"Choose a place that particularly calls you, adopt it, make it yours with a small ritual. You will establish a contact between you and the part of yourself that you leave in that place. This contact will last forever. There, you will have a small new home, a refuge awaiting you at any moment, ready to give you back the happy part of yourself that you entrusted it with."
Katia Salvini "The Traveller's Handbook"
Highlights
- Enjoy an exclusive hiking tour to the rim of Vesuvius and 360-degree views of the Gulf of Naples.
- Visit the extraordinary archeological sites of Herculaneum, Pompeii and Paestum.
- Hike along the mesmerizing coastal trails of the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Peninsula.
- Explore on foot the exquisite and world-renown Isle of Capri and its hidden secrets.
- Savor the exquisite traditional cuisine and the fine local wines.
- Overnight at exquisite hotels with splendid views of the Mediterranean.
The Amalfi Coast and the Sorrento Peninsula have been celebrated throughout the centuries for their divine beauty, rich history and culture. This splendid region, with such jewels as Positano and the Isle of Capri, is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations not only in Italy, but also in the whole world. And, with good reason! A spectacular, dramatic coastline, dotted by beautiful towns and hamlets miraculously clinging to the cliffs, beckon the visitors from afar. In 1997, the Amalfi Coast was inscribed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as "an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape, with exceptional cultural and natural scenic values resulting from its dramatic topography and historical evolution". Wonderful hiking trails lead to magnificent vantage points, from which the views are simply breathtaking. Our hiking forays, in the company of an expert, knowledable guide, will take us to these beautiful iconic sites as well as other lovely locations tucked away from the main tourist map. They will introduce us to the history, culture and authentic characteristics of this popular region. Exclusive, guided walking tours will allow us to re-live the sumptuous past of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and immerse us in the magical atmosphere of the Greek temples of Paestum. Finally, another exclusive hiking tour in the company of a volcanologist takes us on a short hike to the upper rim of Vesuvius (Vesuvio), where the 360-degree view of the Gulf of Naples (Napoli), the Sorrento Peninsula, the Isle of Capri and the plains at the foot of the volcano is simply superb.
Accommodations will be in very nice three- and four-star hotels, and our meals will reflect the delicious, traditional cuisine. Plenty of opportunities to taste some of the extraordinary wines produced in the region and, of course, the famous limoncello will make your Italian vacation complete.
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Itinerary Outline
Day 1 • Naples - Herculaneum - Paestum
Meet your guide and visit Herculaneum, devastated, along with Pompeii, by the flow of lava, mud and ashes erupting from Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Thanks to the complete wooden structures of the sumptuous homes, furniture and objects of daily use, it is a unique example of ancient city in the whole world. Transfer to Paestum and enjoy the rest of the day by the pool or on the beach, along the Mediterranean Sea.
Day 2 • Paestum - Coastal Villages - Positano
Guided tour of Paestum, the most important Greek archaeological site south of Naples, and its museum, which houses the sole example of painting of Magna Grecia. Visit Vietri, one of the most important centres for the production of artistic and traditional ceramics, where you can meander through the shops and see artisans "in action". Continue to Positano along the spectacular Amalfi Coast, stopping in one of the "Borghi più belli d'Italia" (Italy's most beautiful hamlets), a club founded in 2001 to safeguard and preserve small Italian hamlets, of artistic and historic interest, at risk of being depopulated and abandoned.
Day 3 • Hiking above Amalfi
Transfer to "noble" Amalfi, which reached political autonomy and economic prosperity in the 10th century, when it became one of the powerful maritime republics. Hike into a luxurious natural environment and a natural reserve alternating tropical plant life with Mediterranean vegetation. Ruins of paper mills stand in testimony of the ancient tradition of making paper by hand. From a small medieval hamlet, enjoy great views of the harbour of Amalfi. Visit the fascinating Museo della Carta (paper museum), and learn how paper was made in the old days. Free time in Amalfi before a nice boat cruise back to Positano.
Day 4 • Hiking the Amalfi Coast
A spectacular easy hike takes us along a famous trail on the Amalfi Coast: Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods). We hike the most enthralling, panoramic stretch of this trail, and the part that well-deserves the name, reaching it from an alternative route, off the main tourist map. Outstanding panoramic views, typical cultivations, Mediterranean vegetation, and a trail literally suspended between heaven and the sea. We reach a small hamlet counting about 300 people that has maintained its authentic character and return on foot to Positano.
Day 5 • Hiking above Sorrento
Hike on the Sorrento Peninsula along a Roman path, past olive groves and medieval watch towers, and with splendid views of the Isle of Capri. This is the setting of the Odyssey, a land still exuding the magic of times past. Reach the top of the hill, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Amalfi Coast, gulf of Salerno, Vesuvius, gulf of Naples and gulf of Ieranto. Transfer to a farm that produces olive oil, wine, sausages and limoncello. Learn how to make mozzarella cheese and real Neapolitan pizza, and conclude the day with an early "pizza party" and a tasting of the farm's products.
Day 6 • Vesuvius - Pompeii
Hike with a volcanologist to the rim of Vesuvius, an active volcano, particularly interesting for its history and the frequency of its eruptions. Our exclusive tour continues to the highest point of the crater, where you can observe the lava flow of 1944 and take in the incredible view over the whole Gulf of Naples. Guided tour of the archaeological site Pompeii. A town of about 20'000 people, Pompeii was still undergoing reconstruction from the devastating earthquake of 62 A.D. when Vesuvius fatally erupted. Thanks to the optimal preservation of its buildings, Pompeii today can be considered the only archaeological site able to give an image of a Roman city in its entirety.
Day 7 • Isle of Capri
Take a wonderful hike to the highest point on the island, away from the tourist hub-hub Plenty of opportunities to take in the superb panorama: the lighthouse, the Faraglioni, a birds-eye view of Anacapri and the villas. Visit Anacapri (upper Capri) a true jewel with a charming historical centre, sought after by many European artists as a place of retreat and a source of inspiration. Walk through Capri's passageways, admiring Villa Jovis, the Arco Naturale (Natural Arch), and Giardini di Augusto (Gardens of Augustus) along the way.
Day 8 • Departure
After breakfast, group transfer to Naples Capodichino Airport.
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| Country |
Italy |
Trip Length |
8 days |
| Season |
Apr - Oct |
| 2012 Dates |
Sept 30 - Oct 7
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Trip Price |
From Euros 2850 p/p
Prices are based on dbl occupancy |
Trip Rating |
Easy to moderate
see explanation |
| Trip Activity |
Walking, hiking, culture, history, archeology, nature |
Accommodations |
6 nights 3-star hotels
1 nights 4-star hotel |
What is Included |
English-speaking guide for duration of the trip, licensed tour guide for archelogical sites, vulcanologist for hike to Vesuvius, airport transfers, all accommodations, all breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners, water and coffee/tea with group meals at restaurants, private vehicle transportation as per itinerary, public transport as per itinerary, luggage transfers, exclusive guided visits to archeological sites, museums and points of interest as specified in the itinerary
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What is not Included |
Air travel, insurance of any kind, gratuities, 1 lunch, 3 dinners, personal expenses (laundry, sodas or alcoholic beverages, telephone calls etc.). Unused transport during the tour will not be reimbursed
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