The Amalfi Coast is perhaps one of the ultimate summertime destinations, with its rugged cliffs, azure water, charming fishing villages, and amazing wine and food.
The idyllic setting fit in perfectly as part of the maiden voyage for AFAR Sailings—the newest way to travel with AFAR—which set off from Barcelona at the end of July for an unforgettable 8 days. Aboard Silversea’s luxurious Silver Shadow, AFAR staffers and readers journeyed through Spain, France, and Italy, enjoying experiences arranged with our unique access—ones that made for deeper cultural insights and a truly unforgettable trip. Here are a few highlights.
Barcelona
The trip kicked off at Ohla Barcelona, a luxury hotel in the city’s historic center. Everyone gathered on the hotel’s rooftop terrace, excitedly discussing the trip while looking out over the this gorgeous city and enjoying cocktails and bites from the hotel’s Michelin-star restaurant, Caelis.
Photo courtesy of Flytographer
Photo courtesy of Flytographer
A Groundbreaking Vineyard Excursion in Tuscany
The group then set sail, stopping in the charming French towns of Sète and Saint-Tropez and enjoying a beach day in sunny Corsica. When guests arrived in Livorno, they traveled to the stunning Antinori Estate and met CEO and family member Albiera Antinor, who shared a bit of history and gave a sense of place; the group then enjoyed an exclusive lunch and wine tasting. It was the first private group this celebrated vineyard had ever hosted, and speaks to AFAR’s unique access—both for guests who travel with us and the readers of our award-winning content.
Photo courtesy of Flytographer
Photo courtesy of Flytographer
Photo courtesy of Flytographer
Savoring Cuisine with an Amalfi View
The experience aboard the Silver Shadow continued along the Italian coast, stopping to explore Sardinia before continuing on to Naples. Here, guests enjoyed another AFAR-arranged outing, boarding yachts to cruise the Amalfi Coast on the way to the cliffside Hotel Santa Caterina and an exclusive lunch at the on-site Ristorante Al Mari with the owners of this family-run paradise.
Photo courtesy of Flytographer
Photo courtesy of Flytographer
Photo courtesy of Flytographer
Saying Goodbye
Then it was one final night on the Silver Shadow before arriving in Rome’s port, Civitavecchia. The group disembarked, taking unforgettable memories with them and anticipating the next opportunity to travel with AFAR.
Photo courtesy of Flytographer
Check out the upcoming AFAR Experiences and don’t miss the next chance to travel the AFAR way…with AFAR! And explore all the cruises offered by Silversea aboard the luxurious Silver Shadow, which will undergo an extensive renovation in November of 2019, including the creation of a new Atrium area on deck 5 (to house the Arts Café, inspired by the design of Silversea’s flagship Silver Muse). There will also be major enhancements to many public spaces, like the Connoisseur’s Corner and Observation Library. Additionally, La Dame restaurant will be enlarged and remodeled, including exclusive decorative crystal artworks from Lalique.