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INTRODUCTION
The Amalfi Coast is an outstanding stretch of mountainous coastline south of Naples, famous for its terrific views, orchards, terracing, hairpin bends and charming villages with dwellings, including hotels, sometimes only accessible by alleys and stairways. One of the beauties of the Amalfi Coast is that many of its treasures lie hidden in lemon groves or on steep mountain sides, including monasteries, caves and secluded coves without a soul in sight. The area is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and a great place for walking and exploring.
For centuries visitors have been spellbound by the Amalfi Coastline with its lush green elevations, picturesque landscapes, excellent hotel accommodation and the cordial hospitality of the local people.This coastline has mountain paths originally used by pilgrims and merchants which are still in excellent condition. They weave their magical way through unspoiled Mediterranean coastal flora and fauna, which contrast with more rugged areas of limestone grottos and rock formation.
Our walks with local guides on the Amalfi Coast follow dramatic trails along preserved networks of footpaths and stone stairways, once life lines between villages, ancient chapels and monasteries. Starting from Cava de'Tirreni, a little gem of history and culture, surrounded by the Lattari Mountains and called the "little Switzerland", we will have the pleasure of discovering this captivating coastline, from Vietri sul Mare, the natural gateway of the Amalfi Coast, to the charming village of Positano.
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Cava de'Tirreni is an unknown gem of history and traditions, where we experience the authentic Italian way of life. The "Borgo Scacciaventi" famous for its arcades, evokes its trading heritage and makes the architecture of this town unique in Southern Italy. The town of Cava de'Tirreni is a perfect starting base for exploring the villages on the southern side of the Amalfi Coast, such as Vietri sul Mare, famous for its ceramics, and the fishing village of Cetara untouched by mass tourism.
Positano, on the coast to the west of Amalfi, is a classic and up-market resort with exclusive boutiques and enchanting landscapes. We will be following several hiking trails to enjoy even more striking views, including the famous "Path of the Gods".
Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. Visits include the summit of Mount Vesuvius and its crater, and Pompeii, the world's most captivating Roman excavation where we see impressive examples of everyday life from 1st-Century Rome before the devastating eruption in AD 79.
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| Dates: |
18 - 25 May 2012 |
| Price excl. flights: |
£ 1350 |
| Price incl. flights: |
£ 1550 |
| Single supplement: |
£ 490 |
| Supplement for Manchester flights: |
£100.00 |
| Grade: |
Easy/Moderate More info |
| Availability: |
Places available |
| Book this holiday now |
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HIGHLIGHTS
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Holiday Highlights
Cava de'Tirreni is an unknown gem of history and traditions where we experience the authentic Italian way of life. The "Borgo Scacciaventi" famous for its arcades, evokes its trading heritage and makes the architecture of this town unique in Southern Italy. The town of Cava de'Tirreni is a perfect starting base for exploring the villages on the southern side of the Amalfi Coast, such as Vietri sul Mare, famous for its ceramics, and the fishing village of Cetara which remains untouched by mass tourism.
Positano, on the coast to the west of Amalfi, is a classic and up-market resort with exclusive boutiques and enchanting landscapes. We will be following several hiking trails to enjoy even more striking views, including the famous "Path of the Gods".
Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. Visits include a walk on the summit of Mount Vesuvius and its crater, and a guided tour of Pompeii, the world's most captivating Roman excavation, where we see impressive examples of everyday life from 1st Century Rome before the devastating eruption in AD 79.
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ITINERARY
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Day 1 - Friday 18th May 2012 - Depart UK
We fly British Airways from Gatwick to Naples, arriving at 15.45. Connecting flights are available from regional airports. Met on arrival by our agents and transfer (1hr10 minutes) by private coach to the hotel in Cava de' Tirreni. Rich in history, Cava de' Tirreni is less touristic than other places on the Amalfi Coast, with narrow streets and alleys nestled in a landscaped valley called the "Green Gate" of the Amalfi. In past centuries it was an important market centre and well known for the Abbey of the Holy Trinity, which spread its temporal and spiritual influence over Southern Italy.
Welcome Reception and Dinner at the Hotel. Overnight: 4-star Hotel Victoria in Cava de' Tirreni. D
Day 2 - Saturday 19th May 2012 - Dragonea
Meet up with Maurizio our English-speaking trekking guide for the Vietri sul Mare trek.
