Guided Rambling Holidays in
SORRENTO and the
AMALFI COAST, ITALY
2011 Dates: Fri April 29 - May 6 Fri Oct 7 - 14
Our walking tour is a combination of walking on foot-paths in scenic country-side and exploring towns and historic sites.
Day 1: Pick up at Naples Airport at 4 PM. Transfer by private bus to our four-star hotel at Sant Agata. This village is located five km from Sorrento and has marvelous views of the Bay of Naples and of Mount Vesuvius in the distance. Welcome drink and briefing before dinner.
Day 2: Morning walk (downhill on a quiet trail amid lemon and olive groves) 9 km into the town of Sorrento. Here, we have a walking tour of the town with an expert local guide. Legend says that the name "Surrentum" derives from the ancient Greek myth of siren mermaids whose singing lured seamen. According to the legend, Ulysses and his comrades escaped the sirens by plugging their ears and the mermaids, so humbled, were turned into rocks which today stand in nearby Positano. On our walking tour we see ancient walls built by the Greeks, rebuilt by the Romans and strengthened in medieval times to repel invasions by Saracen pirates. There is a beautiful garden in the Cloister of the San Francisco Monastery as well as intriguing narrow streets with cafes and shops. There is free time to explore or there is an optional further walk on to Capo di Sorrento. Return to the hotel in the afternoon (either by bus or on foot for those who want a more energetic day).
Day 3: This morning we walk the "Path of the Gods" along limestone ridges in the hills above the Amalfi Drive. This is Amalfi’s most scenic foot-path, with spectacular views of the sea and the hillsides. Allegedly the trail dates back to the time when ancient gods wanted to travel from the mountains to the sea to hear the enticing song of the sirens. From the end of this walk we continue by bus to Positano but anyone who wants an even more energetic walk can continue on foot to Positano. For those who would prefer a less energetic day, there is an optional tour by boat to Positano and chance to explore this beautiful town.)
Day 4: Half day visit with an expert local guide to the archaeological site of Pompeii - Pompeii was settled as early as the 8th century BC and by 79 AD it was a thriving commercial centre with a population of 20,000. Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the city under a blanket of ash six metres deep. Over the centuries Pompeii was forgotten but in 1748 excavations were started and since 1911 all finds of furnishings and household utensils have been left where they were found, giving a fascinating insight into everyday life in 79AD. The walk around Pompeii includes major sites such as the Forum, the Amphitheatre, temples and well preserved homes.
In the afternoon we go to the crater of Vesuvius. The bus takes us part of the way up the mountain but there is still a short climb. At the top, one can look down into the crater. A local volcano expert will tell about volcanology.
Day 5: Free day. There are many things to do if you don't want to rest on your free day. The hotel has a shuttle bus which will take you into the centre of Sorrento. From here you could visit Herculaneum (which suffered the same fate as Pompeii although it was buried in deeper ash). Another possibility is a ferry ride to the island of Ischia to try an Italian spa. You could take a ferry to Naples and visit museums. A boat ride along the coast takes you to Positano. .
Day 6: The ferry from Sorrento takes about 30 minutes to the Isle of Capri. From the square of the town of Capri we walk (uphill) with beautiful views the Bay of Naples, the Sorrento Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast. We continue on a path to the famous Natural Arch and along the coast where we see "fortini" which are ancient forts and defense towers and rocks that legend says are petrified "syrens" from the days of Ulysses. There is free time to explore the lively streets of the town centre and then we go to Anacapri.
Day 7: Today our walk starts at the hotel at Sant' Agata. Using quiet roads amid villas and gardens we walk with great views of the Bay of Salerno. When we reach the town of Termini we see the Isle of Capri. The walk continues to the town of Massa Lubrense and then we return on a network of ancient foot-paths to our hotel. (A less strenuous walk is available for those who prefer it.)
Day 8: Return to Naples Airport by approximately 10.00 am and Naples Rail Station by 10.30 am. Anyone who has an early morning flight can reserve a taxi transfer (cost is about 100 euros per taxi) or can travel to Naples on the Circumvesuvian rail line.
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