Day 1: Individual arrival in Naples
Individual arrival in Naples. Settle into the hotel before taking a stroll to discover the long, narrow street "Spacca Napoli" which seems to split the old historic city centre in two. The old town is characterised by narrow streets, with lines of washing, baroque churches and palaces, the San-Carlo theatre, the Gallery Umberto the 1st and the Plebiscito Square.
Overnight stay in Naples - Hotel 4*.
Day 2: Vesuvius and Ercolano
Transfer using the “Circumvesuviana” train network to Ercolano. Here, begin the climb to Vesuvius, first by bus and then on foot, enjoying the wonderful panoramic views over the Gulf of Naples. In the afternoon, visit the archaeological site of Ercolano, buried with Pompeii in the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. Return to Naples using the “Circumvesuviana”.
Overnight stay in Naples - Hotel 4*.
Day 3: Capri
Take the ferry to the port of Marina Grande on Capri. Todays hike leads crosses the Passetiello, a narrow passage between rock faces, to the Hermitage of Santa Maria a Cetrella which overlooks the town of Capri. From the top you can enjoy a stunning views of the Island and the Gulf of Naples, dominated by Vesuvius. Descend the stone steps built by Phoenicians. There is an opportunity to swim.
Overnight stay in Naples - Hotel 4*.
Day 4: Pompeii and the Amalfi Peninsula
Using the “Circumvesuviana”, transfer to Pompeii to visit the site and the Villa of the Mysteries. Pompeii is the largest open-air archaeological site in the world. A great example of past human life, where the huge eruption of the Vesuvius in 79 AD fixed forever, under ashes and lava, the inhabitants in their daily activities. In the afternoon there is a private transfer to Amalfi’s Peninsula to reach Minori, a lovely village on the coast just 4 km from Amalfi.
Overnight stay in Minori - Hotel 4*.
Day 5: “Valle dei Mulini” (Mills Valley).
Today the walk heads towards Amalfi, along a path still used by mules carrying wood, towards the “Valle dei Mulini” (valley of the mills). The Valley takes its name from the mills in the area used for the production of pasta. Return using public transport from Amalfi to Minori.
Overnight stay in Minori - Hotel 4*.
Day 6: A Circular stage via Rufolo
First hike to Ravello, where the Cathedral dedicated to Saint Pantaleone stands out. Here it is said that the relic blood of the Saint, conserved in the Cathedral, liquefies every year. From this village, hanging 300 m above the sea, the view goes across the Gulf of Salerno and over the Cilento Mountains. There is an optional visit to Villa Cimbrone and to Villa Rufolo, characterised by a Medley of styles, Arabic, Sicilian and Norman, which had been a source of inspiration for Wagner. The walk continues through Atrani, where there is a chance to swim, and Amalfi.
Overnight stay in Minori - Hotel 4*.
Day 7: The "Path of Gods", Saint Dominic Monastery and Positano.
Todays panoramic hike starts with a ride on public transport to Agerola (a private transfer is possible with a supplement). From here the route heads along the "Path of Gods". This track along the coast was, up until the XIX century, the only way to get from the small isolated villages to the tiny terraced fields and vineyards. On the descent, there are views of the entire peninsula and Capri on one side and on the other, the Gulf of Salerno. Admire the ancient work to create safe havens where people could hide during the Barbarian invasions following the fall of Roman Empire. The Saint Dominic Monastery, clinging to the mountain, is more evidence of those turbulent times. Continue past Montepertuso, overhung by the mountain rock-face, and descend from the cemetery to Positano. The colourful houses of Positano have been built in amphitheatre shape overlooking the sea, giving a unique and picturesque aspect to the village. There is free time to visit Positano and chance to swim. Return to Minori by boat or bus.
Overnight stay in Minori - Hotel 4*.
Day 8 : Depart
After breakfast, at 09.00 a.m. transfer to Naples airport or Naples train station or to a hotel for extra nights. (On request and with supplement transfer at other times).