Itinerary Include flights Expand all London to London Day 1 Fly to Naples; transfer to Amalfi. Those on the group flights will be met in Naples airport by the tour leader. A transfer of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes takes us to Amalfi, Italy’s oldest maritime republic. Quintessentially Mediterranean, Amalfi's townscape is comprised of a cluster of little white houses and buildings, narrow alleyways and shady porticoes, dominated by the huge Duomo Cathedral with its bright coloured tiles which are typical of the region. Our hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the town, overlooking the main piazza and just a few metres from the seashore. There may be some free time for a quick orientation tour before or after the group’s arrival and evening briefing. Overnight at Hotel Centrale Day 2 Transfer to Bomerano; follow steps and mule tracks down to the Ferriere Valley Nature Reserve and walk to Amalfi. Today starts with a short transfer to the quiet rural village of Bomerano, where our walk starts. The route has a downhill bias and gently descends back towards the Amalfi shores. There are sections of steps today (approx. 2000 in total), but there are also plenty of opportunities to rest and go at your own pace. We walk along old mule paths, through wooden bridges and shady paths carpeted with wildflowers in season. We also make a stop by the beautiful moss-clad waterfalls within the closed gates of the Valle delle Ferriere National Park. After a delicious picnic lunch by the falls, we follow the stream gently downhill through lemon groves, past the shells of former paper factories (a major local industry from the 12th to 19th centuries) and Mediaeval ironworks until we reach Amalfi. We will have the option to visit the fascinating paper museum, enjoy some time at leisure or take a refreshing swim in the sea. Overnight at Hotel Centrale Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 3 Morning sightseeing in elegant Ravello and Villa Cimbrone; walk along the Path of Lemons, through lush terraced crops and citrus groves to Minori and Maiori; transfer to Amalfi. This morning we take a short private transfer to hilltop Ravello, one of the most beautiful towns of the Amalfi Coast, and a favourite amongst writers and artists inspired by its beautiful garden and villas. We’ll have time to explore this hugely popular town before today's walk, starting with a visit to the elegant Villa Cimbrone. Set amidst immaculate gardens, the villa’s balconies stand at the edge of the cliffs offering views aptly described by author, André Gide, as 'closer to the sky than the seashore'. Later we continue along the so called ‘Path of Lemons’ to the coastal towns of Minori and Maiori. Leaving from the town's centre, we walk downhill following many sets of stairs (up to 1500), old mule pathways, terraced crops and citrus groves from which we can admire sprawling views of the coastline. At the end of the day we return by private transfer to our hotel in Amalfi. The evening is free and for dinner you can choose one of the many excellent local restaurants, ranging from simple pizzerias to exclusive restaurants with a view. Overnight at Hotel Centrale Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 4 Transfer to Agerola; walk the famous 'Path of the Gods' with superb panoramic views all the way to Positano; free time to sightsee and boat to Amalfi. Today we take one of the world's finest coastal walks. First, we travel by private transfer back to the village of Bomerano. From here we join the famous ‘Sentiero degli Dei’ (Path of the Gods), thus named as it provides some of the most evocative views in the world, of ragged cliffs speckled with tiny villages and extensive views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. The route follows undulating hills covered in lush vegetation and wild flowers in season, and the contours of the land and the coast. The trail is punctuated with insights into local life such as shepherds’ huts and ancient stone houses carved into the limestone, before we descend a long series of steps to the colourful Positano, an almost vertical town clinging to the rock face of a sheltered bay. We enjoy some free time to explore the alleyways lined with wisteria and designer boutiques or have a dip in the clear water of the beachfront before getting on the fast boat back to Amalfi, where we spend our last night before moving on to our next base, Sorrento. Overnight at Hotel Centrale Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 5 Transfer to Sorrento; free time to explore the town or take a day-trip to legendary Pompeii. Today we drive to the beautiful town of Sorrento, our home for the next three nights. Perched on the sheer cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento offers a great choice of restaurants and shops as well as great connections to neighbouring attractions. The rest of the day is at leisure. You may decide to enjoy your day at the beach or in true Italian style, in a café, sipping espresso or Limoncello spritz, watching the world go by. Alternatively, you may opt to travel to the iconic UNESCO site of Pompeii, which you can easily reach by train (30 minutes journey each way). Overnight at Ulisse Deluxe Hostel Sorrento Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Boat to Capri; explore the glamorous town centre and take a spectacular walk to discover the island’s rugged nature, caves and viewpoints; return to Sorrento. In the morning we transfer by boat (approx. 