Current as of: May 9, 2024 - 14:30
Current as of: May 9, 2024 - 14:30
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
The Amalfi Coast combines natural beauty and the patient labour of humankind, who transformed the steep mountain slopes into a cascade of terraced lemon groves, with traditional villages and chapels scattered all around. A dramatic coastline offers wonderful views, different with every step you take, and the smell of rosemary and citrus trees fills the air. Fields of multicoloured roses overwhelm the eyes and sandy beaches invite you to the shore. It offers an extraordinary palette of colours, with azure skies, white limestone cliffs, deep blue seas, and bright citrus orchards lit by the dazzling Mediterranean sun. This intoxicating sensual feast inspires a celebration of the goodness of life itself.
We begin this Premium Adventure in charismatic Naples before travelling south to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. Upon reaching the Amalfi Coast, we stay at beautiful properties in picturesque Cetara and iconic Amalfi, enjoying scenic walks and a full-day trip to a jewel of southern Italy, the island of Capri.
Highlights
The Amalfi Coast is home to some of the best-loved walks in Europe: the varied scenery and temperate climate make this a heaven for hikers and ramblers.
This trip involves five days of walking with low altitude throughout and has an average rating of Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). See below for more information on what the trip involves.
Considering all of this, we recommend you arrive physically prepared to tackle slightly more challenging routes by exercising regularly before the trip. You should also bring suitable equipment with you, including sturdy hiking boots and walking poles, and stay hydrated at all times.
If you would like to know more about the difficulty of the walks, speak to your sales representative to discuss the trip in further detail. You can learn more about our Activity Levels here.
Note that during the high season, usually May to September, popular towns along the Amalfi Coast, such as Positano, Amalfi itself and the island of Capri, can be busy.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Those on the group flights will be met in Naples airport by the tour leader. A transfer of approximately 30 minutes takes us to our accommodation in the city, the perfect base from which to explore. If the timing of the group flights allows, our tour leader will take us on a rewarding walk through the heart of Naples, covering highlights such as the Lungomare (the seaside boulevard with views of the whole bay), the Royal Palace and the San Carlo theatre. We will also pass through some of the city’s quieter neighbourhoods, home to Greek, Roman and medieval buildings crammed together on the same streets.
Land only clients can arrive at any time, although we do recommend arrival by approximately 3pm to meet the rest of the group, partake in the guided walking tour and enjoy a first dinner together.
Accommodation: San Francesco al Monte
We recommend you arrive by approximately 3pm to meet the rest of the group and take part in a rewarding guided walking tour through the heart of Naples. Covering highlights such as the Lungomare (the seaside boulevard with views of the whole bay), the Royal Palace and the San Carlo Theatre, we also pass through some of the quieter neighbourhoods, home to ancient Greek, Roman and medieval buildings crammed together on the same streets.
This evening, there is a welcome dinner so the group can get acquainted ahead of this exciting adventure.
If you wish to tailor your journey by adding extra nights, speak with your sales representative for detailed information on available pre-tour, post-tour and extension packages.
Accommodation: San Francesco al Monte
This morning, we travel south to Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that completely destroyed the bustling city of Pompeii with a fatal eruption in 79CE. We embark on a memorable circular walk of Vesuvius on a route usually closed to the public, taking in otherworldly scenery. The trail takes us past the impressive volcanic phenomena around the crater: lava flows, pumice fields and grottos, and the amazing Valley of the Giant, before culminating in a walk to the top. The pièce de resistance is a spectacular detour, led by a specialist volcano guide, that takes us right around the crater rim and up to the highest point at 1,281m (4,000ft), where we have outstanding views of the Bay of Naples, one of the panoramic wonders of the world.
After our descent and a relaxed lunch on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, we continue our journey to the Unesco-listed archaeological site of Pompeii. A visit here gives us a unique insight into the daily life of a Roman city, especially when walking along the chariot-marked backstreets. We see the exceptional frescoes throughout the city and by the opulence of the villas, with their atriums and charming peristyles, owned by the rich and famous of the day. We visit the amphitheatre, as well as the Villa of Mysteries with masterpiece frescoes depicting the secret rites of Dionysus, the Roman Forum and basilica. We also take a stroll in the modern-day town of Pompeii and enjoy an aperitivo there, before driving on by private coach to the Amalfi Coast.
