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Pathways of the Amalfi Coast (self-guided)

Trip Length

Trip Code
8 days PEPA

Minimum Passengers
2 people

Countries Visited
Italy

Start City

End City
Amalfi Positano
Pathways of the Amalfi Coast (self-guided)

On this self-guided tour, you’ll enjoy the perfect mix of culture and nature. Ancient mule tracks and stone stairways link you between beautiful villages. Whilst winding pathways along cliff faces will reward you with the most stunning coastal vistas.

Why we love it:

Pathways of the Amalfi Coast (self-guided)

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Amalfi

Your trips starts with your arrival in the town of Amalfi, the historical heart of the Amalfi Coast. Amalfi can be easily reached by bus or ferry from Salerno or Naples. Private transfer from Naples airport can be booked at an additional cost - enquire at time of booking. Upon arrival in Amalfi and after settling into your hotel, a short stroll around this small but charming town will familiarise you with your base for the next four nights. Depending on your arrival time, a visit to the 11th century Sant'Andrea Cathedral is well worth a visit. An icon of the village, with it's black-and-white mosaic fascade, it is reached by a steep staircase from the main town square, Piazza Duomo.

Day 2: Amalfi - Ravello - Amalfi

Meals included: 1 breakfast

This morning you take a local bus up to the pretty village of Ravello, magnificently located high above the Amalfi Coast. Ravello not only has a very interesting history, and many medieval monuments, but due to its position also offers specactular views over the Amalfi Coast. You can take your time to stroll through the village, before taking an easy walk down to the coast. Along the dramatically located Villa Cimbrone and the hamlet of Castiglione you will walk down to Amalfi, passing first through the vineyards and lemon groves, then through the beautiful little town of Atrani, one of the best preserved villages of the coast, with the possibility to stop and explore the narrow little streets of the town centre. The last short stretch back to Amalfi is very scenic and has beautiful viewpoints of the city centre. (Walking distance: 4.5 km. Approx. 1.5 hours)

Day 3: Amalfi - Scala - Valle delle Ferriere - Pogerola - Amalfi

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Today you take a local bus up to the village of Scala (or you can opt to walk there), the oldest village of the Amalfi Coast. Once in Scala, a visit to the beautiful Duomo (church) is highly recommended. You then continue your walk to the hamlet of Campidoglio, from here a steady path leads into the Valle delle Ferriere, one of southern Italy's most beautiful nature reserves. You will see some spectacular scenery, walking along footpaths underneath the towering cliffs, and passing by some little waterfalls. Continuing through the forest, you descend to the little village of Pogerola, dominating the valley of Amalfi from the west. From here you take a beautiful medieval staircase, which also offers great views over the valley, down to the centre of Amalfi. (Walking distance: 10km Approximately 5 hours)

Day 4: Amalfi - Pontone - Valley of the Mills - Amalfi

Meals included: 1 breakfast

From Amalfi you walk up to the little village of Pontone, where you can visit the medieval defence system of the Amalfi Maritime Republic, located on a narrow ridge. The main point of interest is the marvellous Torre dello Ziro, from where you enjoy dramatic views over both Amalfi and Atrani. You then walk back to Pontone, a charming little village, where you can take some time to relax. From here you walk then into the famous 'Valle dei Mulini', the Valley of the Watermills, an almost fairy tale like landscape with its ruins of Europe's most ancient paper fabrics, dating back to the 11th century. From here a beautiful medieval mule track takes you down to Amalfi, amidst lemon groves and maquis. Walking distance: 9-10 km. Approximately 4-5 hours)

Day 5: Amalfi - Bomerano - Footpath of the Gods - Positiano

Meals included: 1 breakfast

From Amalfi you make a scenic bus ride to Bomerano, on the Agerola high plain, dominating the Amalfi Coast. From here you walk directly onto one of Italy's most famous footpaths, the 'Sentiero degli Dei', or 'Footpath of the Gods', a walk with unrivalled views. After a first stretch through beautiful terraced vineyards and ancient houses you reach Colle Serra, where the views open up towards the other end of the peninsula; from the monastery of San Domenico, set in stupendous scenery and dominating the coast from its hilltop to the island of Capri. An optional detour to the monastery is possible and from here you can take a short rest before climbing back uphill. The path now really lives up to its name: it winds through spectacular scenery with bizarre rock formations and lush vegetation and unrivalled views over the coast and the Mediterranean Sea. You then reach the small charming hamlet of Nocelle. Continuing passed another spectacular valley you then arrive in the little village of Montepertuso. After Montepertuso it's only a short walk downstairs to Positano itself, one of the most picturesque villages of the Coast and your base for the next 3 nights. (Walking distance: 9 km. Approximately 4-5 hours) Note: - Before you leave the hotel in Amalfi this morning, please have your luggage packed and ready at reception so it can be transferred to your next hotel in Positano.

