DAY 1

Upon meeting in Naples, you transfer by private coach (approximately 1 hour) to the majestic Mount Vesuvius, perhaps best known for the powerful eruption of 79 AD and the consequent destruction of nearby Pompeii. A volcanological guide accompanies you on a three-hour hike across black sand encircling the crater, ultimately reaching its peak at 4,200 feet. Following the hike, a 1½ hour drive delivers you to the town of Amalfi. Amalfi was a powerful town in the Middle Ages; rich with art and history, and the first of the four Maritime Republics in Italy. Your base for the next two nights, once a mill as well as a pasta factory, is a charming white-washed hotel just a few steps from the sea in the heart of town. After an orientation meeting and welcome aperitivo, you stroll through the town’s narrow alleyways to a family-run trattoria, where a dinner of traditional Amalfitan specialties is served al fresco, under the shade of lemon trees. An after-dinner stroll through the main square provides an opportunity to admire the 11th-century cathedral, which features a unique mix of Moorish and European styles.
Hotel La Bussola, Amalfi

DAY 2

After breakfast, the day begins with a walk directly from the hotel into a deep, shady valley—the Valley of the Mills—named for the numerous paper mills along the Canneto river. The route leads through woods and scrub as it climbs along the contours of the rugged hillside. The stone-paved way ascends steadily but not too steeply. The stairs gradually diminish as stone gives way to a trail. Reaching an old iron mill, you then enter a natural reserve, where waterfalls frame a sanctuary that is home to endemic ferns and carnivorous plants. The trail continues steeply through a chestnut forest after which it emerges above the tiny village of Pogerola. Here you refuel with a meal of homemade pasta Siciliana at a local trattoria offering satisfying views over the valley you just finished climbing. The Trattoria Rispoli, run for the last 30 years by two charismatic sisters and before them by their father, is part of the Slow Food Movement, an international association promoting food and wine culture, while also protecting local culinary traditions and agricultural biodiversity worldwide.

After lunch, you venture into the upper part of the valley (at an altitude of 1,500-1,700 feet), past waterfalls and through woods. Along the western slope, you gradually give way to a more open trail through scrub which offers stunning views to the sea below. Eventually you reach the town of Scala, where you may stop for a refreshment before returning to Amalfi by private minibus. There is time to relax or swim in the sea before gathering at a beachfront restaurant for another authentic meal featuring fresh coastal fare.
Hotel La Bussola, Amalfi

DAY 3

After breakfast you bid farewell to Amalfi and transfer to the start of today’s walk in the nearby town of Bomerano (a 40-minute drive). The walking terrain is varied and the views magnificent as you hike hillside trails winding through scrub to forests of oak and pine trees. You climb old mule tracks bordered by stone walls—all the while overlooking one of the classic walks of the Amalfi Coast—Il Sentiero degli Dei (the Path of the Gods) at 1200 feet below. Your alternative and less-travelled route winds along the limestone ridge of the south-facing mountains, eventually reaching Monte Tre Calli, at an altitude of 3,700 feet, where you are rewarded with spectacular wide-open views of the Mediterranean Sea and dramatic coastline. Your walk continues along the ridge to Capo Muro, a natural mushroom-shaped rock formation, from where you begin your four-mile descent through trees, rock roses, and Spanish broom to Santa Maria Castello, the remains of a small castle.

Following a well-earned lunch of seasonal specialties and homemade pasta at a local, family-run trattoria, you resume walking towards the cross of Capodacqua, located on the cliff’s edge and where you may stop for a coffee or cold drink. The scenic walk continues along the ridge overlooking Positano, once a small fishing village and today a chic seaside resort, eventually leading you down to the small village of Ticciano. Descending through chestnut trees, you are met by your private minibus for the 40-minute transfer to the seaside resort of Sorrento. Upon arrival you check into your hotel—a comfortable base with an expansive terrace and swimming pool—ideally located next to Sorrento’s main square, Piazza Tasso.

Tonight’s dinner is an exclusive sampling menu (including fresh buffalo milk mozzarella) served at a local restaurant that is part of the Slow Food Movement.
Grand Hotel Europa Palace, Sorrento

DAY 4

The day begins with a transfer by train to Castellammare, where you board a cable car to Mount Faito. The walk along the watershed affords sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno, as well as Mount Vesuvius and the exclusive Isle of Capri. You begin the hike at 3,600 feet and descend briefly along a paved road to the Lontra (Otter) spring, where you ascend again through centuries-old chestnut and beech forest to the summit of Mount Cerasuolo (just under 4,000 feet). You descend to Campo del Pero and then climb up to the Molar via Acqua Santa (Holy Water) spring. A picnic lunch of crusty bread, olives, sun-soaked tomatoes, and seasonal fruit provides an opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery.

