This 7-night guided trip explores the Amalfi Coast, one of the most dramatic coastlines in Europe. Spectacular mountains jut steeply out of the Mediterranean and picturesque towns nestled in the coves below. Walking the ancient hillsides studded with lemon groves and framed by deep gorges, we descend from the Agerola Plain to the quaint towns of Positano, Ravello and of course Amalfi itself.
Amalfi is a town popular with the British since Edwardian times when the upper classes favoured it as a pleasant place to spend their winters. Here, we admire the beautiful regional architecture and spend time exploring, perhaps enjoying a delicious gelato! Our visit to the Bay of Naples is complete with a trip to see the remains of Pompeii under the imposing volcanic cone of Mount Vesuvius. The best is saved till last with arguably the world's best coastal walk: the 'Walk of the Gods'.
Away from the trails we partake in the favourite traditional pastime and sample incredible food and wine just like the Italians do.
We stay in a *** hotel in Bomerano, with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and Lattari Mountains. The hotel's restaurant is well-known for its local and authentic dishes.
The terrain and type of paths vary from man-made paved tracks and tarmac to forest trails. The pace of the walks allows time to rest and enjoy the views, however, the terrain on some of the paths is similar to what you may find on a higher rating walking trip. Whilst most walks are manageable for those with a good level of fitness, the walks involve some steep climbs and descents on slightly loose terrain and some have sections on narrow pathways alongside some sheer drops (not recommended for severe vertigo sufferers). On most days, there are considerable sections of steps (over 1,500), which make the walks unsuitable for those with knee problems.
Optional walks on Mount Vesuvius are on rocky cinder/gravel trails and likely to be loose underfoot, with steep sections and quite large drops in places. Walks usually take between 4 and 6 hours including lunch stops (depending on the pace of your group) and require a good level of fitness. Summer temperatures can make some of the walks more strenuous. If you are concerned about the difficulty of the walks we recommend calling us to discuss the trip in more detail.
Our base for the next week is the Hotel Due Torri, in the village of Bomerano. Enjoy a warm welcome from local hosts, the Acampora family, before settling in for the night. (Dinner)
Start walking towards Amalfi, a town popular with the British since Edwardian times when the upper classes favoured the town as a pleasant place to spend their winters. The route has a downhill bias, following the path down from Bomerano at 700m to the shores of the Mediterranean, accompanied by wonderful coastal views. There are sections of steps today (approx. 2,000 in total), but there are also plenty of opportunities to rest and go at your own pace. On arrival in the town you will see the large Duomo (Cathedral) dominating the town with its brightly-coloured tiled cupola (dome), which along with the baroque facade and interior, is a typical example of regional architecture. Take some time to explore the town, swim in the small bay or enjoy a well-earned gelato before taking the transfer back to Bomerano. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
From the hotel it's a short stroll to the village square (or in the case of Bomerano, a triangle) and the start of today's walk. The circular route provides a good chance to stretch the legs; following a mixture of paths and tracks ascend to the top of Monte Tre Calli to be rewarded with spectacular wide-open views of the jagged coastline and seemingly endless blue sea. The Agerola Plain and the village of Bomerano are laid out below us and on a clear day we can see as far as the famous island of Capri, a haven and idyllic hideaway for many celebrated artists and writers over the past 200 years. After admiring the majestic scenery descend to Bomerano and enjoy some rest time before a hearty dinner. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Transfer to the Bay of Naples, the area spanning between the region's capital city, Naples, and the town famed for its lemon groves, Sorrento. Situated on the lower foothills of the volcano dominating the Gulf, Pompeii was a thriving port town until Vesuvius' catastrophic eruption spanning two days in 79AD during which the city was buried in ash and pumice. Lost for 1,700 years, Pompeii is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, as the perfectly preserved remains give us an amazing insight into life in a Roman city, complete with bathhouses, bakeries and homes - some of which still have walls adorned with detailed frescoes. You may take some time to explore the site this morning, perhaps opting for a detailed tour accompanied by a local guide. After lunch, travel by bus high up onto the slopes of Vesuvius to view the volcanic crater. Depending on weather conditions, it may be possible to take one of the many extended walks around the caldera and beyond, led by an expert volcanologist (optional). (Breakfast and dinner)
