Review By Gregory S. - Indian Rocks Beach, FL - US (June 2023)
Become part of an Italian family
As hokey as it sounds, it is really true!
| Written By: | Gregory S. |
| Rating: | |
| Location: | Indian Rocks Beach - FL - US |
| Review Source: | Website |
| Type of Traveler: | Friends |
| Itinerary: | Amalfi Coast |
Full Review
In September 2018, on the recommendation of some college friends, my wife and I flew to Rome and took the train to Soriano, IT. Our expectations were high as we'd seen all of the fun that our friends enjoyed but our expectations were exceeded. The CDV family took us in as if we were their own and we were made comfortable from the first moments that we arrived. It was a total immersion into the culture of Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany. The food and wine, fun and fellowship were just outstanding. So, then, it was very easy for us to pick our vacation for 2023: We simply chose another CDV location, this time on the Amalfi coast. While we didn't think that it was possible to have a BETTER vacation than Soriano...well, let's just say CDV again exceeded our expectations! The incredible villa housed our group of thirteen travelers, and it sat high on a bluff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea (lots of steps!) As "alumni" were awarded the "penthouse view" with a huge terrace. The cooking lessons and the tours were wonderful and with CDV you find "the road less taken", keeping you away from the aimless hordes of less fortunate travelers. It is hard to pick a "favorite" day, as they were each unique and wonderful, but strolling the streets of Minori with Claudia, who lives there, was for me a highlight (and they make the BEST limoncella)! The two boat trips, one to Capri and the other to Positano, were also wonderful, conducted on small private vessels well stocked with Peroni and prosecco; we kind of pitied the people on the giant "cattle boats" headed to the same destinations. Best food? Man, that one is tough, too, as everything was fresh, with the vegetables coming from the garden on the side of the villa. I did love making (then eating) bufalo mozzerella with a master cheesemaker in Ravello. Just fresh cheese, incredible Roma tomatoes, basil and, of course, more wine! I think that I speak for everyone who was there that there was great sadness in parting with our new-found friends, and look forward to another adventure with them in 2025!
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| Sample Photo from this Itinerary |