A local bus drops us off at the mountain village of Dragonea where we start the walk along a network of paths used for centuries to link the villages of the Amalfi Coast. Following chestnut woods, then paved pathways and a set of steps we reach the first jewel of the coast, Vietri sul Mare, well-known for its pottery and ceramics. Every building here, from the town hall to the fruit store, is decorated with fine painted tiles. This walk gives the perfect introduction to the Amalfi Coast with views of azure seas and green mountains. We return to Cava de' Tirreni by local bus. Picnic lunch. 6km, Easy. 3 hours hiking.
Dinner in the hotel. Overnight: 4-star Hotel Victoria in Cava de' Tirreni. BLD
Day 3 - Sunday 20th May 2012 - Vesuvius and Pompeii
Check out of the hotel after breakfast. Our luggage is transferred to our new hotel by our agents.
Depart the hotel by private coach at 0800 and drive to the 1000 metre mark on Mount Vesuvius. Together with the authorized English-speaking volcano guide, we walk up to the summit of the crater and partake in a trek that is not generally open to the public to a point where you can touch some of the volcano's hot spots. Our private coach then takes us to a local wine producer for lunch and a wine tasting. Guided walking tour of the vineyard, with the wine maker. Visit to the wine cellar. Lunch is buffet-style with typical and traditional products and delicacies from the Vesuvio area: bruschette with tomatoes, two kinds of salami, cheese, freshly baked bread with olive oil, and one pasta dish and dessert. During the meal you can try five different kinds of wines: Lacrima Christi del Vesuvio (white, rosé and red), one Aglianico and one Falanghina. Also one apricot liqueur and one grappa from Vesuvio.
Next, we explore the world's most captivating Roman excavation and experience a real intact image of this ancient world. The devastating eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79 trapped the 25000 inhabitants of Pompeii, many of whom left impressive examples of everyday life in 1stCentury Rome. 4 km, approx. two hour's hiking on Vesuvius plus four hours walking tour in Pompeii. Grade Moderate.
Drive to Positano and check in at Hotel Agavi where we stay for the next 5 nights. Dinner in the hotel. BLD
Day 4 - Monday 21st May 2012 Valle delle Ferriere National Park and Ravello
The starting point for today's walk is the picturesque village of Atrani.The route takes us through
ancient village alleyways and borders the "Dragone" creek on the way up to Pontone (where the Tower "dello Ziro" and the ruins of the ancient cathedral of Saint Eustacchio are of considerable artistic and historical interest). From Pontone we proceed towards the world renowned "Valle delle Ferriere" National Park. After a picnic lunch we visit Ravello including Villa Rufolo.
Ravello occupies a dominating position on the hill top and offers a spectacular view over the whole Amalfi Coast. The tranquility of the town has great appeal to poets, writers and the international jet set. The wealth of art works in Ravello is preserved in numerous ecclesiastical buildings such as the Cathedral of St Pantaleone, (a building which is striking because of its marble work), the adjacent bell tower, the Church of St Martino, the Church of St Angelo and the Church of St Giovanni del Toro.
The heart of Ravello is the Piazza Vescovado, with the Castle ruins, Cathedral and Villa Rufolo, whose ancient function was that of watch-tower. The Villa, with its original construction dating from 1200AD, belonged to the powerful Rufolo family, to the Confalone, the Muscettola, the D'Afflitto and, finally, to the Scot Francis Neville Reid. The atmosphere of the place has been marked by the thousand years of Arab cultural influence. The enchantment of Villa Rufolo reaches its peak in its famous garden, loved by Wagner. Villa Rufolo is a building which is home to much of the art of Ravello and surrounded by splendid gardens, where numerous musical and cultural events are held. Six hours walking. Grade Medium (about 2 hours ascending and two hours of descent).
Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Le Agavi, Positano. BLD
Day 5 - Tuesday 22nd May 2012 San Domenico. Vettica Maggiore
Our starting point for the walk today is the village of Vettica Maggiore (located between Amalfi and Positano). The first stop after walking up a recently restored path for about 40 minutes is San Domenico Monastery, located in a charming position at an altitude of 400m. We plan to visit the 12th Century church of St. Maria a Castro and the 16th Century Dominican Cloister.
