Pathways of the Amalfi Coast (self-guided)

Day 1: Amalfi

Your trips starts with your arrival in the town of Amalfi, the historical heart of the Amalfi Coast. Amalfi can be easily reached by bus or ferry from Salerno or Naples. Private transfer from Naples airport can be booked at an additional cost - enquire at time of booking. Upon arrival in Amalfi and after settling into your hotel, a short stroll around this small but charming town will familiarise you with your base for the next four nights. Depending on your arrival time, a visit to the 11th century Sant'Andrea Cathedral is well worth a visit. An icon of the village, with it's black-and-white mosaic fascade, it is reached by a steep staircase from the main town square, Piazza Duomo.

Day 2: Amalfi - Ravello - Amalfi

This morning you take a local bus up to the pretty village of Ravello, magnificently located high above the Amalfi Coast. Ravello not only has a very interesting history, and many medieval monuments, but due to its position also offers specactular views over the Amalfi Coast. You can take your time to stroll through the village, before taking an easy walk down to the coast. Along the dramatically located Villa Cimbrone and the hamlet of Castiglione you will walk down to Amalfi, passing first through the vineyards and lemon groves, then through the beautiful little town of Atrani, one of the best preserved villages of the coast, with the possibility to stop and explore the narrow little streets of the town centre. The last short stretch back to Amalfi is very scenic and has beautiful viewpoints of the city centre. (Walking distance: 4.5 km. Approx. 1.5 hours) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 3: Amalfi - Scala - Valle delle Ferriere - Pogerola - Amalfi

Today you take a local bus up to the village of Scala (or you can opt to walk there), the oldest village of the Amalfi Coast. Once in Scala, a visit to the beautiful Duomo (church) is highly recommended. You then continue your walk to the hamlet of Campidoglio, from here a steady path leads into the Valle delle Ferriere, one of southern Italy's most beautiful nature reserves. You will see some spectacular scenery, walking along footpaths underneath the towering cliffs, and passing by some little waterfalls. Continuing through the forest, you descend to the little village of Pogerola, dominating the valley of Amalfi from the west. From here you take a beautiful medieval staircase, which also offers great views over the valley, down to the centre of Amalfi. (Walking distance: 10km Approximately 5 hours) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 4: Amalfi - Pontone - Valley of the Mills - Amalfi

From Amalfi you walk up to the little village of Pontone, where you can visit the medieval defence system of the Amalfi Maritime Republic, located on a narrow ridge. The main point of interest is the marvellous Torre dello Ziro, from where you enjoy dramatic views over both Amalfi and Atrani. You then walk back to Pontone, a charming little village, where you can take some time to relax. From here you walk then into the famous 'Valle dei Mulini', the Valley of the Watermills, an almost fairy tale like landscape with its ruins of Europe's most ancient paper fabrics, dating back to the 11th century. From here a beautiful medieval mule track takes you down to Amalfi, amidst lemon groves and maquis. Walking distance: 9-10 km. Approximately 4-5 hours) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 5: Amalfi - Bomerano - Footpath of the Gods - Positiano

From Amalfi you make a scenic bus ride to Bomerano, on the Agerola high plain, dominating the Amalfi Coast. From here you walk directly onto one of Italy's most famous footpaths, the 'Sentiero degli Dei', or 'Footpath of the Gods', a walk with unrivalled views. After a first stretch through beautiful terraced vineyards and ancient houses you reach Colle Serra, where the views open up towards the other end of the peninsula; from the monastery of San Domenico, set in stupendous scenery and dominating the coast from its hilltop to the island of Capri. An optional detour to the monastery is possible and from here you can take a short rest before climbing back uphill. The path now really lives up to its name: it winds through spectacular scenery with bizarre rock formations and lush vegetation and unrivalled views over the coast and the Mediterranean Sea. You then reach the small charming hamlet of Nocelle. Continuing passed another spectacular valley you then arrive in the little village of Montepertuso. After Montepertuso it's only a short walk downstairs to Positano itself, one of the most picturesque villages of the Coast and your base for the next 3 nights. (Walking distance: 9 km. Approximately 4-5 hours) Note: - Before you leave the hotel in Amalfi this morning, please have your luggage packed and ready at reception so it can be transferred to your next hotel in Positano. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 6: Positano - Montepertuso - Positano

This morning you jump on a local bus to take you up to Montepertuso (optional walk), from where you start a wonderful walk, around the valley of Positano. Following ancient footpaths through the forest and via marvellous viewpoints you climb towards Santa Maria al Castello, the old fortress which once defended the narrow valley between the Amalfi and the Sorrento side of the peninsula. From here you can see both the Gulf of Salerno and the Gulf of Naples. Through a nice wooded area in a park like landscape you then descend to the Caserma Forestale, the foresters' house. For those who want there is the possibility to climb up from here to the Monte Sant'Angelo, the highest mountain of the peninsula, a very demanding but rewarding ascent. The walk then continues through the forest and with a number of zigzags descends down to Montepertuso. Along another medieval mule track you then descend down to Positano. (Walking distance: 11 km. Approximately. 4-5 hours) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 7: Free Day - Optional trip from Positano - Capri - Positano

Today you may choose to travel by boat to the famous island of Capri, a once favourite holiday spot of Roman emperors. Take some time to wander around before taking a beautiful round walk, passing the ruins of Villa Iovis; the most impressive of the many Roman villas on the island as well as the untouched coastline and many grottos of the island. The walk can be extended or shortened in a number of ways depending on your endeavour, after all you may prefer to spend your time on Capri exploring the boutique shops or relaxing over a seafood lunch. In the late afternoon you return by boat to Positano, along the 'Islands of the Sirens'. (Walking distance: 8 km. Approximately 4 hours) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 8: End Positano

Your trip ends this morning in Positano, after breakfast. Additional accommodation can be booked in Positano or another villages on the coast - enquire at time of booking. From Positano, onward travel to Naples, Salerno or Sorrento is possible by boat, ferry or bus. Meals included: 1 breakfast