Current as of: April 19, 2024 - 18:48

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Paths of the Amalfi Coast Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
  • Destination: Italy
  • Programmes: Walking & Trekking
  • Activity Level:

    2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

  • 8 Days: Flight Inclusive
  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 12+
  • Trip Code: W07BO

Trip Overview

Walk some of Italy’s most beautiful footpaths.

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most dramatic and beautiful coastlines in Europe. Mountains rise steeply out of the Mediterranean far below and picturesque towns nestle neatly in isolated coves. This self-guided walking holiday sees you descend from your quiet base in Agerola, following mule tracks and old paths through hillside villages, lemon groves and beautiful deep gorges to towns with narrow streets, whitewashed buildings and fascinating churches, monasteries and cathedrals. Away from the trails there is plenty of time to partake in the traditional Amalfi pastimes of sampling incredible food and wine, as well as enjoying the Mediterranean climate.

A highlight of this Amalfi Coast tour is one of the world’s greatest walks, trekking on the ‘Path of the Gods’. A visit to the Bay of Naples would not be complete without seeing the incredible Roman remains of Pompeii beneath the volcanic cone of Vesuvius.

At a Glance

  • 7 nights family-run hotel with swimming pool
  • 5 days optional centre-based walking
  • Low altitude throughout

Highlights

  • Fantastic walks including the 'Walk of the Gods', one of the world's finest daywalks
  • Visit the stunning coastal towns of Amalfi, Ravello & Positano
  • Explore Pompeii, the world's most visited archaeological site
  • Sample delicious Italian cuisine in family-run hotel with small outdoor swimming pool

Is This Trip for You?

5 days optional centre-based walking with low altitude throughout. All walks take between 4 and 6 hours including lunch stops and require a reasonable level of fitness. This is a self-guided tour, so you can walk at your own pace (we recommend taking plenty of time to rest and enjoy the views!). On some of the walks the terrain encountered is similar to the one you would find on a moderate walking trip, hence the Leisurely/Moderate grade. The terrain and type of path will vary from man made paved tracks, tarmac to forest trails. On a couple of days, there are considerable sections of steps (some of which can be avoided by taking the bus). We try to give as much information as possible in the route notes but we always recommend you consult the weather forecast and speak to a member of the local staff before attempting any of the more rocky walks.

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. This tour based at the same hotel for the week and is managed locally by the hotelier who will be on hand to assist you and highlight particular places of interest. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number. In an emergency, the hotel is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Adult min age: 12

Itinerary

Map LTB

Land Only

  • Start City: Agerola
  • End City: Agerola

Flight Inclusive

  • Start City: London
  • End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Agerola

Fly to Naples then transfer (optional, extra expense) to our base in the sleepy village of Bomerano; Agerola.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2
Follow mule tracks and steps down to Amalfi; explore the cathedral and town

After breakfast, start your walk to Amalfi and the glorious coast. Today has a downhill bias as you follow the path down from Bomerano at 700m to the shores of the Mediterranean and the town of Amalfi. Wonderful views of the Amalfi Coast accompany you as you follow the trail. There are sections of steps today (approx. 2000 in total).

Amalfi itself has been popular with the British since Edwardian times when the upper classes favoured the town as a pleasant place to spend their winters. The large Duomo (Cathedral) dominates the town with its bright coloured tiles so typical of the region. You will arrive in time to explore the town, take a swim or enjoy a well-earned ice cream before returning to Bomerano by bus.

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Ascent: 164ft (50m); Descent: 2,297ft (700m); Activity hours: 4

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3
Walk to top of Monte Tre Calli for great wide-open views of the coastline

From the front door of the hotel it’s a short stroll to the village square (or in the case of Bomerano, a triangle) and the start of your walk. Following a mixture of paths and tracks you ascend to the top of Monte Tre Calli, where you are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the coastline and the sea. The Agerola Plain and the village of Bomerano is laid out below you and looking west on a clear day you can see the famous island of Capri at the westernmost tip of the Sorrento Peninsula.

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Ascent: 1,542ft (470m); Descent: 1,542ft (470m); Activity hours: 4.5

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4
Free day; optional trip to Pompeii or Capri

For your first free day you may choose to visit the amazing city of Pompeii which, during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius spanning two days in AD 79, was completely buried in ash and pumice. Lost for 1700 years, Pompeii’s perfectly preserved remains give us an amazing insight into the life of a Roman city. You may also wish to add on a trip to Mount Vesuvius and walk up to the volcano crater. Depending on the weather conditions, you may choose to be led by a specialist Volcano guide through one of the many incredible walks around the crater of Vesuvius. Private transfers to these sites are bookable locally. On occasion, travellers may (by prior arrangement and for a fee of €35 per person, entrance fees to the sites excluded) be able to join the Walking The Amalfi Coast (TDA) group tour transfers, however this is on request and subject to availability. Please speak to the hotelier after your first briefing if you wish to join the group transfers to/from Pompeii and Vesuvius. Alternatively you could enjoy a boat ride along the coast from Amalfi (available from Easter to October), visit the majestic island of Capri, or spend the day relaxing by the hotel pool!

