Internationale groepsreis Highlights of the Amalfi Coast

This trip starts in Bomerano – a tiny village on the west side of the Agerola Valley, 1hr20m south of Naples. Our hosts for the week are the charming and friendly Giovanni and Nicola Acampora, owners of the Hotel Due Torri. Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, their family-run property has a pool and fabulous views of the surrounding Lattari mountains; an ideal location to escape the crowds. Those us who have arranged our own flights should rendezvous at the hotel in time for dinner, although the more convenient option is to meet the group at the airport for the transfer.

Leaving the Agerola plain we descend by private bus to Amalfi, Italy’s oldest maritime republic. Quintessentially Mediterranean, Amalfi's townscape is comprised of a cluster of little white houses and buildings, narrow alleyways and shady porticoes, dominated by large Duomo Cathedral with its brightly coloured tiles which are typical of the region. We spend the morning sightseeing, relaxing in one of its sun-filled piazzas, or visiting the interesting Paper museum (optional). Later, we continue by fast boat (approx. 20 mins) to Positano. En route, we enjoy the famous enchanting views of the sheer cliffs and rugged shoreline dotted with small beaches that have drawn people to this stunning coast for centuries. There is no better way of approaching Positano for the first time than from the sea, as the contrast of this near vertical town of colourful buildings against the verdant cliffs and blue waters will leave you mesmerised. We have a few hours to explore this chic, picture-perfect village on foot before we return to our hotel in the late afternoon by boat and private bus.

A busy day today as we travel to the Bay of Naples by private bus (approx. 1 hr) to explore two of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, Herculaneum and Pompeii. Both the towns and its people got buried under the ash and magma of Mt Vesuvius after the AD79 eruption, but it was only much later in the 18th century that these ancient cities came to light once again through excavations. The eruption affected the sites in different ways: whilst Pompeii is known to be home to a more extensive and vaster collection of Roman homes, shops and bathhouses as well as the to the iconic plaster bodies, Herculaneum ruins, frescos and the recently discovered 300 skeletons along the seashore are much better preserved. Entrance tickets to both sites are included in the trip and you can decide to explore alone, at your own pace, or led by a knowledgeable local guide (optional). We return to the hotel late afternoon (approx. 1hr) to enjoy a delicious dinner and cooking demonstration.

Today we walk a section of one of the world's finest trails. Leaving from our front doorstep it's a short stroll through the quiet village of Bomerano. Here we’ll drop into a local cheesemaker to see how the delicious local mozzarella is made. And, yes, we’ll taste some.  We then join the famous 'Path of the Gods' which runs all the way to Positano. Luckily, having already visited Positano earlier this week, we can skip the hard part and the 1700 steps downtown, and we take a circular walk instead, offering some equally fantastic coastal views along the way. Please be aware that some parts of the trail are rocky and there are frequent ups and downs which can be a little hard on the knees. With breaks for water and snacks as well as a rewarding stop for a barbecue lunch (weather permitting), this short hike is of moderate difficulty but doable by all those in good fitness, and the challenge will be no doubt be repaid by the magnificent views! (Walking time: approx. 2.5-3 hours; Distance: 6km; Ascent: 100m Descent: 100m)

How will you spend a free day on the Amalfi Coast? We recommend considering a trip up to the slopes of Mt Vesuvius to peer into the crater, followed by an excellent wine tasting at a renowned local winery located right below the majestic volcano. Alternatively, you could opt to take a visit to Sorrento for a nice seafood lunch and to enjoy the sweeping views over the Bay of Naples. Pedestrian lanes, little boutiques, limoncello shops, and restaurants make it an easy and enjoyable place to spend a day at leisure. There is no need to pre-book these excursions prior to departure as your tour leader will help arrange them locally on request.

We leave the hotel after breakfast and take the bus down to Amalfi and board the boat to Capri. The journey along the Amalfi Coast is spectacular with small coves and bays of clear azure water overlooked by towering cliffs. The time spent on Capri is unguided and on arrival, you are free to explore independently. Your tour leader however might recommend avoiding the hassle of public transport on the island and make the most of your time by arranging an excursion by local taxis and cable car (optional, payable locally). A beautiful walk will take you up to Capri town and along a network of small pedestrianised streets to visit the remains of Villa Jovis, the former home of the fearsome Roman emperor Tiberius. A walk around the spectacular coastline is recommended and allows you to see a natural rock arch and the famous Faraglioni, rock stacks that stick vertically out of the sea. There is also time to do a spot of shopping in some of the island's boutique shops before we return by boat and bus to our hotel.

Today we visit the romantic hilltop town of Ravello for some of the best views of the Amalfi coastline. Ravello also has a grand Duomo but Villa Cimbrone (visit included) and Villa Rufolo (optional) are the real gems of the town. Set amidst elegant gardens, the villa's balconies stand at the edge of the cliffs offering stunning views aptly described by André Gide as 'closer to the sky than the seashore'. There is time to wander, enjoy a coffee and soak up the atmosphere before we return to the cooler climes of Bomerano in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation.  We enjoy a farewell dinner and say goodbye to the friendly staff and group.

Our tour ends in the morning of day 8.