Walking the Jewels of the Bay of Naples (Ischia & Procida) - BAY 2

Day 1
Arrival in Naples. By shuttle bus you head to the harbour for the short crossing to the picturesque island of Procida, probably the least known of the 3 large islands in the Bay of Naples. You are picked up from the harbour and settle in at your hotel. You might have some free time to go for a first stroll already, before having dinner in one of the great (fish) restaurants on the island.
Hotel*** – Procida

Day 2
After breakfast you start a beautiful round walk to discover this most authentic island of the Bay of Naples, with its colourful houses and idyllic fishing harbours. Procida is only a small island, and therefore it’s possible to ‘do’ the whole island in one day. You first pass through the narrow streets and walk up to the historical heart of the island, ‘Terra Murata’, or ‘walled land’, dominated by its castle, from where you’ll enjoy marvellous views. Then it brings you to one of the most picturesque spots of Italy, the small fishing harbour of Corricella. Its unique setting and coloured houses were used as movie set for “Il Postino”. Here you will need some time to look around and take pictures. Along the south-eastern coast you then continue the walk along the wooded headlands of Pizzico and Solchiaro. The walk ends at the charming small harbour of Chiaiolella, where you have time for a swim on the large sandy beach or drink a glass on one of its terraces, before returning to your hotel.  Those who still have energy can extend the walk and explore the small island of Vivara, linked to Procida by a small (pedestrian) bridge. This island, the ridge of an old volcano, is now a nature reserve and one of the last bits of unspoilt nature in the area. Walk through a timeless Mediterranean landscape, through green forests and with the blue sea all around.
Hotel*** – Procida
Distance: 11 km. Approx. 5 h. walking. Ascent & descent: +/- 150 m. (shorter options available)

Day 3
This morning you’ll have some more time to discover the northern side of the island, or in case you didn’t have the time yesterday, visit the small island of Vivara. Or just make a last stroll and have a drink at the colourful harbour! Then you are brought to the harbour to take the boat for the short crossing to the island of Ischia, known as the ‘Green Island’, the biggest island of the Bay of Naples. A taxi transfer to your hotel is organised for you, but we suggest to leave only your luggage to the taxi driver and wandering around a bit in Ischia Porto, and then do the short walk from the harbour to the castle where you sleep, through the pretty streets of the old town centre. The last short stretch in the fortified island itself is very scenic and has beautiful viewpoints on the city centre. You sleep in a beautiful hotel, inside the old medieval castle of Ischia, built on a rocky island off-shore, which certainly deserves to be explored as well. In the evening you can dine on some local fish specialty in the colourful harbour of Corricella or opt for a dinner with great views on the terrace of your hotel.
Hotel*** – Ischia
Distance: 7-10 km. Approx. 3-4 h. walking. Ascent & descent: +/- 50 m.

Day 4
From your hotel in the castle you walk down through the intriguing alleys of the fortified rock to the bridge which links the castle to the old town centre. From here you start a linear walk along the beautiful south coast of the island, through a spectacular landscape of terraced vineyards and fantastic lava sculptures, with unforgettable views over the Bay of Naples and Capri. The first part of the walk goes over the cliffs, through vineyards sculpted like Asian paddy fields and small hamlets. Then you pass the small hamlet of Testaccio, from where you descend to the large sandy beach of Marina dei Maronti. Just behind the beach there are several narrow canyons with thermal springs, known since Roman times. If you have time you can go for a dip! Along the beach you then walk to the charming fishing village of Sant’Angelo, from where you take the bus back to the hotel.
Hotel*** – Ischia
Distance: 15 km. Approx. 5,5 h. walking. Ascent & descent: +/- 500 m.

