Walk ancient paths and dramatic seascapes.
Amalfi is a combination of interesting historic sites, charming tourist destinations, celebrated flavors of Italian cooking and fascinating rural traditions characterize our walking experience in Italy.
Our walking/hiking tour of the Amalfi Coast begins in Cava de’ Tirreni, a town with a thousand years of history, nestled in a hilly landscape overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and known as the “green gate of the Amalfi Coast.” It is surprisingly unknown as a tourist destination and upon your arrival you will be completely absorbed by the Italian lifestyle. Enjoy the attractive boulevard along the ancient porticos with its bustling bars; it is perfect to sit for a drink and watch the world pass by. The location of this town, with its impressive Benedictine Monastery, is the perfect starting point for our adventure and an easy access to the coastal walks.
The Amalfi Coast has been chosen by National Geographic as “One of the fifty places you should visit in your lifetime” and they go on to describe it as “Italy’s most scenic stretch of coastline”. Its picturesque network of pathways, once a lifeline between terraced land and rural villages, offers the opportunity to enjoy magnificent views above lemon groves and vineyards set amidst terraced cliffs over the crystal blue sea. Immerse in a bright landscape and a fascinating heritage as we walk around Amalfi and its neighbors: Positano, Atrani and Ravello, a mixture of memorable sights and unique environments.
We then arrive in the Sorrento Peninsula, where we stay in an historical accommodation located over a cliff-edged promontory overlooking the bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius. This delightful location, embedded in an interesting rural surrounding, is our ideal base to explore Sorrento and the island of Capri or Pompeii. Enjoy a peaceful rural experience with wonderful panoramas and delightful food in this prestigious family-run country house, which has hosted prominent personalities of Italian history and Nobel prizes.
- Cost
- € 1780 – € 2170 ($) see PRICING details below
- Duration
- 8 days/7 nights
- Start/End
- Cava De’ Tirreni/Sorrento
- 2012 Start Dates
- May 22, May 29, June 8, September 11, September 25, October 16
Highlights of the Amalfi Coast walking tour
- Spend a week immersed in an area of incredible natural beauty
- Visit the fascinating town of Cava de’ Tirreni, with its unique architecture
- Explore Vietri sul Mare famous for its ceramic art
- Encounter Amalfi, a pleasant village set in one of Europe’s most stunning coastlines
- Walk along the ancient stairways and cliffside paths, including the “Path of the Gods,” that take you through sleepy hamlets
- Enjoy the island of Capri: a magical place that was once the chosen resort of Roman emperors
- Explore the charming town of Ravello
- Discover the scenic village of Positano
- Enjoy the delicious cuisine and wines of the region
Day 1 – Welcome to the green gate of the Amalfi Coast!
Arrival on your own to Cava de’ Tirreni. Explore the captivating historical center, enjoying the pleasure of the Italian dolce vita. Discover the distinctive arched arcades of the Borgo Scacciaventi and experience what the atmosphere must have been like in the 15th century. At 6:00 p.m., we meet our tour leader in the hotel for a welcome meeting and we will review what lies ahead. This evening we enjoy a welcome group dinner in the Hotel.
Day 2 – Cava de’ Tirreni – Vietri sul Mare (2,5 hours)
We start our day visiting the attractive Benedictine Abbey of the Holy Trinity. Experience the intangible atmosphere of a glorious past while visiting the true symbol of the religious and cultural prestige of Cava de’ Tirreni. After a pleasant and peaceful guided visit of the Abbey’s treasures, directly from the church square, we start a lovely walk along chestnut woods. Strolling along the pathways we experience an amazing view of the Amalfi Coast, with its tiny villages located on the hillsides and stunning coastline views of the Bay of Salerno. Descending stairs lined with sheer stone walls and pastel homes, we pass villages of the Divine Coast before arriving at our goal. The decorated village of Vietri sul Mare is the home of the hand painted ceramic art. There is time to leisurely explore at this colorful town, with the option to visit local workshops where we can see the hands of a craftsman create exclusive works of art.
A short and panoramic train journey takes us back to Cava de’ Tirreni.
Day 3 – From Cava de’ Tirreni to Amalfi (4 hours)
We begin our walk through a path placed in a green valley with chestnut and oak trees. This rewarding hike leads to the coast through a shadowed mule-path once used by pilgrims and traders to reach the coast. We enjoy the superb coastal scenery starting with our descent to the fishermen’s village of Cetara. The pleasing village is settled in a valley and its landscape is characterized by the Tower, built to prevent the Saracen attacks during the 16th century. Cetara is bound to tradition and fishing. It is famous for its cuisine based on lemons, tuna and anchovies, products exported all over the world. From here we continue toward the renowned town Amalfi, once an important maritime republic. Here we take our time to explore and enjoy the panoramic view from the terrace of our hotel.
Day 4 – The valley of the mills (4,5 hours)
Today we enjoy an easy gradual ascent along the valley of the ancient mills towards the celebrated village of Ravello. Starting from our hotel, we pass the vibrant streets of the historical center before going into a green area, walking along a river and passing the ruins of several abandoned mills.
