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Ravello

Learn: Along with Positano, it is the beautiful village of Ravello that defines the Amalfi Coast in most visitors' minds. The view of the twin church towers and single pine from the terrace of Villa Rufolo is probably the most photographed on the Amalfi Coast. Ravello owes its fame not only to its dramatic location, perched 350 metres above the sea, where cooling breezes temper the summer heat, but for years now Ravello has been the chosen residence of artists and musicians of international fame (www.ravellofestival.com): the town inspired Wagner to write his opera Parsifal. Ravello is unquestionably the most elegant of the small villages on the Amalfi Coast and regarded as one of the most beautiful hilltop villages in Italy. It is enchanting and surprisingly tranquil and peaceful considering its fame. We are super excited to be able to spend so much time with you here.

Explore: You must see the Belvedere of Infinity terrace at Villa Cimbrone (you will get plenty of time here with us). Villa Rufolo, a centrally-located former watch tower with a massive main tower, an important chapel, and a Moorish cloister with Arabic decorative elements is also worth a visit. Ravello’s cathedral, built in 1087 and home to one of the most important bronze doors in Italy, is unmissable (our catholic ceremony is there)!

Daily fuel: Complete relaxation in the form of delicious meals and luxurious lodgings with restorative sea views at Palazzo Avino . It’s rated as one of the world’s finest hotels and boasts Michelin-starred dining Rossellinis restaurant. It’s worth it even only for a visit or aperitivo at the Lobster & Martini Bar that opens at 6pm. Also check out Il Flauto di Pan restaurant at Villa Cimbrone and Belmond Hotel Caruso whose restaurant has incredible views.

Spa it up: Several of the town’s top-notch hotels offer spa treatments that become even more magical because they are performed outdoors under the shade of blossoming trees or in delicate white tents (try Palazzo Avino or Hotel Caruso first).

Amalfi

Learn: Tucked in between the mountains and sea is fascinating and beautiful Amalfi. Amalfi was Italy's first Maritime Republic. In Amalfi's heyday it rivalled Venice, Pisa and Genoa in naval power. It was the home of Flavio Gioia, the inventor of the compass for the western world, and it codified maritime law with its Tavole Amalfitane. It had its own coin (the Tarì) and was known for impressive shipbuilding and paper making industries, where traditional paper production can still be seen today.

Explore: The main architectural evidence of its prestigious past is the 9th century Duomo di Sant'Andrea (cathedral), which dominates the town centre and is regarded as the most stunning cathedral in southern Italy.

Daily fuel: Try Trattoria da Gemma or Grand Hotel Convento. A Paranza in Atrani is also a must.

At nearby Minori, on Piazza Cantilena, Sal De Riso Costa D’Amalfi Pasticceria is a third-generation pastry-cook extraordinaire. He is most famous for his delizia al limone, which you can find all along the Amalfi Coast, but if you're going to have it anywhere, have it here.

Positano

Learn: The scenic beauty and charm of Positano was already loved and acknowledged by ancient Romans. It has a storied history and is said to be one of the oldest settlements along the Amalfi Coast. In fact, its history dates back to the Palaeolithic period: remains were found in the La Porta grotto, not far from town. Positano was “discovered” in the early 20th century by German, and particularly English and American, travellers. Described as a “vertical village”, its pastel coloured houses cling to impossibly steep cliffs. Luxury hotels and top class restaurants sit side by side with innumerable boutiques, many specializing in the famous Positano fashion. Traffic is excluded from much of the town, whose flower-adorned narrow alleys and steps create a unique and intimate setting and atmosphere. Positano is definitely one of the Mediterranean's most exclusive resorts.

Daily fuel: Stop by the legendary Le Sirenuse for drinks overlooking the sea or dinner at Michelin-starred restaurants La Sponda and San Pietro.

Conca Dei Marini

Learn: Conca dei Marini is one of the most tranquil spots on the Amalfi Coast. During the Maritime Republic, Conca dei Marini became Amalfi's most important naval base.

Explore: Conca dei Marini is best known for the nearby Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto). This is a deep cave, where the water acquires a bewitchingly intense emerald green colour, when the sun filters through inside. Also of great interest is the ceramic crib, 4m below on the grotto bed. The 14th century Convent of Santa Rosa is of historical importance and has beautiful vaulted architecture.

