Invitation to Join Me On a Research Trip Next Month

Also the Matera Destination Deep Dive is postponed to September 11th at 8pm ET

Sep 04, 2025

I have an update regarding the monthly Destination Deep Dive, and as a result, I will be postponing tonight’s scheduled session until Thursday, September 11th, at 8 pm ET. Paid subscribers will receive the Zoom link next week.

My favorite time to travel is late October, just before many things close in Southern Italy. I’ll be in Cilento, then Matera, and Naples, checking in with trusted friends and favorite places, and also exploring some new ones. Would you like to come with me?

October 26 – November 2, 2025

Long stairway to the beach from Borgo Castellabate on the Cilento Coast

When the cruise ship crowds are gone and the heat has lifted, Italy exhales. The last week of October is when I reconnect with my favorite people and places, conduct research for future projects, and experience Southern Italy when the pomegranates signal the return of Persephone’s descent and winter.

This year, I have time for a small group to join me. We’ll travel to Cilento, my family’s region, just south of the Amalfi Coast.

For those who want to delve deeper, you can extend your journey with add-ons in Matera—with its haunting landscapes- and Naples, a city that requires several lifetimes to understand fully.

What’s Included in the Core Trip (Cilento)

Exploring Cilento’s villages, mountains, and coastlines
Guided visit to the temples of Paestum. We’ll also linger at the ritual swimming pool of Venus Verticordia and the Asklepion for curious conversations about these little-known remnants of the ancient world.
Dinners prepared by Chef Mario Stellato, who makes bread better than anyone in the world. And we’ll also make bread with Mario and his grandmother.
A visit to Tempa di Zoe, which may be my favorite wine in all of Italy
A day in Salerno to geek out on medieval history, including Norman kings, Crusader ships laden with luxury goods, the remains of the world’s first medical school, and also…great shopping. The last custom hatmaker in Italy is located right across the street from Salerno’s Duomo, and last year I discovered that he is a distant relative.
Accommodations at Borgo La Pietraia overlooking the Amalfi & Cilento Coasts
Bread making with Mario and Nonna Angela from October 2024
Core Package – Cilento (5 nights)
- €1,890 per person
  Includes all activities, tours, and meals except lunch in Salerno (on your own).
  Also includes pick-up and drop-off at Naples train station.
- Room Options (per room, not per person):
  - Junior Suite: €645 total
  - Deluxe: €445 total
    [Click here to see rooms]
💳 Please note: All pricing is in euros. The dollar/euro exchange has been turbulent this year. You’ll receive an invoice payable via credit card, and the exchange rate will be calculated automatically at the time of payment. You can pay for your room at the property.

Optional Add-Ons

For those who want to delve deeper into Southern Italy, you can extend your journey with me in Matera and/or Naples. Both include boutique accommodations and private transportation.

Matera (2 nights) – Stay at Palazzo del Duca. We’ll explore the core of the third-oldest continuously inhabited city on earth, the cave churches of the Murgia Valley, and step inside the thrilling Cave of the Original Sin.
Napoli (1 night) – Stay at Atelier Ines, an artist’s residence in the Rione Sanità neighborhood. Visit the Ipogeo Cristallini, explore Naples’ most storied streets, and see the treasures of the Archaeological Museum. (Listen to Episode 17: The Theater of Life in Naples.)
If you like Indiana Jones experiences, it doesn’t get better than Matera

How the Pricing Works

The cost of the add-ons depends on the final number of travelers who book:

If only 2 guests book, the price will reflect private car transfers (the largest expense).
If 4–6 guests book, the transportation cost is shared, and the per-person price will be lower.
Final pricing will be confirmed once we determine the number of participants joining each extension.

This ensures everyone gets private transportation and boutique accommodations, but the more guests who sign up, the better the value.

Reserve Your Spot

I have room for just 10 people. To join, email danielle@danielleoteri.com with your name, the number of people in your party, and whether you’d like to add Matera or Napoli. Then I’ll be in touch to finalize arrangements. If you’re interested, let me know ASAP.

Summary Pricing

Cilento (5 nights): €1,890 per person
Plus stay at Borgo La Pietraia: Junior Suite €645 or Deluxe €445 (per room)
Matera Add-On (2 nights): priced with stay at Palazzo del Duca (details on request)
Napoli Add-On (1 night): priced with stay at Atelier Ines (details on request)

Questions? Send me an email at danielle@danielleoteri.com