Self-guided walking
7 nights,
twin centre
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
14.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
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One of the most breath-taking coastlines in Europe, the Amalfi Coast, is perhaps Italy's most famous. Stretching 50km from Sorrento to Salerno, the landscape is hugely varied and surrounded by infinite and ever-changing views. Steep terraces full of scented lemon groves fall steeply into a shimmering Mediterranean Sea; whitewashed houses cling precariously to unforgiving slopes while sea and sky merge in one vast blue horizon. Pastel coloured coastal towns are pasted onto the steep slopes and have a history dating back 1000's of years. Discover cultural treasures including rural chapels, castle ruins and ancient farmhouses. Man has created a mosaic terraced landscape, which nothing can compare with.
We offer a fantastic selection of walks from the thousands of footpaths along the Amalfi Coast such as the famous Sentiero degli Dei 'Pathway of the Gods' or the ancient Maestra dei Villaggi 'main road' of the Republic of Amalfi. Most of the walks follow the coast allowing you to enjoy the dazzling coastal views of the Amalfi Coast and the Bay of Naples from a high vantage point and on occasions as far as the island of Capri in the distance. Immerse yourself in the typical Mediterranean landscape, with wonderful, terraced lemon groves and vineyards and explore rural villages which makes you feel far away from the tourist trail.
Your first four nights are in the beautiful town of Amalfi which has its origins documented as long ago as the 6th century when it was the centre of a trading network spread throughout the Mediterranean. Today, it is still known well beyond what its size should command due to the beauty of the town and its stunning setting. Situated at the head of a deep ravine, wander along the town's narrow alleyways, discover its quaint shops packed with local produce and crafts, and take refreshments in the tea shops, inspired by the English 100 years ago when they were the dominant visitors. Exploring further, steep steps lead to the exquisite 9th century Duomo and many other examples of medieval architecture. Far below, the town also has its own beach popular amongst visitors and locals alike.
You spend your final three nights in Positano, arguably the Amalfi Coast's most photogenic town, rising almost vertically from the sea in a riot of colour. It is called the 'Gem of the Divine Coast' with houses and villas built on terraces with beautiful gardens planted with palm trees, orange and lemon groves. The main road passes high above, leaving the town mostly to those who wish to explore the narrow streets, winding lanes, paths and tracks around the town on foot. Small shops and elegant boutiques line the narrow streets. Below is a small beach fringed with restaurants - why not sip a cool 'Limoncello' here whilst taking in the atmosphere after a day's walking.
This holiday follows stone steps, coastal paths and some forest trails. You need to be a reasonably fit and confident walker, as the frequent ascents and descents, particularly on the coastal paths, make this a more demanding holiday than the distances suggest. On day 5 and day 7, guests with a fear of heights may have problems with certain sections. Walkers with knee problems may have difficulty descending the stone steps and walking poles are strongly recommended.
Explore Amalfi's marina, and admire those sea views, before dinner.
You stay at Hotel Floridiana.
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This simple yet comfortable, family run hotel has just 13 rooms, and boasts a prime location, just a stone's throw from Piazza del Duomo and a short stroll from the beach. The hotel actually dates back to the 12th century, but was renovated in the 17th and 18th centuries; it retains much of its historic detail, including a beautiful frescoed ceiling in the breakfast room. The hotel also benefits from a rooftop terrace, which comes with a jacuzzi and enjoys views over Amalfi town and the surrounding countryside, Whilst the hotel doesn't have a restaurant, there is a wide choice of restaurants within easy walking distance.
Today's walk is to the charming historic village of Ravello, the first stretch along a scenic route around the headland to Atrani, a well-preserved little town with narrow streets and a serene town square. Then you climb up past Castiglione to the Villa Cimbrone, on Ravello's headland. Take your time to wander around this ancient town, 'closer to the sky than the seashore' according to the French novelist, Andre Gide. Ravello is one of the most exclusive villages of the Amalfi coast, and has two magnificent villas, - the 11th century Villa Rufolo, once a papal residence and later the home of Richard Wagner, and the Villa Cimbrone, a sumptious 19th century mansion with fabulous gardens and unequalled views over the Gulf of Salerno. Later walk back down to Atrani along the 'Valle del Dragone' - the Valley of the Dragon, which was the industrial area of Atrani with power being harnessed from the rivers. Then retrace your steps back to Amalfi. Optional extra to the hamlets of Scala, Minuta and Pontone.
You stay at Hotel Floridiana.
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This simple yet comfortable, family run hotel has just 13 rooms, and boasts a prime location, just a stone's throw from Piazza del Duomo and a short stroll from the beach. The hotel actually dates back to the 12th century, but was renovated in the 17th and 18th centuries; it retains much of its historic detail, including a beautiful frescoed ceiling in the breakfast room. The hotel also benefits from a rooftop terrace, which comes with a jacuzzi and enjoys views over Amalfi town and the surrounding countryside, Whilst the hotel doesn't have a restaurant, there is a wide choice of restaurants within easy walking distance.
Set off along the quiet back alleys of Amalfi where you will notice the strong Moorish influences. An ancient stairway takes you up underneath the impressive limestone cliffs towards the little village of Pontone, part of the medieval defence system of the city of Amalfi. Onward to Monte Aureo with its fortified ruins, from where you will have unforgettable views along the Amalfi Coast. Back through Pontone you walk to the Valle dei Mulini, the valley of the mills, with the ruins of Europe's most ancient paper mills, dating back to the 11th century. The footpath descends through abundant woodlands and then passes lemon groves on its way back to Amalfi.
You stay at Hotel Floridiana.
