Italy: Amalfi Coast Walking Tour
Six nights; five days of easy and moderate hikes, on paths and country roads.
“It was my dream trip. Thank you for setting it up.” – Rick I.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Sorrento, a pretty town perched atop seaside cliffs.
- “Path of the Gods” famous hiking trail.
- Maiori, home to the longest stretch of beach along the Amalfi Coast.
- Il Vallone del Ferriere nature reserve.
- Monasteries, abbeys, historic towers with dramatic views.
- Boat ride to Capri.
- Delicious local specialties – try an authentic limoncello!
- Grottoes and faraglioni (sea stack formations).
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
The Italy: Amalfi Coast Walking Tour takes you on the best and easiest hiking trails along this famous hilly Mediterranean Coast. Note: not all meals are included, but there is great freedom of choice, and we will make suggestions. Enjoy fine accommodations, dining, and responsible small group travel.
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Introductions
- DAY 2: ~5.5 h
- DAY 3: Variable
- DAY 4: ~5-7 h
- DAY 5: ~6-7 h
- DAY 6: Variable
- DAY 7: Farewells
Italy: Amalfi Coast Walk – Elevation Profile
(Click image to enlarge)
Elevation Profile
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Naples central train station, 17:00, day one. Frequent trains are available from Rome (~1hr); see www.trenitalia.com for scheduling and details.
Finish: Salerno train station, 11:00, day seven.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Introductions
Upon arrival in Naples you will be transferred about an hour to Sorrento, a pretty town perched atop seaside cliffs. If you arrive early, stroll through the fine shops with their beautiful ceramics, lacework, and intarsia (a technique for inlaying wood, similar to marquetry) before enjoying a dinner of local specialties – be sure to try an authentic limoncello! D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips only. Note: Self-guided trips include breakfast)
Palazzo Marziale, or Marina Piccola 73, or Hotel Belair, or optional upgrade to Bellevue Syrene (based on availability), Sorrento
Transfer one hour to Termini. Hike 4 hours. Lunch. Hike 90 minutes. Transfer 1 hour.
After an early transfer, begin hiking from the aptly-named Termini, the final town on the Sorrentine Peninsula. This beautiful northern stretch of coast is home to the legend of the alluring Sirens in Homer’s Odyssey. The path to Punta Campanella is a walk back into an ancient time, with temples where Greeks and Romans used to worship goddesses Athena and Minerva, and unforgettable views of Capri. After lunch, hike from the quaint little fishing village of Nerano to the Bay of Leranto, where you can enjoy a rejuvenating swim in crystal clear waters before a transfer back to your hotel. BLD
Tramonto d’Oro, or Hotel le Fiorieri, Praiano
45 minute transfer to Bomerano. Hike Path of the Gods to Nocelle. 90 minute roadway walk or 10 minute transfer.
Called “path of the Gods” for good reason, today’s hike offers terrific coastline landscapes looking out towards the famous Isle of Capri and the Sorrento Peninsula. Splendid views of the Divine Coast enhance the pathway to Nocelle, a tiny mountain village. From there, descend, like the gods descending to meet the sirens who enticed Ulysses with their singing, through lush terraces and olive groves to the vertically charming resort town of Positano. Lunch at La Tagliata will treat you to breathtaking scenery and incredible food, which you may want to work off with a 90 minute roadway walk back to your hotel, or opt for a 10 minute transfer. BL
Same lodging
1 hour transfer to Atrani. Morning hike Atrani to Pontone – La Torre dello Ziro. 2-3 hrs easy. Lunch in Pontone. Afternoon hike Il Vallone del Ferreri. Easy 3-4 hours. 10 minute road walk to hotel.
Journey through fern-lined valleys with waterfalls to a historic tower overlooking the coast, then descend past mills formerly used to make the paper for which this area is famous. Enjoy the dramatic views of Amalfi and Atrani from the ruins of La Torre dello Ziro, an ancient lookout tower of the powerful Maritime Amalfi Republic. Travel through lemon groves and narrow alleys surrounded by dry stone walls, into the hilltop village and tiny square of Pontone, a perfect spot for a picnic lunch. Explore Il Vallone del Ferriere, a gorgeous nature reserve among the rugged landscape of the Lattari Mountains. Pass through striking vertical cliffs, waterfalls, and natural springs. The unchanged microclimate of the Ferriere valley allows for the preservation of the Woodwardia radicans, a rare type of long-leafed fern from the pre-glacial age. BLD
Hotel Miramalfi, or Hotel Aurora, or Hotel Marina Riviera, Amalfi
30 minute transfer to Maiori. Hike to Il Santuario della’ Avvocato 6-7 hrs, challenging, or transfer to the abbey and descend.
Begin in the town of Maiori, home to the longest stretch of beach along the Amalfi Coast. Pass through Santa Maria, an old farm of the monastery, before arriving at “Acqua ro’ castagn” (the Chestnut Spring), an ideal place to replenish your water supply before tackling the steepest part of the journey. The strenuous, uphill climb is well-rewarded with one of the most stunning views in the world. A visit to the sanctuary, which is the site of an annual pilgrimage to honour the Madonna, also provides an opportunity to observe the unique flora and fauna of the area, such as the purple flowered Portensclagiella, as well as the occasional sighting of a Peregrine falcon. Relaxed hikers will appreciate the opportunity to transfer to the sanctuary and descend by foot. BL
San Pietro Hotel, or Hotel Sole, Maiori
Private boat to Capri. Chairlift to top. Descend on one of several paths. No traffic.
To avoid the rush of crowds at Capri’s port, take an early morning boat to the island to enjoy its gorgeous nature and pleasant climate. Bypass the tourists by walking into the quiet hills above, from where the views are fantastic. Famous since Emperor Tiberius chose to live there in Roman times, Capri has inspired countless artists and writers; its dazzling grottoes, precipitous, jagged coast, and distinctive sea stack formations (“faraglioni”) will make it easy to see why! BLD
Same lodging
Transfer & Farewells
Following breakfast, you will be transferred about 45 min to Salerno, which is 45 min by train or bus to Naples, or two hours by bus to Rome. Private transfer may be available upon request. B
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2023 Guided dates:
- Apr 16-22
- Oct 29-Nov 4
2024 Guided dates:
- Apr 14-20
- Oct 27-Nov 2
Self-Guided available any dates, except for those listed above. New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 4695 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, guide and vehicle support, maps, route instructions, luggage handling, taxes
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 3895 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, maps, route instructions, welcome briefing, inn to inn luggage transfers, essential transfers, on-call emergency support, taxes
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: 895
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
More Reading:
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the unique and undisputed beauty of its landscape, Italy’s Amalfi coast plunges into the sea from great heights, where a fantastic series of terraces support a culture known for large lemons, thick paper, and passionate people. It is no surprise that visitors leave with strong emotions, pleasant memories, and a yearning to return. The charming, seductive landscape is oft known as the “Green Gate of the Amalfi Coast”. The intense scent of lemons; the bright colours of bougainvillea; the celebrated flavours of Italian cooking – all enhance a holiday of walking on a heady network of pathways overlooking the sea: lifelines between terraced land and rural villages. Come and experience La Dolce Vita!
