Walking the Amalfi Coast, Italy

A favoured holiday destination of Italians and Hollywood stars, the Amalfi Coast is famous for its chic hillside towns, the relaxed atmosphere and gorgeous sea-views. Walking along high cliffs, through wonderful woodlands and along ancient pathways that link the villages together, you'll explore this UNESCO World Heritage site at a relaxed pace taking time to see the cultural sites.

Avoiding the sweltering summer months, you'll walk in spring, early summer and the autumn when the weather is warm and the evenings cool. Your base will be San Lazzaro, a small town with terrific views across the Bay of Salerno. Most of the walks are downhill towards the sea, and you'll return each evening to our base: the higher altitude means that it is cooler than at the coast. You'll do no more than 4 or 5 hours walking each day, giving you the chance to fully enjoy the Italian way of life. There is a built-in ‘free-day’ for you to visit Vesuvius and Pompeii, take further walks or spend the day on the beach. Your base will be an Agriturismo called Luna d’Agerola - a working farm that has guests staying in the house. The small farm is run by Ferdinando and his whole family; a truly authentic Italian experience as well as delicious Italian food.

Breakfast and some picnics are provided and the evening meals are a fixed 3 or 4-course rustic Italian menu. Vegetarians can be catered for, but special dietary needs unfortunately cannot be accommodated. The rooms are well-appointed and have private bathrooms. It is worth brushing up on a few words of Italian before your trip in order to chat with the family during your stay. Please note that all the farm animals are well away from the main house. The rooms are well-appointed with private bathrooms and sea views.

Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1 - Join tour at Naples; transfer to San Lazzaro

Day 2 - Walk to Amalfi along the 'Ancient Republic's Path'
Traverse an ancient pathway, with fantastic views out over the ocean, before heading into Amalfi.

Day 3 - Walk to Pogerola via the Ferriere National Park
The unique micro-climate of the Ferriere National Park houses waterfalls, rivers, spectacular views and fascinating indigenous wildlife.

Day 4 - Visit Ravello, walk to Amalfi town
Known as one of the most charming towns in the area, Ravello boasts winding streets full of colour and beautiful views out over the Mediterranean.

Day 5 - Agerola Ridge Walk
This trek offers stunning views out over the Agerola plain, as well as Mount Vesuvius and even the Bay of Naples further north.

Day 6 - Free Day to visit Pompeii and Visuvius

Day 7 - The 'Walk of the Gods' to Positano
One of the greatest coastal walks in the world, the path slowly verges west and offers magnificent views of the whole Bay of Salerno and to Capri.

Day 8 - Tour ends Naples

Is this trip for you?
You'll walk along well-maintained paths, though there are some sections where it can get tougher underfoot. Three treks involve descents of around 600 metres on a series of steps and pathways - perhaps a set of walking poles could aid you in these sections. There are some steep drops during the Walk of the Gods to Positano, and is unsuitable if you're afraid of heights.

This trip is rated 'Easy/Moderate'

Easy/Moderate: Suitable for those who lead an active lifestyle and are in good health. The longer walks are around five to six hours in length, while the shorter walks take two to three hours.You'll walk mostly along clear paths with no steep inclines. The base for this trip is at 650m above sea level and three of the walks will take you down to sea level. It is recommended that you exercise regularly prior to the trip to maintain fitness.