Amalfi, The Coast of Emotions

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.

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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 through the Valico di Chiunzi brings us to the enchanting town of Ravello and our first glimpse of the Amalfi coastline.

Day 2

Ravello - 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. (5hrs/9miles)

Day 3

Ravello - Atrani - Amalfi

A visit to the wonderfully landscaped gardens of Villa Cimbrone, whose magnificent location arguably offers the best view of Europe's most beautiful coastline. We follow winding steps down into the square and heart of the tiny village of Atrani, a perfect spot for a delicate seafood lunch before crossing into Amalfi to meet our local guide and learn about its glorious maritime history. There is an optional walk back up to Ravello through the gorge of the 'Dragone' river. (3hrs/6miles)(3hrs/6miles)

Day 4

Ravello - Positano

A leisurely morning visiting the historical centre of Ravello, its Duomo and Villa Rufolo. The rest of the day is dedicated to walking along the Sentiero degli Dei or 'Path of the Gods'. A majestic trail overlooking spectacular coastal scenery leads us to the elegant resort of Positano. (4hrs/8miles)

Day 5

Punta Campanella

We leave the Fanes National Park along a picturesque gravel track to descend to Rifugio Pederu and then walk along the valley which leads to S. Vigilio, a village where they speak the old Ladin language. The majesty of the mountains all around us make us feel small, as people here always have done. For centuries, during winter months, farmers were isolated from the rest of the world and farmsteads had to be self-sufficient. Faith and hard work helped them survive arduous conditions. (5.5hrs/3miles*+8miles along the valley) (Elev.-1600ft)

Day 6

Free day in Capri

A boat trip takes us to Capri to experience a little exotic elegance. Owing to its mild climate, the island is a labyrinth of charming alleys and gardens, filled with aromatic flowers and shrubs. For those feeling energetic enough, choose the walk to Villa Jovis, summer retreat of the Roman emperor Tiberius or follow a beautiful nature walk and fulfill your photographic dreams with views of the deep blue sea and the faraglioni rocks. Catch a bus up to Anacapri or take the chair lift to Monte Solaro. Or perhaps you would rather enjoy the elegant boutiques and take in the atmosphere of outdoor cafes in Capri's main square. We return by boat in time to enjoy the old town of Sorrento.

Day 7

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.