Amalfi Coast & Bay of Naples Explorer (with Pompeii, Vesuvius & Capri) - AMA10

Day 1
Arrival in Naples (airport or train station). You are met by a taxi (optional) and brought to your hotel in the heart of the old city centre. In case you are early you can already go for a stroll through the city centre.
Hotel*** – Naples

Day 2
In the morning you take the boat to the rightly famous island of Capri to see the places that have inspired so many over the centuries and always attracted the global jet set. Of course you don’t just see the ‘touristy’ highlights, you also make a beautiful roundwalk along the almost pristine southern coast. First you pass the ‘Piazzetta’ and the charming backstreets of Capri, with their clear Moresque influence, before walking up to the ruins of one of the most impressive Roman villas in the area, Villa Iovis, which is in an exceptional location with world-class views. On your way up you also pass the wonderful Villa Lysis, rather unknown, but one of the best spots in Capri ! Descending towards the untouched coastline of the southern part of the island, you come across the Arco Naturale, a natural bridge, many grottos and finally the famous Faraglioni, three small uninhabited islands, just off the south coast. Through the Gardens of Augustus and the impressive Via Krupp, perhaps the world’s most beautiful pedestrian way, you can also descend to the charming Marina Piccola. From the Marina Grande you then travel back to Naples by boat.
Hotel***  – Naples
Distance: 11 km. Approx. walking time: 4 h. Ascent & descent: +/- 550 m.

Day 3
This morning you travel by local train to Pompeii, perhaps the world’s most fascinating ruins. A visit to Pompeii gives you an amazing insight into the life of a Roman city, especially when walking along its chariot-marked back streets. You will be captivated by the exceptional frescoes to be found throughout the city or by the opulence of the villas, with their atriums and stunning mosaics, owned by the rich and influential of the day. Visit the amphitheatre as well as the Villa of Mysteries with its masterpiece frescoes depicting the secret Dionysus rites, the Roman Forum and basilica, temples, public baths, and the tiny Odeon created for music recitals. In case you want to make a great roundwalk as well, we recommend climbing Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that with the fatal eruption of 79 AD completely destroyed the bustling city of Pompeii. You can make an amazing roundwalk here, completely different from the standard visit to Vesuvius (and normally closed to the public), which makes you feel like you’re in a completely different world! What is less known to many is that also the ‘new’ town of Pompeii is definitely worth the detour, if only for its amazing sanctuary. Go for a stroll here and then have an ‘aperitivo’ to look back on a great day.
Hotel*** – Naples
Distance: 11 km. Approx. walking time: 4 h. Ascent & descent: +/- 600 m.

Day 4
Today you have several options: a full day exploration of the intriguing city of Naples, a visit to the colourful island of Procida, perhaps the most ‘authentic’ of the three islands, or a visit to the Roman city of Herculaneum first. By local train you can travel there, and explore the stunning villa’s of this once very wealthy town, known to have been a rich suburb, which still shows in the opulence of its buildings. But it’s also really worth it to make a rewarding round walk through the city centre of Naples, touching of course the most interesting ‘highlights’, such as the Royal Palace, the royal theatre, the beautiful ‘Galleria’ and the medieval castles, but also through unknown lively (but safe!) neighbourhoods, with their unbelievable history, where you can find Greek, Roman and medieval buildings in the space of a few square metres. The walk also brings you through quiet parks and along the shore, to relax from the hectic street life in Naples with a rewarding view of the Bay of Naples. Along the route there are several options to go ‘underground’ to discover that there is another city under the actual city. And of course you can also pay a visit to the world-famous archaeological museum, where all the artefacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum are displayed. Naples will leave you flabbergasted!. Your private taxi then picks you up and brings you to the Agerola plain, overlooking the stunning Amalfi Coast.
Agriturismo/Hotel*** – Agerola

