The Isle of Capri

The hydrofoil to the Isle of Capri

Fitzroy with my lemon gelato infused with limoncello. Yummy!

View from a sidewalk cafe

View of Capri

Tour member Alicia Wilkins had a very good  reason to visit this picturesque island so a few of us decided to join her while the rest of the group took my private Amalfi Coast tour.  Since the narrow winding roads leading up to Positano require a small bus it’s always mandatory to restrict  the number of participants.  At least 4 of us had done Amalfi several times so we gave up our seats and went to the Isle of Capri.  When you are in Naples you have so many tour options.

We all disembarked the ship together and met both lovely guides for the day. The Amalfi group went to their bus while the 6 of us proceeded with our guide, Hillary, to take the 50 minute Hydrofoil ride to the very, very expensive Isle. Alicia was so excited!  You see, years ago her dad was in the service and stationed in Naples. She grew up looking at pictures of mom, dad, and siblings taken on the Isle near a set of famous steps. One of her sisters was actually born in Naples.  They have returned to visit several times, even to the famous restaurant with a pictures of all the celebrities plastered on the walls but this was Alicia’s first. She was beside herself with glee and I was just happy to be a part of making this experience happen for her.  Taking a taxi once we arrived was too costly so the guide suggested we take the funicular up and back for a mere 4 euros each way plus it only took 3 minutes.  The hydrofoil cost 20 euros per person each way to get there. The ferry is less but adds 20 minutes to the trip.

I can’t tell you how breathtaking the views are but trust and believe they are magnificent!  Fitzroy and I were cool with sitting up top at a sidewalk cafe while the others went on their adventure. As I said this was for Alicia. This beautiful, expensive island is one I put in the category of St. Tropez…..been there, done that, don’t have to go back.

On this lovely isle, a first happened for me. I was hot as fish grease at the time but can now laugh about it. Should you join me on a future adventure, ask me  to tell you the story.

This wraps it up for me this trip. Hopefully, you enjoyed the ride.  I’m adding a few pics of my most  favorite Greek Isle……..Mykonos!   I spent the day at the beach there last week and had a wonderful time—-sun, sea, sand and good food! Mykonos, I love you! I could spend a few months with you.

Kalafatis Beach, Mykonos

Toni happy to be back at Kalafatis Beach

Good Food, Great daiquiris , Nice Vibes at Kalafatis Beach, Mykonos

Istanbul… So Exotic, So Mysterious

Inside Hagia Sophia Church. Covered in Plaster for 500 years

 

Istanbul

One of the Courtyards at the Palace

With My Compliments

Let’s Groove Tonight

Sky Lounge Bar. Ship Docked at Kusadasi

June and her lovely daughters, Carmen and Corrin

Groovin’ To The Beat

Starring, “The Group”

Kat and Silk

Aside from the Pinot Grigio, Merlot, chocolate dipped strawberries and chocolates that I sent to my guests; a private “Martini Tasting” at the ice-topped Martini Bar was set up for them by yours truly. They had no idea what they were in for. Kattrax dominated the bar with 25 set ups of 6 martini glasses at each place. With whistle blowing and mixology antics jumpin’ off, excitement was in the air for this very private, exclusive affair. They tasted apple, pear, classic, watermelon, raspberry and sunset martinis. They mixed and mingled with one another and socialized with their new acquaintances as they strolled by. The real highlight of the tasting was “The Flight” which was the bartender standing  elevated over the bar and pouring martinis simultaneously into 13 glasses without spilling one drop. A good time was had by all in attendance.

Three days later our private cocktail party was scheduled on the top deck in the Sky Observation Lounge. This was our signature “All White” party and yes, they showed up and showed out. Champagne, wine, scotch, amaretto sours or whatever one desired was free flowing. The DJ was playin’ all the jammin’ joints and Joey got the party started right with the wobble, Cupid and Casper shuffle. He had everybody up and dancing, complete with a soul train line and Barbara D taking it as low as she could go. June was still celebrating her birthday and just could not stop dancing. It was a wild time —lots of laughs and good old fashioned fun.

The Party Spot

Celebrity Status

Kattrax, All Class Baby!

The majority of the group chose Concierge Class, which off the top means “priority this and priority that”.  So of course check in was quick— no lines, no waiting. Our 11 night itinerary is: Santorini, Istanbul (overnight), Kusadasi (Ephesus), Mykonos, Athens and Naples where I have pre arranged private tours to the Amalfi Coast and the Isle of Capri.  Since this is our 4th Eastern Med cruise within blogs, I will  only write about the new destinations: Istanbul and The Isle of Capri and of course the Reflection and her new un-ordinary specialty dining options.

We were all on pins and needles because with all the protesting going on across Turkey it was uncertain if the Captain  would stop. He would make his decision in 2 days.  I was keeping a thumbs up because we had things to do. For one,  thanks to  my girl, Robbie Bell, I was connected to one of the best guides in Istanbul, Aykut Gun.  the group would do a full day tour with him and that night we would hang out at one of the best jazz clubs in the city.

Day 2 was our tee shirt day and we showed ’em what we were workin’ with. Our custom tees designed by graphic artist, Joe Casanova of NY were the bomb dot com and definitely the topic of conversation around the ship that day.

