Amalfi – The Amalfi Coast and Hills

Italy

Holiday overview

Destination

Italy


Type

Self Guided, Tailor Made


Difficulty

Moderate


Month

Mar - Oct


Price

£ 660 pp


Duration

7 nights


This holiday concentrates on the area around the towns of Amalfi and Positano, staying in small hotels and B and Bs. Seven nights with six days walking will take you to Ravello, Amalfi, Positano, Bomerano and Praiano, staying in three different centres.

A self-guided walking holiday along one of the most spectacular coastlines in Europe. Wonderful views throughout, and fabulous scenery. This holiday concentrates on the area around the towns of Amalfi and Positano, staying in small hotels and B and Bs. Seven nights with six days walking will take you to Ravello, Amalfi, Positano, Bomerano and Praiano, staying in three different centres. This is a very good value holiday in an expensive part of Italy. Optional extension to Capri.

 

Price:

£660 March, April & October. Single supplement £345

£745 May, June, July & September. Single supplement £360

£770 August. Single supplement £390

 

Extension to Capri:

2 nights Hotel*** www.senaria.it
2 luggage transfers from/to the harbour in Capri (Hotel in Capri)

£190 per person,

£230 per person (June – September)

 

Included:

  • 2 nights in Agriturismo in Agerola  – BB
  • 3 nights in Hotel in Amalfi *** – BB
  • 2 nights Hotel in Praiano ***  – BB
  • 1 Luggage Transfer from Agerola to Amalfi (day 3)
  • 1 Luggage Transfer from Amalfi to Praiano (day 6)
  • Extensive route notes, with description of the route & tourist information
  • Maps at 1 : 25.000 scale
  • local assistance if required

 

Not Included:

  • Getting to/from start/finish points
  • Dinners/lunches
  • Drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Anything not specifically mentioned in the programme
  • Transfers between harbour and hotel on Capri

 

Departures:

15 March to end of October  on date of your choice subject to accommodation availability.  November – please ask.

Day 1:  Arrival

Make your way to Agerola, beautifully located above the Amalfi coast, overlooking the Bay of Salerno, where you will stay in a comfortable agriturismo. Overnight Agerola

 

Day 2:

Today’s walk brings you towards the highest peaks of the Amalfi Coast, with fabulous views. Pass through vineyards and chestnut woods, climbing for an hour to reach the ridge of the Monte Tre Calli, from where there are 360 degree views. Along the ridge walk on to a natural rock formation known as the ‘mushroom’, from where you have a choice – continue the climb to the Monte Sant’Angelo, or opt for a relaxed picnic lunch. Descend towards the little chapel of the ‘Virgin of the Silence’, and finally an easy path back to Bomerano.11.5 kms. Approx 5 hours walking. Height gain/loss: 500m. Overnight Agerola.

 

Day 3:

From Bomerano walk down to the Praia Valley,a wonderful landscape of sheer mountain cliffs and terraced vineyards. Reach a grotto with medieval frescoes then descend to the fjord Furore,with its towering limestone cliffs. From the village of San Lazzaro enjoy one of the finest panoramas in the area. Arrive at Vettica fromwhere you have the option to continue on foot to Amalfi or walk to thecoast and make a short transfer to Amalfi by local boat. 10 to 13 kms.5 to 6 hours. (3-4.5 hours walking). Overnight Amalfi.

 

Day 4:

First take a local bus to historic Ravello, much loved by artists and writers. There are also tremendous views over the coastline. Stroll through the village, before walking down to the coast to Amalfi, passing through vineyards and lemon groves, and through Atrani, one of the best preserved villages on the coast. The last short stretch to Amalfi is very scenic and has beautiful viewpoints over the city centre. As the walk is comparatively short you still have sometime to wander around Amalfi or take your time for a swim. Hotel – Amalfi. Distance: 8 km. Approx. 2,5 h. walking

 

Day 5:

