Sorrento Peninsula SORRENTO
WELCOME TO Sorrento Sorrento, known in local dialect as Surrient, is the most important town on the peninsula. Sorrento s greatest prosperity was during the first century of Roman occupation, when it and Capri were favoured homes of Augustus and Tiberius and the town experienced considerable commercial trade. Today, Sorrento has a fascinating atmosphere and is a busy tourist destination. Attractions in the town include the cathedral, renovated in the 15th century, which has an unusual campanile in front, and the 16th century city walls, which are interrupted by the remains of a Roman arch at the top of the town. Also the Museo Correale di Terranova houses an interesting collection of 17th and 18th century decorative art. Narrow streets wind down the cliffs to sea level, where you will find the harbour and two marinas. We explore the world famous Sorrento peninsula with its stunning coastal scenery as well as the remarkable Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Enjoy the Way of the Gods high above the coast and visit the bijou towns along the stunning Amalfi Coast. Why not sample the local drink, limoncello, made in Sorrento and the surrounding villages? You can see the lemons and vines growing even in Sorrento itself. 2 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk
ACCOMMODATION Hotel Caravel Corso Marion Crawford 61 80065 Sant Agnello Tel: 0039 081 878 2955 The 4-star Hotel Caravel lies in the residential district of Sant Agnello and is surrounded by pleasant gardens with lemon trees. It is owned and run by the Liccardi family, and many of their staff have looked after HF Holidays guests for more than 16 years. The esplanade, just 250m from the hotel, has magnificent views across Sorrento Bay. The historic centre of Sorrento is about 1mile away. Bedrooms: There are 92 en-suite bedrooms, each with a television, telephone, hairdryer, safe deposit box and mini-bar. Tea and coffee making facilities are not provided in the bedrooms, but hot drinks can be purchased from the bar. There is an ironing room for guests use and an internet point near reception. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel. Facilities: The main area for meeting fellow guests is the piano bar/lounge on the ground floor which has lots of comfortable seating opening out onto a delightful garden terrace and swimming pool. In the basement there is a games room with pool table. Postcards, stamps and free local maps are all available from the reception desk. Meals: All our holidays include breakfast and evening meal. If you have any special dietary requirements, including vegetarians, it is always better if we know before you travel. Breakfast: Is available from 7am to 9am and is an extensive self-service buffet with a good choice of hot and cold items. Evening meal: Hotel Caravel serves a 3-course evening meal at 7pm which includes many Italian specialities plus an excellent salad bar. Gentlemen are asked not to wear shorts in the dining room in the evening. Lunch: You may be able to purchase a picnic lunch from the hotel. Alternatively it is possible to buy ingredients from local shops or on some days to eat at one of the local cafés; your leaders will advise you of the options. Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 3
Guided Walking Easier Walks: 3 to 7 miles (5-11km) on good, but sometimes steep paths. Up to 1,000ft (300m) of ascent in a day. ITINERARY A unique feature of our Guided Walking holidays is the daily choice of walks. Each evening your leaders will give a short talk about the options for the next day and answer any questions that you may have. In Sorrento you ll have a choice of two guided walks on each walking day. The cost of the transport to and from your walks each day is included in the cost of your holiday. Harder Walks: 4 to 8 miles (6.5-13km) with some long steep ascents and descents, sometimes on stone steps. Up to 1,800ft (540m) of ascent in a day. Please note that the itinerary outlined below is provisional and could be subject to change. For the most up to date information, please check our website. A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort and your leaders will talk every evening about the next day s walks. Itinerary One: 7, 21 April, 5, 19 May. 1, 15, 29 Sept, 13 Oct Day 1: Arrival day You should arrive at the hotel with time to settle into your room and perhaps enjoy a stroll around the local area. On the first evening your leaders will explain more about the walks and there will be plenty of time to meet with your fellow guests. Day 2: In the land of Sirens Having explored around the town, we take a short bus ride to the little town of St Agata on the ridge above Sorrento, to begin our walks. 4 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk Easier Walk: Using paths and minor roads, the easier walk will circumnavigate the town of St Agata taking in the views of both gulfs, as well as Capri, Vesuvius, the Phlegrean Fields and Ischia. The walk finishes back in St Agata before taking the service bus back to Sorrento for further exploration. 3 miles (5km) with 400ft (120m) of ascent. Harder Walk: The harder walk will follow the same circular walk as the easier walkers but will then return to Sorrento on foot using quiet lanes and old mule tracks. 4 miles (6.5km) with 400ft (120m) of ascent and 1,500ft (420m) of descent.
