ITALY
Walking The Amalfi Coast
At a glance
7 nights family-run hotel with small outdoor swimming pool and en suite facilities
4 days centre-based guided walking
All transport by private minibus
Low altitude throughout, not suitable for severe vertigo sufferers
Moderate walks, leisurely pace; good level of fitness recommended
Walk the stunning Amalfi coast and explore the fascinating ruins of Pompeii
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most dramatic coastlines in Europe. Mountains jut steeply out of the Mediterranean and picturesque towns nestled in the coves below. Walking the ancient hillsides studded with lemon groves and framed by deep gorges, we descend from the Agerola Plain to the quaint towns of Positano, Ravello and of course Amalfi itself. No visit to the Bay of Naples would be complete without a trip to see the remains of Pompeii under the imposing volcanic cone of Mount Vesuvius. The best is saved till last with arguably the world’s best coastal walk: the ‘Walk of the Gods’. Away from the trails we partake in the favourite traditional pastime and sample incredible food and wine just like the Italians do.
The perfect combination of idyllic coastal views, heritage sights and picturesque towns make the Amalfi Coast our most popular destination for walking. We have been operating this trip for over 15 years, using the comfortable Hotel Due Torri run by the friendly Acampora family who offers genuine Italian hospitality and ensures each guests has a wonderful stay.
Day 1
Start Bomerano.
Day 2
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 (10 km, 4.5 hrs walking including stops).
Day 3
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. 2000 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 (9km, approx. 5 hrs walking including stops).
Day 4
Drive to Bay of Naples; visit fascinating ruins of Pompeii and take a walk up Mt Vesuvius.
What’s included
- All breakfasts, 4 packed lunches and 6 dinners
- All accommodation (see below)
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
What’s not included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request from GBP220)
- Visas or vaccinations
Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast
Your chance to
Discover the rugged Cilento National Park
Cycle along the stunning Amalfi Coast
Enjoy the Italian warm hospitality and succulent cuisine
Explore the beautiful towns of Amalfi and Ravello
At a glance
5 days cycling with 100% vehicle support
100% tarmac roads
Mainly undulating with a few steady climbs
6 nights 3 and 4-star hotels and 1 night farmhouse
All breakfasts and 1 dinner included
E-bike hire available on request
Cycle along the stunning Amalfi Coast
Cycling is a great way to explore the stunning natural and cultural treasures of Campania. This tour takes us through the best routes and contrasts of the region, from the relatively unknown and unspoilt Cilento to the popular lively Amalfi Coast. The Cilento National Park is largely undisturbed by the 21st Century and as we cycle through quaint fishing villages we realise that the traditional way of life is still very evident. We also visit the Greco-Roman city of Paestum, with its three major Doric style temples, before heading to the lovely town of Minori on the Amalfi Coast. Here we cycle on some of the most scenic routes in the world, while visiting beautiful towns including Positano and of course Amalfi itself. All the cycling will help to build our appetite for the fine food that the area is famous for!
Day 1: Start in Palinuro, on the southern coast of Cilento N.P.
Those on the group flight will fly to Naples and get a transfer to the start hotel in Palinuro, a lively picturesque village on the southern coast of Cilento (approx. 3 hours drive from Naples). Capo Palinuro is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and impressive underwater caves. Please note that the departures on the 25th March, 7th and 14th October 2017 will start in the lovely seaside town of Marina di Camerota. The cycling route on Day 2 of these departures will be very similar to the standard followed on the other departures, only slightly shorter (50km, rather than 55km).
Day 2: Cycle along the most undeveloped stretch of coastline in southern Italy, then inland to the Mingardo Canyon and abandoned village of San Severino.
We start early in the morning with a scenic ride along the Southern Coast of the Cilento National Park, the most unspoilt stretch of coastline in southern Italy, offering spectacular views of the Gulf of Policastro. We arrive in the lovely coastal town of Marina di Camerota for a short break and then climb inland to the amazingly located village of San Giovanni a Piro. We cycle around the impressive Mt Bulgheria and to the Mingardo canyon before making our way back to Palinuro.
Day 3: Ride to Capo Palinuro then to the mediaeval village of Pisciotta; descend to the coast and Casalvelino.
From Marina di Camerota we follow the beautiful coastline to the peninsula of Capo Palinuro to the mediaeval village of Pisciotta. From here we climb gently to the town of Ascea. En route back to the coast, we cycle past the ancient Greek settlement of Velia with its pink gate dating back to the 4th Century BC, before heading to the plain of Casalvelino, where we stay in a lovely agriturismo.