The Amalfi Coast Walking Tour

The Amalfi Coast Walking Tour

ITALY WITH PLEASURE is a specialist provider of small group tours to Italy. We are a New Zealand based company, but our heart is in Italy. We've travelled extensively throughout Italy, and the itineraries that we've put together allow you to maximise your experience of the best that Italy has to offer.

Amalfi Coast Walking Tour Six days seeing the best of the Amalfi Coast; experience the lifestyle, history and cuisine of this fascnating region Highlights Walk through the terraces to the beautiful village of Ravello. Walk along ancient trails in the Valley of the Mills. The famous Walk of the Gods high up on the peninsula Visit the beautiful island of Capri, walking past Roman villas and an ancient temple. Our Tour The Amalfi Coast is world famous for its spectacular coastline and the picturesque towns clinging to the hills. What is less well known are the fascinating ancient walking trails along the Amalfi Peninsula. The six day Amalfi Coast Walking Tour allows you to experience the best of the Amalfi Coast, featuring towns such as Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and nearby Capri. As well as this the walks give you an in-depth insight into the lifestyle of the people who cultivate this land, the natural beauty (stunning sea views), and the layers of history that make up this fascinating region. Each day is a combination of walking (generally the morning) followed by time to relax and unwind in the charming villages along the coast. Why travel with us: Italy With Pleasure is a specialist provider of small group tours to Italy. We would like to take you to some of our favourite destinations and unveil to you some of Italy s best kept gems. We take you to the places that we like visiting we've travelled extensively throughout Italy, and the itineraries that we've put together allow you to maximise your experience of the best that Italy has to offer. We specialise in southern Italy: Puglia, Amalfi and Sicily. Discover the layers of history that make up this fascinating region. Pompeii with a guided visit by an archaeologist Visit Positano seaside relaxation and chic boutiques Amalfi stay here in the heart of this coast Small Group Tours of Italy Puglia Amalfi Sicily

Amalfi Coast Walking Tour Six days seeing the best of the Amalfi Coast; experience the lifestyle, history and cuisine of this fascnating region Tour Dates 2019: 25 30 May 24 29 June 16 21 September 23 28 September The Amalfi Coast Tour includes: English-speaking tour manager for the duration of the trip. Guiding is provided for three walks. All accommodation is included. All breakfasts are included with the accommodation, plus main meals included as listed in the itinerary. All costs/entry fees for activities and sights are included (see itinerary). All tour transport is included. Amalfi Coast Walking Tour Price: 1950 *based on twin share, price is denominated in Euros ( ) *single supplement of 200 for solo travellers * deposit is fully refundable (up until 45 days prior to tour start date) Some features of our tours are: Contact with local people: Careful selection of a range of activities and visits allow you to have genuine experiences in contact with local people... this is what memories are made of! All our tours are organised directly by us: Not by third party tour operators. Our guided tours are in small groups: Tours are always fully guided and in a small group context, giving a more personal touch and flexibility where needed. Experience Italy like a local: As well as organised excursions, we leave some time each day for you to explore at your own pace so you can get a sense of how it is to live like a local. Small Group Tours of Italy Puglia Amalfi Sicily

Amalfi Coast Walking Tour Six days seeing the best of the Amalfi Coast; experience the lifestyle, history and cuisine of this fascnating region Accommodation The hotel we use for this tour, the Reginna Palace Hotel, is a good quality hotel right in the heart of the town of Maiori. 4 star hotel Central location On the waterfront By staying centrally you get to really experience the vibrancy of this town. The hotel is wonderfully situated on the waterfront. One side you have uninterrupted sea views, and a few steps the other way you have la dolce vita of Italian piazza life. You can stroll into town whenever you like to have a gelato or browse the shops (with no shuttle bus needed like you would from hotels further from town). Outside the hotel is a swimming beach, perfect for relaxing after a day out walking and sightseeing. Additionally the hotel has its own excellent pool and jacuzzi. Being a 4 star hotel a full range of features is included, such as wifi, air conditioning, and a cocktail bar. Small Group Tours of Italy Puglia Amalfi Sicily

