The Amalfi Coast is a wonderful patchwork of ancient pathways, woodlands, kitchen gardens, culturally rich historic towns and the most amazing seascapes. During the trip we will visit the beautiful towns of Amalfi, Ravello, Positano and take a ferry to Capri to explore this fascinating island. There is also an optional trip to Pompeii and Herculaneum to explore these unique locations where time stood still after Mount Vesuvius’s eruption in 79AD.

We stay at a family-run 3-star hotel for 7 nights in San Lazzaro, a village perched high above the coast, where we have easy access to some of the hiking trails. The rooms are simple with attached bathrooms and the restaurant serves good breakfasts and dinners.

Itinerary: (subject to change)

Day 1 Arrival Arrive in Naples and transfer to accommodation by private minibus (around 1 hour). Holiday briefing followed by evening meal.

Day 2 Walk from San Lazzaro Heading straight from the hotel, we head up into the hills and forest above the village. As we gain height, we get some great views of the surrounding hills and peaks and ultimately a viewpoint with Mount Vesuvius in the distance. We then continue  to a lovely lunch spot. We descend back to the village mid to late afternoon to relax and enjoy our surroundings.
In the evening, there is the option to watch a pizza-making demonstration and then sample the many different toppings: it’s a lot of fun (not included/ optional, approx 25e) Distance:  5 miles Ascent: 500 metres Descent: 500 metres

Day 3 Amalfi and Ravello We head to Amalfi by bus  where we head to the impresive cliff side Atrani which has recently appeared in the  Hollywood films Ripley and The Equalizer 3. We hike up  on ancisnt stairways, past small houses,churches, lemons and vines until we reach Ravello. Here there is a beautiful square, shop-lined cobbled streets and 2 villas with gardens. We spend about 2 hours here before heading back to Amalfi. There should be time for exploring the town or go to the beach for a swim before returning to our hotel.

This evening, there’s the option to join a mozzarella and pasta making class at a local agriturismo, followed by a dinner at the farm, to sample what you’ve prepared (not included/ optional, approx €35 ). Distance: 5 miles Ascent: 500 metres Descent: 500 metres

Day 4 Capri Today we return by bus to Amalfi and take a picturesque ferry-ride along the spectacular Amalfi Coast to Marina Grande in Capri. The island has been long-associated with escapism and has attracted Romans, poets and, latterly, film stars who want to live away from mainstream life. Our walk will head along the winding paths of the island and we will see some beautiful limestone scenery, sweeping views of the sea and pretty kitchen gardens of some imposing villas. We should have time to visit Emperor Tiberius’ palace or the art-deco Villa Lysis. There will be time to explore the shopping streets in the main town before heading back by ferry to Amalfi and then back go the hotel for dinner. Distance: 6.5 miles Ascent: 400 metres Descent: 400 metres

Day 5 Ferriere Nature Reserve We head straight from the hotel and hike uphill using an ancient limestone stairway that takes us high above San Lazzaro with views towards Salerno and Agerola’s scattered villages and houses. We hike through woodlands before crossing into the Ferriere Nature Reserve. The reserve is surrounded by limestone cliffs and has a unique microclimate, creating a habitat for plant species not found elsewhere in southern Italy. We see some really wonderful scenery in a quiet part of this region. We eventually descend on a series of stairways to Amalfi where there is time to explore or sit in a café before heading back to the hotel by bus. Distance: 7 miles Ascent: 400 metres Descent: 985 metres

Day 6 Free day: Visit Pompeii and Herculaneum Today we can choose to relax at the hotel, do our own thing in the area or take an optional day trip to Herculaneum and Pompeii. Both cities were devastated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 and give us a fascinating insight into Roman life. The UNESCO-listed city of Pompeii has been almost perfectly preserved in volcanic ash, sitting unchanged since the time of the eruption. Herculaneum is another town preserved by the eruption, here you can see roofs, beds, and doors, as well as organic-based items such as food and papyrus, as they once were, centuries ago. In the evening, we can opt to go out to a local restaurant for dinner (not included).

Day 7 Walk of the Gods to Positano Regarded as one of the greatest coastal walks in the world, this hike delivers some of the most breathtaking views of the southern Italian coast. We’ll follow the high cliff path as it contours west from Bomerano, opening to views of the Bay of Salerno and Capri. Passing under limestone cliffs and above an old stone farmhouse, we’ll reach the village of Nocelle. From here, we start our descent down a lengthy ancient stairway into Positano. Once a poor fishing village, Positano has gained popularity and is now a must-visit spot. We’ll take time to enjoy the beach town before boarding our private bus back to the hotel for our final evening. Today’s walk is a fitting end to our trip. Distance: 7 miles Ascent: 330 metres Descent: 900 metres 

Day 8 Departure After breakfast, we return to the airport in Naples for our onward journey.

• Price
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£1740 in a single ensuite room. Shared twin ensuite £140 discount per person If there is nobody to share a room with then the single price will be applied. Price includes: 7 nights' 3* hotel accommodation; 7 breakfasts; 3 lunches; 4 evening meals; airport transfer at certain times from Naples; public transport to walks; qualified mountain guide Not included: Transport to Naples; meals not mentioned above; entrance fees to cultural sites: optional trip to Pompeii and Herculaneum; personal expenses; drinks; insurance

The walks are between 5 and 8 miles per day with ascents of up to 500m and descents of up to 985m over varying terrain. We normally walk for between 4 and 5 hours each day and are outdoors for 7-8 hours. We generally follow good paths that are well-travelled, but they are not maintained by a park authority. You will encounter some uneven paths, an occasional rocky step, rocks underfoot and possible tree roots on the trail. You will need to be reasonably fit for this trip with experience of walking for full days.

Your guide will be a fully qualified International Mountain Leader who has experience of the area. There will also be a representative from Her on a Hill on the trip, most likely Clare Kelly who loves Italy and would love the opportunity to return to the Amalfi Coast.

We stay at a small 3* family run hotel in San Lazzarro, a village perched high above the Amafli Coast.

The nearest airport is Naples and there will be a private transfer each way meeting certain flights. The journey time is approximately 1 hour.