Hi All,
This was a fabulous holiday in an untouched, and untouristy part of Italy. There were 23 of us, all women, except for one delightful elderly gentleman. On arrival at Gatwick at 4 a.m. (!), I personally did not see a JY rep, although I had been informed prior that one would be there. No problem. I knew that Sue Dunford, our excellent Tour Manager, would be meeting us at Naples Airport. British Airways managed to produce probably one of the most disgusting breakfasts I have ever had on their aircraft (eat before, if you can manage it at that time of the morning!). It was a short flight though.
The coach trip down to Cetraro took about 4 hours, but we did stop at least twice. We had a photo stop to see the wonderful Amalfi coast, and at lunchtime we stopped at a service station, but it had a very good restaurant at the back, where most of us enjoyed our first pasta/red wine/Italian beer etc. of the day! I think for next year, JY are looking at flying out of Stansted to a more local airport, rather than Naples.
Grand Hotel San Michele! Superb hotel where we were based for the full 7 nights. It is built in to the side of the mountain, has a long and fascinating history, wonderful views to the sea, own farm, vineyards, 9 hole golf course (you can hire clubs etc.), own beach (reached via an outside lift which takes 1 min. 47 seconds to descend), own beach restaurant. All the meals were "silver service" with a choice of 3 starters, 3 mains, 3 deserts. Most of their wine was their own, and very drinkable. The pasta, croissants, jams etc. were all homemade, and all the vegetables and fruit came from their own farm. Do not expect to lose weight on this holiday! The staff were always wonderful and atterntive, and you even got a plate of canapes with your pre-dinner drinks! A special mention must go to Ornella who owns the hotel and Andrea in the bar!
All excursions were included. The first day we had a tour of the farm, wine tasting, red hot chilli pepper chutney tasting, and a trip down to the beach. Absolutely everything is put on your room number, so theoretically you don't need any money, as you pay by credit card at the end. I thoroughly recommend buying a tin of their own olive oil, and the said chilli pepper chutney, which they will wrap for you. As I came down with the dreaded cold, I didn't manage 2 of the excursions (Altomonte, the medieval town) and Cosenza (lots of clothes shopping!), but everyone enjoyed them. The Sila Mountains were great, although a little chilly, and the best pizza I have had for many years - you can get all your food shopping here in Cammigliatello.
I really enjoyed the trip to Belvedere and Diamante - the latter is famous for said chilli peppers! We had lunch (not included) here on the waterfront, and I had some excellent seafood.
The only bad meal we had the whole week, was when we went out to a local restaurant "Il Casello". Maybe we were just unlucky, as a friend of mine did this trip in August and she said they had a fantastic meal!
The hotel, for me, was the star of the holiday. If you just want to relax (the only way you can get to the local town is via the hotel's mini bus, or presumably a taxi), the hotel is wonderfully comfortable with sweeping terraces, and lovely grounds. Be warned though - if you do have any "serious" mobility problems, you will struggle on this holiday. There are a lot of steps/slopes/steep ground and high steps up to the medieval villages. I was forewarned due to my new hip, and managed fine, but did take my stick just in case.
A top tip - try and get a seaview room if you can - Travelsphere were also in the hotel, and I thought they might have bagged all the good rooms, but no!
An excellent holiday, with a really good group, and a super TM who spoke fluent Italian, so we didn't have a local guide.If you want to see an untouched part of Italy (and the Mafia are still in the local village!), then this is the holiday for you.
Enjoy!
Cheers,
Hils
