So my Regent Seven Seas cruise has incredible timing as it departs from Rome’s Civitavecchia port on April 29, 2024. That means I can attend the Festa della Madonna delle Grazie in my ancestral hometown in Campania (about 2.5 hours south) the day before, April 28th.
I want to invite as many of you to join me as we can accommodate. I am creating a special 3-night itinerary in my ancestral hometown of Castelvetere sul Calore, for April 26th through April 29th to celebrate the feast of the Madonna delle Grazie (on April 28th). It will include transportation from Rome and then to the port of Civitavecchia (or to Rome if you are not cruising) on the day our cruise departs.
We will be staying at very special rustic accommodations in the ancient borgo of Castelvetere. We will take part in cooking classes taught by Castelveterese cooks, taste the world famous Aglianico wine of the region and Castelvetere’s cherry liqueur, and get an insider’s view of the festival preparations including a lecture on the Madonna delle Grazie where you will learn why the whole town is so devoted to her. Evening drinks in the piazza with my favorite locals will make you feel at home at a table surrounded by old friends.
There’s no better way to feel the magic of this little town tucked underneath the mountain than by meeting its people, tasting its food and drinking its wine. Trust me, this place is special. You don’t need to be religious to absolutely be in awe of the celebrations for the Madonna – it is just as much a cultural experience as it is spiritual.
Full details will be released by October 9th. Those who have placed refundable deposits will have several weeks to decide and we still have a few spots open for the trip. Get your questions answered on Facebook Live October 13th – video will be available if you can’t make it.
Watch my Castelvetere episode here!
— Kathy