Day 5
Today you’ll discover the mountains of the island, a chain of extinct volcano which occupy the whole central part of the island. First you gain some height by bus, your walk starts either in the hamlet of Fiaiano or in the small village of Fontana (several longer/shorter options possible), where you have the time for a coffee. From here you walk up to the Monte Epomeo, the highest mountain of the island, and then to the Capo dell’Uomo, Ischia’s second mountain. All this is along easy, comfortable paths. Through forested areas and vineyards, along rock dwelling of monks and hermits, and always with incredible views over the sea, you walking down to Ischia’s most western village, Forio. After a stroll through its pleasant town centre, you take the bus along the north coast back to Ischia Porto. If you still have some energy, you can make a short walk to one of the most interesting volcano’s of the island, the Fondo dell’Oglio.
Hotel*** – Ischia
Distance: 13 km. Approx. 4 h. walking. Ascent & descent: + 500 m./- 700 m.

Day 6
Departure. In the morning your taxi brings you to the harbour, where you take the boat to Naples and by shuttle bus to the airport. Extra nights can be booked in a hotel in the city centre or elsewhere (upon request).

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

Accommodation is mostly on a bed and breakfast basis (on one day an evening meal is included – see inclusions) in very good 3-star hotels. All rooms have en-suite facilities.

When dinners are not included you will be free to organise your dinner. You can either eat at the premises of the hotel (recommended in Ischia!) or choose from the wide choice of restaurants in the area. Your accommodation holder can give you good tips.

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.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

Moderately easy (2): Mostly easy walks, but with nonetheless some walking uphill, sometimes on paths with rough surfaces. On some days some stretches are difficult for those suffering from vertigo (but NOT dangerous !). On these days alternative options are available. Extensions or shortcuts are also possible on many days.

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

FOOTPATHS & WAYMARKING

Footpaths: Most paths are 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 you feedback on the quality of the paths). Both on Procida and on Capri, many parts of the route that you follow are paved (pedestrian) alleyways.

Waymarking: Only a small part of the route is waymarked; elsewhere it is necessary to follow the route descriptions provided together with the maps. With these it is always possible to find your route. In case you don’t feel confident a local guide can be provided for some trails

INCLUSIONS

• 5 nights accommodation – BB
• 2 nights Hotel*** in Procida – BB
• 3 nights Hotel*** in Ischia – BB
• 1 dinner in Procida
• Transfer from/to the harbour to/from the hotel on Procida
• Transfer from/to the harbour to/from the hotel on Ischia
• Extensive route notes, with description of the route & tourist information
• Maps at 1 : 25.000 scale (or better)
• GPS tracks for each day
• 24/7 h assistance

NOT INCLUDED

• Boat tickets
• Departure taxes
• Visas
• Travel Insurance
• Tourist tax
• Drinks and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Optional additional tours or activities
• Tips
• Items of personal nature

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE

Arrival: The tour starts in PROCIDA; a pick-up service (included) is arranged from the harbour. Procida can be reached by ferry or hydrofoil from Naples, the nearest city with an international airport /train station. The boat ride takes about half an hour.

Departure: The tour ends after breakfast in ISCHIA. A short transfer brings you to the harbour (included), where you travel back by boat to Naples (or, in case you extend your holiday, to Sorrento or Salerno).

EXTRA NIGHTS

It is possible to include extra nights in any of the accommodations en route. It is also possible to extend your tour with a few days in Sorrento, Salerno, Naples, or along the Amalfi Coast. Details and prices on request.

UPGRADE

It is possible to book an upgrade in some of the places en route. Details and prices on request.

EXTRA NIGHTS

It is possible to include extra nights in any of the accommodations en route. Route notes for extra options will be provided!!!

It is also possible to extend your tour with a few days in the nearby Campi Flegrei (‘Burning Fields’), in Sorrento & its famed Peninsula, Salerno, Naples & Pompeii, or along the Amalfi Coast. Details and prices on request.

The tour can easily be extended with a few nights on the third ‘Jewel’ (or maybe the first!): the stunning Island of Capri:

Exploring Capri: hiking along highlights & hidden treasures

In that case you will visit all three islands and can best book the ‘complete’ tour: Jewels of the Bay of Naples: Capri, Ischia & Procida.

UPGRADE

It is possible to book an upgrade in some of the places en route. Details and prices on request.