Itinerary:

DAY 1 & 2: August 1st - 2nd 
VISIT TO THE BLACK MADONNA DELL’AVVOCATA - During these workshops on the stunning Amalfi Coast, students will study the basic Italian tambourine and frame drumming techniques of the Tammorriata 4/4 rhythm in honor of the Black Madonna. These powerful workshops will include the special collaboration with folk musician, percussionist, and Neapolitan singer Nando Citarella, who will guide students in learning traditional drumming, chanting, and dance.  Alessandra and Nando will introduce the ancient style of rhythm and dance known as the Tammurriata, which dates back to the rites of the Mother Earth Goddess Cybele – protector also all of gay and transgender people – and the Egyptian Goddess Isis, both of whom are now worshiped as the Black Madonna all over the South of Italy. Alessandra and Nando will also lead participatory chants of devotion to the Sun (Jesce Sole), an ancient healing chant using the Lydian Scale or Neapolitan Scale, as well as authentic chants and prayers. These workshops will take place during the days and some evenings in improvisational Neapolitan style.

DAY 3: August 3rd 
VISIT TO LA MADONNA DI POSITANO - This is the most beautiful town in the Amalfi Coast, where the Goddess Aphrodite was worshipped in ancient times.

Day 4: August 4th

Free time and special evening workshop with Nando Citarelli featuring incredible food and stunning music.  

Day 5: August 5th 
FEAST OF THE BLACK MADONNA DELLA NEVE - In the morning we’ll attend a lecture by leading scholar and Egyptologist Armando Mei on the Egyptian settlements in Campania and their esoteric influences on Naples. Torre Annunziata/Pompei We’ll catch amazing moments of the unique re-enactment of the discovery and fishing of the Black Madonna, originally found in a large cage in the sea in the year 1350. This feast is held at sunset by sea near the Vesuvius with boats following the Madonna in procession along the coast, blessing the water and the town. This is an ancient ceremony with origins in the worship of the Goddess Aphrodite, and the African Orisha Yemanja, Goddess of Love and the Sea. 

Day 6: August 6th 
VISIT TO THE BLACK MADONNA OF MONTEVERGINE - In the region of Irpinia, we will visit the BLACK MADONNA OF MONTEVERGINE, who is considered the most important of the seven sisters accompanied by the drumming and chanting of Nando Citarella and Alessandra Belloni. This beautiful Black Madonna known as MAMMA SCHIAVONA, is worshipped in the ancient sacred site of the Earth Goddess Cybele. She continues to be venerated on a high sacred mountain, which pilgrims still climb barefoot today chanting and drumming in her honor. Here the rites of Cybele and Attis, and the transgenders’ devotion of the “femminielli” (young women) was popular in pre-christian times as they are today. 

Day 7: August 7th 
VISIT TO THE MADONNA DELLA LIBERA - Will end with a visit to the MADONNA DELLA LIBERA, our Lady of Freedom, near Benevento. This is a beautiful and powerful statue which has direct origins to the Egyptian Goddess Isis, as that area, known as Irpinia, was a settlement of the ancient Egyptian with a wide spread worship of Isis, the one who is really the ‘FIRST BLACK MADONNA AND CHILD”. Here We will also be learning with well-known scholar, writer and Egyptologist Armando Mei, now being featured on the GAIA NETWORK IN THE US. He will speak about The Egyptians settlement in Campania, who left a strong esoteric school in the region of Naples.

Day 8: August 8th

Check out from the hotel and departure from Naples.

Accommodations: 

5 and 4 star hotels with swimming pools and gourmet food 

HOTEL DEI CONGRESSI (Address: Viale Puglia 45, Castellammare di Stabia) - Arrival July 31st check out August 6th near the Amalfi coast. (4 star)

HOTEL DE LA VILLE (Address: Via Palatucci 20, Avellino) - Arrival August 6th Check out August 8th - located in the mountains of Avellino. (5 star)

Total Cost: Will be subject to change based on number of participants or fluctuations in the Euro to US dollar exchange rate. Final costs will be determined when final payment is due.

Please note: It is highly recommended you purchase travel medical insurance. If you have any questions about this process, please email Silvana at silvana.re@vwti.com

Total Cost Includes: 

• 9-night Hotel cost including local tax 
• 2 meals a day 
• All Drumming and Dance workshop curriculums and performances 
• Bus Transport to and from workshop locations 
• Bus pickup & drop off at airport of Naples 

Not included: 

• Tips to Drivers, Waiters 
• Added Musicians 
• Airfare to Naples 
• Positano Ferry fare 
• Travel Insurance

Currently costs are as follows:

• $2,250 for double occupancy

• $2,500 for single occupancy 

• Registration fee due immediately $200 (non-refundable) 
• Hotel deposit of 30% Due April 30, 2022 (non-refundable after July 1, 2022) 
• Final payment Due June 15, 2022 (refund at the discretion of the hotels up to 2 weeks prior to trip)

Guest Educator Bios