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.
Day 1: Start AgerolaFly to Naples then transfer (optional, extra expense) to our base in the sleepy village of Bomerano; Agerola.
Day 2: Follow mule tracks and steps down to Amalfi; explore the cathedral and townAfter 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.
Day 3: Walk to top of Monte Tre Calli for great wide-open views of the coastlineFrom 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.
Day 4: Free day; optional trip to Pompeii or CapriFor 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!
Day 5: Walk the 'Path of the Gods' down to picturesque PositanoToday 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.
Day 6: Free day; optional walk in the Valle delle Ferriere National ParkYou 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.
Day 7: Circular walk from Amalfi to romantic RavelloRavello 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.
Day 8: End AgerolaTransfer to Naples (own expense); fly to London.
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