Amalfi Coast

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Furore (D)

For the duration of our trip we stay at the Agritururismo Saint Alfonso, formerly a 16th century monastery, where the friendly and hospitable staff is unsurpassed. The monastery is surrounded by colourful gardens, open terraces and endless staircases leading out to lemon groves and grape vines. Enjoy your meals in an open-air dining area (weather-permitting) that overlooks the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean Sea.The views from the open-air dining area down to the blue waters of the Gulf of Salerno below will make sure you have a great start to every day of your tour. Off to one side of the garden is a charming little chapel where many locals come to get married during the summer. However, the Sant Alfonso is far enough away from the towns of the bustling Amalfi Coast to give you a sense of absolute tranquility and harmony. In the attractive local villages, buildings are surrounded by gardens and terraces, narrow pebbled streets and endless steps, lemon groves, grape and olive vines and the perfumes of nature. The terrace overlooks the intensely blue sea in a view that is breathtaking, where you can enjoy a glass of wine after a long day’s hike.

Day 2 Ravello (B,D)

Estimated Travel Time: 40 minutes (one-way) We’ll visit the musical city of Ravello, made famous by Wagner. Visit Villa Rufolo and enjoy your free time exploring the small galleries, gardens and churches, or just pick up a gelato and watch life pass by in the main square of this pretty village.In the afternoon you may choose to walk back down to Amalfi (1hr) via lemon groves, terraced paths and winding stairways to the small fishing village of Altrani and around the coast back to Amalfi, or you can jump on the local bus back down to Amalfi town (20mins).

Day 3 Land's End Walk (B,L,D)

Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours (each way)Estimated Walking Time: 3 hoursToday we’ll catch a bus along the winding coast to head out on one of the region's most famous walks to the Baia di Ieranto on the Punta Campanella peninsula, near Sorrento. As with most of our days the walking route hugs the coastline with wonderful vistas; today we are treated to spectacular views of Capri. We'll be walking on the peninsula that separates the Gulf of Salerno from the Gulf of Naples giving us a breathtaking vantage point of this marvellous coastline. La Punta Campanella/Baia di Ieranto are the Amalfi Coast’s gorgeous Land’s End.For nature lovers and hikers you must not miss the pristine paths of the Amalfi Coast. The Lattari Mountains, up to Campanella Point, constitute a territory that is one of the most suggestive and celebrated of the world. It is an impressive show and imposing view of precipitous cliffs above the "pending waves". The itinerary unwinds in the silence of the mountainous calm, with scenery of haunting panoramas, far from the coastal congestion and the ribbon of asphalt highways. The trails run across places of incomparable beauty, rich with history and culture, where the colours and perfumes relax and overwhelm the senses.

Day 4 Pompeii (B,L,D)

Estimated Travel Time: 1 hr (each way)Today we head off by train or bus to the famed ruins of Pompeii, at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, near Naples. One of Italy’s best-known sites, this unique visit is truly an amazing experience. After our guided tour with an expert local guide, there will be some free time to explore the site on your own and eat your picnic lunch, before heading back to the Agriturismo to relax for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

Day 5 Walk of the Gods (B,L,D)

Estimated Travel Time: 45 minutes (one-way)Estimated Walking Time: 5-6 hoursProbably the most famous walk of the Amalfi region, the trail climbs along ridges high above the coastal towns of Positano and Praiano. Feel in a world of your own as you hike the ancient trails, once the only road connecting these two villages. This is the most challenging of our three walks but well worth it for the spectacular scenery and the chance to be so close to nature and "the Gods".The outstanding beauty of the Amalfi Coast can only be fully appreciated on foot. Follow ancient paths and trails linking isolated farms, villages, churches and monasteries. Most of the walking offers amazing views to the rugged coastline below with wonderful vistas from village to village. There are plenty of opportunities to visit ancient villages and exquisite churches.You will walk across hilltops, and through vineyards, woods, and chestnut groves, passing along a high ridge path with abandoned farmhouses and lemon groves. Just when you’ve worked up an appetite you will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh seafood caught daily, fine wines, delicious home cooked Italian cuisine, and spectacular pastries and ice creams.

Day 6 Praia, Grotta dello Smeraldo (B,D)

Estimated Travel Time: 30mins (one-way)Estimated Walking Time: 1-2 hoursWalk your way down the valley from the Agriturismo to the coast through vineyards and olive groves. We will arrive in the village of Praia, where you can take some time to explore, or head on down to the spectacular Marina da Praia beach and cove where you will find plenty of choice for a delicious seafood lunch and perhaps a boat ride. After lunch we will head by bus (or boat if you wish (optional)) to our destination the Grotta dello Smeraldo where you’ll be blown away by the colour of the water in this maritime cave. Later we can spend some time in Amalfi for shopping.

Day 7 Furore (B,D)

Take one last day to enjoy more sites of your choice along the Amalfi Coast. Perhaps a visit to Capri or Ischaia entices you; ask your Tour Leader for some more walks in the area, or rent a scooter and beat your own path.

Day 8 Depart Furore (B)

Depart Furore any time. There are no set activities for this day.