Amalfi Coast Walking Tour Six days seeing the best of the Amalfi Coast; experience the lifestyle, history and cuisine of this fascnating region OUR TOUR LEADERS Antonella: I am from Puglia and I have spent the last 15 years in the travel industry. I am a food lover and I like sharing with my guests my first hand knowledge of the local culture, people, food, habits and traditions. My family has passed on to me the Puglia way of living and I proudly preserve these precious values making our wine, extra virgin olive oil and growing much of our food. Andy: I am originally from the UK but bought my house here in 2006. I am immersed in Italian culture and life I have a BA in Italian and an MA in Art History. My passions are Renaissance and Baroque art and architecture and Italian wine and food. My particular interests are Caravaggio and Bernini, Salice Salentino and swordfish. Anita: Raised in Bari, Puglia, I have a passion for sharing the best of this region with others. From my deep cultural knowledge and understanding of what is the essence of Puglia, I can provide to you an insight into both the land and the people that keep alive the traditions. Richie: I am originally from the US but have lived in Italy for the last ten years. I have a degree in Art History and am a food & wine enthusiast who enjoys transmitting my love for the local culture to curious visitors. It's my mission to give something special to guests through a blend of learning, fun, spontaneity, and shared quality memories. Roberta: From Sicily, in the very south of Italy, I then moved to Rome. To me, showing the beauties of this country to people from all over the world not only is a job, but also the best way I have to give something back to my country. I like to transmit the quintessence of Italian culture, because you can't understand Italy without passing through real people's way of living. Malcolm: I first came to Italy about 15 years ago while working as a winemaker. With a passion for the gastronomy and the history of Italy, leading tours around regional areas allows me to share the best of Italy. Having lived in Sicily, Puglia, Rome and Milan, I have a good understanding of Italy and Italian culture from the north to the south.

.crafting wonderful tours of Italy Amalfi Coast Walking Tour - Itinerary Day 1 - Travelling to the Amalfi Coast We meet in Rome and from here we start our journey south toward the Amalfi Coast. From here we start our journey south, with a few interesting stops along the way. Our first stop is at Montecassino, site of the major WWII battle, where we visit the Allies cemetery. A short drive after lunch takes us to the start of the Amalfi Peninsula and the town of Vietri Sul Mare. This is where the famous coloured ceramics are produced, using the maiolica method. We visit a manufacturer where we can see the ceramics being produced and painted, continuing a tradition that started in the 1500s. We see the incredible array of colours and designs of their finished product. Montecassino Following a drive along the stunning Amalfi Coast road, with hairpin bends and amazing views in equal measure, we reach the town of Maiori, where we stay for the duration of the tour. Ceramics in Vietri Sul Mare Our hotel is wonderfully situated in the centre of town, making it easy to come and go as you please. A few steps away you have la dolce vita of Italian piazza life. In the evening we have a Welcome Dinner, and our first taste of the superb cuisine of this region. The Amalfi Coast town of Maiori Meals included: Dinner

.crafting wonderful tours of Italy Day 2 Walking through the terraces to Ravello This is our first walking day, and the trails that we follow are based around the town of Ravello. In the morning we are driven to the town of Scala, from where we follow paths winding through well-tended vineyards and orchards, passing through several small villages where life still revolves around working the land through the seasons. As we are quite high up we have frequent photo stops so you can capture the rugged beauty of the coastline below us. Walking near Ravello Around midday we reach the charming town of Ravello. Here we have lunch on a superbly situated terrace, following which you are free to explore Ravello independently during the afternoon. Ravello is a fascinating town, with layers of history to be seen. Of particular note are the buildings and gardens of Villa Ruffolo, and the cathedral. From the Villa Cimbrone you have amazing views down to Amalfi. Or simply wander through some of the lanes, and relax around the piazza area where there are numerous shops and cafes. Local transport en route to Ravello Ravello is famous for vibrant hand-painted ceramics and for the excellent local wine, both of which can be found in the specialty shops here. The piazza in Ravello WALKING DETAILS: SCALA TO RAVELLO The walk is fully guided. Total Distance: 4.4 miles / 7 km Duration of walking sections: 2.5 hrs Terrain: Well formed track, some steps Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch Villa Cimbrone, Ravello