“Qsine”, one of the newest and most innovative “Specialty Dining” experiences to hit the high seas was something I personally was looking forward to. Reservations are required and for an additional $40 per person, it was on and poppin’. Fitzroy, myself and Toni made our reservations months ago and could not wait. Upon entering, you immediately notice the subtle decor in subdued earth tones and a quiet ambiance. Once seated your waiter presents each guest with an iPad and gives step by step instructions. We chose Fitzroy to be our Captain and as we agreed on our 5 selections from 20 different countries, he added them to his “favorites”and the presentation began. Just to name a couple: the Spring Rolls were pulled pork and some vegetarian. They were served on 3” silver coiled “springs” and accompanied by a trio of dipping sauces. Another favorite was the Disco Shrimp which was served in a martini glass with a flashing blue disco light underneath mixed with clear gem stones.
Needless to say this was a one of a kind culinary experience the three of us enjoyed.

The next day, the Captain announced we would stop at Istanbul so stay tuned.

Ciao Bella Roma!

Harley Davidson’s 110 year celebration in Roma

 

 

Throwing Coins in the Trevi Fountain

Landing at Fiumicino (FCO) was smooth as was getting through Immigration and Customs. Upon exiting Customs, there was the owner of Rome Limos Tours, Mauritzio, to meet and greet us. Yes, he was looking like a page out of GQ Magazine (Italian style, of course) Or better yet, looking as sharp as John Gotti. Arriving at the Rome airport one gets a cool vibe similar to landing in Jamaica. It’s difficult to describe but a feeling of warmth and friendliness totally the opposite of landing in Paris. There are 29 in the group but 22 of us arrived together, coming from east cast and west coast and meeting up in Philly.

Even though everybody followed my instructions in bringing 1 checked bag and 1 carry on ; I now see for future group arrivals; it will be imperative I give “allowable dimensions”. There is no reason a 37 passenger bus could not accommodate 22 passengers with luggage except for the fact  that several suitcases were twice the size of mine. Nonetheless, Mauritzio made it happen by taking the excess luggage in a mini van and promising to send a 50 passenger bus on our departure from the ship at no extra cost. Thank God for favor.
Soon we were on our way. Our hotel for the night was the luxurious 5 star Regina Baglioni located on the fashionable and the ever popular, Via Veneto, a short walk from the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese.
The welcome we received by the hotel was second to none. The entire staff went above and beyond the call of duty. It was early so there was a wait for our rooms. The group made the best of it by exploring our immediate area, doing the Ho-Ho bus tour and sampling some local cuisine. Later that evening it was music to my ears to hear comments such as: Wow! What an amazing hotel, “first class all the way”, “I’ve never in my life stayed at a hotel so grand”. Some whined initially when they were paying $220per person including full American Breakfast but soon came to realize they really got  a sweet deal. 2 weeks prior to our arrival, you couldn’t get a room there for less than $700 a night and breakfast a whopping $42.
There was celebration in the air this weekend because Rome played host to Harley Davidson’s 110th Anniversary – complete with a parade and ending at The Vatican with their bikes getting blessed in a special ceremony. Bikers were here from all over the world.

That night, those in the group found their respective grooves at various clubs, restaurants and lively “Piazza’s” around the town.
The next morning after an early breakfast, we loaded up our private bus with our charming licensed guide, Valerie and began our 4 hr city sightseeing tour after which we were nonstop to the port of Civitevecchia to board our lovely ship, Celebrity’s brand new, REFLECTION. Grazie, Roma! We enjoyed your warm hospitality.

Kat’s La Dolce Vita Tour of Bella Italia

Lake Como

Vatican City

Pienza in Tuscany

In just a few days I will be headed back to Rome for an 11 night Celebrity cruise on their newest ship, The Reflection – stopping in Mykonos, Santorini, Naples visitng the Amalfi Coast, the Isle of Capri, Athens, Ephesus & Istanbul where we overnight and I’ve set up a private evening of jazz just for my folks. Of course, you can expect to read a blog or two on this month’s adventure but since this will be our 4th straight trip there I will most likely only blog about the “newest” additions, ie. Isle of Capri and exotic Istanbul. The purpose of this blog is to give you a preview of whats cookin’ for July 2014. I am planning a 12 night tour of Italy that will include Rome, Tuscany, Milan and a delightful, relaxing stay at the end at beautiful Lake Como. Si, that’s why it will be called “La Dolce Vita” (la dole chay vee-ta) which means the “sweet life”. Highlights: Daily breakfast, 3 lunches including the cooking class, 6 dinners. All included restaurants based on 3 course meals – 1/2 water, 1/4 wine and coffee. Tours: Baroque Rome, Vatican City including Sistine Chapel, St.Peter’s Basilica.  In Florence – Accademia Gallery (Michaelangelo’s David).

A Full Day Montalcino (mon tal chino) which is nestled between Pienza & Siena. Everything seems like a dream in this village; from the top of the highest hill through the roads of the Sangiovese (sahn jo vess say) vineyards where you’ll taste from the huge barrels resting in the deep cellars. This day includes a tour, lunch, 2 wineries & tastings.

A Full Day San Gimignano (san jeem een YAH no) – tour, cooking class with lunch, winery & tasting.

Finally, spend some quality time in picturesque Bellagio on Lake Como, “the Pearl of the Lake”. Lake Como is north of Milan and near the Swiss border. What’s there to do? Just relax and enjoy the panoramic lake views and the lakeside ambiance where you will find tons of quaint shops, gelato bars, cafes and restaurants. Before flying home, we’ll spend 1 night in Milan where we will pay a visit to Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of “The Last Supper”. Transportation through the countryside will be by private air conditioned motorcoach. Of course all hotels and restaurants have been hand-picked by yours truly. I am Currently in the process of finalizing details and pricing. Interested? Send me an email. This customized tour for 20-30 will surely be on a first come basis. Ciao!