The Isle of Capri

Learn: The second largest, but by far the best known, of the islands in the Bay of Naples, Capri rivals Positano and Sorrento as a tourist destination. In Roman times, it was the preferred home of the emperors Augustus and Tiberius, for whom its isolation offered a measure of protection from would-be assassins. Capri was discovered in the 19th century, and became the haunt of writers and intellectuals. Today, Capri continues to charm its visitors as a chic and sophisticated holiday island.

Explore: Get around to the extremes, Villa Jovis on one end and Monte Solaro on the other. Tiberius' magnificent villa can be visited today, its sheer scale and evident luxury never ceasing to amaze the modern visitor. The town of Anacapri, on the western side of the island, is surrounded by scenic hiking paths. A visit to art-filled Villa San Michele is a must and Via Camerelle and Via Le Botteghe offer comfort to the shopaholic within.

Daily fuel: Leisurely dinners include homemade pasta and simply prepared fresh seafood; top spots for tables are Aurora and Da Paolino. Have a long and lazy lunch at the best beach clubs, La Fontelina near the Faraglioni rocks and Il Riccio on the other side of the island near the lighthouse.

Go big: Hire a boat and spend an afternoon on the water exploring the various coves and grottos (the best are on the Marina Piccola side of the island; the Blue Grotto is splendid). Stroll through the center of Capri town and marvel at how so many designer boutiques can fit on such tiny streets. Private boat tours can be hired from Amalfi, Sorrento or Positano.

Naples

Learn: Naples is the third largest city in Italy and the economic capital of southern Italy. It takes its name from the Greek Neapolis (new city), referring to its independent status to the nearby Cumae. Traces of Naples' early history can be found in the Greek city walls and in the Via Anticaglia.

Explore: The city is famous for its many museums, especially the National Archaeological Museum, which houses many of the treasures excavated from Herculaneum and Pompeii and is regarded as one of the best archaeological museums in the world.

Daily fuel: Naples is most famous worldwide for pizza, invented here in the 18th century. Make sure you go to Pizzeria Brandi and L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele (almost spartan and very much “no frills”) to try some! Don’t forget to try an espresso – they say the Neapolitan water is the distinctive secret.

Sorrento

Learn: The origins of its name are derived from the myth of the Sirens. Probably founded as a Greek colony, it was successively ruled by different regions, until the arrival of the Romans, whereby it was known as Surrentum. They were so fascinated by its beauties that, during Imperial times, it became one of the favourite holiday spots for Roman patricians. The famous poet Torquato Tasso was born in Sorrento, in 1544. Perched high on a cliff amongst orange, lemon and olive groves Sorrento overlooks the Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields all in view. This beautiful town of sunsets and gardens has attracted poets, philosophers, playwrights, and authors for centuries. The historic streets, filled today with vibrant shops selling various goods, form interesting artistic routes winding beside churches and ancient buildings, make this an ideal location for tourists.

Daily fuel: In Sorrento, peninsula dinners are lengthy affairs, especially at Michelin-starred restaurants Don Alfonso 1890, La Taverna del Capitano and Quattro Passi. In Piazza Tasso, dinner at Caruso restaurant is a must. For a quick bite, go to Panetteria-Pizzeria da Franco and get the plain pizza with fresh Sorrento tomatoes, mozzarella and prosciutto.

Praiano

Learn: Located between Amalfi and Positano, Praiano is an ancient fishing village with a great past. It is definitely one of the most genuine corners of the Amalfi Coast, located away from the most touristy hot spots. In the Middle Ages it was part of the Amalfi Maritime Republic and was world famous for its silk industry. Praiano was also the summer residence of the Doges of the Republic because of its good climate. Charles 1 of Anjou had the Angevin University built here.

Explore: The famous “Sentiero degli Dei” (The Gods’ Pathway) starts from Praiano and some of the best views of Positano and the whole final part of the peninsula, up to the Island of Capri, can be seen from here.

Daily fuel: Make a pit stop at Il Pirata restaurant.

