(version 2023_06_09)Join other Italian-American Cozza relatives interested in authentically (re)connecting with our ancestral classic Southern Italian hill towns in comfort and style for a 9-day/8-night tour!! Together we will learn about our common ancestors, experience the local food and culture, and meet some of our living Italian relatives ! The tour dates are selected to coincide with typically fine fall weather, the uncrowded post-summer-tourist season, and a traditional festival. Please inquire if you’d like recommendations to enjoy more time on your own in Naples or the Amalfi Coast.
The tour price is $3,000 USD, for the activities indicated on the draft itinerary below. Guests are responsible for their own international flights to/from Naples.
Southern Italy 2023: Cozza and Palermo Family Tour
Comfortable Transportation and Accommodations
Draft Itinerary as of 9 June 2023 (subject to change)
6 October 2023 (Friday): Day #1
Arrive in Naples, Italy International Airport (NAP)
Transfer to our Naples Hotel, the Grand Hotel Santa Lucia, on your own - transportation recommendations will be provided based on your flight itinerary. The Grand Hotel Santa Lucia is a recently renovated historic hotel overlooking Napoli’s waterfront with a clear view of Mt. Vesuvius.
Check into the Grand Hotel Santa Lucia
4 PM Informal Naples Orientation Walking Tour (optional)
6 PM Informal Dinner (optional / at additional cost) - or order room service.
7 October 2023 (Sat): Day #2
Early hotel breakfast
8 AM ~ Hotel Check Out and Depart Naples by comfortable large charter bus for to Pompeii. We will be among the first to enter the site when it opens to the public at 9 AM. We’ll enjoy great views and a short guided tour before the crowds.
Lunch at a very special restaurant specializing in fish & seafood, with view over Naples and the Gulf of Naples
Continue by bus to Padula (about 2 hours)
Check in to Hotel Villa Cosilinum (our home in Padula for this entire week)
Orientation walk around Padula & welcome dinner at our hotel
Welcome dinner at our hotel
8 October 2023 (Sun): Day #3
Early Hotel breakfast
Drive in our bus to Rovito (about 2 hours)
Visit Rovito churches & town square and meet our Rovito relatives - learn about the history of the Palermo branch of our family
Catered lunch at the home of Sandra Rizzuti (third cousin on our Palermo side) with a great view of Rovito & traditional Southern Italian live music
Drive back to Hotel Villa Cosilinum (about 2 hours)
Evening in Padula at the annual local Feast of St. Francis. Events and activities including a traditional auction of animals in the square of the St. Francis convent.
Dinner on your own – There are food carts near the Convent square where you can buy sandwiches, street food / fast food. There are also nearby sit-down restaurants (recommendations provided upon request).
9 October 2023 (Mon): Day #4
Hotel breakfast
Morning Option A: Relax at the hotel
Morning Option B: Group visit to Museo del Cognome and “on-your-own” visit to things to see and do in Padula (list will be provided, e.g. Joe Petrosino museum, the mostra dei presepi expo of nativity scenes, and the Padula Civic Museum)
Morning Option C: Half-day guided visit to nearby town of Sala Consilina (the ancestral town of of our Cavallo family relatives) with an additional cost of about €30-€60 Euros. Minimum 10 people required. Please inform Mark of your interest by September 6th (30 days before tour start). Please click the following link to read “The Mystery Chapel of Sala Consilina”, a 2020 Magazine Article written by our cousin Mike Cavallo (son of Sarah Cozza).
Lunch at a local restaurant/pizzeria
Afternoon: Guided visit to the nearby, historic, and spectacular Padula Certosa “Charterhouse” - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest monastery in Italy (now inactive).
