Walking the Amalfi Coast

Typical holiday itinerary

Walking information

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.

Day 1: Arrive in Agerola

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)

Day 2: Follow mule tracks and steps down to Amalfi 9km/5mi/5hr

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)

Day 3: Monte Tre Calli 10km/6mi/4.5hr

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)

Day 4: Bay of Naples; Pompeii and take an optional walk up the vast crater of Mt Vesuvius

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)

Day 5: 'Walk of the Gods'; Return by boat to Amalfi 10km/6mi/6hr

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)

Day 6: Free day

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)

Day 7: Valle delle Ferriere natural reserve to Pontone and Ravello 8km/4mi/4hr

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)

Day 8: Leave Agerola

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.