Mt. Vesuvius

Explore: One of the most famous volcanoes in the world, Vesuvius is the only active volcano on the European mainland. It dominates the skyline of the Bay of Naples with its brooding presence. Its frequent eruptions have shaped history, and continue to influence the lives of those who live in its shadow. It can be visited quite easily: the road approaches to within about 200 metres of the summit, leaving only about a 30-minute walk on a good track to reach the crater rim. The barren landscape at the summit contrasts with the lush vegetation on the lower slopes, where some of the most ancient vines in Italy flourish in the rich volcanic soil. Steam emanating from fissures in the rocks provides the only clue to the immense energy that lurks beneath.

Paestum

Learn: Around the 6th century BC the Greeks settled in Poseidonia, named in honor of the god of the Sea. After being conquered by the Romans, it was renamed Paestum. Although some distance from the Amalfi Coast, Paestum, to the south of Salerno, is well worth a visit.

Explore: The site of the ancient Greek city of Poseidonia and its three Doric Greek Temples - the Basilica of Hera, the Temple of Ceres, and, on the southern end of the site, the Temple of Neptune - are amongst the best preserved in the world. In the Paestum museum one can see the famous Tomb of the Diver frescoes.

Pompeii and Herculaneum

Pompei and Ercolano

Learn: The thriving Roman town of Pompeii was destroyed by a Vesuvian eruption in 79 AD, but was preserved almost intact under a seven-meter high blanket of ash and lapillus. Pompeii, like no other place on earth, has the ability to transport the visitor back in time by two millennia, to be able really to imagine what day-to-day life was like in Roman times. A visit should be considered a must by every visitor to the Amalfi Coast. Herculaneum, a wealthy Roman seaside resort, was also preserved in the same eruption. Although smaller, it is said to be better preserved than Pompeii.

Ciao and welcome to our wedding website!

The big day is coming soon…so get ready to join us for a fantastic weekend filled with fun, love and happiness on the Amalfi Coast, Italy! This website will tell you everything you need to know about our story, the wedding weekend, how to get around Ravello and more.

If we can help in any other way, please email us at wedding@mariandsagar.com.

Can’t wait to celebrate with you in September!    

m&s
m&s
m&s

M ♥ S

Palace

We will always remember London as our city of love!

We met at a Notting Hill Halloween party in 2011. Sagar’s pirate costume must have certainly impressed Mari – from there it took a couple of months to get a first date!

Our first date was the snowiest day of the year in London and it was impossible for Mari to find a way home soon. The weather conspired to keep us talking that evening and from the beginning we felt a delightfully strong connection. It took a bit of a nudge from some of our closest friends for the next couple of dates, but after that we never looked back…

Although we have now left London, Notting Hill became the place we love most and where we will always feel like home.

The last two and half years of love, laughter, travel, trials and growth have brought us even closer together. We’ve built on our common values of a strong sense of family and friends. Marianna has become Sagar’s grounding and spiritual compass and he is her trustful guiding light.

We are grateful to have so many family and friends (around the world) who have supported us in our adventures and are very excited to share the beginning of our next journey with you in Italy!

Our Wedding Weekend

Getting There

If flying to Italy, we recommend flying into Napoli Capodichino and Roma Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci airports. There are many ways to get to Amalfi/Ravello from there and we’ve outlined our preferred routes below.

We've got preferential rates with Positano Car Rental, a local taxi company, in case you wanted to book a ride. There is no extra charge for late night service and a 10% surcharge for credit card payments. You can contact Rosario Cuomo @+39.333.451.1880 to make a booking. The cash rates they've promised are:

  • Roma Fiumicino to Amalfi/Ravello: car (3-4 pax) for €280 and van (8 pax max) for €350

  • Napoli Capodichino to Amalfi/Minori/Ravello: car (3-4 pax) for €80 and van (8 pax max) for €100

There is a private car park near Ravello where you can park for €15/day. They have a shuttle which will take you to and from the historical centre. Call them up if you would like to reserve a spot:
Parcheggio New Generation Ravello
Contacts: Diego Amato (+39 338 3007977) or Simone Amato (+39 331 7148281)
Email: coop.newgeneration@live.it

  • A list of Ravello taxis is available here

  • View the Ravello bus schedule here

  • Download a PDF of our Getting to Amalfi quick guide here

Coast_travel

Where to Stay

We recommend you stay in either Ravello, the small medieval town, which is the location of our wedding, or Amalfi the area’s icon. There are a number of quaint hotels and bed and breakfasts in the historical centre of Ravello and, once you are settled, all the events will be an easy walking distance. Amalfi, being slightly larger, has a greater variety of options.