Day 5
Today you walk down to Amalfi along an incredibly scenic path. From Bomerano you first walk down into the green Praia valley, a wonderful landscape of sheer mountain cliffs and terraced vineyards. Along recently restored footpaths you reach the grotto of St. Barbara, where some medieval frescoes can still be found. Then, after passing the chapel of Sant’Alfonso, you reach the small hamlet of Furore. The route then descends into the spectacular fjord of Furore, with its towering limestone cliffs. You reach the village of San Lazzaro, where you can enjoy a coffee or a drink, and admire one of the most wonderful panoramas of the whole Amalfi Coast. From here you continue your walk downhill, now along one of the oldest pathways of the Amalfi Maritime Republic: the ‘Via Maestra dei Villaggi’, or ‘Highway of the Villages’, an old paved mule track dating back to the 9th century. You go past the hamlet of Tovere, above the imposing monastery of Santa Rosa, and then reach the small village of Vettica Minore. From here you continue on foot to Amalfi, passing through the medieval hamlets of Lone and Pastena. Through a number of wonderful alleys you then end up in the main square, Piazza Duomo. Perhaps you have the time to visit the paper museum or take your time for a swim, before taking the bus back up to Agerola.
Agriturismo/Hotel*** – Agerola
Distance: 11 km. Approx. walking time: 4,5 h. Ascent & descent: + 200 m./- 830 m.

Optional Extra Day – To the highest peaks of the Amalfi Coast
Today’s walk brings you into the mountains above Bomerano, towards the highest peaks of the Amalfi Coast, where views are perhaps even more beautiful than from the famous ‘Sentiero degli Dei’. The first part of the walk is a relaxed stroll through the charming village of Bomerano, but then, through vineyards and chestnut forest, the path starts to climb up to Monte Tre Calli. After about an hour walking uphill you reach the ridge of Monte Tre Calli, where you find unrivalled 360° views! A fantastic scenic walk takes you along the ridge, through meadows and forest, to a natural rock formation known as ‘the mushroom’. From here there is the option of continuing towards the highest mountain in the area, Monte Sant’Angelo. Otherwise  you can opt for a relaxed picnic lunch. Then you start the descent towards the little chapel of the ‘Virgin of the Silence’, where you will enjoy magical views of Positano. You then walk back from there to your agriturismo along an easy road, with views that are grand to say the least.
Agriturismo/Hotel*** – Agerola

Day 6
Directly from your accommodation you walk onto the most famous footpath of the Amalfi Coast, the ‘Sentiero degli Dei’ (Footpath of the Gods). After a first beautiful stretch through terraced vineyards and ancient buildings, you reach Colle Serra, where the views open up towards the other end of the peninsula: from the monastery of San Domenico, dominating the coast from its stupendous hilltop position (optional detour along a medieval pilgrim route) to the island of Capri. You then continue on a more or less level path, through spectacular scenery with bizarre rock formations and luxurious vegetation. Here the ‘Sentiero degli Dei’ really lives up to its name! Through unique scenery with unrivalled views you reach the hamlet of Nocelle. Passing another spectacular valley you arrive in the little village of Montepertuso. After Montepertuso it’s only a short walk down to Positano, but it will take you a bit of time as there are so many photo opportunities along the route. Positano itself is considered to be one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, and certainly one of the pearls of the Amalfi Coast. After a stroll through its alleys you could relax for a bit or go for a swim at the large beach, before taking the boat to Amalfi. Here you settle in at your hotel in the centre, at walking distance from the beach.
Hotel*** – Amalfi
Distance: 10 km. Approx. walking time: 4,5 h. Ascent & descent: + 150 m./- 650 m.

Day 7
Today is a very special last walking day, which will really give you a good idea of the amazing cultural and natural heritage of the Amalfi Coast. First you take a local bus up to the charming historic village of Ravello, one of the most exclusive villages on the Amalfi Coast, and sought after by artists over the centuries as its lofty position and sunny, dry climate made it an appealing place to writers, artists, musicians and travellers from northern Europe. Boccaccio, DH Lawrence and Richard Wagner are among the more notable guests who have succumbed to its spells. Ravello not only has a very interesting history, and many medieval monuments, but also offers beautiful views over the Amalfi Coast. The French novelist André Gide once described the village as being ‘closer to the sky than the seashore’. Ravello also boasts two magnificent villas – the superb 11^th-century Villa Rufolo, once a papal residence and later the home of Wagner, and Villa Cimbrone, a sumptuous 19^th-century mansion with fabulous gardens and unequalled views over the Gulf of Salerno. You can take your time to stroll through the village, before starting the walk back down to the coast.