Tonight, we stay in a stunningly located hotel on the cliffs in the beautiful village of Cetara, the lesser-known and authentic part of the Amalfi Coast. We have a well-earned dinner at our hotel, with the Bay of Naples as a magnificent backdrop.
Accommodation: Hotel Cetus
Today’s walk allows us to discover the virtually unknown eastern part of the Amalfi Coast, from the charming town of Vietri sul Mare (the gateway to the Amalfi Coast) back to the scenic fishing town of Cetara. We walk along quiet paths, away from the crowds that congregate on the better-known trails.
After strolling through the old town centre of Vietri sul Mare and browsing the many ceramics shops, we walk down narrow alleys to the marina before heading up towards the splendid hamlet of Raito, which has wonderful views of the coast. After a coffee break, we continue uphill to another charming village – Albori. From here, the path leads through forests and lemon groves all the way to Cetara, one of the most picturesque villages of the Amalfi Coast. We pass through grass- and shrub-land dotted with numerous wildflowers and we see examples of local rural architecture along the winding footpath. Our walk concludes in the heart of Cetara village, where we have the choice to settle in at the hotel right away or go for a swim. In the evening, there are plenty of choices for a great meal in the village centre.
Accommodation: Hotel Cetus
This morning, we start by walking through the centre of Cetara, one of the most authentic villages of the Amalfi Coast, before continuing to the little hamlet of Erchie (optional bus), from where the Sentiero dei Monaci (Path of the Monks) starts. This beautiful panoramic track is a real highlight – a second Path of the Gods but without the crowds. We enjoy beautiful views of the Amalfi Coast and have many surprising views of the valleys and bizarre rock formations, including the so-called Capo d’Orso (Bear Cape) and the Uomo a Cavallo (Man on a Horse).
We arrive in the hamlet of Badia, with its beautiful church of Santa Maria dell’Olearia, then continue to the hamlet of Salicerchie before climbing towards the castle of San Nicola de Thoro-Plano. Our path follows one of the ancient pilgrim routes leading up from Maiori to the Avvocata Sanctuary. From here, we can see into the valley of the Reginna Maior leading up to Tramonti, and understand why this castle was so important for the defence of the coastal area.
After heading down to the town centre, there’s time to relax on the broad sandy beach in Maiori, one of the finest in the area, or opt for the final walk to Minori along the lovely Sentiero dei Limoni (Lemon Path). The trail brings us through a wonderful, terraced landscape underneath pergolas of lemons. After a short stop at one of the famous pastry shops (or a visit to the quaint town centre and the biggest Roman villa of the Amalfi Coast) we then take the boat to Amalfi. In the evening, we can enjoy dinner together in a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Marina Riviera
Today, we travel by boat to the chic island of Capri, a favoured holiday spot of Roman emperors that has never lost its allure. Once on the island, we take a circular walk starting from the main harbour, and then passing through lemon groves and gardens to the central square of Capri town, the famous Piazzetta. We also enjoy a circular walk in the eastern part of the island, where some of the cultural and natural highlights of Capri are revealed, always accompanied by beautiful views in an unrivalled Mediterranean landscape. The walk takes us past the amazing Villa Lysis and the ruins of Villa Jovis, which belonged to the Roman emperor Tiberius, and through stunning, little-visited areas.
We have the option either to savour a great picnic in a picturesque spot or visit a local restaurant for lunch, after which you may choose to relax or take another walk. This walk goes past the Arco Naturale and the Faraglioni, three iconic sea stacks off the south coast. Alternatively, walking back to the centre, we can visit the Certosa di San Giacomo and the Gardens of Augustus, while a further option is to walk down to the resort town and beach of Marina Piccola along the spectacular Via Krupp. This walk can be extended or shortened in many ways and our tour leader can advise on the most suitable walk. We then travel by boat back to Amalfi late in the afternoon. In the evening, we are free to choose from a range of dining options, from simple pizzerias to exclusive restaurants.
