The 'Costiera Amalfitana' is an area of sensational coastal scenery of limestone cliffs, serpentine roads and terraced lemon groves. Hillside villages and remote monasteries have long been connected by a series of ancient footpaths, which provide a perfect opportunity for excursions on foot into the surrounding countryside.
While exploring this area on foot one is rewarded with stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline whose 'Lattari' mountains rise nearly 5000ft steeply from the deep blue sea. Wildflowers such as Broom and Cistus rose decorate the hillsides in Spring and cyclamen carpet the woods in autumn.
It is hardly surprising to find out that the Roman emperor Tiberius moved his court to Capri, that the Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev owned an island near Positano or that American writer Gore Vidal chose Ravello for his home.
Naples is famous for coffee and pizza (and chaos!) and lies at the foot of Mt Vesuvius with the excavations of Pompeii a few miles away. Our journey starts here almost 2000 yrs ago when the once thriving market town of Pompeii was buried under ash during a massive eruption of the volcano. Thereafter the countryside and serenity of the Amalfi peninsula await us.
Itinerary
Day 1
Naples - Pompeii - Ravello
We meet at 12.00 at the Naples airport and travel to the excavated Roman town of Pompeii to enjoy lunch in the shaded courtyard of its ancient thermal baths. The afternoon is spent exploring public buildings and private homes where occupants left evidence of everyday life as things came to an abrupt halt with the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD. A scenic drive south follows and we stay in Ravello overlooking the Amalfi coast and Bay of Salerno.
Day 2
Ravello - Valle delle Ferriere - Amalfi
From the hamlet of Scala above Ravello we walk into the 'Valle delle Ferriere' Natural Park through cleverly cultivated vineyards and lemon groves. After a light lunch, we enter the gorge and make our way past waterfalls, abandoned iron works and paper mills as we descend into the bustling town of Amalfi for a well earned and thirst-quenching 'sorbetto al limone' in the heart of Amalfi. (walk 5hrs/9miles)
Day 3
Paestum
Paestum is an ancient Greco-Roman city 40 km south of Salerno in a region known for its mozzarella di bufula. Settled by Greek colonists in the 6th century BC, Paestum was later occupied by Lucanians, Romans and Christians. Malarial swamps led to the abandonment of the city in the 9th century AD, but also helped preserve its finest artifacts. Today, Paestum boasts three well-preserved Doric Greek temples, ruins of ancient houses and a museum. The site is a little off the beaten path makes an excellent complement to the Roman ruins at Pompeii. (walk in archaeological park)
Day 4
Visit Amalfi & Atrani - walk up to Ravello
Guided tour of the cathedral of Amalfi to learn about its glorious maritime history and then free time to explore. Walk to the tiny village of Atrani, a perfect spot for a delicate seafood lunch. Then optional walk through lemon terraces up to Ravello (about 900 steps!). Free afternoon in Ravello to visit at your leisure the Duomo and gardens of Villa Rufolo and Cimbrone whose magnificent location offers the best view of beautiful coastline. (walk+350m/1.5hrs)
Day 5
Ravello - Sentiero degli Dei - Positano
Departure mid-morning for the start of the Sentiero degli Dei or 'Path of the Gods', a majestic trail overlooking spectacular coastal scenery which leads to the elegant resort of Positano. (walk 4hrs/8miles)
Day 6
Free day (optional trip to the island of Capri)
Enjoy Positano or opt to take a hydrofoil to Capri. Owing to its mild climate, the island is a labyrinth of charming alleys and gardens, filled with aromatic flowers and shrubs. A beautiful nature walk or a bus to Anacapri and the chair lift to Monte Solaro will fulfill your photographic dreams with views of the emerald blue sea and the faraglioni rocks. Or perhaps you would rather enjoy the elegant boutiques and take in the atmosphere of outdoor cafes in Capri's main square. Return is by hydrofoil.
Day 7
Punta Campanella
A delightful vigorous walk on Punta Campanella where the Amalfi/Sorrento Peninsula opens onto the Bay of Naples. Enjoy magnificent views of Mt Vesuvius, of our previous accomplishments and of the island of Capri. (walk 4hrs/7miles)
Day 8
Sorrento - Naples airport
Scheduled departure from our hotel at 9.00 for Naples airport (1hr). If you wish, we can help you to extend your stay or make other independent departure arrangements.
