This trip starts in the village of Bomerano, on the Agerola plains above the
Amalfi Coast. Enjoy a warm welcome from local hosts, the Acampora family,
before settling in. Land only clients can arrive at any time, although we do
recommend joining the group transfer at the airport as public transport
options to the hotel are limited.
After a short private transfer to Amalfi (30mins), we take the boat along the
coast to Positano, a near vertical town of colourful buildings reached by a
network of ancient paths and tracks. During the journey we take in the
beautiful classic views of the Amalfi Coast and once in Positano we will
start exploring this picturesque town, strolling among its winding streets
and there is time to visit the beautiful Cathedral, enjoy a swim in the blue
sea or visit the unique boutiques for some great shopping opportunities. We
will also enjoy an optional lunch in a pizzeria and a refreshing Italian
gelato before returning in the late afternoon to Bomerano by boat and
minibus.
Today we descend from the Agerola hills and take a transfer (approx. 45mins)
to Pompeii, once a thriving port town until Vesuvius’ catastrophic eruption
spanning two days in 79AD during which the city was buried in ash and pumice.
Lost for 1700 years, Pompeii is now a UNESCO World Heritage site as the
perfectly preserved remains give us an amazing insight into life in a Roman
city, complete with bathhouses, bakeries and homes - some of which are still
have walls adorned with detailed frescs. You may take some time to explore
the site independently but we recommend opting for a detailed tour
accompanied by a local guide which can be hired locally for approx. €10pp
depending on the group size. In the afternoon we head to the famous volcano
that looms over the million inhabitants of Naples, Mt Vesuvius. The vehicle
will take you at an altitude of approx. 1000m and from there to the
crater you will need to ascend on a path which is approx. 150 meters long
and quite steep in places. A local guide will then take you on a short walk
along the rim of the crater and he/shewill explain you the fascinating
history of Vesuvius and its volcanic activity. We return to the hotel by bus
in the late afternoon.Please note that in case of adverse weather conditions
such as fog, storms or heavy rain the local authorities may deicide to
restrict or prevent access to Vesuvius. In the event this inclusion cannot be
offered on your departure, we will be taking you to Herculaneum to visit
its perfectly preserved remains and virtual museum which give an amazing
insight into the life of a Roman city.
This morning we take a short transfer to visit a local cheese producer based
in Agerola, where we have the opportunity to sample delicious freshly made
mozzarella, prepared in front of us by hand following a centuries-old recipe.
We may also have time to visit the small farm owned by the same family of
cheesemakers. We then depart for a visit to vibrant Amalfi, which was
popular with the British upper classes in Edwardian times. The large Duomo
dominates the town with its bright coloured tiles so typical of the region.
We have a few hours to explore the wonderful historic centre and alleys
before taking an interesting tour of the Paper Museum, which celebrates the
long-established paper making tradition in Amalfi. The guide will explain how
the Amalfi paper was once made and you will also have the chance to
experiment it yourself, using some of the ancient paper making machines
which are still in working order for demonstrations. We then make our way
back to the hotel and enjoy a pizza-making class before dinner!
Today is free to relax at the hotel's pool or by one of the local beaches.
Alternatively you could opt to take a day trip to the world famous island of
Capri and decide to explore the island on foot, by boat and chairlift to
visit the network of small pedestrian streets, the remains of the Roman
Villa Jovis and the famous Faraglioni (rock stacks) and Blue
Grotto. Another option is to spend the day in Ravello, a charming and
peaceful town perched high on the cliffs above Amalfi, famous for its
stunning panoramic gardens and its impressive Cathedral. Your tour leader
will not always join these optional activities but will help you to arrange
transport locally.
The Amalfi Coast is also renowned for its colourful ceramics and this morning
we visit a local artisan's 'bottega', where the kids will have the
opportunity to paint a pottery souvenir! Later we set off for a fun walk
along a short section of one of the world's finest day walks: the 'Path of
the Gods'. The route follows the contours of the land with amazing views of
the Amalfi Coastline far below. In season the meadows are carpeted with
flowers and the coastal waters teem with cruisers and pleasure boats. Please
be aware that the terrain can be rocky or uneven at times and there parts
which are a little exposed therefore not suitable for severe vertigo
sufferers. After a barbecue lunch (included, weather permitting) we will
return to the hotel on foot.
After a scenic ride down to Amalfi (30 mins) we will enjoy a half-day kayak
excursion along the Amalfi Coast. This is the perfect finale for the trip as
it allows to explore Italy’s famous coastline from the most spectacular
angle: in the midst of the sparkling blue sea. After a short introductory
lesson on how to kayak and safety at sea we will set off, led by an
experienced local guide, to the west towards Runghetiello Grotto. The route
will take us along Amalfi’s finest beaches as well as under natural rock
arches and into sea caves, giving us the opportunity to admire the old
watch towers that dot the entire length of this coast. Those not wishing to
participate can wait for the rest of the group at the lovely beach where the
activity starts. Please note that in the event the kayaking cannot take
place due to bad weather, the leader will organise an alternative activity
such as a day-trip to Sorrento or Capri. We return to the hotel in the
evening and enjoy a delicious group farewell dinner.