Walking Amalfi, Sorrento, Pompeii and Capri

You’ll spend the first three nights in the town of Amalfi, the ancient capital of the Amalfi Coast. All hotels are centrally located at a walking distance from the seashore and all the important sights in the medieval town centre. Amalfi is connected with Salerno by a frequent bus (and boat) service and with Naples by a less frequent bus service. In summer there are direct boats from Naples. A taxi pick-up service can be arranged either from Naples (airport or train station) or from Salerno.

Today you make an initial easy walk, which will introduce the amazing cultural and natural heritage of the Amalfi Coast. First, you walk along the quiet narrow back alleys of Amalfi, then an ancient flight of steps takes you up underneath the impressive limestone cliffs towards the little village of Pontone, part of the medieval defence system of the town of Amalfi. The main point of interest is the marvellous Torre dello Ziro, located on a narrow ridge with unforgettable views of Amalfi and Atrani. This area also offers a number of marvellous picnic spots with great views. Then, through the charming village of Pontone, you walk into the ‘Valle dei Mulini’ (the valley of the mills) with the ruins of Europe’s most ancient paper mills, dating back to the 11th century. The comfortable footpath runs alongside the course of the river, in an abundant, green, almost un-Italian landscape. Those who feel like it can penetrate deep into the valley, through spectacular scenery, underneath the towering cliffs, through an almost fairytale-like landscape. Here you can admire a number of beautiful waterfalls. Then you return back down to Amalfi. Along the last stretch the scenery changes to lemon groves and maquis. In Amalfi, you can visit the paper museum before returning to your hotel. As the walk is relatively short, you still have some time to wander around Amalfi or go for a swim. Walking for the day: 9 km, 4-5 hours ?450 m ?450 m

Today you first take a local bus (optionally you can walk) up to the charming historic village of Ravello, sought after by artists over the centuries. Boccaccio, DH Lawrence and Richard Wagner are among the more notable guests. Ravello not only has a very interesting history and many medieval monuments but also offers beautiful views over the Amalfi Coast. The French novelist André Gide once described the village as being ‘closer to the sky than the seashore’. Ravello also boasts two magnificent villas – the superb 11th-century Villa Rufolo, once a papal residence and later the home of Wagner, and Villa Cimbrone, a sumptuous 19th-century mansion with fabulous gardens and unequalled views over the Gulf of Salerno. You can take your time to stroll through the village, before starting the walk back down to the coast. Past the dramatically located Villa Cimbrone and the hamlet of Castiglione you first walk through vineyards and lemon groves, then down some medieval steps to the beautiful little village of Atrani. This is certainly one of the best-preserved villages on the coast, and you have the chance to look around the narrow little white streets of the village centre. The last short stretch to Amalfi is very scenic and has beautiful viewpoints over the town centre.

Today you take a local bus up to the small village of Bomerano, on the Agerola high plain. Here is the beginning of the Sentiero degli Dei (Footpath of the Gods), one of Italy’s most famous footpaths offering unforgettable views. After a panoramic stretch with views over the whole Amalfi Coast as far as the island of Capri, you reach the junction for the monastery of San Domenico, set in stupendous scenery, dominating the coast from its hilltop (optional detour along a medieval pilgrim route). You then continue on a more or less level path, through spectacular scenery with bizarre rock formations and luscious vegetation, and reach the hamlet of Nocelle. Passing another spectacular valley you arrive at the little village of Montepertuso. Then it’s only a short walk down to Positano, but it will take you a bit of time as there are so many photo opportunities along the route. Positano itself is considered to be one of Italy’s most beautiful towns, and certainly one of the pearls of the Amalfi Coast. Take your time for a stroll through its alleys and down to the beach, before taking the bus to Sorrento, where you settle in at your hotel (your luggage will be waiting for you). In the evening you can go for dinner in one of the nice nearby restaurants and perhaps admire the Bay of Naples with the Vesuvius, from one of the stunning panoramic terraces.

Take the local train to Pompeii, considered to be the world’s most fascinating ruins. You will be captivated by the exceptional frescoes to be found throughout the city or by the opulence of the villas, with their atriums and charming peristyles, owned by the rich and influential of the day. Visit the Amphitheatre and the Villa of Mysteries with its masterpiece frescoes depicting the secret Dionysus rites, the Roman Forum and basilica, temples, public baths, and the tiny Odeon created for music recitals. In case you want to make a great round walk as well, we recommend climbing Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that with the fatal eruption of 79 AD completely destroyed the bustling city of Pompeii. You can make an amazing round walk here, completely different from the standard visit to Vesuvius (and normally closed to the public). What is less known to many is that also the ‘new’ town of Pompeii is definitely worth the detour, if only for its amazing sanctuary. Go for a stroll here and then have an ‘aperitivo’ to look back on a great day. Take the train back to Sorrento.

The last walking day is dedicated to the famous island of Capri where you will see the places that have inspired so many over the centuries. Take the ferry from Sorrento to Capri in the morning (about 20 min, payment on the spot). Besides the tourist highlights, you will also make a beautiful round walk along the almost pristine southern coast. First, you pass the ‘Piazzetta’ and the charming backstreets of Capri, before walking up to the ruins of one of the most impressive Roman villas in the area, Villa Iovis. On your way up, you also pass the wonderful Villa Lysis, a rather unknown but one of the best sights in Capri. Descending towards the untouched coastline of the southern part of the island, you come across the Arco Naturale, a natural bridge, many grottos and finally, the famous Faraglioni, three small uninhabited islands just off the south coast. Through the Gardens of Augustus and the impressive Via Krupp, perhaps the world’s most beautiful pedestrian way, you descend to the charming Marina Piccola, where you travel back by local bus to the port. This walk can be extended or shortened in many ways, depending on how much time you want to dedicate to walking, relaxing or shopping. Ferry back to Sorrento.

The tour ends after breakfast. Return to Naples by taxi, boat or bus.