Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
15.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
This ever-popular self-guided walking holiday explores the Sorrentine peninsula below the gracious crescent of the Bay of Naples. Travelling at your own pace, you'll combine the elegance of eternal favourites like Ravello, Positano and Sorrento with discoveries most travellers never make such as farmers harvesting olives, fishermen crouched over brightly painted boats mending their nets and the bird's eye view of the entire peninsula from the Path of the Gods above Positano.
From Ravello, whose exotic formal gardens at Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone seem to float ethereally between sea and sky, your route takes you first to Positano's chic pastel houses and enticing pebble beach. It's then on to Marina del Cantone, and the hidden shingle coves few visitors ever find. Finally you reach cliff-top Sorrento. With balcony views over Vesuvius, it's a great base to visit Pompeii or Herculaneum by train, or Capri or Ischia by boat.
You stay at carefully picked hotels throughout your Amalfi Coast walking trip. They range from a beautifully restored villa with stunning sea views in Ravello, to an elegant 4 star hotel in Sorrento overlooking the panorama of the Bay of Naples. For your evening meals you can choose to sample the hotel's specialities or select one of the many fine local restaurants (all payable locally). Lunch options are varied and include picnics in panoramic locations or a trattoria lunch, perhaps delicious mozzarella, grilled vegetables and fresh fish from the sea.
This holiday follows stone steps, coastal paths and some forest trails. You need to be a reasonably fit and confident walker, as the frequent ascents and descents, particularly on the coastal paths, make this a more demanding holiday than the distances suggest. On day 3 guests with a fear of heights may have problems with certain sections. Walkers with knee problems may have difficulty descending the stone steps and walking poles are strongly recommended.
Arrive at your 4 star hotel in Ravello. There's time for a dip in the swimming pool, offering stunning views, before dinner (Pay locally for dinner).
You stay at Hotel Rufolo.
The Hotel Rufolo has been in the Schiavo family since the early 1900s and has seen some illustrious guests over the years including DH Lawrence and Charles Bronson. It boasts a prime location, conveniently located next to the gardens at Villa Rufolo and overlooking the gardens and the azure sea. The hotel has a number of excellent facilities including guests' lounge with terrace, outdoor pool (open from 15 May until 15 October), wellness centre and restaurant with panoramic veranda. Headwater customers are allocated the superior rooms at the Hotel Rufolo, which come with either garden or sea view.
Room upgrades: Deluxe rooms and Junior suite
Deluxe rooms come with a sitting area, balcony and sea view, whilst the junior suites are much larger, with sea view and either terrace or balcony
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Descend through citrus groves to Torre dello Ziro (the Saracen watchtower inspired Webster's Duchess of Malfi), then continue along panoramic terraces, to enter the Valley of the Mills (a testament to Amalfi's medieval paper industry) to world renowned Amalfi. A 20 min bus ride (pay locally) to return to picture perfect Ravello, where you can end the day with a visit to the famous Villa Rufolo and Greta Garbo's legendary retreat, Villa Cimbrone.
You stay at Hotel Rufolo.
The Hotel Rufolo has been in the Schiavo family since the early 1900s and has seen some illustrious guests over the years including DH Lawrence and Charles Bronson. It boasts a prime location, conveniently located next to the gardens at Villa Rufolo and overlooking the gardens and the azure sea. The hotel has a number of excellent facilities including guests' lounge with terrace, outdoor pool (open from 15 May until 15 October), wellness centre and restaurant with panoramic veranda. Headwater customers are allocated the superior rooms at the Hotel Rufolo, which come with either garden or sea view.
Room upgrades: Deluxe rooms and Junior suite
Deluxe rooms come with a sitting area, balcony and sea view, whilst the junior suites are much larger, with sea view and either terrace or balcony
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
We will drop you off in Bomerano to begin today's walk which takes you along the Path of the Gods, the region's most famous walk offering views all the way along the peninsula, with Capri's famous Faraglioni cliffs marking 'land's end'. There's a choice of picnic spots with stunning views as you continue onwards past lemon groves and brigands' treasure troves to Nocelle. Then it's down through lush terraces to the vertical pastel town of Positano and your hotel in the historic centre.
You stay at Villa Gabrisi or Hotel l'Ancora.
Encompassing elegance and sophistication, the stunning Villa Gabrisa started life as a private villa before being converted into a beautiful hotel. Each of the bright and airy rooms comes with majolica tiled bathroom, balcony and stunning sea view; you can also enjoy those vistas from the panoramic bar and restaurant. The hotel also benefits from its own food and wine shop.
Room upgrades: Deluxe annexe and junior suite
Deluxe annexe rooms are larger and located in the adjoining wing.
The junior suite is larger still with a spacious sun terrace with jacuzzi.
Boasting superb views over Positano and the glittering Mediterranean sea, the Hotel l'Ancora simply oozes style, with a fantastic location just a short downhill walk from the town's beach. Headwater customers are allocated the classic sea view rooms here, which are spacious and airy, and also come with balcony and the majolica tiled bathrooms that are so typical of the Amalfi Coast. Do try aperitivi - or something more! - in the hotel's panoramic restaurant - the views are truly breathtaking.
Room upgrades: Superior and junior suite
Superior rooms are larger than the classic rooms. Junior suites are considerably larger and come with a large terrace with sunbeds and a private jacuzzi
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Positano's wide pebble beach is perfect for a lazy day, but if you fancy exploring further afield there's a pleasant walk to Fornillo Bay with its twin Saracen watchtowers. Boat excursions to discover coral lined sea grottoes, as well as trips to the magical mediterranean island of Capri, are available in the harbour.
You stay at Villa Gabrisi or Hotel l'Ancora.