Below is a selection of hotels we would suggest. Please do try and book as soon as possible and don’t forget to check tripadvisor.com, booking.com and expedia.com for a broad selection of options and to ensure you get the best rates. If you are trying to book directly one of the places with a discount (depending on availability), be sure to mention our wedding when making your reservation. Ravello Arts also has good ideas on where to stay for private holiday apartments.

There will be a shuttle pick up/drop off from Amalfi for guests who do not wish to drive on Friday and Saturday. More information to follow.

  • www.villacimbrone.com

    Villa Cimbrone star star star star star

    Via Santa Chiara, 26

    84010 Ravello (SA)

    +39 089 857459

    info@villacimbrone.com

    www.villacimbrone.com

    We are staying at Villa Cimbrone and there are a number of rooms still available. We would love it if you wanted to be close to us. Please contact us and we can help organise.

  • Hotel Rufolo star star star star

    Via San Francesco, 1

    84010 Ravello (SA)

    +39 089 857133

    info@hotelrufolo.it

    www.hotelrufolo.it

    Standard: €250 discounted to €230/night, B&B service
    Superior: €315 discounted to €290/night, B&B service
    Deluxe: €340 discounted to €313/night, B&B service
    Suite: €450 discounted to €414/night, B&B service

  • Hotel Villa Maria star star star star

    Via Santa Chiara, 2

    84010 Ravello (SA)

    +39 089 857255

    villamaria@villamaria.it

    www.villamaria.it

    Standard: €240/night, B&B service
    Superior: €305/night, B&B service

  • www.saraceno.it

    Il Saraceno star star star star star

    Via Giovanni Augustariccio, 33

    84011 Amalfi (SA)

    +39 089 831148

    info@saraceno.it

    www.saraceno.it

    Standard: €240 discounted to €216/night, B&B service
    Superior: €270 discounted to €243/night, B&B service
    Suite: €570 discounted to €513/night, B&B service

  • www.labussolahotel.it

    Hotel La Bussola star star star star

    Lungomare Dei Cavalieri, 16

    84011 Amalfi (SA)

    +39 089 871533

    info@labussolahotel.it

    www.labussolahotel.it

    Standard: SOLD OUT
    Class A: €170/night, B&B service
    Superior: €200/night, B&B service

  • http://www.villaadrianaamalfi.it

    Hotel Villa Adriana star star star star

    Via Leone Comite Orso, 6

    84011 Amalfi (SA)

    +39 089 871449

    info@villaadrianaamalfi.it

    www.villaadrianaamalfi.it

    Standard: €100/night, B&B service

  • http://www.hamalfi.it

    Hotel Amalfi star star star

    Via Dei Pastai, 3

    84011 Amalfi (SA)

    +39 089 872440

    +39 089 872751

    info@hamalfi.it

    www.hamalfi.it

    Standard: €240/night, B&B service.

  • www.hotelvillaromana.it

    Hotel Villa Romana star star star star

    Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 90

    84010 Minori (SA)

    +39 089 877237

    info@hotelvillaromana.it

    www.hotelvillaromana.it

    Standard: €120/night, B&B service.

Villa Cimbrone

It was important for us to celebrate our wedding close to Marianna’s home and the beautiful panoramas of the Amalfi Coast made that decision very easy! As soon as we saw Villa Cimbrone, we knew it was the perfect place! Once you see it’s beautiful views of the mountainous coastline sinking into the deep blue of the Mediterranean and lush gardens embedded in the quaint village of Ravello, we are sure you will agree.

The villa has a history dating back almost 1,000 years to the 11th century. The origins of its name come from the rocky outcrop on which it stands: this was part of a large estate with lush vegetation covering over eight hectares that was known as “Cimbronium”.

It initially belonged to the aristocratic Acconciajoco family. In the mid 1300s it passed into the hands of the powerful and wealthy Fuscos, a noble family from Ravello who were related to the Pitti family in Florence and the D’Angiò family from Naples.

Thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of the Vuilleumier family, for a few decades now Villa Cimbrone has been restored to its former standing as a prestigious historical site and botanical garden.

To end on a random note: in 1938, Greta Garbo hid out in Ravello at the Hotel Caruso and
Villa Cimbrone with her lover, the conductor Leopold Stokowski.

Costa d’Amalfi: plan of attack!