From Amalfi walk up to the village of Pontone, where you visit the medieval defence system of the Amalfi Maritime Republic, located on a narrow ridge. Then walk into the Valle delle Ferriere, one of southern Italy’s most beautiful nature reserves, with some spectacular scenery; walk over comfortable footpaths underneath towering cliffs to the accompaniment of springs and waterfalls. Gradually descend through the ‘Valle dei Mulini’,  thevalley of the water mills, an almost fairy tale like landscape with its ruins of Europe’s most ancient paper factories, dating back to the 11th century. From here a beautiful medieval mule track brings you down to Amalfi, amidst lemon groves andmaquis. Hotel – Amalfi. Distance: 9-10 km. Approx. 4-5 h. walking

 

Day 6:

From Amalfi take a local bus to the monastery of Santa Rosa, a very scenic drive saving you a 300 m. climb. (although it is of course possible to walk, partly along the ‘Maestra dei Villaggi’,if you prefer). From here reach Conca dei Marini, from where you’ll have wonderful views both over Amalfi and towards the western tip of the peninsula. The route descends to the coast again, and follows it via some charming churches beautifully located above the rocky shore. Now descend into the lower part of the fjord of Furore, and from here walk into the Valley of Praia, and to the coastal town Praiano. Hotel – Praiano. Distance: 10 (13) km. Approx. 5.5 h. walking

 

Day 7:

You start your walk among the picturesque white-washed alleys of Praiano. Then, walk uphill along a medieval pilgrims’ route to the monastery of San Domenico, set in stupendous scenery, dominatingthe coast from its hilltop. Continue the climb, through scenery with bizarre rock formations and luxurious vegetation. Shortly you then reach one of Italy’s most famous footpaths, the‘Sentiero degli Dei’ or‘Footpath of the Gods’,to reach the hamlet of Nocelle. Pass another spectacular valley to arrive in the little village of Montepertuso and so to Positano itself, one of the most charming towns along the coast. Return by local bus to Praiano. Hotel – Praino

Distance: 9 km. Approx. 4,5 h. walking

 

Day 8:  Departure

Departure after breakfast  An extra night in a hotel can be booked upon request.

Options for extra days: Extra days can be booked in any of the accommodations ‘en route’ and extra walking or sightseeing options will be provided

 

Possible extension in Capri: There is a direct boat from Positano to Capri.

 

2 nights Hotel*** in Capri £190 per person,

£230 per person (June – September)

 

Capri – BB – www.senaria.it
2 luggage transfers from/to the harbour in Capri (Hotel in Capri)

 

Day 8:

Travel by boat to the celebrated island of Capri, loved by Roman emperors and by visitors ever since. Of course you not only see the famous highlights, but also make a beautiful circular walk, passing the ruins of the most impressive Roman villa, the untouched coastline and many grottos. This walk can be extended or shortened in many ways, according to your wish to dedicate time to walking, relaxing or shopping. In the evening there are many restaurants to choose from.Hotel *** – Capri.Distance: 8 km. Approx. 4 h. walking

Day 9:

Today is dedicated to the less famous side of the island of Capri, the more rural and mountainous Anacapri. By chair lift (‘funicolare’)travel up to the highest mountain of the island, the Mount Solaro, from where you can enjoy marvellous views over the island, the Bay ofNaples, the Bay of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast. Descending along the ridge walk down to the lighthouse at the western tip of the island. The walk then continues along the coast, passing along a series offortresses, partly built by English troops to defend the island from the fleet of Napoleon. The walk ends at the Blue Grotto’ (the‘Grotta Azzurra’), from where you travel back by bus to your hotel. Hotel *** – Capri Distance: 8 km. Approx. 4 h. walking

Day 10:

After breakfast you return by boat to Naples and by shuttle bus to the airport. An extra night in a hotel can be booked upon request.

Hotel

Agriturismo Nonna Martina – Agerola

Hotel Centrale *** Amalfi

Hotel Pellegrino *** Praiano

 

Arrival

Nearest airport Naples:  From the airport take shuttle bus to Sorrento and get off the bus at Castellamare.

From Naples station there is a train service to Castellamare.  An inexpensive  local transfer can be booked from here (paid locally) or continue by local bus.

A private transfer can be arranged on request.

 

Departure

Return by boat or bus to Sorrento and then train to Naples (or if going to the airport shuttle bus direct from Sorrento to Naples Airport.