L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2018 www.italoamericano.org 14 L'Italo-Americano ALL AROUND ITALY TRAVEL TIPS DESTINATIONS ACTIVITIES la-Palinuro, Vibonati-Villam- mare, Sapri and San Mauro. Stay in a five star farm- house "Luxury farmhouse" seems like a paradox, but that is exactly what Il Rifugio at the Pinelli Es tate is . This 300-year-old farmhouse overlooking the hills of Cilento Wine Country was trans formed into a vacation rental with full catering chef ser- vice, an infinity pool and use of a private motor yacht. Fresh fruit and vegetables come straight from the garden and their debut wine is perfect for happy hour on the veranda. Roam with the buffalo The Campania region is famous for its casefici (dairy farms) which make fresh buffalo mozzarella. There are many small producers in the region and you can stop at any one of them and get fresh cheese right from the farm. Vanullo Casefi- cio in Capaccio is one of the most well-known and respected buffalo dairy farms in the area. They use organic fodder, home- opathic treatments and the buffa- lo get a brush and shower mas- s age every day. They make mozzarella, yogurt and even buffalo milk ice-cream. Visitors can visit the buffalo pens, watch the production, visit the museum of antique farm equipment and, of course, taste freshly made specialties. Drink from the source In the late 70s Lorenzo Mari- no left his job as a land surveyor to follow his passion for wine cultivation. His small vineyard now has over 4000 vines produc- ing Proclamo, an intense red wine and Cellaia, a fragrant and fruity white wine. Today with the help of his sons who now run the family business, they only use organic methods and DOP, la denominazione di origine pro- tetta, wine grapes. Visitors are welcome to stroll the vineyard and stay for tastings at the cellar. La vendemmia, wine harvest sea- son at the end of summer, is a fun time with grape picking, stomping and celebrations. Fly across the valley For the adrenaline addicted, the Cilento In V olo Zipline extends across the valley in the hills of Trentinara. After being strapped into a safety harness and helmet, you fly across the valley at a speed of up to 120 kilometers per hour (75 mph)! Romantic daredevils can soar together on a double harness. Explore the caves of Cape Palinuro Palinuro is a rocky promonto- ry with white beaches, seaside towns and mysterious caves that are only accessible by sea. In total, there are 32 caves and each cave has something special about it. G rotta A zzurra (the Blue Cave) has a bright blue color reflecting the sunlight. Grotta dei Monaci (the Monks Cave) has dark brown stalagmites that look like praying monks. There are many more, such as Grotta del Presepe, (the Cave of the Nativi- ty), Grotta Preistorica della Cava (Prehistoric Cave della Cava), G rotta d'A rgento (the S ilver Cave) and Grotta del Sangue (the Blood Cave). The international scientific community studies and monitors this unique geological and ecological treasure. Climb the highest mountain in Campania Mount Cervatti, located in the Cilento N ational P ark of the Diano Valley, reaches a height of 1,899 meters (6,230 ft.) To reach the s ummit, the A V CA trail (Alta Via del Cervati e degli Alburni), is the historical pil- grimage trail to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Neve (dedi- cated to Our Lady of the Snow) found at 1,852 meters (6,082 ft.) Although it is a popular hike, it is best to use caution and find a local guide. Learn the secret of living to 100 In the town of Acciaroli, one third of the population live to over 100 years of age, some even to 110! Considered a quiet fish- ing village where not much hap- pens, the town has an unusual number of centenarians. A study by Dr. Alan Maisen, a cardiolo- gist from the University of San Diego, found that the Acciaroli diet of fresh fish, in particular blue fish and anchovies, was the key to longevity. The Cilento Coast has every- thing from lazy seaside villages to ancient treasures to natural parks and stunning landscapes. Definitely a destination to add to your next Southern Italy itiner- ary. Beautiful Paestum, discovered in the 16th century, is the symbol of Greek presence in Italy and one of the gems of Cilento The ancient Greeks made of Cilento one of their strongholds in our peninsula Continued from page 12 Dreamlike villages and the opportunity to rest, explore and learn, in an area of Italy which is little known to mass tourism

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