The famous Amalfi Coast is that section of coastline south of Rome on the south side of the Sorrentine Penisula and includes the famous towns of Amalfi, Positano, Minori and others. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It also happens to be a wonderful place to go hiking, and on this tour we start in Naples and visit the famous Isle of Capri, Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii and its archeological sites, and then move on to Minori and take time in Amalfi and Ravello, and Positano. The hiking is moderate but require good fitness. The trails are well developed but daily hiking time is 4-5 hours.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival Day - Naples
By plane or train, you can reach Naples. Transfer to your 4 star hotel is included by private transfer. You will get your route materials for the following days and then can spend the rest of your day exploring Naples. Visit the city center with its narrow streets, baroque churches and palaces, San Carlo Theatre, Umberto Gallery, and the Plebiscito Square. Dinner on your own.
Day 2 | Vesuvius
After breakfast you start out on the 'Circumvesuviana' to Ercolano. You go by bus at first and then by foot to climb on Mount Vesuvius. You will have a wonderful panoramo over the Bay of Naples. After lunch in the afternoon you will descend to the archaeological site of Ercolano, which was buried with Pompeii by Veusuvius in AD 79. Return to Naples, dinner on your own. Hiking 1 hour approximately, 200 meters elev gain. (Breakfast included - B)
Day 3 | Capri
Today, after breakfast, you will depart Naples by boat for Capri. You will hike out of Marina Grande to the Hermitage of Santa Maria a Cetrella, crossing the Passetiello, a narrow passage between the rock faces overlooking the town of Capri. The view once again opens up over the Bay of Naples with Vesuvius in the background. Descend some narrow steps engraved by the Phoenicians, take a swim and later return to Naples and your hotel. Dinner on your own. Hiking: 4 hours with 500 meters elevation gain. (B)
Day 4 | Pompeii - Amalfi Coast
Visit of Pompeii and the Villa of the Mysteries is where you go off to first today. One of the biggest open air archeaological sites of the world, this is one of the best examples of past human life as it was captured and frozen in time by the eruption and blanketing in ash and lava by Vesuvius. A private transfer will take you to Minori and your next hotel on the Amalfi Coast. Dinner on your own. No hiking, only walking around the sites and towns. (B)
Day 5 | Amalfi
After breakfast you can depart by private transfer for the town of Amalfi. You will start a walk along the path still used by mules bringing wood and discover the Valle dei Mulini (mills valley). This is the last part of the Torrent Canneto before it crosses the town of Amalfi. Back in Amalfi, you can discover what once was the most pwerful Mariner Republic at the end of the 10th century. See the cloister and duomo before departing back to Minori. Dinner on your own. Hiking 3 hours with elevation gain of 310 meters. (B)
Day 6 | Ravello
After breakfast you start on a circular hike to Ravello where in the placid central square you can visit the Duomo dedicated to Saint Pantaleone. The blood of the Saint liquifies every year! From the village overhanging the sea (+300 m) the view goes across the Gulf of Salerno and over the Cilento Mountains. Optional visit to Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo where a mix of cultures has influenced life there. Continue walking and return to Amalfi with some possible swimming stops on the way. Return to Minori and dinner on your own. Hiking 4 hours with 200 m elev gain. (B)
Day 7 | Positano
After breakfast you will take a private transfer to Agerola, and from here start a hike on the Path of Gods. This track takes you along the coast and was for most of history the only way to reach the small and isolated villages from the vineyards and fields. The scent of rosemary pervades as you descend to Positano. Along the way you can marvel at the ancient works creating the villages and terraces as well as the Sain Dominic Monastery that clings to the mountainside; often as a refuge from invading barbarians after the fall of Rome. Time to visit Positano and take a swim and then back to Minori. Dinner on your own. Hiking 5 hours, descents +600 m. (B)
Day 8 | Departure
After breakfast you have a transfer back to Naples included. (B)
Details
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Dates: March 15-November 15. This is self-guided touring and offers total freedom of dates - you can choose whatever dates you wish. We can accomodate small parties of 2 persons up to large groups. A tour supplement of 130 euros/person applies for travel in August and September.
Accommodation: [Virtual Hotel Tour] 7 nights in deluxe hotels: Grand Hotel Sant Angelo**** or Palazzo Alabardiere ****, and in Minori at Villa Romana****. These properties are all excellent hotels offering views, and charming typical ambiance. They are also in demand, so last minute requests can be difficult. In case of no availability; we will check equivalent alternative hotels that may require a change in price. We can upgrade to very deluxe hotels, or look at less expensive 3 star options with less charm and service.
Trip includes: deluxe lodging 7 nights, breakfast daily, luggage transfers on hotel changes, arrival and departure transfers on Days 1 and 8 and transfer from Naples to Minori, local emergency support, Capri ferry tickets, hiking routes with maps and cue sheets, suggestions for visitation and dining.
Extra nights in Naples: 221 euros/double room including breakfast, 190 euros/single room. |