.crafting wonderful tours of Italy Day 3 Walking through the Valley of the Mills For today s walk you depart from Amalfi into the valley that lies directly beyond the town. This takes in the Valley of the Mills, a narrow valley that was historically a hive of industry, with paper mills and iron works. Today it is largely back to its natural state, but it is fascinating to see the remains of these historic buildings. Today s walk takes in the Valley of the Mills, a narrow valley where paper mills and iron works flourished from the middle ages onwards. Today the area is largely back to its natural state, but following the river up the valley it is fascinating to see the remains of these historic buildings and the old stone aquaducts. Old paper mills Our trail takes us along one side of the valley heading inland, which gives us a quite different landscape and flora from the previous day s walk. The head of this valley is a nature reserve, with a series of waterfalls and lush forest wedged between dramatic limestone cliffs. This nature reserve protects rare ferns, which can be seen growing in this shaded and fertile part of the valley. Picnic lunch in the valley Once we have arrived at the upper reaches of the valley we then have a couple of options. Some can follow the river back towards the coast (for those with lower energy levels or knee issues). Others can return higher up along the side of the valley, reaching a vantage point above Amalfi before descending back to sea-level. The head of the Valley of the Mills We are back in Amalfi by early afternoon, so there is plenty of time to explore here independently. Or just find your nearest café, put your feet up and sample the local specialty limoncello! Back in Amalfi we also visit the cathedral, Sant Remains of the mills

.crafting wonderful tours of Italy Andrea. This is more than just a church. Rather it is a complex of different buildings from different era, and is the heart of Amalfi. From the evocatively named Cloister of Paradise, with elegant marble colonnades, frescoed private chapels and ancient Roman sarcophagus. The Romanesque style Church of the Crucifix. The 13 th century Crypt of St Andrew, down below the church, where the remains of Saint Andrew are held. And finally into the main cathedral, with its elaborate baroque decorations. The Cloisters of Paradise WALKING DETAILS: VALLEY OF THE MILLS The walk is self guided. Total Distance: 3 ½ - 5 miles / 6-8 km Duration of walking sections: 3-4 hrs Terrain: Well formed track Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch (picnic lunch) The Crypt of St Andrew Day 4 - Walking the Path of the Gods & Positano We drive up to a high point above Amalfi, and from here we start today s walk which has the grand title 'The Path of the Gods' (Sentiero degli Dei ). This is one of the more popular trails on the Amalfi Coast, and walking along this path high above the sea you ll see why it has gained such renown. It commands fantastic views right out to the island of Capri. The trail takes you through a mixture of wooded areas as well as typical Mediterranean countryside, rocky with wild herbs, flowers and scattered olive trees. Goat herders are often seen on the grassy terraces tending their flocks, and peregrine falcons soar high above. The walk is 2 ½ hours duration and finishes in the town of Praiano. Walking the Path of the Gods The Path of the Gods

.crafting wonderful tours of Italy Following the walk we go to Positano. Famous for elegant fashion boutiques and seaside charm, this has been a holiday destination since Roman times. The afternoon is clear for some free time in Positano, which has an enviable combination of a good beach with a broad seaside promenade, with cafes and chic boutiques jostling for position in the pastel coloured buildings. This is a good time for a swim. You can spend some of the afternoon exploring the narrow back streets lined with bougainvillea, or just find your nearest café, put your feet up and sample the local specialty limoncello! To return to Maiori we go by boat, and cruising along the coast reveals a new perspective on the area, with some incredible houses tucked away and tiny hidden beaches. WALKING DETAILS: THE PATH OF THE GODS The walk is fully guided. Total Distance: 8.6 miles / 13.8 km Duration of walking sections: 2.5 hrs Terrain: Mainly well formed track, some natural rocky sections. Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch Positano Day 5 - Island time in Capri Today we travel to Capri, a favoured destination for the rich and famous in recent times, but also with an interesting history stretching back beyond ancient Roman times. Positano On Capri we take the funicular railway up to the town centre, where top fashion boutiques jostle for space