Dinner in Hotel Villa Cosilinum
10 October 2023 (Tue): Day #5
Hotel breakfast
Drive in our bus to Sanza (about 20 minutes)
Historical walking tour of Sanza, to visit learn about places related to Cozza and Curcio family
Lunch in Sanza at the Bella ‘Mbriana restaurant
Visit the recently restored historic Sanza Community Grain Mill and surrounding farmland (tilled by Cozza/Curcio ancestors)
Return to Hotel Villa Cosilinum (about 20 minutes) and have dinner there
11 October 2023 (Wed): Day #6
Hotel breakfast
Drive to the mountain-top chapel of the Madonna del Cervati (also known as the Madonna della Neve) - including a visit via cave/tunnel entrance to a dazzling geological alpine sink-hole canyon with waterfall called the “Inghiottitoio Di Vallivona” (waterproof shoes or wet walking sandals recommended)
Sanzese locals will meet us at the sanctuary of Madonna del Cervati - and give us an explanation of the ancient annual 5 August ritual procession/festival and its significance
Lunch on the mountain
Visit to the Sanza Caseificio Mediterraneo cheese Cooperative managed by our cousin Michele Confuorto
Evening -Dinner and performance by an actor portraying Giovanni Cozza (a historical re-enactment - bilingual Italian/English).
Return to Hotel Villa Cosilinum
12 October 2023 (Thu): Day #7
Hotel breakfast
Morning Option A: Relax at the hotel
Morning Option B: Group visit to Museo del Cognome and “on-your-own” visit to things to see and do in Padula (list will be provided, e.g. Joe Petrosino museum, the mostra dei presepi expo of nativity scenes, and the Padula Civic Museum)
Lunch in Teggiano
Afternoon guided walking tour of Teggiano
Tour Finale dinner: “Agriturismo” Farmhouse, Domus Otium, with a beautiful fireplace to roast chestnuts and excellent food
Michele’s genealogical presentation and Questions & Answer session
Return to Hotel Villa Cosilinum
13 October 2023 (Fri): Day #8
Hotel breakfast
Hotel Villa Cosilinum check-out
Bus drives group to Paestum (about 90 minutes)
Guided tour of Paestum, an ancient Greek city with well-preserved temple ruins and murals
Lunch at Barlotti (Buffalo farm, dairy, and restaurant)
Bus to Naples (about 90 minutes)
Millenium Gold Airport Hotel check-in and informal dinner
14 October 2023 (Sat): Day #9
Hotel breakfast
Transfer to airport, or extend your trip in Naples and the area
About This Tour:
What’s included:
Assistance with international flight arrangements
Tour Bus (for group transportation listed in the itinerary)
English-speaking guides and interpreters will be included with many group activities
Most meals listed on the itinerary (e.g. two dinners are not included)
Hotel Accommodations
Museum visits, guided tours, and other activities as noted in the itinerary
Advice about optional travel insurance
What’s not included:
Cost of flights to/from Naples
Transport from Naples International Airport to Naples Grand Hotel Santa Lucia (single taxi costs ~€75 or less, please inquire for assistance making arrangements)
Personal expenses (including hotel extras such as personal laundry charges)
Meals noted in the itinerary as “On Your Own” or “At Additional Cost”
Additional hotel nights
Optional Travel Insurance
Note: We can advise you on your international flights, and for those concerned about the time-zone adjustment we encourage early arrival (e.g. a day or two) and can help you with additional hotel nights and airport transportation. Please advise us of your interest.
Physical Activity and Expectations:
This is a moderately active tour with average walking 2-4 miles per day (and possibly even more if you enjoy walking)
You’ll need to be able to climb up and down multiple flights of stairs (indoors and out)
You’ll encounter uneven cobblestone streets, sidewalks, and hillside trails.
Tour Cost $3,000 per person (double occupancy)*
* additional charge for single travelers requiring their own private rooms (approx $1,200, please inquire about availability and exact cost)
(Itinerary subject to change according to unforeseen circumstances / opportunities)
If you have questions, please email your inquiry to mark@tinyworldtours.com
Points of Interest on Our Tour
SANZA PHOTO GALLERY
ROVITO PHOTO GALLERY
Padula Photo Gallery
Pompeii Photo Gallery
Paestum
Sala Consilina
PLEASE CLICK BELOW AND RESERVE YOUR SPOT WITH A $100 (per person) REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT
NOTE: The tour described here tour may be significantly modified or cancelled (with full payments refunded) if we do not have at least 15 interested participants by 1 July.