Today you will enjoy one of the world's finest day walks. Leaving the hotel it's a short stroll through the quiet village of Bomerano before we join the 'Sentiero degli Dei' (Walk of the Gods), thus named as it provides some of the most evocative views in the world, of ragged cliffs speckled with tiny villages and extensive views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. The route follows undulating hills, carpeted with flowers in season, the contours of the land and the coast. The trail is broken by insights into local life, passing shepherds' huts and ancient stone houses carved into the limestone, before we descend a long series of steps to colourful Positano, an almost vertical town clinging to the rock face of a sheltered bay. Take some time to explore the alleyways lined with wisteria and designer boutiques or have a dip in the clear water of the beachfront before returning to Bomerano by boat and bus (seasonal) in the late afternoon. During the week many meals will include some delicious local smoked mozzarella cheese and before dinner we will have the chance to see how it is made and taste the mouth-wateringly fresh final product. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Relax at the hotel or stroll down to the seafront. The hotel also offers private transfers (payable locally) to the most popular attractions in the region not covered during the rest of the week, including the city of Herculaneum. Also destroyed during the disaster of 79AD, Herculaneum was buried in mud rather than ash and it is said that this lead to the site being even better preserved than the bigger Pompeii. You might instead choose to take a ferry to the chic island of Capri and the funicular through lemon groves up to Capri town. These optional excursions can be arranged locally by your leader. Alternatively, spend your free day by the pool or in true Italian style in a cafe, sipping espresso and watching the world go by! (Breakfast and dinner)
Starting from Amalfi, follow the stream gently upwards through lemon groves, past the shells of former paper factories (a major local industry from the C12 to C19) and mediaeval ironworks into the Valle delle Ferriere National Park. Continue on, crossing wooden bridges and following shady paths carpeted with wild flowers in season, to the beautiful moss-clad waterfalls within the closed gates of the nature reserve. Exodus groups have exclusive access to this beautiful protected area; a real privilege as entrance is restricted to the public. The route then follows the track back before turning up to the quaint village of Pontone. We stop to take in outstanding views of Amalfi and enjoy a picnic lunch in the charming village piazza before proceeding up to Ravello, a town much favoured by the Bloomsbury set and other artists and intellectuals due to its secluded location and inspirational scenery. Take some time to explore at your leisure; perhaps visit Villa Cimbrone with its meticulously landscaped gardens. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Transfer to Naples; fly to airport. (Breakfast only) Please note: it is possible that the order of the itinerary listed above will be changed to ensure the best possible conditions for each activity during the trip. All listed activities and services will be included. Your leader will inform you of any changes locally after assessing conditions.
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347, use our live webchat or email usa@exodustravels.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Please call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or email usa@exodustravels.com to arrange flights and connecting transfers to your hotel.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can continue to develop, and where necessary improve, our services and ensure our holidays continue to be the best they can be. However, as this is a relatively new holiday, we don't yet have any customer reviews available.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday. Find out about The Headwater Price Promise to ensure you're getting the very best value for money.
For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).
To enquire about this holiday, or for further information, call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website. Please contact us for further details.
Minimum group sizes
A minimum of 4 people (in total) are required for each departure.
Children
This holiday is unsuitable for children.
Holiday type
Guided walking Managed by our sister company, Exodus.
Departures
Meals
All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 7 evening meals
Other details
A limited number of Superior Rooms (with facilities including Jacuzzi bath, power shower and fridge) are also available for a supplement, from £190 or equivalent, per room (payable pre-departure).
Tour only
Transfers included from Naples airport at 18:30; and back to Naples airport at 16:00. On some departures the flight times will vary. Therefore, please call for the latest transfer times.
If you choose to book your own flights please check with us first that your chosen departure date is definitely operating as our guided holidays are subject to minimum group sizes.
For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).
To enquire about this holiday, or for further information, call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form.
Due to the tailor-made nature of our holidays, we need a little more information in order for us to check availability for . Simply complete the form below and a member of our sales team will contact you (when it's most convenient for you) to provide availability information, travel options and an accurate price. Of course there's no obligation, but if you do wish to proceed with a booking they will be on-hand to assist you throughout the process.
Alternatively, you can call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 to discuss your requirements in more detail.
We've been creating high-quality relaxed activity holidays since 1985 and our wealth of experience means we're able to build the perfect tailor-made tour for you. Our 'Gold Trusted' rating on Feefo, the independent review site, underlines our exceptional levels of customer service, and our ATOL bonding and ABTA membership guarantees your holiday is safe with us.
