Walking the Amalfi Coast

Itineraries

• Day 1 UK to Naples
• Today you will fly to Naples and on arrival we will transfer you to your hotel. After time to settle in, meet your fellow travellers over a drink and dinner this evening.
• Day 2 Sorrento
• Walk 4km/2.5mi – 3hrs

  After breakfast we will drive to the village of Sant’Agata sui due Golfi and on to the Monastery of Il Deserto. In years gone by, this was a popular stop for travellers on the Grand Tour, thanks to its spectacular setting overlooking the two gulfs of Naples and Salerno. After time to admire the panoramic views, we’ll set off on our walk.

  We’ll follow ancient paths up to the peaceful hamlet of Priora, and then make our way to Sorrento. On the way we’ll stop for lunch at Farm La Sorgente and see theterraced gardens wherelemons, oranges, olives and grapes are grown. The farm also has its own cows andwe’ll watchas the farmer demonstrates how their milk is used tomake ricottta and mozarella cheese. We’llsample the cheese for lunch, along with otherfreshly made produce,localwine and limoncello.

  Our walk continues to the delightful fishing village of Marina Grande. Herewe board a private boat for a cruise along the coast. Sit back, relax and soak up the sun as we sail past the Roman ruins of Villa Giovanna, unspoilt bays and a pretty fishing village.

• Day 3 Amalfi & Ravello
• Walk 8km/5mi – 3hrs

  Today we are going to discover the wonders of the Amalfi Coast on a walk beginning in Amalfi town.From here we follow the old Valle delle Ferriere throughbeautiful woodland,stopping at a mill to see how paper was made in the days of the Maritime Republic. Then we’ll continue through the national park, admiring beautiful waterfalls and gigantic ferns which date back to prehistoric times. We thentravelback to the hotel by coach, stopping atRavello andwalking a short distance to admire the spectacular scenery.

• Day 4 Massa Lubrense – at leisure
• How you spend today is completely up to you. You could choose to relax at the hotel, or join us on an optional trip to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.

  The Roman city of Pompeii was buried in ash and rubble when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD. Hidden from the world for nearly 2,000 years, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a Local Guide will accompany us on our tour. We’ll get a fascinating insight into the last days of the people who lived here and see homes adorned with detailed frescoes, Roman baths and bakeries that still have bread in their ovens!

  Later we’ll drive high up onto the slopes of Mount Vesuvius to view the volcanic crater and take a walk led by an expert Local Guide.

• Day 5 Punta Campanella
• Walk 5km/3.10mi – 3hrs

  Our day begins in Termini di Massa Lubrense, where your Tour Guide will introduce you to the local grocery, fruit and vegetable shops. If you wish, you could buy some items to enjoy as a picnic lunch later in the day.

  From here, we’ll set off on foot and start the gentle climb up to one of the two peaks of Monte San Costanzo. There is a little white chapel at the top which we will admire, along with incredible views out across the shimmering waters of the bays of Salerno and Naples. Our descent takes us past an old NATO radar, which is now an air traffic control unit, down to Punta Campanella. After pausing for a while to rest our legs and take in the view of the Island of Capri, we’ll make our way back to Termini on a cobblestone footpath.

• Day 6 Massa Lubrense – at leisure
• An optional excursion today gives you the chance to set sail for the enchanting island of Capri, a favoured spot of the international jet set from the 1950s to today. In its time, the island also charmed a Roman emperor or two. You can still see the ruins of Tiberius’ magnificent Villa Jovis and admire the views from the cliffs over which he is said to have thrown his enemies!

  On our guided tour you’ll get to see the Faraglioni Rocks and visit the wonderful Gardens of Augustus, where you’ll find colourful terraces filled with flowers. There may also be some free time, during which you could choose to take the chairlift from Anacapri up to the highest point of the island.

• Day 7 Path of the Gods

• Walk 11km/7mi 4.5hrs

  After breakfast we will drive to the village of Bomerano. If you wish, there will be time to enjoy a cappuccino before we set off on today’s fascinating walk.
  Beginning with a stroll through the village, we’ll make our way through fields of vegetables to join the Path of the Gods, a stunning trail which clings to the Amalfi Coast. The scenery is simply breathtaking, so be sure to bring your camera. Look down to see rocky cliffs plunging into the sea and the villages of Praiano and Positano in the distance. Glance upwards and beautiful Monte Faito, part of the Lattari mountains, soars towards the sky. Our walk takes us past abandoned shepherd’s houses and caves with 1,000-year-old-stalagtites. Inside one of the caves, a stream of natural water constantly flows and is surrounded by lush vegetation.
  After a while, we’ll reach the remote village of Nocelle, which is inaccessible by car or bike. We’ll pause to watch the small cable cars bringing goods to the village from the main road below, and then carry on to the small town of Montepertuso. There will be time to explore and enjoy lunch here if you wish. It’s then just a short walk down a steep staircase into Positano, but be warned, there are so many photo opportunities on the way, it could take us sometime to reach the village! Take the weight off your feet and enjoy a well-earned drink, relax on the beach or explore Positano at leisure the choice is all yours before we return to the hotel by coach.
  This evening we’ll enjoy a farewell get-together and dinner at the hotel.

• Day 8 Naples to UK
• Your holiday comes to an end today as we transfer you to the airport for your return flight to the UK.