30 minutes) to the idyllic island of Capri, where the intriguing combination of fabled beauty and hedonism has charmed visitors for centuries, from Roman Emperors to contemporary Hollywood stars. We take a chairlift to the town’s centre and start strolling through the pretty lanes of the iconic 'piazzetta', where everyone comes to see and be seen! Later we walk past colourful villas and flowery gardens and reach Grotta di Matromania, a hidden cave tucked into the island's limestone crags and site of ancient pagan worship ceremonies. We also make a stop in Terrazza di Tragara, a spectacular panoramic trail offering postcard views of Capri's iconic Faraglioni and the summit of Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island. Transfers to/from the island are included but joining today’s walk is entirely optional, and you may decide to spend your time in the island independently and enjoy other activities such as boat trips, sightseeing etc. (payable locally). We usually leave Capri at around 4 pm and return to Sorrento before dinner. The evening is free, although your leader will be to hand to recommend a good local restaurant. Overnight at Ulisse Deluxe Hostel Sorrento Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Final circular hike to the tip of the Sorrento Peninsula The final hike of the trip is like a walk back into ancient times. The footpath we will be walking on follows a section of ancient Roman road known as Via Minerva, which is believed to have led worshippers to a Roman Temple, built as early as 200 B.C., to pay homage to the Goddess Minerva. Starting from the village of Termini, the trail swirls through olive trees, crops and gardens, offering stunning views of secluded beaches, inlets and of Capri’s eastern cliffs dramatically rising from the sea. We will eventually get to Punta Campanella, at the very end of the Sorrentine Peninsula where we can see the remains of a 16th century watchtower. Taking a final rewarding challenge, we will climb to Monte San Constanzo, offering jaw-dropping 360° views of the deep blue sea and the whole Leranto Bay. After soaking in the scenery, we walk back to Termini and take a short transfer to a family-run farm, established in 1898. After a warm welcome by our hosts, we enjoy Mama's home cooked lunch! We then take an insightful tour through orchards, vines, hives, lemon groves and other crops, learning of the farm's history and its sustainable production while getting a view into rural living. We return to Sorrento in the afternoon where we can enjoy a celebratory drink in the lively Piazza Tasso before enjoying an optional farewell group dinner – cheers! Overnight at Ulisse Deluxe Hostel Sorrento Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 8 Transfer to Naples, flight to London Out tour ends in the morning of day 8. Depending on the group flight times there may be some free time before transferring to Naples for the inbound flight to London.
Island Hopping in the Bay of Naples 3 reviews Discover the beautiful islands of Ischia, Capri and Procida on foot Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 8 Days from £1,399 Guided (Incl. Flights) View More Details
Italy No visa required for British passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times. For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers
3-star central hotels We spend the first four nights of the trip in the heart of Amalfi. Hotel Centrale overlooks the city's famous Duomo Cathedral and is set just a few metres from the seashore. The en suite rooms are simply decorated but comfortable, some featuring views of Amalfi's central square. Breakfast is served on the roof terrace offering stunning views of Amalfi's historic centre. The last three nights are spent in the central Ulisse Deluxe Hostel, offering spacious, air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom. It is a 10-minute walk from the main square, Piazza Tasso. This hotel also offers special rates at a wellness centre, located in the same building. This spa offers a range of facilities, including indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and beauty treatments. Free Wi-Fi is available at both hotels.
May 21, 2020 Vania’s Guide to Italian Cuisine – 4 Delicious Dishes From a hands on cookery class with local chefs on our Sic
May 20, 2020 Leaders at Home: Italian traditions with Vania De Paoli Home to some of the world’s greatest works of art like the intricate Sistine Chapel frescos and renowned culinary del
April 6, 2020 Our favourite travel books Travel literature, whether it’s the fascinating memoirs of a life-changing trip into the mysterious Himalayan mountai
April 6, 2020 How we bring travel into our homes During these unprecedented times, it’s more important than ever before that we stay in our homes and practice social
Walking the Amalfi Coast 366 reviews Discover the highlights of Italy's Amalfi coast on foot Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 8 Days from £1,199 Guided (Incl. Flights) View More Details
Island Hopping in the Bay of Naples 3 reviews Discover the beautiful islands of Ischia, Capri and Procida on foot Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 8 Days from £1,399 Guided (Incl. Flights) View More Details
Highlights of the Amalfi Coast 78 reviews Discover one of the world's most fascinating and romantic destinations Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 8 Days from £1,299 Guided (Incl. Flights) View More Details