Our next stop is at Maurizio's parents farm for a typical home-prepared lunch. Suitably refreshed, we then walk 30 minutes to the start point of the 'Path of the Gods' continuing from west to east towards Nocelle. The route is through unique wild Mediterranean bush, coastal forest and caves suspended half way between the sky and the sea. There is some exposure but it is perfectly safe. After around two hours we arrive at Nocelle, a small village of just 300 inhabitants. At this point there is a choice of either using the local minibus to return to Positano, or walk there for about one hour.Grade Medium. Four/five hours walking.
This evening we are taken by coach to a typical family farmhouse restaurant in the nearby hills, Restaurant La Tagliata, for home cooked dinner. Overnight at Hotel Le Agavi, Positano. BLD
Day 6 - Wednesday 23rd May 2012 Free Day
Relax in Positano or enjoy one of three recommended optional visits to the Isle of Capri, the Excavations of Herculaneum or Sorrento. Subject to sufficient interest, another option would be to charter the hotel's launch and cruise along the coast, visiting fishing villages and places of interest.
There are many fine restaurants in Positano and dinner tonight is under your arrangements. Overnight at Hotel Le Agavi, Positano. B
Day 7 - Thursday 24th May 2012 - Positano-Montepertuso. Path of the Gods. Maria al Castello-Positano
A local bus takes us up to Montepertuso which is the start point of the walk today, continuing the hike along the 'Path of the Gods' but from a higher elevation, about 700-800 metres. The walk is through pine and cypress bush until we arrive at Caserma Forestale with a great view across the Amalfi Coast, the Sorrento Peninsula, Capri and the Bay of Naples; definitely a photo stop. From this point the hike is flatter and in about one hour we arrive at S. Maria al Castello, a typical farming village where we stop for lunch at Zi Peppe Restaurant.
After lunch we arrive at an impressive view-point overlooking Positano followed by just over an hour's walk to the hotel. Grade Medium. Five hours walking.
Dinner in the hotel Overnight at Hotel Le Agavi, Positano. BLD
Day 8 - Friday 25th May 2012 - Positano/Naples/UK
It is time to say "arrivederci" to Italy. After breakfast we have free time in Positano, then transfer (approx 1hr 25 minutes) by private coach to Naples International Airport for our return flight to the UK, arriving at Gatwick at 18.15
Onward connecting flights can be arranged. B
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FLIGHTS
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Please note that the following flight times, flight numbers and routings are the latest known and are subject to change and confirmation by the airlines. All times are local.
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Outbound - Friday 18th May 2012
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Depart Manchester (T3)
Arrive Gatwick
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BA2903
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0845
0945
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Depart Gatwick (North T)
Arrive Naples
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BA2610
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1210
1545
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Inbound - Friday 25th May 2012
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Depart Naples
Arrive Gatwick (North T)
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BA2611
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1630
1815
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Depart Gatwick (North T)
Arrive Manchester (T3) |
BA2914 |
2110
2205 |
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«Top» PRICES
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| Price per person, sharing a twin or double room excluding flights |
£1350 |
| Price per person, sharing a twin or double room including flights |
£1550 |
| Supplement for departure from Manchester |
£100 |
| Supplement for a single person occupying a double room |
£490 |
WHAT THE FULL PRICE INCLUDES
- International return economy flights to Naples from UK
- Private Airport transfers
- Airport and local taxes in UK and Italy
- English speaking local guide for the walking programme
- Specialist English speaking guides for Vesuvius and Pompeii
- Hotel accomodation with full facilities
- Visits to places of interest
- Entrance fees to National Parks
- Welcome reception
- Guided visit to the Monastery
- Luggage transfer between hotels
- All local transport costs
- Accompanying tour leader
- Meals as shown in the Itinerary
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- Optional visits to the Isle of Capri and Herculaneum (Ercolano)
- Holiday/Travel Insurance
- Beverages
- Gratuities, which are optional
- Any Government taxes or compulsory charges that may be introduced after the publication of this web page
Please Note:
For reasons of safety, weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances, it may be necessary to make changes to the programme without advance notice. Every effort will be made to avoid this if at all possible.
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E&OE
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