Day 6: Positano - Montepertuso - Positano

Meals included: 1 breakfast

This morning you jump on a local bus to take you up to Montepertuso (optional walk), from where you start a wonderful walk, around the valley of Positano. Following ancient footpaths through the forest and via marvellous viewpoints you climb towards Santa Maria al Castello, the old fortress which once defended the narrow valley between the Amalfi and the Sorrento side of the peninsula. From here you can see both the Gulf of Salerno and the Gulf of Naples. Through a nice wooded area in a park like landscape you then descend to the Caserma Forestale, the foresters' house. For those who want there is the possibility to climb up from here to the Monte Sant'Angelo, the highest mountain of the peninsula, a very demanding but rewarding ascent. The walk then continues through the forest and with a number of zigzags descends down to Montepertuso. Along another medieval mule track you then descend down to Positano. (Walking distance: 11 km. Approximately. 4-5 hours)

Day 7: Free Day - Optional trip from Positano - Capri - Positano

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Today you may choose to travel by boat to the famous island of Capri, a once favourite holiday spot of Roman emperors. Take some time to wander around before taking a beautiful round walk, passing the ruins of Villa Iovis; the most impressive of the many Roman villas on the island as well as the untouched coastline and many grottos of the island. The walk can be extended or shortened in a number of ways depending on your endeavour, after all you may prefer to spend your time on Capri exploring the boutique shops or relaxing over a seafood lunch. In the late afternoon you return by boat to Positano, along the 'Islands of the Sirens'. (Walking distance: 8 km. Approximately 4 hours)

Day 8: End Positano

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Your trip ends this morning in Positano, after breakfast. Additional accommodation can be booked in Positano or another villages on the coast - enquire at time of booking. From Positano, onward travel to Naples, Salerno or Sorrento is possible by boat, ferry or bus.

Your Trip

What to know

This is a moderate walk which is suitable for those who have some experience with hiking/walking and those with a good general physical condition. You should be able to walk for up to 5 hours a day in hot sun and on dusty or stony tracks.

This is a self-guided walking tour and does not include the services of a tour guide and you will not be part of a group.

Departure dates
This trip operates daily from 01 March until 31 October.
Due to the heat and crowds, we recommend you avoid booking this trip in the month of August.

Route notes
At the joining hotel on Day 1 you will receive your detailed route notes which includes a technical description of the itinerary, maps and 24-hour emergency phone number, as well as useful information on each place visited.

What's Included

Non-included Meals

Most meals are included on your trip (except for North America trips - please refer to your day-to-day itinerary). However, sometimes we think you'll benefit from getting out and discovering the local cuisine. So when a meal is not included, it's a great opportunity to try something new. For group trips, ask your leader for tips on where to get the best meal, or you might decide to dine out as a group and experience the fun together.

Not Included

What to know

Fitness

Sections of this walk involve somewhat steep 'ups and 'downs' across varied terrain. The walking paths range from paved man-made tracks to forest and coastal trails. There are also some long staircases so if you are at all unsteady on your feet we highly recommend you also bring a retractable walking pole(s). These are lightweight, easy to pack and can be found in most outdoor equipment shops. Comfortable walking/hiking shoes are essential, along with a small daypack and water bottle.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations may be required for this trip. Talk to your doctor about the up-to-date information for this region.

Visas and Permits

It is your responsibility to ensure you have all required visas for your trip. Rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas are constantly changing, and vary for different nationalities and you should check visa requirements with your travel agent or relevant consular authority well before travel.

Italy
Visas are currently not required for Australian, New Zealand, US, Canadian or UK/EU passport holders wishing to visit Italy. Some EU nationals may travel in Europe using only an identity card, however it is your responsibility to check with the relevant authorities if this applies to you.

Insurance

You are required to have travel insurance before heading off on a Peregrine trip. Insurance can be organised by your Peregrine representative or your travel agent.

Responsible Travel

Our Responsible Travel ethos is at the heart of everything we do, from getting the basics right like respecting local cultures and the environment, to initiating projects that make positive contributions to communities, to our staff’s fundraising efforts and offsetting our carbon emissions.
Please visit our Responsible Travel (http://www.peregrineadventures.com/rt) page for more information.

Customs and Culture

Our Pre Departure Information or Travel Dossier (provided upon booking a trip) provides tips on how you can show respect for the local customs and culture in the country you are travelling in.

The information listed above is a brief description of some things you may need to consider when booking a trip. Once a tour is booked you will be provided with a link to your Travel Dossier which will contain detailed Pre Departure information.

Further Reading

Italy

The House of Medici-Christopher Hibbert
A Small Place In Italy-Eric Newby
Love And War In The Appennines-Eric Newby
Italian Lessons-Tim Parks
An Italian Education-Tim Parks
A Room With A View-Edward Forster
Under The Tuscan Sun-Frances Mayes
The Hills of Tuscany-Ferenc Maté

Entrance

Entrance fees to sites you may wish to visit on this self-guided walk are not included in the cost of your trip.

Important Information

This is a self guided walking tour and does not include the services of a tour guide and you will not be part of a group.

Departure dates
This trip operates daily from 01 March until 31 October.
Due to the heat and crowds, we recommend you avoid booking this trip in the month of August.

About this Information

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something. The document was correct at time of printing, but you can check online for the most up to date version.  If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!

Last Updated

20 September 2012