Ravello, Mt. Vesuvius, and Spectacular Coastal Hikes

Amalfi & Capri

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With its head in the clouds and its feet in the sea, the precipitous Amalfi Coast has long been exalted as the most spectacular coast in all Europe. Across the blue Bay of Naples is enticing Capri, a jewel of an island sheering out of the sea. With hikes on ancient footpaths connecting hilltop villages and seaside hamlets, we explore this glorious realm surrounded by amazing landscapes every day. We also get an insider’s view of the charm of the Italian South as we watch buffalo mozzarella being made, taste homemade pastas, enjoy picnics, explore out-of-the-way Paestum, and finish with a hike on the outer rim of brooding Mt. Vesuvius. Our Italy Trip Leaders are the best in the world, with a true passion for sharing their love of bella Italia.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Day 1
Naples / Herculaneum / Paestum

We gather in Naples and head to the fascinating remains of tranquil Herculaneum, unearthed from the lava of Vesuvius with its mosaics and frescoes still intact after 2,000 years. On our walk between Herculaneum’s rows of preserved Roman shops, we stroll streets that still show ruts worn by chariot wheels. Overnight is near Paestum, a majestic Greek ruin surrounded by bucolic farmland.

Days 2-3
Paestum / Ravello / Amalfi

Paestum’s Temple of Hera is the best preserved Doric temple in the world. We visit the temple and its splendid museum, then head to Minori, a lovely village of seafront promenades tucked into a deep inlet on the Amalfi Coast. Here we see how traditional fresh mozzarella (mozzarella di buffala campana) is made from buffalo’s milk, followed by a delicious lunch of the homemade fresh pasta for which Minori is famed. After lunch we head for elegant top-of-the-world Ravello, perched on a spur high above the glittering blue Mediterranean. Boccaccio, D. H. Lawrence, and the composer Wagner are among the greats who succumbed to the spell of this legendary town. We explore town on foot, including Wagner’s Villa Rufolo, then start our hike right from town with a 1,200-foot descent to Amalfi on trails, stairs, and pathways via the little hamlets of Scala, Minuta, Pontone, and Vallone delle Ferrieri. There are beautiful views over the shimmering blue sea the entire way.

Days 4-5
Sentiero degli Dei / Positano / Capri

Our panoramic hike across the spectacular Sentiero degli Dei (Pathway of the Gods) leads through groves of Italian cypress and fields of wildflowers to the stunning town of Positano, with its cascade of pink villas leading to the sea. Ferrying to the craggy, flower-bedecked isle of Capri, we walk trails to ancient Villa Jovis, former home of the Emperor Tiberius, and follow stone staircases with panoramas of the Bay of Naples. Our delightful lunch at a waterside restaurant in Tragara offers eye-popping views across the azure sea and famous gray spires of the Faraglioni Rocks, familiar from the many movies filmed in Capri.

Days 6-8
Capri / Sorrento Peninsula

A ferry brings us to sunny Sorrento, with its truly inspired location topping rocky cliffs at the end of a peninsula. In the Sorrento countryside, we enjoy a wonderful walk through walnut and olive orchards past an old convent, down through classic farmsteads, and through lemon groves with farewell views back to Capri. We end our journey with a memorable hike on the outer rim of Mt. Vesuvius, the only active volcano on mainland Europe, enjoying views all the way to the Bay of Naples. Depart via Naples on Day 8.

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Tour Costs $3895 (13-15 members) $4095 (10-12 members) $4395 (6-9 members) Single supplement: $595 *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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