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Walk & Discover: Sorrento, Amalfi Coast & Pompeii
Sorrento • Capri • The Path of Lemons • Pompeii • Herculaneum • The Path of Gods
Walk & Discover:
Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast & Pompeii
The natural and historic riches surrounding the Sorrento peninsula and the Bay of Naples are amazing – elegant Sorrento, the alluring island of Capri, the photogenic Amalfi coastline and the ancient towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
The Amalfi Coast
Your itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrival in Sorrento
Arrive at the airport for your flight to Naples from where you will taken to your hotel. (D)
DAY 2 – Walk: Sorrento
Since ancient Greek and Roman times, Sorrento has been known for its fabulous olive oil and our first walk takes us through the area’s legendary groves. Both easy and moderate routes begin in the pretty hilltop village of Annunziata and end in Sorrento where the rest of the day is free. Easy walk – Duration: 3 hours / 5.3 miles / Altitude gain: 324 feet / Terrain: stone paths, tarmac and gravel We walk along tiny alleys and olive groves as we pass through the town of Massa Lubrense. As we follow the winding path, we see stone houses and ancient stone walls, and catch views of the beautiful Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius in the distance, and then over Sorrento as our descent takes us back to the town. Moderate walk – Duration: 4 hours / 7.2 miles / Altitude gain: 577 feet / Terrain: stone paths, tarmac and gravel From Termini, we make our way down to Annunziata, enjoying stunning views along the way. Our walk continues through olive groves following the same route as the easy walk, stopping at
Villa Maria HHH Located next to the old town, the hotel is just a short walk from the main square and Corso Italia, Sorrento’s principal thoroughfare. Villa Maria has an extensive bar and lounge, a swimming pool and sun terrace, and a second terrace offering splendid views of Sorrento, the sea, Mount Vesuvius and, on a clear day, Naples.
Massa Lubrense along the way. (B,D) + Included Experience – Guided walk around the Sorrento Olive Groves
DAY 3 – Discover: Capri
We take a short boat ride to discover Capri, attracting Roman emperors, writers such as DH Lawrence, and Hollywood stars to its paradise-like shores. As we approach, we see fishing boats bobbing on the water, with whitewashed restaurants and shops lining the bustling quayside. You have some time so perhaps join a boat trip or make your way to the famous Blue Grotto to experience its natural blue light phenomenon. (B,D) + Included Experience – Boat ride to Capri
DAY 4 – Discover: Sorrento
A free day so perhaps browse the numerous boutiques and sit down to a leisurely lunch in your choice of restaurant. (B,D)
DAY 5 – Walk: The Path of Lemons
Enjoy the sublime Amalfi coast as we wind around glorious pine-clad cliffs that tumble into the Mediterranean. Just inland is stunning Ravello, perched like an eagle’s nest on a shelf affording incredible views. After some free time exploring we begin our walk. Easy walk – Duration: 2 hours (3 miles) / Altitude gain: 422 feet / Terrain: stone steps, pavement and gravel tracks Moderate walk – Duration: 4 hours (4.7 miles) / Altitude gain: 819 feet / Terrain: stone steps, tracks, country roads and gravel tracks The easy walk descends a stone stairway through narrow terraces that seem to cling to the hillside, while the moderate route journeys through wooded hills before descending through the terraces. Both walks lead to Minori, a small town famous for its fresh pasta. We follow the delightful Il Sentiero dei Limoni – the Path of Lemons – through the authentic heart of the Amalfi coast, where we get a glimpse of the relaxed pace of life here. Both walks end in Maiori, a fishing town where we pause to take in superb views and its imposing 15th-century castle before some free time to wander along the seafront and taste a delicious lemon sorbet perhaps. (B,D) + Included Experience – Guided walk along the Path of Lemons
DAY 6 – Discover: Pompeii & Herculaneum
Pompeii is so much more than a collection of ruins. Our guided tour highlights its astonishing state of preservation – streets, temples, baths and even the amphitheatre remain largely intact. Many buildings still have murals and mosaics, while others are inscribed with graffiti describing political events, romantic entanglements and even gossip of the time. Later our local guide will bring to life the history of Herculaneum, located in the shadow of mighty Mount Vesuvius. Like Pompeii, it was buried under mud and ash when the volcano erupted in AD79 and it wasn’t until the first major excavation in the 18th century that the hidden secrets of this ancient settlement were revealed. (B,D) + Included Experiences – Guided tours of Pompeii and Herculaneum
DAY 7 – Walk: The Path of Gods
We drive to the exclusive resort of Positano, its jumble of colourful buildings nestled into the cliff oozes chic and charm. You have some time to wander before we drive inland to Bomerano, where we follow the legendary Il Sentiero degli Dei, the Path of Gods, along a mountain ridge above the Mediterranean. (B, D) Easy walk – Duration: 3 hours (3.4 miles) / Altitude gain: 700 feet / Terrain: tarmac and rocky clifftop paths Moderate walk – Duration: 4.5 hours (4.7 miles) / Altitude gain: 858 feet / Terrain: tarmac and rocky clifftop paths Both walks follow the contours of the low slopes of Monte Tre Calli, along the peninsula and towards Capri through pine woods and lemon groves. We arrive at the lovely hamlet of Nocelle, where our easy walk finishes. The moderate route continues around a natural inlet and down to Montepertuso with
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Your tour includes
• Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus hotel • Seven nights in three-star accommodation, inclusive of all local taxes • The services of our experienced and insightful Tour Manager throughout
(B) Daily Breakfast, (D) 7 Dinners Prices are per person. For departure dates, prices and flights, please call or visit our website.
YOUR EXPERIENCES • 3 guided walks including the Path of Gods, Sorrento’s renowned olive groves and the Path of Lemons • Take a boat trip to the beautiful island of Capri • 2 guided tours including Pompeii and Herculaneum
wonderful views over Positano. At the end of both walks you may wish to walk down to Positano and back up. We return to Sorrento for our final evening. (B,D) + Included Experience – Guided walk along the Path of Gods
DAY 8 – Return home
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Please note: The use of air-conditioning in hotels in Italy is at the hotel’s discretion and is normally restricted to the summer months (mid-May to mid-September), depending on the temperature. Where hotels feature an outdoor swimming pool, this will be open during the summer months (weather permitting).
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