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Day 3: Vesuvius and Herculaneum - sightseeing excursion This full day coach excursion takes us to two of the most famous sights in the Bay of Naples, the summit of Vesuvius, one of three active volcanoes in Europe, and the spectacular buried city of Herculaneum. Day 4: The heights of Positano The former fishermen s village of Positano slopes steeply up from the sea and promotes itself as Italy s most nearly vertical town. Houses are built on terraces in a Moorish style with flat roofs and balconies beneath arcades. The town was made popular and fashionable by writers and artists, such as Franco Zeffirelli and John Steinbeck. Easier Walk: We start at the church of St Maria del Castello for our first breathtaking view over Positano. Our walk follows the Way of the Gods, a superb mountain path that traverses the hillside enjoying the most wonderful views. We descend on the ancient stepped mule path to the hospitable village of Montepertuso, from where we catch the bus that winds down the hillside of Positano. 3 miles (5km) with 800ft (240m) of ascent and 1,700ft (510m) of descent. Harder Walk: We also start at St Maria del Castello and follow the Way of the Gods along the hillside of Montepertuso, but continue our walk down into Positano. This section involves a long, steep descent, much of it on stone steps. 6 miles (9.5km) with 1,000ft (300m) of ascent and 2,900ft (870m) of descent. Day 5: Free day Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. Some options for your free day may include: Pompeii Easily reached using the Circumvesuviana Railway, this famous site is an extremely popular free day option. Herculaneum Also on the Circumvesuviana Railway, Herculaneum is another extremely popular choice. Amalfi It is possible to reach charming Amalfi by bus or boat; your leaders can advise. Sorrento Enjoy the old town and perhaps a leisurely lunch in the old harbour. Capri Exploring the legendary island of Capri which can be reached by ferries from the Marina Piccola in Sorrento. 6 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk Positano It is possible to reach this charming town by public bus. Please ask your leaders for details. Naples Reached by the Circumvesuviana Railway or by fast ferry across the bay, Naples has a wealth of interesting sights. The city has been ruled by Greeks, Romans, Normans, Angevins and Bourbons, all of whom have left theirmark. Head for the National Museum, which houses a magnificent collection of treasures from Pompeii and other ancient sites. For information on Sorrento please visit www.sorrentotourism.com Day 6: Mountain villages Our journey takes us to the start of the walks in villages high above Vico Equense. Both walks will have fine views over the coast. Easier Walk: From Arola we follow narrow lanes out of the village climbing steadily. We continue to ascend on forest tracks to the ridge with a final optional ascent to Monte Vico Alvano for a spectacular view. The return to Arola is on a different path through chestnut woods. 4 miles (6.5km) with 900ft (270m) of ascent. Harder Walk: From Preazzano, we ascend on a mule track through woods and cultivated terraces to Monte Comune. From there we descend a rocky ridge with views to the end of the peninsula. An optional ascent to Monte Vico Alvano precedes our descent on shady forest paths to Arola. 6 miles (9.5km) with 1,000ft (300m) of ascent. Day 7: Mont St Constanzo Today we head to the village of Termini, set in an idyllic landscape at the end of the peninsula. Both walks finish at Marina del Cantone before our bus returns to Sorrento. Easier Walk: We leave Termini on the well graded road that zigzags up the hillside behind the village to a spectacular viewpoint. A short descent and a rise through light woodlands will bring us to Monte St Constanzo, with its tiny chapel. We descend back to Termini on an ancient mule track and then down to the beach at Marina del Cantone via the little village of Nerano. 5 miles (8km) with 700ft (210m) of ascent and 1,800ft (540m) of descent. Harder Walk: We start with a steady descent to the very tip of the Sorrento Peninsula at Point Campenella. From here we have a lengthy ascent along the rough spine of the ridge to the chapel of St Constanzo at the summit. Finally we descend to Termini and on through Nerano to Marina del Cantone. 6 miles (9.5km) with 1,600ft (480m) of ascent. Day 8: Departure day
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ltinerary 2 itinerary two: 14, 28 April, 12 May. 8, 22 Sept, 6 Oct Day 2: The two gulfs Having explored the town, we take a short bus ride to the ridge above the old town of Sorrento, near the village of Fontanelle. Easier Walk: A stroll through Fontanelle takes us to a viewpoint with stunning views. Here we start the main ascent of the day to a path that contours around the hillside and through a shady pine wood, followed by views across to Capri. Eventually, we reach the small town of St Agata where we can visit a café or the 16th century church before returning to Sorrento for further exploration. 6 miles (9.5km) with 900ft (270m) of ascent. Harder Walk: We start west of Fontanelle and follow the same route to St Agata, from where we ascend gently to the Deserto monastery for a striking panorama. Our route down takes us through farmland and lemon and olive groves to Sorrento where we can explore further. 