Think of a hotel stay in the Mediterranean and your first thought is probably package holidays and uncontrolled tourism development. Such blots are now commonplace along vast areas of the Mediterranean coastline, so it is a rare event to come across somewhere very special. Just a couple of hours’ drive south of Naples lies a beautiful and unspoiled area of sandy beaches, lush hills, historic hilltop towns and fishing villages. Set amidst this wonderfully attractive area is the 18th century Palazzo Belmonte, a unique privately owned property which we have chosen for our week long stay. Built for the family of the present Principe di Belmonte, who still resides in a private wing, it is the only Italian palazzo situated directly on the beach and provides the perfect base from which to explore this intriguing region in Southern Italy.
After many years of sympathetic conversion, this delightful property offers an idyllic retreat and is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Enjoy the scents of the garden, birdsong and absorb the peace and tranquillity of this little oasis. Stroll down to breakfast on the terrace and enjoy a swim in the pool or a walk along the beach. Weather permitting, meals can be taken open-air on the terrace with sea views which at night comes into its own as you dine to the background sound of the surf. This really is a very special place if you prefer the quiet life and the love, care and thought provided by the owner are reflected in a hundred different ways, something very few deluxe hotels can emulate.
Campania is a wonderful place for a relaxing week and when you can pull yourself away from the lush gardens or private beach of the Palazzo, there is much to explore. We have therefore devised an itinerary which includes ample time to enjoy your accommodation but with the added benefit of some included guided tours as well as the option to book additional excursions locally if required. During our included guided tours, we will visit the ancient city of Paestum, the enchanting village of Padula and also experience some of the breathtakingly beautiful places sampling the wines and the local delicacies along the way.
Palazzo Belmonte
Such gems as the Palazzo are rare to find. Situated in a picturesque and untouched area of southern Italy, in the heart of Magna Graecia, this truly romantic building offers an idyllic retreat. When you enter via its imposing gates you step into a timeless world, a walled five-acre garden of almost semi-tropical splendour which in turn gives way to a long stretch of golden beach. The Palazzo Belmonte provides an enchanting and unforgettable atmosphere, the perfect blend between tradition and modern comfort.
Please note that the hotel does not have a lift and that the rooms and public areas are spread out across the grounds. Due to the unique nature of the property, rooms at the hotel do vary so if you have any specific requirements regarding bathroom facilities or accessibility, please do check at the time of booking.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Santa Maria di Castellabate, Italy.
Fly to Naples by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the Palazzo Belmonte. Settle into your room before meeting for dinner at the hotel this evening. (D)
Day 2 Paestum.
After breakfast we drive the short distance to Paestum, which was founded by the Greeks in 600 BC. This well preserved and fascinating site was rediscovered in 1752 and during our time we will see the impressive Temple Poseidon, the Basilica, Amphitheatre and Aethenian before spending some time in the museum, adjacent to the site. Return to the Palazzo for an afternoon and evening at leisure. In the early evening enjoy an olive oil tasting at the hotel. (B)
Day 3 Mozzarella Farm & Classical Concert.
This morning we will learn about one of the region’s main exports during our visit to a Buffalo mozzarella farm where we will see the production of handmade mozzarella and enjoy a tasting. We will return to the Palazzo for a leisurely afternoon. This evening we will meet for a classical concert in the Palazzo courtyard followed by dinner. (B, D)
Day 4 At Leisure.
With a full day at leisure you may wish to relax in the hotel, spend time on the beach or perhaps explore the nearby village of Castellabate. With its picturesque alleys weaving through the village and beautiful views over the Gulf of Salerno, Castellabate is considered one of Italy’s most beautiful hilltop villages. (B)
Day 5 Food & Wine of the Cilento.
Today will be dedicated to the local delicacies of the Cilento region. Our full day tour will begin with a visit to the picturesque hilltop town of Trentinara for a demonstration of the old-fashioned way of making flour followed by a breadmaking lesson. We will then continue to the vineyard of Tredaniele to sample some local wines and enjoy a light lunch of homemade pizzas whilst surrounded by the vines, sitting on bales of hay. Due to the unique setting between mountain and sea, the wines are produced with a unique aroma and vivid flavours. Our day will conclude at Santomiele where we can witness how the local white figs, a speciality of the Cilento area, are prepared and sample some of the different types. We will return to the Palazzo this afternoon and enjoy an evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 6 Padula.
