Italy
Ripley: “a hard man to find”
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A prodigal son, a nefarious man
Adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s dark psychodrama, this captivating journey will have you following in the footsteps of the “new” Ripley. Exploring the show’s brooding locations – Amalfi, Atrani, Capri, Naples, Rome, and Venice – you’ll see Italy . Cliffside villas wrapped in wisteria, Ferragamo designer shoes, Baroque palaces, and Caravaggio masterpieces. This is a life worth killing for. Fortunately, unlike Ripley, you won’t need to.
Episode 1 – An arrival in Amalfi
“Yeah. That’s right. Dickie Greenleaf. It’s nice to meet you”
Touching down in Naples, you’ll be met by your private driver who will take you along the Campania shoreline to your hotel, Anantara Convento di Amalfi. Built into the cliffside, this 13th-century monastery offers an initial taste of Dickie Greenleaf’s “high life”. Light-filled suites with lemon groves and terrace jacuzzies, an award-winning spa and cliffside restaurant. You can see why Tom Ripley was so enchanted (and so envious).
The following day, you’ll explore the historic centre of Amalfi with your expert local guide. Here, you’ll discover Giotto-style frescoes, Arabian arches, and its striking 13th-century cathedral and cloister before heading to the enchanting village of Atrani, where Tom Ripley first meets Dickie Greenleaf. Here, you’ll breathe in the views from S. Maria Maddalena’s panoramic terrace before lunching beneath the lemon trees and looking out to sea. Learning about the history of the Church of S. Salvatore de Birecto, you’ll explore a past (and place) where “doges”, Amalfi’s historic maritime authorities, were crowned.
The scene is set, but the story is just beginning.
Episode 2 – Capri and chiaroscuro
“You’re free of me now, and I of you”
Honesty is the best policy (sometimes). Charmed by Tom Ripley’s apparent sincerity in revealing his father’s scheme, Dickie invites him to his villa. And you’ll follow suit.
We’ll take you on a private boat excursion along the Amalfi Coast to the iconic (and enchanting) island of Capri, the filming location for Dickie’s elegant seaside residence. Accompanied by your expert local guide, you’ll spend the day wandering between marinas and villas draped in wisteria, exploring hidden coves, and dipping and diving in the tranquil clear waters of the Mediterranean. And, unlike Dickie, you’ll come back.
Stealing Dickie’s identity (and his personal effects), Tom says farewell to Amalfi, and the adventure continues. While the show’s protagonist heads straight for Rome, you’ll be stopping off at Naples instead. Specifically, in the neighbourhood of Rione Sanità: the filming location for the magnificent exterior of Tom Ripley’s hotel, Baroque Palazzo San Felice. Here you’ll explore Ripley’s obsession with the renowned Italian artist, Caravaggio. After admiring “The Seven Works of Mercy” at the church of Pio Monte della Misericordia, the same painting Tom and Dickie visited soon after meeting. It’s now that you’ll hop aboard the high-speed train to your next destination: Rome, the eternal city.
Episode 3 – when in Rome…
“His Rolex. His clothes. His Ferragamos. What else have you got, Tom?”
Arriving in Rome, Ripley begins his new life in luxury. And so will you.
You’ll be met by your private driver who will take you to Via Condotti, the city’s fashion-fanatical hub. Here, you’ll find Portrait Roma (your new home) positioned right above the Salvatore Ferragamo flagship store (a favourite of Dickie’s, and later, Ripley’s).
At this point, Tom’s true identity may be a mystery. But his reason for choosing Rome is not. As you wander between palazzo art galleries, Baroque churches, expresso bars, and Via Margutta’s couture ateliers, we can’t help but think you’ll agree. Setting off with your expert guide, you’ll explore the historic heart of the city; discovering the Trevi and so-called “leaky boat” fountains and the dome-shaped Pantheon, sampling crema (“custard”) gelato and climbing the Spanish Steps.
Then, we’ll take you to San Luigi dei Francesi. At the top of Ripley’s to-do list the moment he arrives in Rome; this ornate church boasts three works by Caravaggio. . When night begins to fall, you’ll zip through the city in the vintage model of Fiat 500 seen in the show; watching as ancient wonders like the Colosseum and Imperial Forums glow under spotlights. Under the cover of darkness, you’ll follow a similar route to Ripley’s nighttime dash in Freddie’s Fiat. Only you won’t be covering up a murder.
Before you set off on your next adventure, we’ll take you to Ferragamo’s prestigious boutique store. Accompanied by a fashion expert, you’ll learn about the story of Ferragamo’s to-die-for designer shoes (just like Dickie’s own).
Episode 4 – The plot thickens
“I have come to no conclusions. I make no accusations”
Leaving Rome behind, you’ll board the high-speed train to Venice – your final destination. Arriving in the “city of water”, your private driver will take you to the heart of the historic centre – and your hotel, Palazzo Venart. A beautifully restored residence of Venetian nobility, just like the one Tom rents in the show, here relaxation is the order of the day. Unwind in the hotel’s enchanting garden, walk along its private pier over the Grand Canal, or sample the tasting menu at the two Michelin star Glam restaurant. Like Tom, you’ll soon find yourself embracing the ways of Venetian high society.
Following in his footsteps, you’ll head out to explore with your local guide. Learning about the history of Piazza San Marco (or “the most elegant drawing room in Europe”, as dubbed by Napoleon), you’ll marvel at the dazzling golden medieval mosaics of St Mark’s Basilica. Then, just like Ripley, you’ll take a seat (and a coffee) under the historic arches of Caffé Florian – where merchants, nobility, and artists have met, gossiped and plotted for centuries.
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Start PlanningLater, you’ll visit the 18th-century Palazzo Venier dei Leoni. Alongside an expert guide, you’ll discover a dazzling collection of 20th-century masterpieces, exploring the former residence (now museum) of the American collector and heiress, Peggy Guggenheim. Mirroring the final location in the show, you’ll enjoy an exclusive evening meal at Scala Contarini del Bovolo. Climbing the Gothic spiral staircase of this iconic palazzo, you’ll reach the spectacular “Belvedere” terrace. Between the striking arches of this Venetian noble residence, you’ll dine by candlelight, looking out at mesmerising views of the city below. The perfect setting to reflect on your Ripley-inspired revelry.
And that brings your story to a close. For now. Naturally, we’re here to help with your next location – and there’s no need to change your identity. Arrivederci.