An Italian Dream; Rome - Naples - Sorrento - Amalfi Coast
Italy
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Oct 6 - Oct 13, 2024
Our recent trip to Italy, under Caterina at KimKim, was one of the best travel experiences we have ever had. Caterina was very flexible in helping us to tailor the trip to our specific needs and wants. As we know Rome quite well, we chose to start our trip with a self-planned stay in Rome. Day 2 is where the team at KimKim took over and it was seamless from start to finish. Everyone who met us along the way to take us to a station/hotel/restaurants/private tour/airport etc over the remaining 9 days of our trip, were all very professional, friendly and helpful. Because KimKim use local people, it was also wonderful to get a truly local tour with deep local knowledge of the area, even when we were just transferring from one hotel to another. In addition 2 of our guides were able to make great restaurants suggestions that meant we ended up lunching in very special places, that we would never have known about.
Italy is without doubt one of the world's most beautiful countries and Sorrento and the Amalfi coast did not disappoint - however it was the people that we met along the way that elevated the experience even further; So, a big thank you to Beatrice (Rome), Francesca (Naples), Pepe (driver Naples - Sorrento), Gianni (private tour of Pompeii), Manfredi (private speed boat for the day around Capri and islands), Massimmo (tour of local towns) and Carmine (driver to Naples airport).
The hotels that Catrina chose for us were also incredible: The 2nd leg of our trip was at the Grand Hotel Royal, Sorrento. It is the epitome of classic 'Italian Rivera' elegance, with amazing views from our room and all the terraces across the ocean to Mount Vesuvius, with the occasional cruise liner on view. The staff were very professional and courteous. The hotel is dressed beautifully, with classic Italian decor throughout, good food and great bar service. The hotel had a kind of magical quality with it's unique outdoor lift that descends through the rock to a private beach/pontoon area right on the water's edge. Whilst very quiet and you feel you are away from it all, it is also a short walk into Sorrento old town, where there are many shops, and great restaurants and bars.
The 3rd leg of our trip was at Fuore Grand Hotel, Amalfi Coast. WOW. A contemporary and exceptional hotel that made us feel that we were in a dream. All I can say is if you are looking for a base to explore the Amalfi coast and to feel that you have escaped the 'ordinary world', then stay here - you will not be disappointed! We didn't want to leave! Thank you to the team at FGH. We miss you!
Hotel Reviews
The epitome of classic Italian Rivera elegance. The hotel, garden terraces and restaurants have amazing views across the ocean to Mount Vesuvius, with the occasional cruise ship on view in the bay. The hotel is beautifully dressed throughout in classic Italian decor. The rooms are classic, super comfy beds, very clean and well appointed with lots of storage and superb views. The hotel offers a good range of food, although somewhat limited but the food, especially breakfast and service was excellent and the bar staff very attentive. Overall the hotel has a magical/nostalgic quality, especially with it's outdoor lift that descends from the upper terraces down through the rock to a private beach/pontoon, right on the water's edge. Whilst the hotel is located on a road, it is quiet and you feel away 'from it all'. Yet the hotel is a short walk into Sorrento old town and so shopping and dining out for lunch and dinner is an easy option, with an abundance of local restaurants and bars offering authentic local cuisine. We loved staying here!
Fuore Grand Hotel, Amalfi Coast. WOW. A contemporary and exceptional hotel that made us feel that we were in a dream. All I can say is if you are looking for a base to explore the Amalfi coast and to feel that you have escaped the 'ordinary world', then stay here - you will not be disappointed! We didn't want to leave! Thank you to the team at FGH. We miss you! The hotel is contemporary and chic, understated enough to allow the stunning valley, views and natural surroundings to sing. The decor throughout is simple and elegant with great attention to detail using local materials and patterns, bringing warmth to the experience. The food at FGH is also exceptional; the breakfast alone is a wonder but the jewel in the crown, is the fine-dining experience. It is not hard to understand why the hotel/chef was awarded a Michelin star within 3 months of the hotel opening.
Activity Reviews