Today we drive to the Vallo di Diano where we visit the small village of Padula which is home to one of the most important monuments in southern Italy. The Padula Charterhouse is a Carthusian monastery, built in 1306, which boasts the largest cloister in the world. The sumptuous Baroque-style building consists of 350 rooms, three cloisters, a garden, a courtyard and a church and has a famous annexe with a spiral white marble staircase leading to the magnificent library. After our visit we will have lunch before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 7 At Leisure.
During your day at leisure you may wish to book one of the optional tours available at the Palazzo. Maybe take a local boat to explore the nearby Punta Licosa Marine Park or book a treatment at a local spa. Alternatively, relax in the gardens or by the pool before we meet this evening for our farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 8 Santa Maria di Castellabate to London.
After breakfast we transfer to Naples airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy13 to 20 October 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Villa Belmonte - Standard room with Patio or Terrace | £3495 | |
Villa Belmonte - Standard room with Sea View & Patio | £3795 | |
Villa Belmonte - Superior Room with Sea View & Terrace | £3995 | |
Edoardo’s House - Luxury Suite with Patio | £4495 | |
Villa Belmonte - Standard Room with Patio or Terrace for sole use | £3995 |
11 to 18 May 2026 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Villa Belmonte - Standard room with Patio or Terrace | £3695 | |
Villa Belmonte - Standard room with Sea View & Patio | £3995 | |
Villa Belmonte - Superior Room with Sea View & Terrace | £4195 | |
Edoardo’s House - Luxury Suite with Patio | £4695 | |
Villa Belmonte - Standard Room with Patio or Terrace for sole use | £4195 |
Tour Reference Code: LACAMPANIA
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Seven nights accommodation at Palazzo Belmonte • Meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner) • Wine, beer or soft drinks with each included lunch and dinner • Excursions as described with local guide • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, optional tours (bookable locally), meals other than those indicated.
NB: Due to the layout of the hotel and grounds, we do not recommend this holiday for those with walking difficulties. The Palazzo is spread out over a large area and many of the rooms and public areas are only accessible by climbing up or down a number of steps. Also, when the Palazzo’s restaurant is closed meals will need to be taken in the local town which is approximately 10 minutes by foot.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
Palazzo Belmonte
Such gems as the Palazzo are rare to find. Situated in a picturesque and untouched area of southern Italy, in the heart of Magna Graecia, this truly romantic building offers an idyllic retreat. When you enter via its imposing gates you step into a timeless world, a walled five-acre garden of almost semi-tropical splendour which in turn gives way to a long stretch of golden beach. The Palazzo Belmonte provides an enchanting and unforgettable atmosphere, the perfect blend between tradition and modern comfort.
Please note that the hotel does not have a lift and that the rooms and public areas are spread out across the grounds. Due to the unique nature of the property, rooms at the hotel do vary so if you have any specific requirements regarding bathroom facilities or accessibility, please do check at the time of booking.
Our View
“Tucked away in an unspoilt corner of southern Italy, Palazzo Belmonte is the home of the noble Belmonte family. This is still very much a family home and guests can regularly expect to share breakfast with the family members who still live in part of the palace. The location is breathtaking, on the Cilento coast just south of the Amalfi Riviera lies the village of Santa Maria di Castellabate, a charming and untouched example of Italy of the past. All rooms share the same fresh feel with whitewashed walls, terracotta floors and colourful tiled bathrooms, with antiques and artworks that have been collected by the family since the 17th century when the estate was built. Many rooms have private terraces, the perfect place to watch the jawdropping sunset. A short wander along pathways through bougainvillea and hibiscus leads you down to the large freshwater pool in a secluded corner of the garden or the Palazzo’s sandy beach.”

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Book with Confidence
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