Walking the Amalfi Coast

Those on group flights fly to Naples, where they will be met by their tour leader on arrival. A transfer of approximately 1 hour 20 minutes takes us to the Hotel Due Torri, our base for the week in the village of Bomerano, on the Agerola plains above the Amalfi Coast. Enjoy a warm welcome from our local hosts, the Acampora family, before settling in. Land only clients can arrive at any time, although we do recommend to join the group at the airport as public transport options to the hotel are limited.

Start walking towards Amalfi, a town popular with the British since Edwardian times when the upper classes favoured it as a pleasant place to spend their winters. The route has a downhill bias, following the path from Bomerano at 700m to the shores of the Mediterranean, accompanied by wonderful coastal views. There are sections of steps today (approx. 2000 in total), but there are also plenty of opportunities to rest and go at your own pace. On arrival, you will see the large Duomo (Cathedral) dominating the town with its brightly-coloured tiled cupola (dome), which along with the baroque facade and interior, is a typical example of regional architecture. Take some time to explore the town, swim in the small bay, or enjoy a well-earned gelato before taking the transfer back to Bomerano.

Today's walk starts in Ravello, a town much favoured by the Bloomsbury set and other artists and intellectuals due to its secluded location and inspirational scenery. Before setting off for the walk we have some free time to explore the town and visit Villa Cimbrone or Villa Rufolo with their meticulously landscaped gardens and breath-taking views out to the sea (optional).  The route today is mostly downhill but it does include a considerable amount of steps. After descending and taking a quick stop in the village of Pontone, we continue through wooden bridges and shady paths carpeted with wild flowers in season, to the beautiful moss-clad waterfalls within the closed gates of the Valle delle Ferriere National Park. Finally, following the stream gently downwards through lemon groves, past the shells of former paper factories (a major local industry from the 12th to 19th centuries) and mediaeval ironworks we reach Amalfi.

A fitting finale to the week is one of the world's finest day walks. Leaving the hotel it's a short stroll through the quiet village of Bomerano before we join the ‘Sentiero degli Dei’ (Walk of the Gods), thus named as it provides some of the most evocative views in the world, of ragged cliffs speckled with tiny villages and extensive views of the sparkling Mediterranean sea. The route follows undulating hills, carpeted with flowers in season, the contours of the land, and the coast. The trail is broken by insights into local life, passing shepherds huts and ancient stone houses carved into the limestone before we descend a long series of steps to the colourful Positano, an almost vertical town clinging to the rock face of a sheltered bay. Take some time to explore the alleyways lined with wisteria and designer boutiques or have a dip in the clear water of the beachfront before returning to Bomerano by boat and bus (seasonal) in the late afternoon. During the week many meals will have included some delicious local smoked mozzarella cheese and before dinner, we will have the chance to see how it is made and taste the mouth-wateringly fresh final product.

Trip ends in Bomerano.