Accommodation: Marina Riviera
On our final full day on the Amalfi Coast, we experience one of the world’s greatest hikes. Our private bus takes us along a panoramic road, high above the coast, to the village of Bomerano, where we can have a coffee before we start walking one of the most renowned footpaths in the world, the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods). This trail really lives up to the name – suspended between the sky and Mediterranean, it winds through unique scenery with unrivalled views over the coast and sea. For a few hours, we walk through some of the most spectacular scenery on the Amalfi Coast, passing by the charming hamlet of Nocelle. Via another spectacular valley, we arrive at the village of Montepertuso. Here we can have a delicious lunch in one of the restaurants with amazing views over the Amalfi Coast, or there is the option to share a ‘picnic with a view’ along the route.
Then it’s just a short walk down to Positano, one of the most delightful locations on the Amalfi Coast – an almost vertical town of colourful buildings reached by a network of ancient paths and tracks. We stroll through small alleys, perhaps have a swim, or enjoy a drink on one of the many pleasant terraces. There’s time for private exploration before we return to Amalfi by boat, which enables us to admire the impressive cliffs we were walking over this morning. Back in Amalfi, there may be time for another swim or an aperitivo, then in the evening we come together for a last evening meal. We are transported by private boat to a fabulous restaurant in a beautiful bay nearby, then after dinner, we return to the hotel, gliding by boat over the glorious Mediterranean.
Accommodation: Marina Riviera
A transfer will take us back to Naples Airport in time to check in for our return flight to London.
This morning marks our last breakfast at the hotel. If you would like to extend your stay on the gorgeous Amalfi Coast, please speak to your sales representative.
Extend your adventure before or after your main tour and discover Rome, where millennia-old ruins from the Roman empire rub shoulders with the world’s great art and cuisine. Few capitals can boast quite the collection of attractions, from the mighty Colosseum, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, to the Trevi Fountain and Roman Forum. It also has more than 900 churches, about 2,000 fountains and enough museums and galleries to keep you busy for a lifetime. This extension includes two nights at either a three- or four-star hotel (it’s your choice!) and a one-hour guided city tour with an English-speaking guide, which takes you on a time-travelling journey through 3,000 years. To book and confirm prices, speak to your sales representative.
Please note: It is possible the order of the itinerary listed above will be changed to ensure the best possible conditions for each activity during the trip. All listed activities and services will be included. Your leader will inform you of any changes locally after assessing conditions.
Ascents, descents and distances
All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
The hotels we have selected for your Premium Adventure offer top-class service and a memorable stay. Listed below are the properties we usually use on this trip.
Naples: San Francesco al Monte (night 1)
A converted 16th-century monastery overlooking the beautiful Bay of Naples, this four-star property offers a sophisticated stay in the city. The rooftop restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy a classic Italian aperitivo with wonderful views, and history lovers will appreciate the original frescoes and medieval décor throughout.
Cetara: Hotel Cetus (nights 2-3)
A tranquil haven on a promontory overlooking the turquoise sea of the Amalfi Coast. Cetara is truly a hidden gem of this popular region, welcomes visitors with a focus on pampering and relaxation. A private beach and elegant Mediterranean restaurant are just a couple of the star attractions, as are the Turkish bath and spa.
Amalfi: Marina Riviera (4-6)
This family-run whitewashed hotel is on the seaside promenade, just a couple of minutes’ walk from the village cathedral and central square. The Terrazza 17 rooftop terrace offers superb views and delicious local cuisine, while the extensive wine cellars are a sight to behold.
Upgrade your stay!
For an extra-special stay in Amalfi, we have a limited number of Deluxe rooms at Marina Riviera available for a supplement. These rooms are larger than the Standard rooms, are decorated with hand-painted Vietri floor tiles and each has a balcony with views over the Amalfi Coast. Please speak to your sales representative for more information and to reserve your Deluxe room.
Single supplement from £ 1,240
Ease into the adventure with a pre-trip stay in Rome at either the four-star Hotel Diana Roof Garden or three-star Nord Nuova Roma. Speak to your sales representative for a quote.
If you’d prefer to extend your adventure after your trip, the same hotels are available: the four-star Hotel Diana Roof Garden or three-star Nord Nuova Roma. Speak to your sales representative for a quote.
All breakfasts, one lunch and three dinners are included.
Breakfast is continental style with a choice of cereals, bread, eggs, ham, cheese, fruits, pastries, yoghurt, orange juice and milk, plus teas/coffee.
