An immersion in the Amalfi coast is the perfect birthday celebration

Our series Bespoke Behind the Scenes lets you in on some of the incredible trips that B&amp;R Experience Designers create for travellers. Whether it’s a multi-generational family reunion or an exploration of a dream destination, our team works one-on-one with travellers to design original journeys that meet every need and desire. Here, Experience Designer <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/meet-the-designers/courtney-mundy">Courtney Mundy</a> shares the story of a surprise birthday celebration that took a small group to Italy’s <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/italy/amalfi-coast">Amalfi coast</a> for hiking and relaxation.&nbsp;A milestone birthday celebration for two families paired with the monumental landscape of Italy’s Amalfi coast. That was the challenge Experience Designer Courtney Mundy was given by a traveller who was planning this trip as a surprise for his wife and her sister.&nbsp;“We secured the villa over a year in advance and spent the autumn fine tuning the itinerary to get it just right,” says Courtney. The villa in question: Villa San Giacomo, the premiere private accommodation in Positano, a full-service home away from home that offers stunning historic suites dating back to 18th-century, a large garden with terraces overlooking the Mediterranean, and a serene hilltop pool.&nbsp;

Over seven days, the families found a balance between hiking, exploring and relaxing. Hikes, guided by local naturalists, included paths through the Valley of the Mills in Amalfi, as the scent of lemons floated through the air and views of waterfalls, dramatic mountains and the sea prompted photo stops. On another route, the group made their way to the Sorrentine Peninsula to the natural paradise of Punta Campanella, where the island of Capri can be spotted on the horizon.&nbsp; &nbsp;Paired with that were rich experiences connecting with locals for an immersion in Italian culture and traditions, especially tasty ones. A local cheesemaker came to the villa to lead a hands-on tutorial in making mozzarella, and on another day, the group visited a family-owned pizzeria where they crafted their own Neapolitan pies savoured under a canopy of lemon trees.&nbsp;&nbsp;There was down time, too. “We secured a fabulous boat for a few days at sea where they could stop and swim, snorkel, sip Prosecco and enjoy a memorable toes-in-the-sand kind of lunch at local spots along the way,” says Courtney. And of course, a birthday bash was planned at the villa that included a professional photographer to capture the one-of-a-kind celebration for the families.&nbsp;&nbsp;“And,” adds Courtney, “probably most importantly for the group’s leader, we took care of every bit of the logistics, smoothly moving vans, boats and more around what is generally a very chaotic part of Italy.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

A luxury villa stay at the premiere private accommodation in Positano makes for a perfect occasion for celebration. Travellers can hike, explore local history and have hands-on culinary experiences, making mozzarella and Neapolitan pizza.

Discover the Amalfi Coast

Glamorous doesn’t begin to describe it. Commonly regarded as Italy’s most spectacular stretch of coastline, this treasured region comes by its reputation honestly, having welcomed visitors for thousands of years.&nbsp;The whitewashed towns cling to towering slopes, the dramatic cliff-side vistas, hidden bays and beaches bask in the Mediterranean sun, and historic places like Ravello, Positano and Amalfi Town—together they provide a daily diet of comfort, culture and fabulous cuisine, and an escape unlike any other.

Discover Italy’s coastal paradise of sun, sea, and savour

Experience the Amalfi Coast with Butterfield & Robinson luxury active travel.

Amalfi Coast| Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

The Mediterranean has been a hallmark of well-being for centuries, and the Phlegraean Islands in the Gulf of Naples are no exception. History, natural beauty and glamour fuse against the sparkling azure backdrop of the sea. Colourful houses terrace the coastline dramatically while the hoovering volcanoes in the distance draw the eye upward. In this flowering cradle of civilization, you’ll be warmly greeted by the locals and privy to the best coastal secrets: understanding what makes the sirens sing and the lemon trees grow, all in the heavenly rhythm of island time.

Our decades-long love affair with the Amalfi Coast has us feeling like members of the Amalfitano family, so don’t be surprised if the barmen or concierge greet you like old friends. Here, nature forces life to slow down. Grapes are harvested by hand on terraced plots, then shuttled by mule along trails that connect colourful fishing ports. Boats cruise to Capri only when the Mediterranean is calm enough to allow it. And pizzas are garnished with hand-picked, wild herbs. If superb accommodation, challenging walks and ocean views are what you seek, then a bespoke trip to the Amalfi Coast is for you.&nbsp;

La Dolce Vita in Amalfi

Scenic Walks, Stunning Views

Exclusive Local Experiences

The Amalfi Coast doesn’t rush—so neither should you. Hike cliffside trails where grapes ride mules, boats only sail when the Med says so, and pizzas come topped with wild herbs and sea air. From family adventures to romantic honeymoons, limoncello to luxe lodgings, Amalfi is a love letter to slowing down in luxurious, spectacular style.

The allure of southern Italy's colourful coastline, Amalfi   

immerse yourself in the elegance of amalfi

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Amalfi Coast Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

“A dream place"—that’s how Steinbeck described Amalfi. And when you take in the Path of the Gods, the hotels (we stay at Le Sirenuse, just like he did), the food and the Limoncello, you’ll understand why. Dream place? More like fantasy land—but who are we to correct a Nobel laureate?B&amp;R Experience Designer Courtney Mundy has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

Breathtaking Landscapes

One-of-a-kind Hotels

Insider Access

“A dream place"—that’s how Steinbeck described Amalfi. And when you take in the Path of the Gods, the hotels (we stay at Le Sirenuse, just like he did), the food and the Limoncello, you’ll understand why. Dream place? More like fantasy land—but who are we to correct a Nobel laureate?

In the Footsteps of Gods

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

Preview the itinerary

Experience Designers

Amalfi Coast Walking & Hiking | Butterfield & Robinson

Glamorous doesn’t begin to describe it!2

Here, sweeping mountain vistas and the spectacularly placed Caesar Augustus (your Relais &amp;&nbsp;Châteaux away from home) conspire to make the sirens sing. Go at your own pace—with local guides at your beck and call—as you traverse the glittering coast (on foot and by private boat), and take in Amalfi’s idyllic mix of luxury and rustic charm.B&amp;R Experience Designer Courtney Mundy has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

Great Walks

Unique Gastronomy

Experience By Sea

Amalfi’s beauty runs deeper than postcard-perfect vistas (though they’re delightful, too). Wander at your leisure along cliffside trails, discover why lemons grow as big as your head, and eavesdrop on goats gossiping hillside secrets. From glittering coastlines to charming mountain paths, experience the luxurious-yet-rustic rhythm of life that inspired Steinbeck, and still beckons the Sirens to sing.

Amalfi's stunning coastline

$11,995 based on two travellers. $11,595 based on four travellers. $11,095 based on six travellers.

Amalfi Coast

An immersion in the Amalfi coast is the perfect birthday celebration

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