Italy: Amalfi Coast Walking
(8 days)

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Day 1: Join tour Naples airport. Transfer to San Lazzaro.

Arriving at Naples Airport we transfer to San Lazzaro (650m) in 1-1.5 hours. The farm is beautifully located only a few metres from the cliffs affording magnificent views of the Bay of Salerno. Overnight Farmstay (H+) Included meals: Dinner

Day 2: A warm-up ridge walk above the Agerola Plain

Walking from the farm, we head up onto a ridge and gently gain a height of 900m. Continuing along the ridge we pass thorough a thick woodland and have views of the Agerola plain and Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples to the north. The walk is horse-shoe shaped and we descend to Bomerano before heading back to San Lazzaro. Approx walking time 5 hours (10 km, 400m ascent, 400m descent). Overnight Farmstay (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Walk to Amalfi along the 'Ancient Republic's Path'

From the farm we head to a path that leads from the cliff-top through steep terraces towards the coast. This is an ancient pathway and for many years was the only way to get from Agerola to Amalfi, before the coastal road was built. There are plenty of places to stop and admire the sea-views as we descend a series of steps and meander through ancient alleyways. We arrive in Amalfi in time for lunch. The stunning harbor town has lots of curio shops, cafes, gelaterias and the impressive Duomo di Sant Andrea (St Andrew's cathedral). The remarkable baroque interior dates back to the 11th century and was built next to the beautifully restored ancient Roman basilica. The afternoon is free to explore the town or swim from the public beach. We head back to San Lazarro by public bus. Approx walking time 2.5 hours (7 km, 650m descent). Overnight Farmstay (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner Swimming is available on this daySwimming available

Day 4: A day-trip to the island of Capri

We take an early bus to Amalfi to catch the boat to Capri. This is a wonderful journey where we can admire the Amalfi Coast from the sea: the spectacular cliffs are dotted with tiny villages and towns. Although Capri is only 7km long and 3 km wide, it has cliffs that rise to almost 600m above the network of winding streets, grand houses and kitchen gardens. Depending on the wishes of the group, we will either head out for a short or longer walk. It is easy to get away from the bustle of the main town and find beautifully located houses with views of the bays. There will be time to explore the main town with its boutiques, cafés and restaurants before heading back by boat to Amalfi. The evening is free for you to eat at a restaurant in Amalfi or in San Lazarro. Approx walking time 3 hours (6-10 km, 400m ascent, 400m descent). Overnight Farmstay (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Walk to Pogerola via the Ferriere National Park

Walking behind the farmhouse we take a limestone stairway above the town leading to the coastal edge. There are great views towards Salerno and of the villages and towns below. Contouring round, we pass pretty woodlands and small valleys before crossing into the Vallone di Ferriere. Surrounded by high limestone cliffs, the valley extends 4km inland from the sea and, owing to its proximity to the sea and enclosed cliffs, has a unique micro-climate giving rise to plants not normally found here. We continue to Pogerola and then on to Amalfi where we catch the bus back to San Lazzaro. Approx walking time 5 hours (10 km, 200m ascent, 850m descent). Overnight Farmstay (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming is available on this daySwimming available

Day 6: A free day to visit Pompeii and Vesuvius

Today is a scheduled free day where you can relax close to the farmhouse or take a trip to see Pompeii. Devastated by a volcanic eruption in AD79, Pompeii has become a museum-piece of life in a Roman city with much of the town preserved in the volcanic ash. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site it has perfectly-preserved paved streets, buildings and frescoes. Looming above the ancient town is Mount Vesuvius – which last erupted in 1944. You can take a trip with a guide towards the crater. Please note that the trip to Pompeii is optional and organised locally when you are on the holiday: you pay for it when you are there and you do not need to book it in advance. Another option for today is to pay a visit to the town of Ravello, a tranquil spot located high on a rocky promontory overlooking the azure waters off the coast. A glorious mix of Moorish flair and aristocratic excess, the town's captivating charms have attracted artists and writers to its enchanting streets for generations. Overnight Farmstay (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 7: The 'Walk of the Gods' to Positano; scenic boat ride to Amalfi

Often the highlight of the trip, the Walk of the Gods is justifiably regarded as one of the greatest coastal walks in the world. The high cliff path contours west with magnificent views of the whole Bay of Salerno and to Capri. The trail passes under huge limestone cliffs and above stone farmhouses, old and new, until Nocelle – a tiny village with a small piazza. From here it is a big descent down an ancient stairway alongside flower gardens to Positano. A poor fishing village until the 1950's, Positano has grown into a chic town that is still a favourite with Hollywood stars: there is a maze of boutiques, cafés, art galleries and, of course, the beach. There is plenty of time to enjoy the town before we complete our Amalfi coast exploration with a short but scenic boat ride, along the magnificent coast before catching the public bus back to the farm for our final evening. Approx walking time 5 hours (8 km, 650m descent). Overnight Farmstay (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming is available on this daySwimming available

Day 8: Tour ends Naples Airport

Transferring back to Naples this morning, the tour ends back where we started, at the city's international airport. Included meals: Breakfast