The one included lunch is taken in an excellent local restaurant. For lunches that are not included, there will be time to purchase picnic supplies or if the walk allows it, our tour leader can make a reservation at a local restaurant (subject to availability).
The included dinners are at carefully selected restaurants. In some cases, this is on the hotel premises; in others, in a special location that will be sure to provide a memorable meal in beautiful surroundings.
Several dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free, are also well catered for if the hotels/restaurants are aware in advance. Please advise us of any dietary requirement upon booking.
Transfers to and from the airport will be in a private vehicle (normally a minibus or coach). The ferry to and from Capri is a scheduled public service. On other days, private buses and boats are used.
Southern Italy, like much of the Mediterranean, has a hot, dry climate in summer and cooler but sometimes wet spring and autumn periods. Unseasonable cold spells and rain are possible at any time of year, so we recommend bringing some warm clothes, especially useful where evening temperatures can be lower than expected. Summer can be very hot with daytime temperatures in July and August reaching up to 34C-37C (93F-99F) on the coast.
What to expect in the low season (October to March)
A common misconception about the Amalfi Coast is that it is very warm year-round. Autumn and winter may be cooler than you’d expect; although usually milder than northern Italy, average temperatures in December, January and February range from lows of around 8C (46F) to highs of 15C-17C (59F-63F). Prepare for periods of colder weather (with temperatures sometimes dropping to 2C/36F) especially at higher elevations – there may even be snow on the Lattari Mountains.
During the winter up to early spring, there is also more rain than usual (with an average of one day in four affected) but there are still plenty of enjoyable crisp sunny days. Overall, the Amalfi Coast is still a great destination in winter as the coastline is beautiful year-round and you have the chance to visit the sights without the summer crowds and traffic.
Start hotel: Hotel San Francesco al Monte, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 328, 80135 Napoli
Phone: +39 081 423 91 11
Recommended arrival time: 3pm at the start hotel so that you can join the afternoon walking tour. If you plan to miss the walking tour, we recommend you arrive by 6:30pm to join the included dinner
Airport: Naples International Airport (NAP)
The start hotel is approximately a 25-minute drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides two group arrival transfers from the airport, the first of which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. There will also be a second transfer scheduled, timed to collect as many group members as possible. Speak to your sales representative for the group transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport in approximately 45 minutes, using the Alibus service from the airport and Naples’ metro system, followed by a 10-minute walk. Further details will be provided in your Final Joining Instructions. Alternatively, a taxi will cost around €25, or contact your sales representative prior to departure to arrange a private pick-up. For more information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
There are two group departure transfers to the airport, one timed to coincide with a chosen flight to London, UK, and the other scheduled to accommodate as many group members as possible. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join.
If the group departure transfers do not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Naples
Location end: Amalfi
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html
Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.
There are no required vaccinations. However, ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks here.
Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +02:00)
Italy's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), F (two round pins), and L (three round pins in a row) – 230V, 50Hz
Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATMs are widely available at Naples Airport and in Naples. There are also multiple ATMs and banks in all the villages of the Amalfi Coast. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants, although cash is generally easier and gladly accepted. We recommend obtaining some cash in euros before travelling or on arrival at Naples airport.
For lunches not included, you should budget €10-€20, depending on where you choose to eat. Approximately €25-€35 should be enough for an evening meal including drinks.
Local taxes: Many Italian cities have introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration oversees the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season, and the number of days of stay. It is usually between €0.50 and €1.50 per person per night. For this trip, please allow between €5 and €10, depending on the season, for the week. Children and people aged 75 or over are exempt from this tax.
Optional activities payable locally:
On our Trails & Treasures of the Amalfi Coast – Premium Adventure, tipping for our local team is not included. The custom in Italy is for guides to receive tips in cash from the groups they lead (it is not possible to pay in advance).
The amount you may wish to tip is entirely discretionary, but as a starting point we suggest:
Of course, if you wish to give additional tips for an extra-special service you may do so.
For those who wish to participate in a tipping kitty for the support driver and local specialist guides, the tour leader will collect €20 per person at the welcome briefing and distribute it to staff during the trip. Small notes (€5 or €10) are appreciated to facilitate the distribution. Tips for the tour leader are usually collected by one member of the group and presented to the tour leader in an envelope at the end of the trip.
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.