OVERVIEW
Enjoy the first self-guided hiking tour which touches every single village of the gorgeous Amalfi Coast, starting from Vietri sul Mare and arriving to Positano. The highlights of the journey are the simple genuine warmth of the people, the delicious local food and wine, the gourmet dining experiences with the local chefs.
The journey starts in Cava de’ Tirreni: the perfect starting point for your journey and an ideal way in to the coastal walks towards the marine villages of Vietri sul Mare and Cetara, with the opportunity to visit Pompeii & Mt. Vesuvius. Tramonti, a pleasant location of Amalfi Coast untouched by mass tourism, is embedded in an interesting rural surroundings and it is perfect to live a peaceful sojourn enjoying wonderful atmosphere, traditional food and renowned local wine. Furthermore you explore the celebrated Amalfi and its neighbours, discovering Maiori, Ravello, Minori and Positano.
This journey gives us the opportunity to visit the well-known beauties of the Coast (some of the most celebrated in the world) while sojourning far from the tourist crowds.
- ACTIVITY: Self-guided walking & culinary tour
- NAME: Highlights & backroads of the Amalfi Coast
- TRIP CODE: ICHBAC
- DURATION: 7 days/6 nights
- GRADE: easy to moderate
- 2023 PRICES: Starting from Euro 1490.00 per person sharing twin/double room
GALLERY
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- amalfi coast walks
ITINERARY
Arrival on your own in Naples and private transfer from Naples Airport or Railway station to the hotel located in a green valley in Cava de’ Tirreni.
Explore, at your own pace, the captivating historical centre of Cava de’ Tirreni, enjoying the pleasure of the Italian dolce vita. Discover the distinctive arched arcades of the Borgo Scacciaventi and experience what the atmosphere must have been like in the 15th century.
Tonight you experience a dinner in the historical centre of Cava de’ Tirreni before returning by private transfer to the Hotel. Overnight: Hotel in Cava de’ Tirreni
Meal: dinner (drinks not included)
Walking 4 km approx. 1,5 hour walking + 4 hours walking tour in Pompeii. Today you experience a visit to Mount Vesuvius before exploring the Pompeii ruins. A private transfer brings you on the summit of Mount Vesuvius; here you can visit the big crater and enjoy panoramic views over the Bay of Naples. Then you reach by private transfer the world’s most captivating Roman excavation and experience a real intact image of this ancient world. The devastating eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79 trapped 25000 inhabitants of Pompeii, many of whom left impressive examples of everyday life in 1st Century. From Pompeii you come back to Cava de’ Tirreni by local train. The program includes then a private transfer from Cava de’ Tirreni to your charming accommodation. This evening you could experience a family dinner with a kind host: she will be happy to cook for you some typical local dishes & products.
Overnight: Hotel in Cava de’ Tirreni
Meals: breakfast & dinner (drinks not included)
Walking – easy 2.5 hours.You start the day visiting the attractive Benedictine Abbey of the Holy Trinity. You experience the intangible atmosphere of a glorious past, visiting the true symbol of the religious and cultural prestige of Cava de’ Tirreni. After the visit of the Abbey’s treasures, directly from the church square, you start a lovely walk along chestnut woods. Strolling along the pathways you experience the first astonishment of the Amalfi Coast, with its tiny villages located on the hillsides and stunning coastline views of the Bay of Salerno. Descending stairs lined with sheer stone walls and pastel homes, you pass villages of the Divine Coast before arriving at the decorated village of Vietri sul Mare: the home of the hand painted ceramic art. There is time to explore at leisure this colourful town, with the option to visit local workshops where you can see the hands of a craftsman create exclusive works of art. Early in the afternoon a private transfer brings you to your next destination: Tramonti, stopping along the coastal road in the small fishing village of Cetara (famous for its gastronomy based on lemons, tunas and anchovies). During your pizza dinner tonight you meet a small and passionate wine producer and taste his wines enjoying your gourmet dining experience with the local Tramonti chef (Tramonti chefs are famous the world over for their excellent Pizza).
Overnight: B&B in Tramonti
Meals: breakfast, wine tasting & pizza dinner (drinks not included)
Walking – easy to moderate 3 hours.After breakfast a private transfer brings you to Maiori. Here you can indulge in the simple pleasure of the side street cafes on the longest unbroken stretch of beach on the windy Amalfi coastline, before starting your walk towards the near village of Minori, savoring the lemon specialties that give the real distinctive flavor of the village. The first section of the walk, from Maiori to Minori is an easy & lovely walk along a dazzling trail overlooking the Amalfi Coast. From Minori starts a moderate section to Ravello. Following ancient stairways you climb out the valley through lemon groves, terraced vineyards and narrow alleys surrounded by dry stone walls. You enjoy some dramatic views of the superb mountains surrounding, before reaching Ravello, one of the most celebrated village of the coast. Free time to explore this town of a rich and noble traditions, with its houses built in Arabic/Sicilian style, the prestigious twelfth-century Cathedral, the spectacular thirteenth-century Villa Rufolo and the magnificent lookout at Villa Cimbrone. Later in the afternoon, a private transfer brings you to Tramonti. Your dinner tonight features delicious local produce and traditional local dishes in a renewed Tramonti’s Restaurant.
Overnight: B&B in Tramonti
Meals: breakfast & dinner (drinks not included)
Walking – easy to moderate 4.5 hours. A private transfer brings you to the starting point of your next walking experience. Depending on your interests & level of fitness you can opt for the Ferriere valley walk (an interesting nature reserve into the rugged landscape of the Lattari Mountains) or enjoy an easy walk along the valley of the ancient Mills towards Amalfi. If you opt for the Ferriere Valley , the trail passes through striking vertical cliffs, little waterfalls and natural springs immersed in an unchanged microclimate which allows for the preservation of the Woodwardia radicans, a rare type of long leafed fern from the pre-glacial age. Continuing in the valley through the chestnut trees you reach the hamlet of Pogerola and then, down along ancient flight of steps, the village of Amalfi. If you opt for the valley of the mills, it is an easy gradual descent along the valley of the ancient mills towards the celebrated village of Amalfi. The path starts from the hilltop village of Pontone with its panoramic tiny square and ends in the heart of Amalfi. You pass into a green area, walking along a fresh river and passing the ruins of several abandoned mills. Dinner in a selected restaurant in Amalfi.
Overnight: Hotel*** in Amalfi
Overnight: Meals: breakfast & dinner (drinks not included)
Walking – moderate 4.5 hours.Today’s journey is along one of the most spectacular trails overlooking the Amalfi Coast, as well as one of the main highlights of your adventure. By public bus you climb up the zigzag coastal road enjoying impressive views on the land terraces built over centuries and preserved by local communities. The walk begins in Bomerano and offers terrific coastline landscapes looking out towards the famous Isle of Capri with the famous cliffs marking lands end. Along the pathway you can admire the full splendor of the Divine Coast. Arrived at Nocelle, a tiny mountain village, you descend through lush terraces and olive groves to the vertical charming resort of Positano. There is time to explore the labyrinth of alleyways surrounded by scarlet bougainvillea and elegant boutiques, before taking the bus or boat to Amalfi. This evening you celebrate your adventure on the Amalfi Coast with a farewell dinner in a panoramic restaurant in Amalfi.
Overnight: Hotel*** in Amalfi
Meals: breakfast & dinner (drinks not included)
Your trip ends after breakfast. You can reach your next destination by public transportation or by private transfer according to your final travel plan.Meal: breakfast