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5
Walk the 'Path of the Gods' down to picturesque Positano

Today you may enjoy one of the world’s finest day walks. Leaving from your front door step it’s a short stroll through the quiet village of Bomerano before beginning the Walk of the Gods. The route follows the contours of the land for the majority of the day with amazing views of the Amalfi Coastline far below. In season the hillside is carpeted with flowers and the coastal waters teem with cruisers and pleasure boats. Your destination today is Positano, an almost vertical town of colourful buildings reached by a network of ancient paths and tracks. On the way there is plenty of time to admire one of the most beautiful views of the Amalfi Coast before descending a long series of steps into Positano. You will have time to explore before returning in the late afternoon; you may even choose to take a boat trip back to Amalfi.

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Ascent: 328ft (100m); Descent: 1,640ft (500m); Activity hours: 4.5

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6
Free day; optional walk in the Valle delle Ferriere National Park

You have a choice today; relax by the pool or take one of the excursions mentioned in the routebook, alternatively you can enjoy a more difficult walk to the Valle delle Ferriere National Park. This walk is steep and rocky and must only be done in (and after) good weather as the ground can become slippy. After a short climb up a set of steps passing farmhouses and terraced vegetable patches, you will reach a hillside of extensive chestnut groves, where you will be rewarded with beautiful views across the valley and down to the distant coastline. Following the hillside through the groves, make the most of the shady trails before emerging at a rocky viewpoint. You then descend along a rocky path (steep in parts) and walk through woodland where you may see wild flowers and herbs growing.

Over a river, and through the National Park boundary fence, discover a lush enclave within a gorge harbouring a beautiful moss-clad waterfall. From here the path to Amalfi is well marked and of a gentle gradient. Shells of former paper factories give way to colourful terraces of vegetables and lemon trees nestled beside quaint houses. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore Amalfi, take a boat trip to the nearby Grotta Smeralda, or enjoy a refreshing gelato.

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Ascent: 722ft (220m); Descent: 2,854ft (870m); Activity hours: 5

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7
Circular walk from Amalfi to romantic Ravello

Ravello is home to the most classic views of the Amalfi coast. You will take the bus down to Amalfi where your walk begins. Passing through the village of Atrani, you will make your way up through the cobbled streets and alleyways before arriving at Ravello; a beautiful town that became a retreat for countless stars of the silver-screen. You may like to take the opportunity to visit the gardens of Villa Cimbrone and see the magnificent Duomo or stop for lunch in a café before heading back to Amalfi via the high route, passing some incredible views and the historic Torre dello Ziro on the way.

Distance covered: 5mi (8km)

Ascent: 1,312ft (400m); Descent: 1,312ft (400m); Activity hours: 4.5

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8
End Agerola

Transfer to Naples (own expense); fly to London.

Meals included: Breakfast

Ascents, descents and distances

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Accommodation

Hotel Due Torri, a family-run three-star albergo in Bomerano

Paths of the Amalfi Coast

We spend seven nights at Hotel Due Torri, a mid-sized hotel run by the welcoming Acampora family, who turn out authentic Campanian dishes in the restaurant and put on a show with their fun pizza-making demonstrations.

It sits in Bomerano, a peaceful village that forms part of the Agerola municipality, up in the hills and away from the often-bustling Amalfi Coast.

Being higher up, the hotel benefits from cooler nights, although beaches are not too far away. There is a small heated outdoor pool (usually open from mid-April to mid-October) and energy is generated by a solar panel system.

The 41 rooms vary in style and size and are spread across two main buildings and two cosy apartments a short walk from the main hotel. A limited number of superior rooms, which include a hot tub, power shower and fridge, are also available for a supplement payable before departure. Please ask your sales representative for further information.

Amenities

  • Hydromassage pool for refreshing post-hike dips
  • Buzzy restaurant serving local dishes
  • Limited number of superior rooms available with hot tub

Worth knowing

  • Pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements; cooler months may not be suitable for swimming
  • When the hotel is full, you might still be able to join the trip on your preferred date by staying at an alternative accommodation just a short walk from the main hotel. You will be provided with full details upon booking and have full access to all the Due Torri facilities, including the pool and restaurant.
  • A kettle is available in the rooms. Please request tea/coffee bags at reception

Single supplement from £ 198

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, 4 packed lunches and all dinners are included. Breakfast: continental-style with a choice of cereal, bread, pastries, yoghurt, orange juice and milk with an array of teas/coffee. Lunch: usually a sandwich filled with a choice of cold meats, tuna or locally made cheeses. Dinner: all evening meals are taken in the hotel, where the standard is excellent, and are typically Italian. Meals usually consist of four courses, commencing with antipasti, followed by soup and/or pasta, a main meat dish with salad or vegetables and dessert. Vegetarian choices are always available. You may even be given the opportunity to learn how to make the famous Neapolitan pizza. (Drinks not included).