After lunch your route follows the ridge of Conocchia and then around the top of the Valley Acqua del Milo en route to Casa del Monaco by late afternoon. From here you descend by cable car to Castellammare. This evening you enjoy a fabulous seafood dinner at a popular local restaurant in the heart of Sorrento.
Grand Hotel Europa Palace, Sorrento

DAY 5

Today you return to the watershed, this time at the tip of the Sorrentine Peninsula. The path leads mostly through low vegetation, with wide panoramas embracing both gulfs. In Montepertuso, you walk to the cross perched at 2,000 feet and continue up to Mount Comune (2,900 feet) and then down to the saddle of Chiosse (1,800 feet). The route is a hillside hike with steep stretches alternating with easy climbs. The trail closely follows the watershed to the southern coast, affording dazzling vertical views of Positano and the coast to the west. The upper part of Mount Comune is a grassy plateau, with a rough descent of loose stone—however, never too close to the cliff’s edge.

Lunch, including garden-fresh vegetables, local cheeses and homemade wine, is served at a unique spot, on the panoramic terrace of a local family; afterwards you continue up to Monte Vico Alvano (2,100 feet), along a trail graced with gorgeous views of Sorrento, the Gulf of Naples, and its islands. Your walk finishes at Colli San Pietro.

Upon returning to Sorrento, you are free to peruse the many shops and continue on to an independent dinner at one of the many fine restaurants or pizzerias.
Grand Hotel Europa Palace, Sorrento

DAY 6

Today’s walk is a perfect end to your exploration and perhaps a new perspective on the Sorrentine Peninsula. After breakfast, a 20-minute drive brings you to the village of Termini. From here you begin a walk down a partially paved trail to Punta Campanella—the tip of the peninsula and closest point to the island of Capri. The slope is rich with Mediterranean scrub (macchia) and sprinkled with orchids and various types of broom. Continuing along a grassy ridge trail that climbs to San Costanzo, you may pause to admire the Isle of Capri rising starkly from a glistening blue sea. You circle back down an old mule track to Termini for lunch. Afterward, you may choose to return to Sorrento for some last-minute shopping, exploring, or relaxing at your hotel, or you may choose to partake in a peaceful loop walk. The afternoon walk begins in the town of Sant’Agata and takes you out to the slope of Marecoccola, a beautiful Mediterranean landscape whose limestone cliffs overlook the Gulf of Salerno. From here, you loop around through pinewood forest back to Sant’Agata.

This evening you celebrate your adventure al fresco under a traditional pergola at a family-run farm, feasting on freshly-caught seafood, locally produced vegetables, olive oil, wine, and limoncello.
Grand Hotel Europa Palace, Sorrento

DAY 7

After enjoying a copious breakfast, you are free to continue your exploration of this spectacular coast or continue to Naples for airline or train connections.

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1 & 2

Hotel La Bussola
Amalfi, Italy

A former mill, as well as pasta factory, this white-washed hotel is just a few steps from the sea and the heart of town.

Nights 3, 4, 5 & 6

Grand Hotel Europa Palace
Sorrento, Italy

A comfortable, Old World-style hotel in the heart of Sorrento with a private dock, swimming pool, and an expansive terrace overlooking Mount Vesuvius.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.

Alessandra DiCastri

Alessandra is a performer and artist by nature. A graduate of the Naples School of Fine Arts, she lived in Canada for three years and is fluent in English and French. Upon returning to Italy, she began researching traditions and costumes of the Naples region where she has found great inspiration for her characters, paintings and stories. Alessandra infuses her Amalfi Coast tours with a passion for the oral tradition, replete with the colorful expressions unique to the Campania region of Southern Italy. 

Luigi Esposito

A native of the Island of Capri and member of the Italian Environmental and Hiking Guide Association, Luigi Esposito has been guiding on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, and Capri since 1996 and loves showing Capri’s hidden corners and spectacular flora. Passionate about protecting and sharing Capri’s natural assets, he founded “Capri Outdoors,” a volunteer organization promoting both preservation and active enjoyment of the island, and, in cooperation with the University of Naples, he monitors the Blue lizard of the Faraglioni, one of Italy’s 10 most endangered species. Equally dedicated to safety, Luigi is also the chief of the Italian Mountain Search and Rescue Corp alpine team for the Campania Region.

Costantino Di Losa

A native of the Island of Capri, Costantino deftly combines his formal studies of history, art and classics with his intimate knowledge of Italy. Costantino has traveled around the world and is a multi-lingual certified tour guide for the Campania Region, including the sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum.