Itinerary
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Booking this tour: IV Travel

Upon meeting at the Naples airport, we transfer  (approximately 45 minutes) to the majestic Mt. Vesuvius, perhaps best known for the powerful eruption of 79 AD and the remarkably-preserved archeological site of nearby Pompeii, whose frescoes rank among the world’s finest.  A volcanological guide accompanies us on a 2-hour hike across black sand encircling the crater, leading ultimately to its peak at 4200 ft.  Following our walk, we drive about an hour to the town of Amalfi.  Amalfi was a powerful town in the Middle Ages; rich with art and history, and the first of the four Maritime Republics in Italy.  

Our base for the next two nights, once a mill as well as a pasta factory, is a charming white-washed hotel just a few steps from the sea, and the heart of town.  After an orientation meeting, we depart on foot for a nearby restaurant where dinner featuring the bounty of the region awaits.  An after dinner stroll through the main square provides an opportunity to admire the 11th-century cathedral which features a unique mix of Moorish and European styles.

Hotel La Bussola, Amalfi
 

After breakfast, we begin our day with a walk directly from our hotel into a deep, shady valley—the Valley of the Mills, named for the numerous mills that dot this countryside. The route leads through woods and scrub as it climbs along the contours of this rugged hillside. Our path ascends steadily but not too steeply, as we climb a stone-paved trail. The stairs gradually diminish as stone gives way to unpaved earthen terrain. We reach an old iron mill and then enter a natural reserve, where waterfalls frame a sanctuary that is home to endemic ferns and carnivorous plants. The trail continues steeply through a chestnut tree forest after which we emerge in the tiny village of Pogerola, where we refuel on a meal of homemade pasta at a family-run restaurant offering gratifying views over the valley we climbed this morning.       

After lunch, we venture into the upper part of the valley (at an altitude between 1600 and 1700 ft), initially through woods and shade along the western slope and gradually giving way to a more open trail through scrub and offering stunning views to the sea below.  Eventually we reach the town of Scala (or time and energy permitting, Ravello) where we may stop for a refreshment before returning to Amalfi by minibus.  There is time to relax or take a swim in the sea before another authentic meal.
   
Hotel La Bussola, Amalfi
 

Today’s walk begins in the nearby town of Praiano (a 20-minute transfer from Amalfi), and features one of the classic walks of the Amalfi Coast region —Il Sentiero degli Dei (the Path of the Gods). The walking terrain is varied, the views magnificent, as we hike hillside trails winding through scrub to forests of oak, pine, and cypress trees. We climb old mule tracks bordered by stone walls. Reaching Nocelle, we walk along a paved trail before we begin climbing again. After a few hundred yards, the rough trail to Forestale becomes a well-maintained mule track with stone stairs threading through serene forest. We stop for a picnic lunch in Forestale, where the altitude (at 2500 ft) offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.   

After lunch, a gentle descent through trees and rock roses and Spanish broom, leads to S. Maria del Castello and the cross of Capodacqua. After a scenic walk along the ridge overlooking Positano, once a small fishing village, and today a chic seaside resort, we continue down to Ticciano.  Our trail leads through chestnut trees, and we are met by a minibus and driver for a 40-minute transfer to the seaside resort of Sorrento.  On arrival in Sorrento, we check into our hotel—a comfortable base with gardens and swimming pool, and ideally located next to the main square, Piazza Tasso.  

Dinner this evening is a special treat as we indulge in a sampling menu at a local restaurant that is part of the Slow Food Movement, an international association that promotes food and wine culture, but also defends food and agricultural biodiversity worldwide.
 
Hotel Eden, Sorrento
 

We begin our day with a transfer by train to Castellammare, where we take a cablecar to Mt. Faito.  Our walk along the watershed affords sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno, as well as Mt. Vesuvius and the exclusive Isle of Capri. We begin the hike at 3600 ft and descend briefly along a paved road to the Lontra (Otter) spring, where we ascend again through beech forest lining the way to the summit of Monte Cerasuolo (just under 4000 ft). We descend to Campo del Pero and then climb up to the Molar via Acqua Santa (Holy Water) spring. We pause for a picnic lunch and to take in the breathtaking scenery.  

After lunch we walk the ridge of Conocchia and then around the top of the Valley Acqua del Milo en route to Casa del Monaco, which we reach by late afternoon for a cablecar descent (3000 feet in 8 minutes!) to Castellammare.

We dine this evening at a popular local restaurant in Sorrento.

Hotel Eden, Sorrento
 

Today we return to the watershed, making our way to the tip of the Sorrentine Peninsula.  Our path leads mostly through low vegetation, with wide panoramas embracing both gulfs.  In Montepertuso, we walk to the cross perched at 2000 ft, and continue up to Monte Comune (2900 ft) and then down to Chiosse (1800 ft).  The route is a hillside hike with steep stretches alternating with easy climbs.  The trail follows the watershed very close to the southern coast, affording dazzling vertical views of Positano and the coast to the west. The upper part of Monte Comune is grassy plateau, with a rough descent of loose stone—never too close to the cliff's edge, however. 

We stop for lunch at a unique spot, a former tower converted into a restaurant, and then we continue up to Monte Vico Alvano (2100 ft), along a trail graced with gorgeous views of Sorrento and the Gulf of Naples and its islands.  We finish our walk at Colli S. Pietro.

Upon our return to Sorrento, you are free to peruse the many shops and continue on to dinner on your own at one of the many fine restaurants or pizzerias.

Hotel Eden, Sorrento
 

Today's walk provides the perfect closure to our exploration and perhaps a new perspective of the Sorrentine Peninsula.  After breakfast, we transfer approximately 20 minutes to the village of Termini from where we begin a walk down a partially paved trail to Punta Campanella—the tip of the Peninsula and closest point to the island of Capri. The slope is rich with Mediterranean scrub (macchia) and sprinkled with orchids and various types of broom.  We continue along a grassy ridge trail that climbs to San Costanzo, pausing to admire the Isle of Capri rising starkly from a glistening blue sea.  We walk back to Termini down an old mule track and continue to Capo d’Arco for lunch.  Afterward, we descend to Nerano and Jeranto, a former quarry with a 16th-century watchtower nearby, where there is time for a swim in the sea before transferring back to Sorrento.     

This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner alfresco under a traditional pergola at a family-run farm, feasting on locally produced vegetables, olive oil, wine, and limoncello.

Hotel Eden, Sorrento Day 7
 

After enjoying a copious breakfast, you are free to continue your exploration of this spectacular coast or continue to Naples for airline or train connections.
 

* Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events or weather.  We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise.  Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.