Encompassing elegance and sophistication, the stunning Villa Gabrisa started life as a private villa before being converted into a beautiful hotel. Each of the bright and airy rooms comes with majolica tiled bathroom, balcony and stunning sea view; you can also enjoy those vistas from the panoramic bar and restaurant. The hotel also benefits from its own food and wine shop.
Room upgrades: Deluxe annexe and junior suite
Deluxe annexe rooms are larger and located in the adjoining wing.
The junior suite is larger still with a spacious sun terrace with jacuzzi.
Boasting superb views over Positano and the glittering Mediterranean sea, the Hotel l'Ancora simply oozes style, with a fantastic location just a short downhill walk from the town's beach. Headwater customers are allocated the classic sea view rooms here, which are spacious and airy, and also come with balcony and the majolica tiled bathrooms that are so typical of the Amalfi Coast. Do try aperitivi - or something more! - in the hotel's panoramic restaurant - the views are truly breathtaking.
Room upgrades: Superior and junior suite
Superior rooms are larger than the classic rooms. Junior suites are considerably larger and come with a large terrace with sunbeds and a private jacuzzi
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
We take you into the hills near Fontanelle (30 mins) from where you wind through olive trees as you climb gently to Sant'Agata. There are balcony views - making this a fantastic picnic stop - of Capri, Procida and the Li Galli islands, once considered to be the home of the mythical sirens who lured sailors onto the rocks. A paved lane finally leads you down past geranium-decked houses to the small fishing resort of Marina del Cantone.
You stay at Taverna del Capitano or Punta Campanella Resort.
The Taverna del Capitano has been in the Caputo family for over 3 generations. Built on the site of a former fisherman's cottage, the hotel has an enviable location, overlooking Marina del Cantone's shingle beach and the azure Mediterranean waters beyond.
Room upgrades: Room with sea view
The Punta Campanella Resort is situated in the heart of the village of Marina del Cantone, just opposite the shingle beach. Headwater customers are allocated the superior rooms here, where each room istastefully decorated and coming with balcony and sweeping views over the bay. The hotel also has a panoramic roof terrace (with bar) where you can soak up the sunshine during your stay, as well as spa facilities, with hydro-massage pool, sauna and steam room (payable locally). The hotel also has a restaurant so you can choose to eat in the hotel or to pick from one of the restaurants available locally.
Room upgrades: Junior Suite.
You'll be tempted to linger in this pretty little village with its pebble beach lapped by incredibly azure waters, but it's a shame to miss out on our optional walk on the gorgeous Jeranto Bay. There are sea views throughout as you climb to the Montalto Tower, perched on its 100m-high cliff-top outcrop with a truly fabulous panorama over Marina del Cantone and the Li Galli islands. You then descend through olive groves and olive growers' dwellings to an atmospheric ancient limestone quarry, with great sea views, before a final ascent back to your hotel.
You stay at Taverna del Capitano or Punta Campanella Resort.
The Taverna del Capitano has been in the Caputo family for over 3 generations. Built on the site of a former fisherman's cottage, the hotel has an enviable location, overlooking Marina del Cantone's shingle beach and the azure Mediterranean waters beyond.
Room upgrades: Room with sea view
The Punta Campanella Resort is situated in the heart of the village of Marina del Cantone, just opposite the shingle beach. Headwater customers are allocated the superior rooms here, where each room istastefully decorated and coming with balcony and sweeping views over the bay. The hotel also has a panoramic roof terrace (with bar) where you can soak up the sunshine during your stay, as well as spa facilities, with hydro-massage pool, sauna and steam room (payable locally). The hotel also has a restaurant so you can choose to eat in the hotel or to pick from one of the restaurants available locally.
Room upgrades: Junior Suite.
We give you a lift (15 mins) to Termini from where you wind through olive groves with ever-opening views over the Bay of Naples and its islands, Capri, Ischia and Procida. It's well worth the detour to lovely little Annunziata to visit its pretty Aragonese castle for wonderful views. It's then on to bustling, pastel-coloured Sorrento, with its enchanting gardens, maze of narrow streets and stunning views over to Vesuvius.
You stay at Hotel la Tonnarella.
Located on the edge of Sorrento, the 4* Hotel la Tonnarella benefits from superb views over Vesuvius. The comfortable bedrooms are all ensuite with balcony and feature the local Vietri tiles for which the region is renowned. The hotel boasts excellent facilities including a private pebble beach, a lounge bar and a stylish restaurant, featuring an external terrace looking out over the stunning backdrop of the Bay of Naples.
Staying at your 4 star hotel panoramically overlooking Mount Vesuvius, you're ideally placed to visit Naples or one of its islands, such as Ischia or Capri, by hydrofoil. Alternatively the historical sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum can be visited using the excellent Circumvesuviana Railway.
You stay at Hotel la Tonnarella.
Located on the edge of Sorrento, the 4* Hotel la Tonnarella benefits from superb views over Vesuvius. The comfortable bedrooms are all ensuite with balcony and feature the local Vietri tiles for which the region is renowned. The hotel boasts excellent facilities including a private pebble beach, a lounge bar and a stylish restaurant, featuring an external terrace looking out over the stunning backdrop of the Bay of Naples.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Il Convento, Naples.
Il Convento is located just a few minutes' walk away from the Via Toledo shopping area and ten minutes away from the famous Piazza Plebiscito and Castel dell'Ovo. It is ideally situated for a long weekend break or a short stopover.
The hotel dates back to the 1600s and has been tastefully converted to make the most of its original features. There's a cosy feel to all the rooms, with exposed brickwork walls and breakfast served by candle light!
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £994.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Naples airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
15.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App