Colours of Amalfi (Family)

Your trip starts today with your arrival in Naples, capital of the region of Campania and a city proud of recent endeavours to gentrify and brighten its city sights to more accurately represent its rich past. In the 16th and 17th Centuries Naples was arguably a more important city in world affairs than Rome which was, in this period, in a state of decline. Naples was under Spanish rule and much of her impressive architecture and grandiose monuments owe their construction to this period. Whilst at your discretion, we recommend arriving/ departing by train where possible within Europe due to this method of transports minimal carbon emissions. No activities are planned this afternoon so you may arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel (details are in your travel documents) that is located in the historic centre of the city. In the evening we meet our tour leader and our fellow travelling companions at a Welcome Meeting (this is usually at 6pm, but you will be advised as to the exact time and place in a notice, located near the reception at our hotel), where our leader will give us a briefing on what lies ahead on our tour. This is followed by dinner in a restaurant in town where we can savour some local specialties.

After a leisurely breakfast we walk straight from our hotel into the old town. We will discover the wonderful historical centre of Naples, a major European cultural capital since the time of the Greeks, and also a very colourful and lively city. We then enjoy a short ride by local train to Pompeii – without question some of the world’s most fascinating and preeminent ruins. Due to its fine state of preservation the excavations give us an extraordinarily real image of daily life in a Roman city, with villas, temples, theatres and bustling markets. We walk along chariot-marked streets where a bustling city once nestled complacently under the shadow of Vesuvius until the fatal eruption in 79AD. We will be captivated by the exceptional frescoes to be found throughout the city and by the opulence of the villas. Visit the magnificent Amphitheatre and the ‘Villa of Mysteries’ with its frescoes depicting the secret rites of these ancient people. We also visit the Roman Forum and basilica, temples, public baths, and the tiny Odeon created for music recitals. Tonight we can enjoy the first great pizza, in a typical pizzeria close to our hotel or opt for another dinner of local specialties (3-4 hours walking/sightseeing).

Today we travel by private minibus to nearby Mount Vesuvius, perhaps the world’s most famous volcano. Here we enjoy a wonderful circular walk – not the standard walk, but a great walk along grotto’s and recent lava flows, with some special surprises. This is a great way to discover the secrets of Mt. Vesuvius. We then drive to Agerola, high above the Amalfi Coast and settle into our lovely agritursimo (farm estate) for the night. Another dinner of local specialties will be enjoyed tonight (3-4 hours walking).

This morning we'll explore Agerola and discover a few great viewpoints of Amalfi, Positano & the isle of Capri. A short walk brings us along some of the most amazing viewpoints of the Amalfi Coast, with spectacular views of Amalfi, Positano and Capri. We’ll have a picnic lunch in a great spot and then have some time to relax, or go for a visit to a Mozzarella factory and learn about how this famous Italian cheese is made. Other options include a visit to a Limoncello factory or taking a horse ride (optional) or you may prefer to relax. In the late afternoon we take a short lesson in pizza or pasta making - great fun for adults and kids alike, before enjoying another great dinner based on local specialties, partly made by ourselves ! (3 hours walking).

Today we embark on one of Italy's most beautiful and famous walks along the incredibly scenic ‘Footpath of the Gods’ which leads us to the picturesque coastal town of Positano (5 hours walking). We have free time here to explore the town or swim at the beach. Later this afternoon, we take a boat ride back to Amalfi, our next base. (4-5 hours walking).

Today we enjoy a half day sea kayaking adventure. Paddling along, we’ll make a beautiful excursion along the coast, a great way to discover the amazing coastline & the charming villages from the sea. We’ll enjoy our lunch in Italy’s only ‘fjord’. For those who don't wish to partake in the canoeing there are plenty of alternatives that you may wish to consider with your free time such a walk to the beautiful town of Ravello or a day trip to Isle of Capri or Salerno. Your tour leader is at hand to offer assistance with organising these activities. Our dinner tonight is a special one: it will involve a memorable boat ride to a restaurant on a rocky shore where we'll have a great seafood dinner.

Today we embark on another great walk, this time a circuit walk from Amalfi into the amazing ‘Valle dei Mulini’ (Valley of the Mills), where we'll explore the ruins of Europe's oldest paper mill. There is a possibility to swim under the waterfalls on this walk so don't forget to pack your swimsuit. Our last afternoon in Amalfi is at leisure, a good chance to do some last minute souvenir shopping or a chance to write some postcards. For those who are interested in doing more walking this afternoon, the tour leader will offer a walk that can be down to the small, cute town of Atrani. For our last evening together we can opt to go for another boat ride or choose one of the other fine restaurants in Amalfi itself, to celebrate with a sumptuous final dinner together.

Our journey ends this morning after breakfast, in Amalfi. From here it is easy to arrange onward connections. You may wish to board one of a number of ferries that sail from Amalfi to Salerno or Naples as an interesting method of departure transfer for your onward travel. Alternatively there are local SITA buses that run to Sorrento, Salerno or Naples from where you can rendez-vous with onward rail connections. There is also a private coach that can be arranged locally (at an additional cost), depending upon the number of participants planning to travel back to any one destination. Your tour leader may be able to assist you with arranging any ongoing travel.