BankCash machineMastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafe
This simple yet comfortable, family run hotel has just 13 rooms, and boasts a prime location, just a stone's throw from Piazza del Duomo and a short stroll from the beach. The hotel actually dates back to the 12th century, but was renovated in the 17th and 18th centuries; it retains much of its historic detail, including a beautiful frescoed ceiling in the breakfast room. The hotel also benefits from a rooftop terrace, which comes with a jacuzzi and enjoys views over Amalfi town and the surrounding countryside, Whilst the hotel doesn't have a restaurant, there is a wide choice of restaurants within easy walking distance.
You can choose to take today as a rest day, or you can catch a bus to Bomerano and walk up into the mountains, towards the highest peaks of the Amalfi Coast, from where the views are perhaps even more beautiful than from the Sentiero degli Dei. A stiff walk up through the outskirts of Bomerano then through chestnut woods, the path starts to climb towards Monte Tre Calli. Reach the ridge of Monte Tre Calli with unrivalled 360-degree views. A scenic walk along the ridge, through grassland and woodland to a natural rock formation known as Il Fungo, 'The Mushroom'. From there you have the choice of returning the way you came or making a loop by descending steeply to join a forest road, which leads to a shrine of the Virgin of the Silence, with magical views towards Positano.
You stay at Hotel Floridiana.
BankCash machineMastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafe
This simple yet comfortable, family run hotel has just 13 rooms, and boasts a prime location, just a stone's throw from Piazza del Duomo and a short stroll from the beach. The hotel actually dates back to the 12th century, but was renovated in the 17th and 18th centuries; it retains much of its historic detail, including a beautiful frescoed ceiling in the breakfast room. The hotel also benefits from a rooftop terrace, which comes with a jacuzzi and enjoys views over Amalfi town and the surrounding countryside, Whilst the hotel doesn't have a restaurant, there is a wide choice of restaurants within easy walking distance.
Hop on a bus to Bomerano, then take the most famous footpath in Southern Italy, the Sentieri degli Dei, (Footpath of the Gods), across a steep rugged hillside with sweeping views of the Gulf of Salerno. You will reach the tiny hamlet of Nocelle and pass through another spectacular valley to arrive at the little village of Montepertuso, then a short but steep drop down steps to the charming seaside town of Positano.
You stay at Hotel Pupetto.
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Situated on Fornillo's beach, with its restaurant/pizzeria overlooking the pebbly shores, the family run Hotel Pupetto is set in a fragrant garden of lemon trees and vibrant flowers surrounded by rich Mediterranean foliage. All rooms here are ensuite and with whitewashed walls and the local Vietri handpainted tiles adorning the floors. The hotel has a section of the beach with its own sun loungers and parasols along with a café that serves drinks and snacks throughout the day.
Why not catch a ferry (April to October only) to the Isle of Capri - the most famous of the three islands in the Gulf of Naples. In the Tyrrhenian Sea off the Sorrento peninsula, it is an ancient continuation of the Latteri mountains which form the backbone of the peninsula.
From both Amalfi and Positano, there are boats sailing for Capri throughout the day - take an early boat so that you have enough time to explore. There are many places to visit - including several Roman villas - the most famous being the Villa Jovis - the Natural Arch, the Faraglioni (3 impressive sea stacks), Via Krupp (a historic switchback paved footpath leading down to Marina Piccola), and Villa Lysis - dedicated to 'the youth of love', built in 1905.
You stay at Hotel Pupetto.
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Situated on Fornillo's beach, with its restaurant/pizzeria overlooking the pebbly shores, the family run Hotel Pupetto is set in a fragrant garden of lemon trees and vibrant flowers surrounded by rich Mediterranean foliage. All rooms here are ensuite and with whitewashed walls and the local Vietri handpainted tiles adorning the floors. The hotel has a section of the beach with its own sun loungers and parasols along with a café that serves drinks and snacks throughout the day.
Take a bus to Montepertuso, then following ancient footpaths through the forest, you climb uphill towards Santa Maria del Castello, the fortress defending the narrow valley between the Amalfi and the Sorrento sides of the peninsula. From here you can admire both the Gulf of Salerno and the Bay of Naples. You then skirt the mountainside on a mule track to reach the Caserma Forestale, the Foresters' Barracks. The walk continues through the forest on a zigzagging trail down to Montepertuso and then another pathway down to Positano.
You stay at Hotel Pupetto.
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Situated on Fornillo's beach, with its restaurant/pizzeria overlooking the pebbly shores, the family run Hotel Pupetto is set in a fragrant garden of lemon trees and vibrant flowers surrounded by rich Mediterranean foliage. All rooms here are ensuite and with whitewashed walls and the local Vietri handpainted tiles adorning the floors. The hotel has a section of the beach with its own sun loungers and parasols along with a café that serves drinks and snacks throughout the day.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Il Convento, Naples; Hotel Continental, Sorrento.
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Il Convento is located just a few minutes' walk away from the Via Toledo shopping area and ten minutes away from the famous Piazza Plebiscito and Castel dell'Ovo. It is ideally situated for a long weekend break or a short stopover.
The hotel dates back to the 1600s and has been tastefully converted to make the most of its original features. There's a cosy feel to all the rooms, with exposed brickwork walls and breakfast served by candle light!
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Situated in a pretty piazza in the very heart of Sorrento, the 4 star Hotel Continental benefits from superb views over Vesuvius. The comfortable bedrooms are all ensuite and with balcony, and feature the local Vietri tiles for which the region is renowned. The hotel boasts excellent facilities including a sparkling outdoor pool and jacuzzi set amongst tranquil gardens, and 2 stylish and modern bars - one with an external terrace looking out over the stunning backdrop of the Bay of Naples. Massages are also possible on request.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £636.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
Transportation to/from the walks as per the advertised itinerary (buses on days 4, 5 and 7 and return hydrofoil to Capri) is approximately 65 euro per person.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Naples airport.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
twin centre
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
14.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
