July 6 - Departure from U.S.
Your overnight flight to Italy (independent travel arrangements). Depart gateway city airports flying to Naples.
DAY 2 ~ July 7 - Arrival
Our staff will meet travelers outside the international arrivals gate at the Naples Capodochino Airport. Return by van to your hotel in Maiori: Hotel Reginna Palace (or equivalent). Upon arrival, have a rest or take time to relax by the pool or at the beach. Join our orientation stroll through the charming village center of Maiori. Get acquainted with your tour companions at a champagne reception on the terrace in the hotel's lush garden. Welcome dinner al fresco. Optional concert in Maiori’s San Domenico cathedral after dinner.
DAY 3 ~ July 8
Depart by coach along the world-famous, winding Amalfi Drive to visit Ravello, high above the Tyrrhenian Sea, surrounded by terraced lemon groves and vine-draped hills.
We begin our study of Italian craft with a visit to the beautifully preserved 12th century Villa Cimbrone and its exceptionally beautiful gardens, a stunning example of architecture and decorative arts of the era. Next stop, Villa Rufolo, the world-famous home of the Ravello Music Festival, boasting gorgeous majolica-tiled floors throughout. We'll also explore the contemporary art gallery on the grounds. Lunch on your own in one of Ravello's enchanting hillside restaurants. In the afternoon, savor time to browse and shop in the many ceramics galleries, antique shops and jewelry studios.
Before dinner enjoy fascinating slide lecture on “Art & Architecture of the Amalfi Peninsula” (with focus on Pompeii and the Roman villas of the coastal area). In evening, travel a short distance to the enchanting town of Amalfi. Visit its magnificent duomo and honeycomb maze of streets, and in true Dolce Vita style, sip on an aperitivo in one of Italy's most celebrated piazzas. Stop by to see the 13th century Armatruda Paper Mill, one of the earliest locations for producing paper in western Europe, and shop for a range of hand-made paper products. Optional concert in the stunning Cathedral Museum after dinner in one of Amalfi's colorful trattorias.
DAY 4 ~ July 9
Our excursion takes us inland today to to visit the many-faceted city of Naples. We'll continue our exploration of historic craft and art with a tour of the National Museum of Archeology, which houses many of the treasures recovered from the excavations of Pompeii, including fresco paintings and mosaics, statues, household articles and jewelry. Lunch on your own across from the legendary Teatro San Carlo.
Visit the show room and private collection of goldsmiths and coral jewelry-makers of
the Ascione family (since 1855), maintaining one of the most significant traditions of artisan jewelry in Naples and Campania with their gorgeous contemporary jewelry
Next we stroll through the charming Via San Gregorio Armeno quarter of the pedestrian historic city center, known for its workshops of handmade ceramic nativity and other figurines. Our day culminates in a guided tour of the stately Capodimonte Museum, an 18th century palace featuring one of Italy's finest collections of European paintings, Deruta ceramics from the 15th century, plus many exquisite craft objects & sculptures.
Dinner in the town center of Maiori on the Lungomare. Optional concert.
DAY 5 ~ July 10
Depart from the port by boat to cruise along the coast to the enchanting island of Capri.
Cruise along the coast to the enchanting island of Capri. Tour the splendid museum at Villa San Michelle, historic home of Axel Munthe with period rooms, sculptures and artifacts throughout. Set in a colorful shade garden and bird sanctuary overlooking the port of Capri. The view from this villa high in the hills is not to be missed. Next, Bob will guide us through the Chiesa de San Michele, with its truly remarkable 16th-century maiolica tile floor painting depicting the Garden of Eden. You'll have time to explore
the many artisans' workshops in leatherwork and jewelry, shop in Capri's fabulous boutiques, and visit the famous Carthusia herbal perfume factory.
Dinner in gardens of the Reginna Palace Hotel.
DAY 6 ~ July 11
Lecture; "The Italian Tradition of Maiolica Glazed Ceramics" : An after-breakfast presentation on traditions of majolica ceramics with resident artist Robert Devers to prepare you for our excursion to Vietri sul Mare, a famous ceramics center since the middle ages. Along the way, stop in the charming hill-town of Raito to visit the jewel box ceramics museum at the elegant Villa Guariglia. Lunch in the stately Lloyds Baia Hotel overlooking the bay of Vietri with presentations by noted speakers on the craft traditions of the region
Visit the famous Solimene ceramics factory designed by the renowned architect Paolo Soleri, the building itself a sculpture. Linger in private studios and famous ceramics workshops such as Ceramica Pinto, with time to shop in the many galleries and shops. Several in-depth studio visits will be included, including Mirko and Francesco Raimondi, among others.
Return to hotel for relaxation. In the evening, dine in picturesque Minori, the next town over, famous for its winding streets and charming boutiques. Optional concert.
DAY 7 ~ July 12
Excursion to the fabled town of Sorrento with its arches and cobblestone streets and dazzling array of boutiques featuring traditional inlaid wood and other noted crafts dating back centuries. Visit the Correale Museum, overlooking the Bay of Naples with its precious collections of Italian Maiolica, Chinese and Meissen Porcelains, antiquities and Murano glass chandeliers.
Enjoy lunch at a delightful ristorante that houses a gallery with memorabilia of the legendary Italian tenor Enrico Caruso or dine al fresco in one of Sorrento’s colorful piazzas. Visit the Museum of Marquetry. A passionate collector and scholar, the founder of this marvelous collection will give us a guided tour of his vast array of historic and contemporary wooden marquetry, featuring historic photos to complement the exhibit.
Dinner in gardens of the Reginna Palace Hotel. Optional concert.
DAY 8 ~ July 13
Set out for the small town of Furore for a winery tour and lunch in a magnificent setting. Enjoy greetings from the mayor, a local poet, with his artist friends as they show us the town's restored amphitheatre. Return to Maiori after lunch. Free afternoon for final errands, shopping for friends and family, and packing. Farewell dinner at a special location with memorable views of the coast.
DAY 9 ~ July 14 - Departure Day
Early morning departures with festival van for Naples airport to board flights home. Alternate transportation provided for travelers going on to other destinations.
~ Arrivederci tutti!