The pathway climbs out of the valley and softly takes us, through lemon groves and narrow alleys surrounded by dry stone walls, into the hilltop village of Pontone, with its panoramic tiny square: a perfect spot for a picnic lunch. Before reaching Ravello, we enjoy some dramatic views of Amalfi and Atrani from the ruins of Torre dello Zirro: an ancient lookout tower of the powerful Maritime Amalfi Republic. Stairs bring us to the well-known Ravello, a town of a rich and noble traditions, exemplified in the magnificent historical villas with their incomparable gardens. The afternoon is free to explore the town. We strongly recommend you visit the Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo. We return to Amalfi by public bus, or following ancient stairways down to the admirable village of Atrani, a maze of narrow white washed alleys.
Day 5 – The path of the Gods (4.5 hours)
Today’s journey is along one of the most spectacular trails overlooking the Amalfi Coast, as well as one of the main highlights of our adventure. By public bus we climb up the zigzag coastal road enjoying impressive views on the land terraces built over centuries and preserved by local communities. Our walk begins in Bomerano and offers terrific coastline landscapes looking out towards the famous Isle of Capri and Sorrento Peninsula. (or with the famous cliffs of Capri marking lands end). Along the pathway we can admire the full splendor of the Divine Coast. Arrived at Nocelle, a tiny mountain village, we descend through lush terraces and olive groves to the vertical charming resort of Positano. There is time to explore the labyrinth of alleyways surrounded by scarlet bougainvillea and elegant boutiques, before taking our bus to our next destination. We leave the Divine Coast and we experience the glamour and enchantment of the Sirens’ Land indulging ourselves with a glass of wine while enjoying the sensational landscapes overlooking the Sorrento Peninsula and Vesuvius.
Day 6 – Sorrento (1,5 hours)
Today we discover the secrets and the spirit of a manor house with a glorious past. Following the footsteps of its history, we re-live the atmosphere of a place that has been a monastic complex, a royal site, a silk factory and a noble estate. We experience a captivating stay amidst paintings, ancient books and a 17th century wine and olive oil cellar with original barrels and jars. We visit the vineyard, the orchards and the olive groves of its farm. We will take a break on a panoramic terrace enjoying tasteful food and delicious house-produced wine. There is then time to stroll in the hilly countryside around the property and take a local train to Sorrento. Here we visit the historical center enjoying a captivating atmosphere famous all over the world for its unique sceneries and gastronomic traditions. This evening we are free to dine on our own in Sorrento, before taking our private bus back to our country house.
Day 7 – Isle of Capri (3.5 hours)
Free day. Assisted by the tour leader it is possible to choose to take the local train to Pompeii, visiting the world’s most captivating Roman excavation (a full visit takes at least half a day) or, go by boat to Capri, the island, which has been famous since Roman times when Emperor Tiberius chose to live there to enjoy its gorgeous nature and pleasant climate. Transportation is available to Sorrento and Pompeii or to enjoy a memorable visit to the celebrated Isle of Capri with our tour leader.
We gather to celebrate our Italian week together with a farewell dinner at our excellent farmhouse.
Day 8 – Departure Day
Our trip ends after breakfast with a group transfer to Sorrento where you can easily catch trains for the rest of Italy assisted by our tour leader. Ciao!
Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.
Click on any photo to enlarge it.
Siciclando carefully chooses every aspect of a tour, including the accommodations. Our choices are based on comfort and quality. We often choose hotels that are family-owned and operated because they provide a richer experience and because it is important to us to support the efforts of these individuals. We have developed relationships with many wonderful hotel operators. Here is a sample of the hotels on this tour.
Tour accommodations will be based on availability and the time of year. Once you have made your final payment for the tour, we will send you a confirmation letter that includes daily accommodations and contact information.
- Level of difficulty: Moderate
- This moderate self guided trip is suitable for regular hillwalkers who are in good general physical condition. The length of each day varies from three to a maximum of six hours walking.Grading is a somewhat difficult topic as much depends on the individuals own perception of his or her abilities. A good general level of fitness is necessary to get the most out of your trip.The walking is varied and interesting: there are lots of ascents and descents on stepped trails and some people will find this tiring in warm weather
- Travel notes
- The reference airport for the tour is Naples, which has an international airport which has flights arriving from throughout Italy. There are a number of low cost airlines flying into Naples including EasyJet, Air One, Air Berlin, Air Italy.
- Group tour price
-
- 4-5 people € 2170 per person
- 6-7 people € 1930 per person
- 8+ people € 1780 per person
- Additional options and fees
-
- High season surcharge – € 120 (effective July 1 – September 30 and December 18 – January 10)
- Private room – € 480
- Transfer rates per person (2 person minimum)
- Sorrento to Napoli € 120 (3 person maximum)
- Napoli airport to Cava dei Tirreni € 130 (3 person maximum)
- Included
-
- One English-speaking trip leader
- 2 Nights in Hotel**** in Cava de Tirreni, 2 Nights in Hotel***in Amalfi & 3 nights Historical Country accommodation in Sorrento Peninsula, all rooms with en suite bathroom
- Seven breakfasts
- 3 dinners, 4 picnic lunches & 1 light lunch
- Baggage transportation on day 3 and day 5
- Transfers from the accommodation to Sorrento on day 6 & 7
- Transfer from the accommodation to Sorrento train station on day 8
- Not included
-
- Admission to museums and archaeological sites
- Tickets for trains or any public transportation
- Wine or beverages
- Airfare
- Personal expenses (laundry, personal supplies, phone calls, etc.)
- Gratuity
- Self-guided option
- This tour is not available as a self-guided option.
- Tour code
- AW