Located in the Italian Campania region, the UNESCO world heritage site Amalfi Coast begins some thirty miles south of Naples, on the southern side of the Sorrentine peninsula. This is a place where land, sea and sky strike such a note of otherworldly perfection that the region is best approached by boat in order to take everything in.

Click on each image or heart on the map to learn more about the best spots along the coast for picturesque views, sumptuous food, beautiful ceramics and charming seaside towns. The boat will help you plan a trip by boat.

"Do you want to be happy?
Travel with two bags, one to give, the other one to receive."
"Vuoi vivere felice?
Viaggia con due borse, una per dare, l’altra per ricevere."

Goethe

Although you might say our life is a honeymoon, we would like to continue it for a bit longer...Your generosity will help us to organise our exotic trip later this year. Also, we will donate a portion of your contribution to two "special" causes in memory of our beloved Denise and Mahen.

Potreste dire che la nostra vita è una continua luna di miele, ebbene noi vorremmo prolungarla ancora per un pò...I vostri doni ci aiuteranno ad organizzare il nostro viaggio e contribuiranno a due cause "speciali" nel ricordo dei nostri cari Denise e Mahen.

Association of Pediatric Oncology Parents – Naples
Associazione Genitori Oncologia Pediatrica – Napoli

AGOP was founded by and is run by the parents of children being treated for cancer by the Medical and Surgical Faculty of Pediatric Oncology in Naples. Its mission is to support child cancer patients and their families through scientific research, procurement of equipment, psychological and economic aid and by any other means that will improve their wellbeing. It was instrumental in supporting Denise during her battle with cancer.

AGOP è fondata e gestita dai genitori di bambini affetti da tumore presso la Clinica di Oncologia Pediatrica della Facolta di Medicina e Chirurgia di Napoli. Il suo obiettivo è di sostenere le attività della struttura ospedaliera onde migliorare la cura e l’assistenza dei pazienti e delle loro famiglie con l’acquisto di apparecchiature scientifiche, assistenza psicologica ed economica, promozione della ricerca scientifica e quant’altro possa rendere meno gravosa la permanenza dei bambini in reparto. Il reparto è stata la casa di Denise e della sua famiglia durante gli anni della sua continua lotta contro il tumore.

Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation
Fondazione Ospedale Generale di Toronto e Western

Toronto General Hospital is a premier research and teaching hospital in Toronto. Its work is at the forefront of organ transplant, cardiology and complex patient care research. The hospital was a second home to Mahen as he fought diabetes, kidney failure and stroke. The donation will go to support the hospital foundation's research in improving quality of care for patients with complex medical histories.

L’Ospedale Generale di Toronto sostiene ricerca clinica all’avanguardia per gli studi sul trapianto d’organi, cardiologia e diagnosi complesse . È stato per molti anni la seconda casa di Mahen che ha combattuto diabete, insufficienza renale ed ictus cerebrale. La vostra donazione contribuirà a sostenere la ricerca scientifica in questi campi al fine di migliorare la cura e l'assistenza ai pazienti con patologia gravi.

Find your way...
Trova la tua strada...

Name: Sagar Chandaria
Bank: Citibank UK
Sort Code: 30-00-45
Account: 84677396

Name: Marianna Esposito
SWIFT code: UNCRITM1E85
Agency: C. di Stabia Europa (34759)
IBAN: IT71A 02008 22104 000103283250

Click on the button to start the transaction
Clicca qui per procedere al pagamento

RSVP

Thank you for letting us know if you can make it. To RSVP, you can complete the form below or, if you prefer, you can also email us at rsvp@mariandsagar.com. Please respond by August 15th. We really hope you can make it! (Note: the form will not allow you to submit without your name(s) and responses for all three events.)

Name(s):

Count me/us in for the Friday Vedic Ceremony!
Yes No

I/We would love to attend the Saturday Catholic Ceremony and reception.
Yes No

A Colazione in Costiera on Sunday morning sounds great.
Yes No

We will provide shuttles to Ravello on Friday and Saturday. Will you require a seat?

Amalfi
Friday to Ravello
Friday from Ravello
Saturday to Ravello
Saturday from Ravello

Minori
Friday to Ravello
Friday from Ravello
Saturday to Ravello
Saturday from Ravello

Do you have any dietary requirements or other comments/questions?