Everyone seems to be headed to the Amalfi Coast this summer. How do I know? I have talked to most of them. Our staff will be there too, writing and researching our special report on the area to be published this fall. But that doesn’t help those traveling there this summer, so I have been pondering some quick information I can give to this summer’s travelers looking for the little known gems Dream of Italy is so famous for uncovering.
I must recommend The Amalfi Coast Music Festival and Institute, now in its 11th year, which takes place this July in Vietri Sul Mare (we featured this famous ceramics town in our October 2004 issue) and other incredible venues on the Amalfi Coast. I know the festival’s founders – Sasha Katsnelson and his lovely wife Leslie Hyde – professional musicians and confirmed Italophiles who have worked tirelessly to bring international recognition to their festival. Whether you are a musician who wants to take classes or just a traveler who wants to hear impressive performances in incredible venues (such as Ravello’s Villa Rufolo, the Amalfi Cathedral and the Fortress of Salerno), don’t overlook the Amalfi Coast Music Festival.
If your interest is piqued and you are ready to make a special trip for the festival, consider a trip with another pair of friends — Anne and Kirk Woodyard of Music and Markets Tours. They are taking a group to the festival July 3 to 9, 2006, with the option of continuing on to Tuscany.
And while we are talking about the Amalfi Coast — a special offer for Dream of Italy readers! Amalfi Life would like to offer a discount on its Amalfi Coast Culinary Adventure Tour, October 7 to 13, 2006. Save $150 off a tour for one person and $400 off for two. Owner Laurie Howell says, “This tour is where Amalfi Life really shines. We put all of our secrets into it and give the clients the best the ‘Divine’ Coast has to offer. It’s always a winner.”