A 10 day girls’ getaway with a stay in Salerno
Lace curtains billowed from shuttered windows that opened to reveal a misty valley of orchards, vineyards and beautifully aged Italian country homes. The Tyrrhenian Sea glistened a few miles off the Salerno coast as I breathed in air fragrant with sun-warmed herbs and smiled at the excited squeals of my friends echoing throughout the villa we’d rented for an entire week in Southern Italy.
It was Day One of a splendid two week adventure in Italy and Greece, culminating in a ten-day all girl’s road trip through the Balkans. We had some wild times ahead of us, but for now it was blissful escapism at its best.
The Villa Trotta is a 5-bedroom, 3-story treasure tucked in the back country near the coast and above Perdifumo. At mere $1200 US dollars for a week, the 5 of us girls found ourselves with a fairytale villa for about $250 each. We couldn’t believe our good fortune! After dashing about the cool, tile floors flinging open windows and exploring every nook and cranny, we settled on our rooms, unpacked and realized we were famished.
Back down the winding mountain road we went, exclaiming at the profusion of wildflowers tossing in the wind, the aged olive groves, the gorgeous stone walls covered in clambering vines. We wandered through town striking up conversations with amiable grocers, and filled our arms with ripe strawberries, massive loaves of flour-dusted bread, pasta, peppers, garlic, wine, and a tray of cannoli and amaretti from the bakery.
It was so fun setting up the villa as if it was home. Tucking our clothing in cavernous wardrobes, figuring out the oh-so-European washing machine, and snipping lavender in the garden for tea. The simple rituals of putting away groceries, cooking without recipes, and even doing laundry were a delight for me.
Each day we ventured off to lovely places like Capri, Napoli, or our favorite Italian beach at Santa Maria. But each night we returned home and basked in the peacefulness of our retreat. We went for evening strolls down the mountain, sipped wine on the terrace at sunset, and gathered around the kitchen table just before bed for fresh lavender tea, crisp Italian cookies, and much laughter as we reminisced on the days adventures.
I can’t wait to go back.
even though I’ve never been there, after reading this I want to go back too! Lovely shots and writing, Krista 🙂
Thank you, Margo! 🙂 I know you would just love it.
No way, Val!!! That’s amazing!! It was truly the most wonderful place I’ve ever stayed. 🙂 I dream of it when I’m stressed or when the weather in Washington is wretchedly dark, cold and rainy. It’s my happy place. 🙂
What a wonderful way to spend time with the girls. I hope you enjoyed wine each afternoon and evening.
Krista has a great travel and food blog.
We sure did, Velva! Out on the terrace as the sun set. I loved it so much. 🙂 Thanks for coming to read!!
Sounds like a little bit of heaven!
Krista,
Great guest post. Fantastic writing and lovely photography.
Cheers!
How utterly gorgeous! I hung on to each word, Krista, and wanted to hear so much more about your adventures. Great congratulations on your guest post — so proud of you!!
It really was, pronetonap! I still dream about it. 🙂
Thanks so much, Lazaro! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Thank you so much, Jacqueline! I’m so glad you liked it. 🙂
I just read your post after doing a search on Villa Trotta. I have been planning a trip to this part of Italy for many years, and we are finally going next summer. We are staying at Villa Trotta for a month next summer. I would love to hear more about the Villa, the weather, what you did, etc. etc. I am bringing my two boys (Jackson 7, Franklin 2 1/2). Any advice for staying with kids? Thanks so much for your post, and photos! Carey Watters
Oh, that’s fantastic, Carey! 🙂 I have all sorts of information I can share with you: our favorite beach, day trips, tips, all that sort of thing. 🙂 If you click on my name it will take you to my blog, then click on contact and send me a quick email and I’ll load you up with info, and you can ask any questions you like. 🙂
Just found your blog, love it! But imagine my COMPLETE SURPRISE to happen upon a picture of…my sister?! Love it! She’s the one on the far right, and Krista is a good friend of hers. Thanks for the best surprise I’ve had in a while!!! 🙂
Michelle
Wow, Michelle! What a wonderful coincidence! I love stuff like that and am so glad you tripped on by here… and let us know about it 🙂
That is so fun, Michelle! 🙂 You made me laugh today. SO excited you’re going to be traveling soon! I know you’ll find so many great ideas here. 🙂
Love your site, Belles! Will be checking you out regularly on Twitter and Facebook. Hope you will check us out too!
Sincerely, Deborah