Transport

Transfers to and from the airport (optional, extra expense) will be in a private vehicle (normally a mini-coach). On other days, public buses will be used. You will also have the option of a boat trip, depending on seasonality. Please be aware that in high season (summer time) public buses in Amalfi can be very busy, therefore we advise arriving at the bus stop at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. For more information please consult the route notes for this trip (provided approx. 4 weeks before departure).

Weather & Seasonality

Southern Italy, in common with a lot of the Mediterranean, possesses a hot, dry climate in summer and cooler but slightly damper spring and autumn periods. At coastal levels winters are mild and damp. Rainfall is most expected in winter months with an average of one day in three affected. Unseasonable cold spells are possible at any time of year, during which time you will need warm clothes, especially in Bomerano where evening temperatures can be lower than expected. It is very important to be equipped for cooler weather in early spring, late autumn and winter.

Weather Charts

Paths of the Amalfi Coast

Joining Instructions

Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Agerola and ending in Agerola

Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Agerola on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start hotel are given in the Final Joining Instructions. 

Full joining instructions including route notes, hotel list  and local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.  Please note maps will be provided upon arrival at your start hotel.

Flights from the UK
We do not offer any package flights on this trip. There are several carriers who fly to Naples from various UK locations.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Agerola
Location end: Agerola

Regional Flights

The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please ask about flights from local or regional airports.

If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check-in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1.5 hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays.

Transfer Details

Airport transfers are not included on this trip.

As this is a land-only tour, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense. Private transfers can be arranged through Exodus. On occasion, travellers may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the Walking The Amalfi Coast (TDA) group tour transfers, however this is on request and subject to availability. These transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight – please check the group tour flight details 2 weeks before departure.

It is possible to reach the start hotel using the public bus or train network but unfortunately the connections to Bomerano (Agerola) are very limited and services not always reliable. The cost of a taxi is likely to be about £150 (approx. US$240) should you decide to make your way independently. Alternatively you can contact the Exodus Customer Operations team prior departure to arrange a private pick-up transfer on arrival. This costs between £80-120 depending on number of people sharing the vehicle and it is payable to Exodus prior departure.

 Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Small rucksack (for water bottle, camera etc)

Lightweight waterproof jacket and wind stopper

2-3 season walking boots with good grip on the soles for the Vesuvius walk, the Walk of the Gods and the Monte Tre Calli walk. Trail shoes or trainers are suitable for the remaining walks

Long walking trousers as some paths may be overgrown

A warm jumper or fleece

Sun hat and other sun protection equipment

Warm hat and gloves for winter departures

Optional Equipment

Walking poles are strongly recommended

A small umbrella in case of unexpected showers

Swimming costume and towel for swimming pool at the hotel

Practical Information

Visa

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

For assistance with obtaining visas please call Travcour on 020 8543 1846 or visit their website: http://www.travcour.com/page/tour-packs/exodus.php

Vaccinations and Health

Italy

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

There are no specific health risks on this trip.

Local Time

Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +02:00)

Electricity

Italy's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), F (two round pins), and L (three round pins in a row) – 230V, 50Hz

Paths of the Amalfi Coast

Money

Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)

ATM Availability

The nearest ATM and Bank to our accommodation is in Amalfi. Credit cards are accepted in most shops; cash is generally easier.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

For lunches, you should budget €10-20, depending on whether you choose a set menu in a café or restaurant. Approximately €20-30 should be enough for an evening meal including drinks.

Optional activities payable locally:

Mt Vesuvio entrance fee: €10

Optional trek around Mt Vesuvio accompanied by local guide/volcanologist €11 per person 

Pompeii entrance fee: €13

Local guide at Pompeii: €10 per person

Return transfers to Pompeii and Vesuvius with TDA group: €35 per person (subject to availability)

Private return transfers to Pompeii and Vesuvius: €40- €80 per person, depending on group size

Return boat to Capri: €38 slow boat, €44 hydrofoil (seasonal and depending on weather/sea conditions)

Capri cable car: €10 return

Herculaneum: entrance fee to archaeological site €11; Audio-tour €6.50; local guide €10 per person

Ravello: Villa Cimbrone entrance fee €7

Amalfi: entrance fee to the Cathedral €3

LOCAL TAXES: many Italian cities have recently introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration is in charge of the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually between €1.00 and €2.00 per person per night. For this trip, please allow between €10 and €15, depending on the season, for the week. Children and people aged 75 or over are exempt from this tax.

Tipping

Tipping is expected but not compulsory. Most local guides rely on tipping as part of their wages, so we recommend a minimum of €10 per group for guides at Mt Vesuvius and Pompeii. Private bus drivers also expect a small tip, (€1-2 each). It is also possible to leave a tip for local hotel staff.

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here… 

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.