A great combination of charming tourist destinations and celebrated cuisine
On the south side of the rugged "Sorrentine Peninsula", which separates the gulfs of Naples and Salerno, lies the famously picturesque Amalfi Coast, a region of steep cliffs and sheltered coves, with numerous small towns interspersed by terraced farmland on which olive and lemon trees grow. Enjoy the sun, food and relaxed lifestyle of such legendary places as Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento, Ravello, and Capri. Visit some of the best Italian wineries, discover the vibrant local markets in Naples and stretch your legs along lovely hiking paths.
Highlights:
- Naples and the vibrant historical centre
- Meeting with and local artisans and food producers
- The lovely villages of the Amalfi coast and the elegant island of Capri
Day 1: Naples
Individual arrival in Naples. Check-in to hotel* located in the heart of this vibrant, chaotic and classically Italian city. A welcome meeting at 6pm will be followed by dinner. Dinner and overnight stay in Naples.
Day 2: Naples
After breakfast, meeting with historical guide who will lead the group for a walking tour of Naples' historical city centre, including some of the city's highlights from "Spaccanapoli" district to Via Toledo and Plebiscito Square. At the end of the tour you will be introduced to your first Neapolitan food experience, walking through the old squares and street markets. Free time and overnight stay in Naples.
Day 3: Irpinia Wine Country and Sorrento
After breakfast, a private transfer will lead you to the wine country. Visit an exclusive winery, famous for its excellent wines, considered to be one of the best in Southern Italy. After the visit and tasting, a lovely light lunch will be served in the winery's restaurant. Private transfer to Sorrento, followed by short walking tour around the elegant town of Sorrento. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel* in Sorrento.
Day 4: Capri (3hrs walking, ascent/descent + 300m - 300m)
After breakfast, hydrofoil to the rugged island of Capri. From Capri Town's central square, we walk past colourful villas with flower-filled gardens to the Grotta di Matromania, a series of hidden caves tucked into the island's limestone crags and the site of ancient pagan ceremonies. We step onto the Terrazza di Tragara, a spectacular stretch of trail offering picture postcard views of Capri's iconic Faraglioni sea stacks and the summit of Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island. You will have free time to stroll through the narrow alleyways or swim in the Mediterranean, with an optional boat tour to visit the Blue Grotto. Hydrofoil back to Sorrento and overnight.
Day 5: Nerano and Ieranto Bay (2 hrs walking, ascent/descent + 150m - 150m)
After breakfast, transfer and visit to a local cheese and mozzarella factory. You will meet the owner and see a realdemonstration of how they have produced mozzarella for over half a century, from the first drop of milk to the final product. A tasting and a lunch will be served in the farm. Early in the afternoon, private transfer to the tiny village of Nerano. From here, a short and easy walk will lead us to the natural reserve of the beautiful Baia di Ieranto, between the towers of Punta Campanella and Montalto, now managed by the Italian 'National Trust (FAI). Transfer to Agerola, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Amalfi and Ravello
After breakfast, a short walk to reach the beautiful Furore Fjord and just before lunch, transfer to visit one of the most famous local wineries with a spectacular view. You will enjoy a private visit to this highly esteemed estate and a tasting of the best wines served with some lovely local dishes. After lunch, private transfer to Ravello, a lovely and elegant town famous for its beautiful villas and gardens. Transfer to Amalfi village known for its exquisite porcelain tiles and gorgeous cathedral. Here we will visit the Paper Museum and a local producer of the famous "Limoncello" liquor. Transfer back to Agerola where you will enjoy a pizza making cooking class with chef Nicola. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7:Positano and the spectacular Path of the Gods (4hrs walking descent: - 650m)
Today we discover the "Path of the Gods", an aptly named trail built high above the shoreline and affording panoramic views of the entire Amalfi Coast. The trail ultimately leads us to Positano, a lovely village of white Moorish-style houses built above a sand beach melting into a small bay. We'll explore Positano, climbing the steps that serve as thoroughfares between the terraced levels of the town. In the afternoon boat transfer (weather permitting) to Amalfi and transfer back to Agerola. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, group transfer to Naples airport.
Grade: easy - moderate. 2 to 4 hours walking each day, hilly-to-steep terrain. A prior hiking experience is recommended. On the Amalfi coast there are plenty of steps along our hike down to the villages. We advise to use the trekking poles.
Accommodation:
- 2 night in hotel* in Naples
- 2 nights in hotel* in Sorrento
- 3 nights in hotel* in Agerola
Equipment for the walks: good and solid trekking shoes, wind and water proof jacket, bathing suit, hat, sun glasses and sun cream, alpenstock, gourd 1 liter minimum. Dishes for the pic nic. A rucksack (15/30 litres) for your trekking day.
Getting there: the destination airport is Naples. Individual arrival. You can reach the city centre by taxi or you can catch the public bus (every half hour). Naples could be also reached by fast trains from Rome (1h). Welcome meeting with your guide at 6pm. The last day, group transfer to Naples airport.
Single Room Supplement + €150
Extra night in Hotel* in Naples double/single room + €70/85
Included:
- All transfers by private bus, public bus and hydrofoils
- 7 nights accommodation with breakfast included
- Dinners on days 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7
- Lunches on days 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7
- Visit to local wineries with wine tastings on days 3 and 6
- Visit to a local cheese factory with Mozzarella tasting on day 5
- Visit to local limoncello producer on day 6
- English spoken tour leader
- Tour with historical guide in Naples
- Tourist taxes
Not Included:
- Dinners on days 2 and 4
- Beverage and personal items
- Lunches on days 1, 4 and 8
- Transfer from Naples airport to Naples hotel on day 1
- Museum and monuments entrance fees
Trips Note
Destination: Naples and Amalfi coast
Travel Style: Discovery holiday
Interest: Wine & Gastronomy; Beaches & Coastal hiking
Comfort: Standard
Grades: Moderate
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Departures: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Group Size: from 4 to 15 people
Airport: Naples
