Southern Italy - A Rick Steves Tour
Day 7 - Paestum & Positano
Finally, on route to the Amalfi Coast but we have a scheduled stop at a water buffalo farm.
I’ve seen buffalo roaming but I couldn’t quite grasp what a “water buffalo” was. Well, it's a Bovidae - the same family as cows and bison; however, their dairy is creamier and higher in fat and protein.
Tenuta Vannulo
"Water Buffalo" Farm
The farm we stopped at has outstanding quality, organic, natural, whatever you want to call it. These cows have it made. They are free to wander, come and eat when they want, they even have self-service back-scratcher machines. Most importantly, they come in to milk when they were ready to. Talk about a stress-free life and that in turn, turns to excellent quality mozzarella.
After an exquisite lunch on the farm, including their mozzarella cheese, we were on the move again heading west to the coast.
Greek Paestum
Archeological Park & Museum
Oops, another scheduled stop before the coast – Paestum.
I must admit my ignorance, I did not know what Paestum was.
The three Ancient Greek temples are amazingly well preserved.
As you walk around the ruins of the community, you are able to clearly see the structures, including a roof line on some of the buildings around the temples. Walking around the perimeter of these huge temples it is mind boggling at the ancient architecture, the skill displayed, and how much of the structures still stand.
Positano
The Amalfi Coast
On the road again and I can see the Tyrrhenian Sea – the blue is unmistakable. Some of my tour mates are not quite enjoying the “S” bend turns on the road up the coast – I think it’s great and wish I was riding a motorcycle. We didn’t get too far before we turned into a parking area with a spectacular view over Positano. We are changing vehicles as the bus is too large to continue. We move into two smaller buses and the road becomes even more fun
(for some of us).
With arrival in Positano before dark we are free to roam so Alfio gives us a quick tour of the town and shows us the best places to eat and how to get back to the hotel – it’s real easy – just climb up the hill. Our hotel is perched up the hill with a view over the Sea but away from the traffic area so it is nice and quiet.
A few of us gather down by the waterfront and enjoy a lovely meal while the sun is going down.