Itinerary
Day One
Transfer to Amalfi, full details provided. (A car is not necessary or advised on the Amalfi Coast.) The days described below list all the walks available to you on this holiday; they are presented separately in your holiday pack so you can follow the walks in any order.
Day Two
Amalfi & Valle dei Mulini:
Walk straight from your hotel to explore the medieval heart of Amalfi with the aid of our comprehensive guide. Explore narrow stone passageways to discover many delights, from the Duomo with its beautiful cloisters to one of Amalfi's former paper mills. For the easy walk, follow a scenic path above the harbour with breathtaking vistas of an azure sea below. Sample an ice cream from our favourite gelateria or enjoy a swim from the beach opposite the hotel. For the moderate day, walk through the magical Valle dei Mulini with its cascading streams and sylvan glades. Lunch in sun-soaked Pontone at a restaurant perched on the side of the mountain. A spectacular promontory walk follows, along ancient mule tracks with superb views from panoramic balcony paths. Return to Amalfi through terraces of figs and lemons via the picturesque fishing village of Atrani. Finish your day with dinner at one of the superb harbour restaurants with the light of the moon glistening on the water and waves lapping on the shore. (Easy 3-4 miles/5-6.5 km or Moderate 6 miles/9.6 km)
Day Three
Ravello
Take the bus to Ravello: ‘where poets go to die’ - a favourite hideaway of writers such as D H Lawrence, E M Forster and Virginia Woolf, and composers such as Wagner, Grieg and Verdi. Ravello is, arguably, one of the world's most celebrated landscapes with the most sublime panoramic views. From the Belvedere of Infinity you can see across the Gulf of Salerno all the way to the Cilento mountains and the distant Greek temples of Paestum. Visit spectacular villas and gardens (Rufolo, immortalised by Wagner and Cimbrone, Garbo's ‘Shangri-la'), and the Duomo, a treasure chest of precious works of art. For the moderate walk, meander around the head of the valley to make a foray into wild countryside to reach ancient Scala. Then take the bus or walk back down to Amalfi via the tiny hamlet of Minuta - the choice is yours. (Easy 3-4 miles/5-6.5 km or Moderate 6 miles/9.6 km)
Day Four
Capri:
Set off by jet boat to stunning Capri. After an exhilarating boat ride, take the funicular up soaring cliffs to the famous Piazzetta which overlooks turquoise coves. With breathtaking scenes at every turn you'll explore narrow twisting lanes and stepped passageways, lined with pastel-stuccoed houses and gardens abundant with colourful plants. Picnic in our 'secret hideaway' above the sea or lunch at our recommended restaurant away from the crowds. Visit the famous Villa Jovis and explore the impressive Roman remains of Roman emperor Augustus's 'City of Sweet Idleness'! The coastal path leads to the spectacular Faraglioni, jutting out of the sea. Alternatively, simply relax, or visit some of the Capri's chic shops or the beautiful Gardens of Augustus. Finish your day with a spectacular boat ride back along the coast to Amalfi. (Easy 4-7 miles/6.4- 11.2 km)
Day Five
Free day
Spend time relaxing and exploring more of enchanting Amalfi. Your notes will guide you to the cathedral as well as several fascinating museums. Sun lovers may choose to visit the beach to sunbathe and swim, or take a boat to a tiny beach along the coast. If you'd like more walking, follow one of the extra short walks included in your pack. Or visit one of Campania’s famous ancient sites such as Pompeii, Herculaneum or Paestum. All the sites are accessible by public transport and you will receive all the details you need for a memorable day out.
Day Six
Scala & the Valle dei Ferriere:
Take the bus to Ravello for a walk in the beautiful surrounding countryside. Explore wild terrain that contours in and out of the head of the valley, through remote woodlands, across a stream, accompanied by panoramic views and terraces of locally-grown lemons, beans, figs, carob to name but a few. Then wind up to the hill-top village of Minuta where you are likely to see the burros, still used to transport goods up and down the mountains. Or finish at historic Scala, high above Ravello in the heart of the Lattari mountains, visiting the cathedral before returning to Amalfi. (Easy 3-4 miles/5-6.4 km or Moderate 7-8 miles/11.2-12.8 km)
The more challenging option starts at Scala where you traverse a rugged hinterland of high pastures, remote woodlands and magnificent wild mountains. This energetic walk is outstandingly beautiful throughout, with dramatic views and lush vegetation along the route. Picnic beside a waterfall before walking round the mountain to the hill-top village of Pogerola. Finally, either return to Amalfi taking the well-made steps, or take a bus back from Pogerola’s tiny piazza.
Day Seven
Positano & the Pathway of the Gods:
Start the day with a spectacular boat ride to Positano followed by a bus ride up to the heart of the Lattari Mountains. Here you can walk along an easy section of the 'Pathway of the Gods'. A gentle descent will take you through enchanting hamlets and lemon groves for lunch at one of our favourite restaurants. Here, there is no menu, instead an authentic and memorable meal prepared from ingredients picked from the owners' vegetable and herb gardens. Finally explore Positano's boutique shops or visit delightful little beaches. The moderate walk takes you on the full version of the stunning 'Pathway of the Gods', with myrtle and rosemary tickling your ankles. At the highest reaches of the Lattari mountains, you walk between the sea and the sky. Lunch at the same restaurant as in the easy option before walking down to Positano past a scattering of houses, miniscule piazzas before reaching the beach and your boat back to Amalfi. (Easy 3-4 miles/5-6.4 km or Moderate 7-8 miles/11.2-12.8 km)
Day Eight
Atrani and departure:
If your travel plans permit, take a final short walk to Amalfi's sister village of Atrani, a former fishing village with a delightful medieval square. Or you may prefer a final swim opposite the hotel. (Easy 2 miles, 3.2 km)