Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
19.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
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The beauty of the Bay of Naples has been enchanting travellers for centuries, with visitors falling in love with its dramatic coastline, glimmering seas, and pastel-coloured towns. Off the peninsula's immaculate shores, lie the beautiful yet diverse islands of Amalfi: Procida, Ischia and Capri. This 7 night self-guided walking holiday takes you on a discovery of these stunning isles, with the option to extend your time in the area in bustling Sorrento or cosmopolitan Naples.
Your first 2 nights are spent on unspoilt Procida, the smallest of the 3 islands and an untouched gem with its multi coloured houses, sleepy fishing hamlets and pretty inlets. From here you head to Ischia, renowned for its thermal spas; the largest of the three islands, it's a walker's paradise with terraced vineyards, lofty mountains, verdant forest and golden beaches aching to be explored. Your last stop is world famous Capri; admire its vistas over the iconic Faraglioni, visit its Roman villas and sip coffee in its elegant piazze, perfect for people watching.
Your hotels are as unique as the islands themselves and include a family run hotel set within tranquil gardens overlooking the Bay of Ciraccio and a stunning monastery set within the ancient walls of Ischia's Aragonese castle.
Given the island hopping nature of this trip, you are responsible for your luggage when using the ferry and hydrofoil services. Transportation of luggage to and from the hotels and the ports on each island is provided.
This holiday follows coastal paths, paved sections, narrow lanes and some forest trails, with mainly road walking with some traffic on Procida. You need to be a fit and confident walker, as there are frequent ascents and descents, some of which are very steep with slippery sections. On day 4, guests with a fear of heights may have problems with certain sections but alternative options are provided. Day 7 is not suitable for anyone with a fear of heights. Walking poles are strongly recommended. The hot temperatures in Southern Italy over the summer months may make the walking feel more difficult.
From Naples port, it's a short crossing on the hydrofoil to the island of Procida. We meet you at Procida port and take you to your hotel. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.
You stay at Hotel Solcalante.
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The Hotel Solcalante started life as a farmhouse before being converted into the pretty, family run hotel that it is today. Set in charming gardens, it boasts a super clifftop position with gorgeous views overlooking the Ciraccio Bay - especially at sunset. Headwater customers are allocated rooms with private terrace here. The hotel also benefits from a restaurant, sauna and jacuzzi; massages are available on request.
Today's walk takes you on a discovery of pint sized Procida, the smallest island in the Gulf of Naples. Set off for the ancient walled citadel of 'Terra Murata'; perched on a promontory gazing out to sea, there's much to explore here including the Abbey of San Michele and the 16th century governor's palace and former prison of Palazzo d'Avalos. Drink in the sea views before heading to the little fishing village of Marina di Corricella, a cluster of brightly coloured houses huddled around its port, that was used on the film set of 'The Talented Mr Ripley'. Your walk ends at the charming harbour and pristine sandy beach at Chiaiolella.
For those with more energy, it's definitely worth extending the walk to untouched Vivara, a tiny island and nature reserve linked to Procida by a small bridge.
There is time this morning to explore Procida's northern shores before we take you back to the harbour for the ferry (pay locally) over to Procida's larger neighbour, Ischia. Explore the vibrant marina before making your way to your comfortable 3* hotel housed in a former monastery within the walls of Ischia's ancient castle. This Aragonese stronghold sits on a rocky outcrop gazing out to sea and is accessed via a scenic causeway.
You stay at Albergo il Monastero.
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Albergo il Monastero can be found in Ischia's 16th century monastery housed within the town's panoramic castle. Perched on la Rocca, a small rocky island linked to the main island by a bridge, it's wonderfully tranquil with colourful gardens where vegetables are also grown, but within easy walking distance of the bars, restaurants and shops in Ischia Town. There is a stunning terrace here where you can enjoy breakfast and dinner over the summer months, and which boasts a gorgeous view of the village of Ischia Ponte, the beach and glittering seas. Headwater customers are upgraded to the sea view rooms at this hotel.
Head south today for a panoramic walk along a steep cliff enjoying stunning views over the Bay of Naples and Capri. Pass through terraced vineyards and traditional hamlets before a descent to the golden sands of Marina dei Maronti. Treat yourself to a dip in the natural thermal waters of Cavascura, which date back to Roman times, before a leisurely walk along the beach takes you to the charming fishing village of Sant'Angelo and your bus back to the hotel.
Today you discover Ischia's two highest mountains - Monte Epomeo at 789m, and Capo dell'Uomo (721m). A short bus ride onto the mountain slopes takes the sting out the tail of the ascent, so you continue along gentle paths to Epomeo's summit, and are rewarded with far reaching vistas of the entire Bay of Naples. Descend through lush forest and fertile vineyards, passing ancient hermit dwellings carved from the mountain rock, to the town of Forio on Ischia's western shores. Return to Ischia Town by bus.
Private transfer to Ischia harbour this morning to catch the hydrofoil to stunning Capri. Then explore elegant Capri town with its luxury boutiques and bustling cafes. From its vibrant piazzetta, walk past colourful villas with bougainvillea filled gardens to the Roman Villa Jovis, once the residence of the Emperor Tiberius. From here, it's downhill past the Arco Naturale to the famous Faraglioni, 3 sea stacks that stand guard off Capri's southern shores. Leave time to discover the Gardens of Augustus with their panoramic flower-decked terraces en route to the sheltered bay of Marina Piccola. A short bus ride takes you back to your hotel.
You stay at Hotel Senaria.
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The Hotel Senaria can be found in the heart of the quiet village of Anacapri, and is nestled amongst palm and pine trees, mangroves and ficus trees, making it a sleepy oasis during your stay on Capri. The bright and airy rooms are all ensuite with shower. There is a lovely communal terrace from where you can admire views over Capri and the hotel is within easy walking distance of the bars, cafes and restaurants within central Anacapri.
Take the chair lift up Monte Solario, the highest point on the island and one of the best viewpoints on the trip, to follow a panoramic downhill path to the island's most western lighthouse. Continue along the trail as it hugs the coast, past restored fortresses and tiny coves to the Grotta Azzurra, a natural sea cave with crystalline blue waters. Return to the hotel by bus.
We take you back to Capri port for the hydrofoil to Naples
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend: Hotel Il Convento, Naples; Hotel Continental, Sorrento.
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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!
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Situated in a pretty piazza in the very heart of Sorrento, the 4 star Hotel Continental benefits from superb views over Vesuvius. The comfortable bedrooms are all ensuite and with balcony, and feature the local Vietri tiles for which the region is renowned. The hotel boasts excellent facilities including a sparkling outdoor pool and jacuzzi set amongst tranquil gardens, and 2 stylish and modern bars - one with an external terrace looking out over the stunning backdrop of the Bay of Naples. Massages are also possible on request.
Room upgrades: Terrace and Side Sea View.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$845.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$845.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
19.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