Past the dramatically located Villa Cimbrone you starting walking down through chestnut forests, vineyards and lemon groves, until you reach the beautiful little village of Pontone, part of the medieval defence system of the town of Amalfi. From here you walk to the spectacular Torre dello Ziro, located on a narrow ridge in a park-like landscape, which is a marvellous picnic spot with unforgettable views of Amalfi to the one side and Atrani to the other. Then you descend into the ‘Valle dei Mulini’, the valley of the mills, with its ruins of Europe’s most ancient paper factories, dating back to the 11th century. The easy path runs alongside the course of the river, in an abundant, green, almost un-Italian landscape. Those who feel like it can penetrate deep into the valley, to admire a number of beautiful waterfalls. Then you return back down to Amalfi. Along the path there are many impressive ruins of what were once the first paper mills of Europe, adding a mysterious touch to the landscape.
Hotel*** – Amalfi
Distance: 17 km. Approx. walking time: 6 h. Ascent & descent: +/- 700 m. (shorter options available)

Day 8
End of the tour. Return to Naples/Salerno by taxi, boat or bus.

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

All nights are spent in beautiful, characteristic family-run hotels (generally 3-star; 4/5-star on request). All rooms have en-suite facilities.

Most of the accommodations are on a B&B basis. Only on your first two nights in Scala (and, on request, the first night in Agerola) are you on a half-board basis. When dinners are not included you will be free to choose from the large number of restaurants in the area for your evening meal. Your accommodation holder can give you good tips. Alternatively, you can eat at the premises of the hotel (on some occasions).

No picnic lunches are included in the tour price but these can be prepared for you by the accommodation holders, or materials for picnics can be purchased in the villages where you’ll be staying. On some occasions you have the option of having your lunch in a restaurant along the way.

INCLUSIONS

• 7 nights accommodation – BB:
• 3 nights in Hotel**** in Naples – BB
• 2 nights in Hotel*** or Agriturismo in Agerola – BB
• 2 nights in Hotel*** in Amalfi – BB
• Luggage transfer on day 4 & day 6
• Private transfers as specified
• Extensive route notes, with description of the route & tourist information
• Maps at 1 : 25.000 scale or more detailed
• GPS tracks of each walk
• 24/7 h assistance

NOT INCLUDED

• Departure taxes
• Visas
• Travel Insurance
• Entrance tickets to Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius
• Tourist tax
• Drinks and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Tips
• Items of personal nature

 N.B. Two evening meals can be included in Agerola (supplement € 30).

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE 

Arrival: The tour starts in NAPLES, a city with a major international airport and connected to Rome by a frequent high-speed train service. A taxi pick-up service can be arranged either from Naples airport or train station.

Departure: The tour ends after breakfast in AMALFI. A frequent boat or bus service can bring you to either Sorrento or Salerno, from where you travel on to your next destination (Naples or Rome can both be easily reached by train from here). Several taxi services are available to bring you directly to your next destination.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY 

Moderately easy (2-3): Mostly easy walks, though some include walking uphill, sometimes on paths with rough surfaces. On some days extensions or shortcuts are possible.

Fitness: High standard of fitness is not necessary but you should be able to walk for up to 5 hours a day in the hot sun on dusty or stony tracks.

EXTRA NIGHTS

It is possible to include extra nights in any of the accommodations en route.
Extra walking or sightseeing options will be provided !!!

EXTENSIONS

At the beginning or the end of the tour there is also the opportunity to visit the other islands of the Bay of Naples, Ischia and pocida, either for a day trip, or you could book a few nights there. Apart from Pompeii you could also go for a visit to Herculaneum.

The tour can easily be extended with a few days in Positano, Sorrento, Naples or on the island of Capri. Several good accommodations are available. Details and prices on request.

FOOTPATHS & WAYMARKING

Footpaths: Most paths are relatively well maintained, but during the season some paths can get overgrown (we are in continuous contact with local authorities to keep the paths clean – please help us by providing your feedback on the quality of the paths).

Waymarking: Part of the route is waymarked; elsewhere you have to follow the route descriptions provided together with the maps. With these you will always be able to find your route.