8 miles (13km) with 600ft (180m) of ascent and 1,800ft (540m) of descent. Day 3: Pompeii - sightseeing excursion Today we visit the buried Roman city of Pompeii which was settled as early as the 8th or 9th century BC, and blossomed as a commercial centre with a population of up to 20,000. In 80 BC it came under the direct domination of Rome, and much building and renovation work was done. The city was closer to the sea than today, near the mouth of the River Sarno. Day 4: Ravello and Amalfi The world famous Amalfi Drive takes us to Amalfi, a former maritime trading republic which once rivalled Venice in importance. The town s narrow streets and stepped paths cling tightly to the steep hillsides. Easier Walk: After exploring the cathedral and town, we walk through the narrow streets and up into a cool wooded valley to a flat area near a waterfall. From here we ascend the side of the valley to the village of Pontone, enjoying delightful views down to Amalfi. Our bus will take us up to Ravello where there is time to explore. 4 miles (6.5km) with 1,000ft (300m) of ascent. Harder Walk: Our walk is much higher up the mountain than the easier route. We will take transport to Pogerola, 1,000 feet above Amalfi, then pass quickly through the village into more remote feeling countryside where the views are fantastic. 6 miles (9.5km) with 1,700ft (510m) of ascent. Day 5: Free day Please see itinerary 1 Day 6: Path of the Gods Today s walks both start at the tiny village of Norcelle (1,500ft above the sea) and explore the aptly named Way of the Gods as it contours high above the Amalfi Coast. Easier Walk: We walk on the Way of the Gods with wonderful views along the Amalfi Coast and across the Bay of Salermo. The paths can be a little exposed in parts but provide excellent views. Our route starts on this path and then from Colle la Serra, we walk round a lush valley to Bomerano. 4 miles (6.5km) with 1,100ft (330m) of ascent. Harder Walk: We follow the same Way of the Gods path as the easier route but at Bomerano we continue around to the next valley before ascending to S Lazzaro at the eastern end of the plain of Agerola. The paths can be a bit rocky and exposed but they are pretty good for most of the way. 6 miles (9.5km) with 1,700ft (510m) of ascent. Day 7: Monte Faito Today we head for Mount Faito which lies to the northeast of Sorrento in the Lattari Mountains. Soak up the extensive views and perhaps enjoy refreshments before starting the walk. We walk through the beautiful beech woods that cover much of these slopes but still enjoy the extensive mountain views right down the peninsula and across to Capri. Affluent locals live up here in the cooler temperatures. Easier Walk: The walk starts along quite roads through the pine woods to a point where we strike off into the beech woods to a viewpoint at Casa de Monaco. We then retrace our steps and ascend to the chapel of St Michael before returning along the ridge to our start point. 6 miles (9.5km) with 1,000ft (300m) of ascent. Harder Walk: We set along the ridge before going around the mountain and ascending through the trees to a col where there is the option to complete the ascent of Molare. The route then descends steeply before going through the beech woods and returning to the start along quiet roads. 7 miles (11km) with 1,600ft (480m) of ascent. Day 8: Departure day In the evenings In Europe, our walking holidays continue into the evening. Enjoy a glass of wine or local beer whilst listening to your leaders outlining the next day s walks. After a relaxing evening meal, a DVD presentation on Pompeii will enhance your visit the following day and on another evening you can join your group walking to the famous Foreigners Bar for a nightcap and marvel at the amazing view across the Bay of Naples. Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 9
Your Walking Leaders: HF Holidays leaders are a pivotal feature of our walking holidays. During the day they will guide you on the walks in a caring and considerate way, showing you places of interest on the route. All our leaders have been selected on an intensive residential course so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that you are in safe hands. Our leaders welcome your comments on the holiday survey; constructive suggestions are very helpful. We take pride in the quality of our holidays and work closely with all our providers to ensure our holidays meet your expectations. If for any reason you are not satisfied our leaders are the best people to help. Local interest guides: In some of our resorts we may employ the services of a local interest guide who will accompany you on a walk to enhance your enjoyment of the area by giving you an insight into its history and culture. Tips for local guides have not been included in the price of your holiday. This is at your own discretion and we invite you to do this directly with the local guide. Children: We welcome unaccompanied children of 14 or over on our walks on the basis that they can take full responsibility for themselves. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. WALKING SAFETY Hydration: In warm weather it is very important to keep hydrated. You will need to carry water with you on walks, more during hot weather or on more demanding walks. One good way of hydrating is to use a hydration pack which allows drinking without constant stopping. This can then be filled up from water sources as required. Insurance: Insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so, and advise us of the insurance company and policy number. We have negotiated special holiday insurance and full details of this cover can be found in our brochure or at hfholidays.co.uk. There is no extra charge for preexisting illnesses. If you would like to purchase insurance from us please call us on 020 8732 1220 or email holidayservices@hfholidays.co.uk. Even with an EHIC card, medicines and out-patient treatment normally have to be paid for at the time and the costs reclaimed afterwards details are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. Therefore insurance is extremely important, as is access to emergency money, preferably a credit card. 10 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk WHAT TO WEAR & BRING To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable. Changeable weather is possible throughout the year, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities. You will need: comfortable outdoor clothing waterproof jacket and overtrousers ankle supporting footwear with non-slip soles small rucksack water bottle (at least 2 litres, more for hot climates) and a thermos flask if you wish sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses The following are recommended to all walkers, and are essential for mountainous and hilly areas: walking boots spare pullover or fleece hat and gloves spare high-energy food e.g. chocolate bar or Kendal mint cake torch You may also wish to consider bringing: walking pole(s) many guests find these useful, particularly for descents camera personal first aid kit Footwear: We recommend wearing walking boots on all our walks, as these provide the best ankle support and grip. Modern approach shoes offer appropriate levels of grip and may be worn on some low level walks, but users should be aware that they offer less ankle support. Lightweight trainers, denim jeans and waterproof capes are not recommended for any walks. HOLIDAY TIPS Language: Italian Currency: Euro Money: There are several ATM machines in Sorrento where you can obtain money. Electricity: 220 Volt AC with round two pin plugs; you will need an adaptor for any appliances brought from the UK. Tap water: Is considered safe to drink, but if you prefer, bottled mineral water can be purchased from the hotel or local supermarkets. Telephone code: If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the starting digit when dialling the number. To dial a UK number 0044 To dial an Italian number 0039
linger a little LONGER If you enjoyed your holiday in our destination of Sorrento, we recommend our other holiday at our new destination in Catalonian Spain, Roses. Two weeks or more Make the most of your break and enjoy a longer holiday either two weeks of walking at one resort or by combining complementary holidays, Sorrento partners very well with Altamura, in the undiscovered region of Puglia. We arrange the transfers between the resorts so that you don t have to. See our brochure or website for more information. Self-guided Walking For those who prefer to explore independently, we recommend our Self-guided Walking holidays. In selected European destinations you can discover unspoiled scenery, historic sites and the local culture at your own pace by following our carefully planned walking routes. Leisure Activities We offer a range of Leisure Activities holidays at some of our European destinations, including Discovery or Garden Tours, Photography, Painting, or Yoga. Worldwide From Alaska to Australia our Worldwide Journeys invite you to explore world famous destinations, and some lesser known gems, on six continents including Europe. TRANSFER INFORMATION If you have booked your holiday with flight you will arrive at Naples Airport. From the UK we offer flights from London Gatwick and Liverpool which may arrive at different times. Please note that meals are not usually provided on European flights, although some airlines may offer a small snack. Where possible you will be met as you enter the arrivals hall by an HF Holidays leader. Your leader may be on the same flight as you or may arrive on another flight. Occasionally we will ask our transfer coach company to meet you. The driver will be in the arrivals hall holding an HF Holidays sign. Please note that where possible we combine our airport transfers and you may have a short wait at the airport for the rest of your group who will be arriving on a different flight. You will be notified of this in your final confirmation letter. The onward journey to Sorrento by coach takes approximately 1¾ hours. For independent travellers: For guests who have booked their holiday without flight HF Holidays can help you to reach the hotel in the following ways: HF Holidays transfer coach from Naples airport. These are timed to meet the HF Holidays flights (provisional flight times can be found on www.hfholidays.co.uk or by calling (0)20 8732 1220). Cost per single journey is 20.50. Please note that HF Holidays is not responsible for your onward travel if you fail to meet the transfer coach under any circumstance Our Airport Taxi service is available on request. Transfers and taxis must be pre-booked. If you have not already booked your transfer or taxi please call +44 (0)20 8732 1220 Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2603 and quote HX031 or book online at holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 11
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