A dream journey among history, amazing hikes and wonderful villages
Exceptional journey into the heart of the Campania region. If you are looking for wonderful natural sceneries, world class archaeological sites and charming outstanding hikes, this is the trip for you. Tiny towns huddled at the foot of steep cliffs and whitewashed houses, sheltered by vines and olive trees arranged in terraces, following the tortuous profile of the rocky coast. With its glorious past, the Amalfi Coast has kept Eastern and Arab-Norman influences in striking mixtures. The Amalfi coast is rugged and rocky, characterized by limestone cliffs, coves and reefs. This journey will let you discover on foot the most panoramic spots, walking on ancient trails and through tiny towns where time seems to have stood still. During the week you will also hike on the top of the famous Vesuvius Volcano, and visit Pompeii, an enormous open -air museum. After the daily walks, it is possible to enjoy the Mediterranean blue sea, the artistic beauties, the traditional local cuisine and also the vitality of towns such as Ravello, Amalfi and Positano.
Highlights:
- Pompeii, roman city covered by the dramatic lava flow of 79 AD
- Breath-taking hikes and outstanding Italian food
- Visit of the beautiful towns of Amalfi, Positano and Ravello, the pearls of the Amalfi coast
Day 1: NaplesGroup arrival at Naples airport. Transfer to Scala, charming village on the Amalfi coast. Check in at your hotel then presentation of the week's activities by your guide. Dinner and overnight stay in Scala. Meals (-/-/D)
Day 2: Santa Maria ai Monti (6hrs hiking, +650 mt -650 mt)After breakfast we take our first hike on the Amalfi coast. Leaving Scala we will follow a trail going slightly uphill. As the slope increases, the more breathtaking the view will be. We will be passing through shady woods and more exposed sections, until we get to the final flight of steps. Arrival on a wide plateau, overlooking the entire southern Amalfi coast. Way down closing the loop ending in Scala. Free time in the end of afternoon, dinner and night in Scala. Meals (B/L/D)
Day 3: Agerola (6hrs hiking, +550 mt -250 mt)Beautiful walk on the Monti Lattari. Departing from Scala we will walk in the "Ferriere Valley", a natural reserve and paradise for hikers. We will walk through peaceful and shady chestnut and oak woods, crossing some cold water springs and little waterfalls. At the end of our hike we will reach the little town of San Lazzaro. Check in to a lovely family run hotel and free time to enjoy the spectacular view of the Amalfi coast from the San Lazzaro belvedere square. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. Meals (B/L/D)
Day 4: Mt Vesuvius and Pompeii (2hrs hiking, +200 mt -200 mt)Transfer by minibus to Vesuvius and easy ascent to the "Gran Cono", the main crater of Vesuvius at 1280 mt altitude and time to take a look at the entire size of the Naples Gulf, at your feet. In the late morning visit to a local vinery carved into an ancient lava flow, wine tasting and lunch with local products. In the afternoon transfer to Pompeii at the foot of Vesuvius, grandiose and incredible archaeological site where everyone will stroll at their own pace. Transfer back to Agerola. Dinner and overnight stay in Agerola. Meals (B/L/D)
Day 5: Monti Lattari walk (4hrs hiking, +350 mt -350 mt)Morning transfer by bus to the village of Bomerano. We will follow a steep trail that will lead us to a plateau overlooking the Sorrento peninsula. Amazing view of the entire western Amalfi coast, as fare as the island of Capri. In the afternoon way back to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Agerola. Meals (B/L/D)
Day 6: The Path of the Gods (5hrs hiking, +150 mt -650 mt)In the morning, transfer to Bomerano to start hiking on the "Path of the Gods". This old mule track, in the past just a shepherd's route, is nowadays one of the most spectacular hiking trails in Italy. Walking on a narrow trail with a steep cliff on your right and a vertiginous ravine on your left, you will enjoy an easy but incredibly panoramic hike. After a stop in the lovely towns of Nocelle and Montepertuso, you will get to Positano, also known as the "jewel of the divine coast". Free time to visit the village, its narrow streets and colourful houses. In the end of the afternoon boat transfer to Amalfi. Check in at hotel, dinner and overnight stay in Amalfi. Meals (B/L/D)
Day 7: Ravello and the Mills Valley (4.30hrs hiking, +350 mt -350 mt)Today we will walk through the "Valle dei Mulini" (the Valley of Mills ), enjoying its variety of colours and lights and its flora, a harmonious mix of tropical and Mediterranean vegetation. Our hike today will pass through this beautiful natural reserve, crossing tiny powerful waterfalls and the ruins of the ancient paper mills that were the glory of Amalfi. We will reach Ravello, a very picturesque and peaceful village located high on a cliff overlooking the sea, known for its wonderful noble villas. We have some free time to explore the village and in the afternoon we will take a path ending our hike in Amalfi. Dinner not included and overnight stay in Amalfi. Meals (B/L/-)
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, a private transfer will take you back to Naples airport - 2h30 ride. Meals (B/-/-)
Note: B (Breakfast); L (Lunch); D (Dinner)
Grade :This trip is rated Moderate [3]. We hike 2.5–5 hours most days, on established dirt and stone trails, cobblestones. On the Amalfi coast there are lot of stairs and steps along our hikes down to the villages on the sea shores. A prior hiking experience is recommended.
Accommodation :
2 nights in hotel*** in Scala
3 nights in hotel*** in Agerola
2 nights in hotel*** in Amalfi
Equipment: hiking shoes, wind and water proof jacket, hat, flashlight, sun glasses and sun cream, walking poles, swimming suit
Getting there: the destination airport is Naples. Group arrival and transfer to our hotel. The last day, group transfer to Naples airport.
Included:
- 7 nights in hotel with breakfast included
- All transfers by public bus and private minibuses
- Entrance fee at Pompeii and Vesuvius
- All meals (exc. dinner day 7)
- Boat ride day 6
- Local tourist taxes
- Local English speaking leader throughout
Not included:
- Dinner day 7 in Amalfi
- Any other services not mentioned in the itinerary