.crafting wonderful tours of Italy alongside locals selling fruit and vegetables. Starting from the centre of town we walk out to a monastery that has a view point looking out to the Faraglioni, the towering rocks emerging from the sea which are such a distinctive feature of Capri. We then have a lunch break before heading out to the Villa Jovis. Passing a series of luxury villas and gardens, you pass through the outskirts of town and reach the ancient Roman site. The Villa Jovis was the largest and most sumptuous of the island s 12 Roman villas and Tiberius main Capri residence. A vast pleasure complex, now reduced to ruins, it famously pandered to the emperor s debauched tastes, and included imperial quarters and extensive bathing areas set in dense gardens and woodland. The stairway behind the villa leads to the 330mhigh Salto di Tiberio (Tiberius Leap), a sheer cliff from where, as the story goes, Tiberius had out-of-favour subjects hurled into the sea. Today it is Tiberius Leap is worth a look for the view. Capri The Villa Jovis Later in the afternoon you ll find Capri has plenty of scope for simply browsing the shops and enjoying the ambience. And stroll down to the Gardens of Augustus for some more great views. The Faraglioni, Capri We return by ferry to Maiori late afternoon. In the evening we have the final dinner, enjoying the best of Amalfi Coast cuisine and celebrating the week we ve had in this special part of Italy. The Arco Naturale

.crafting wonderful tours of Italy WALKING DETAILS: CAPRI Villa Jovis Circuit The walk is fully guided. Total Distance: 5 miles / 8 km Duration of walking sections: 1.5 hrs Terrain: Well formed track Walking on Capri Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner Day 6 - All Roads Lead to Rome By now you know the local barista by name - and he knows which coffee you order - but we must say 'arrivederci' to the Amalfi Coast and return to Rome. Capri En route we visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Here we have a guided visit, where we see both evidences of the lifestyle of the inhabitants of this Roman city, as well as the destruction caused by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79AD. Even for those who have visited Pompeii before, having a specialist guide provides an in depth experience and is very revealing. We enjoy a final lunch together in Pompeii, having our last chance to enjoy regional cuisine, before heading north to Rome. Pompeii We reach Rome early evening. Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch Frescoes in Pompeii

.crafting wonderful tours of Italy Physical Requirements As this is a walking tour we require that participants have an adequate level of fitness and health to ensure that you are able to complete the tour. Tour participants should satisfy the following criteria: Be able to walk for the distance of each walk during this tour (up to 14 km / 9 miles and up to 4 hours, refer to the itinerary for specific details of each day s walk). Have sufficient stability and mobility to be able to walk on uneven surfaces and unpaved paths. Be able to handle walking on inclines, declines and steps. Be able to tolerate varied weather conditions (heat, wind, etc.) We would expect that you are currently living an active lifestyle. This may include daily walks or similar physical activity. Due to the nature of the Amalfi Coast there are steps involved on this tour. Given the downhill sections and steps, this tour will be difficult for those with knee issues.

"Memories are the most beautiful pictures our minds can paint" WEBSITE: EMAIL: tours@italywithpleasure.com TELEPHONE: NZ (+64) 9 320 0218 Italy (+39) 342 877 6233 "I... only have praise and good things to say about how wonderful it was. The places that we visited were fascinating and very unique, and the food and wine was delectable. I didn't know what to expect of the trip, but it more than fulfilled any hopes that I had for a great week. Everything was well organised and the atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. I can thoroughly recommend the tour. see the full review on TripAdvisor