|
|
| |
2008 TOUR DATES
Oct. 11 - 18
2009 TOUR DATES
May 10 - 17
Oct. 11 - 18
If you like to walk and hike, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most stunning and complex landscapes in all of Italy to enjoy. Ancient trails and footpaths reach from the sea into this dramatic terrain in all directions. When you leave the bustle of the seaside towns behind you will find lemon groves and wildflowers and cool running streams. There are remnants of ancient towers and old mills that speak of a deep and colorful history. And you will be rewarded with sensational views every step of the way.
If you consider that the Coast's famous serpentine motorway, the Amalfi Drive, is barely 100 years old you can imagine how important this network of trails and steps has been to the people of this region over many centuries. In fact, walking the Amalfi Coast is the best way to encounter the local people as they go about their daily lives.
Giocondo Cavaliere, your tour leader and expert on all things "Amalfi", has been walking these trails since he was a child. As a native of one of these cliff-hanging villages Giocondo will immerse you in this world of natural beauty together with its authentic local traditions.
You do not have to be an expert hiker for this trip. If you are an energetic, regular walker, with even a little hiking experience you will be able to enjoy this tour to its fullest. The outings are easy to moderate in difficulty and will be 2 - 4 hours in length. Giocondo will describe each day's trip before you set off. The only gear you need is a water bottle, sturdy sneakers or lightweight hiking boots and a daypack for a camera or a jacket.
Seven Nights: the first 3 overnights are in the village of Amalfi so that we can take advantage of the trails that start from there. Then on the 4th day we walk the famous "Pathway of the Gods" and arrive in Positano, where we will stay for the rest of the week.
Cuisine and Wine: We assume you will get very hungry during the week, so to keep up your stamina we have included lunches in country homes, hearty picnics, and gourmet dinners in our favorite spots. We pride ourselves on the unique and authentic culinary experiences we offer on all of our tours.
Other Activities: We have also included a private cruise along the magnificent coastline, a visit to the Emerald Grotto, and a cultural tour of Amalfi Village. There's some free time to do a little shopping and exploring on your own, or to choose a panoramic spot to just sip wine and marvel at the scenery.
We can't wait to Meet you Here on
Italy's "Divine" Coast.
With Amalfi Life you're part of the local life.
Back to top
- Along the Amalfi river in the Valle dei Mulini
- Amalfi to Ravello, lunch at Villa Cimbrone
- To Positano on the Pathway of the Gods
- Private cruise along this unique coastline
- Best in authentic food and wine
Back
to top
Day One
Getting Acquainted with Amalfi
Upon your arrival in Naples we will provide a private transfer to the charming hotel in Amalfi Village where you will stay the first 3 nights. There will be time to unpack, relax, and marvel at the spectacular surroundings.
Late Afternoon - Cultural walking tour of the enchanting village of Amalfi, followed by dinner at our seaside favorite.
Day Two
Valley of the Old Mills
This morning we will hike a well-loved trail known as the Valle dei Mulini, the Valley of the Mills. It follows the river of Amalfi into the mountain pass behind the village, and up to the small village of Pontone. It has a pleasantly remote feeling even though it is only a mile and a half from the village center. Along the way you will see the remnants of the mills that were once Amalfi's paper-making industry. Lunch is at a charming country Inn with a special view. We will return to Amalfi through the Valle so that you can see the wonderful, ever-changing vistas before you. Free time and then Dinner.
Day Three
Atrani to Ravello
The village of Ravello sits on a dramatic limestone promontory of pinewoods and wildflowers over 1000 feet above the sea. The ascent is a succession of concrete steps, narrow wooded paths, and viewpoints all along the way. From Amalfi we start by walking to Atrani, a tiny, non-touristy gem reached by taking one of the original paths between the villages. Our destination is the Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, where we will have a gourmet lunch and a leisurely tour of its famous English gardens. Ravello itself is quite charming and has been made famous by its summer music festival. We will have a tour of the village and a chance to visit a ceramic factory. Late afternoon free time and then Dinner.
Day Four
Sentiero degli Dei to Positano
Today will be the longest outing of the week. We begin with a ride up the exhilarating road of hairpin turns to the town of Agerola, the high plateau 2,000 feet above the coast. From here we walk along the ridgeline of the Pathway (Sentiero) of the Gods passing into the deep gorge of the village of Furore. Furore is a "painted village" with colorful murals by Italian artists on the sides of the picturesque homesteads; an old community noted for its farms and terraced vineyards. After sensational views over Conca dei Marini and Praiano we reach the short stretch of road leading to the center of Positano and our hotel, the Palazzo Murat. Dinner.
Day Five
Free Day
Today is a free day designed to let you rest your hiking muscles. You can take today to visit the Island of Capri, do some shopping, or sleep late and relax. Lunch and Dinner is on your own.
Day Six
Positano to Santa Maria del Castello
This morning we enjoy a vigorous hike to the old church of Santa Maria del Castello at 1700 feet above Positano. It is a 2-1/2 hour ascent on a well-built path that affords tremendous views. A well-deserved lunch is waiting for you at the charming, homespun eatery at the top. Return to Positano in late afternoon. Dinner.
Day Seven
Private Cruise and Emerald Grotto
Today we have a private cruise along this magnificent coastline in a traditional fisherman's-style boat to explore the caves and grottos of this unique seascape. Free time in the afternoon and then a gala Farewell Dinner.
Morning of the Eighth Day - Depart
Back
to top
3 nights - Hotel Luna Convento, Amalfi
www.lunahotel.it
4 nights - Hotel Palazzo Murat, Positano www.palazzomurat.it
If we must use a different hotel we assure you of similar quality.
Group Size
Around 12
2008 TOUR DATES
Oct. 11 - 18
2009 TOUR DATES
May 10 - 17
Oct. 11 - 18
Costs
$3575 per person in double occupancy
Single supplement $625
Inclusions
- 5 lunches, 6 dinners
- Lunch and Dinner include wine, soft drinks, coffee
- Roundtrip transfers from Naples Airport or Train Station on the start and end dates of the tour
- 7 nights accomodation
- Breakfast daily
- Entrance Fees as specified in itinerary
- Guide Services as specified in itinerary
- Gratuities
Exclusions
- Airfare (We can arrange)
- Travel Insurance (Strongly advised)
- Premium wine, beer, and liquors ordered on your own
- Room Service, Laundry, Valet Service
- Telephone expenses
- Passport or Visa fees
- Transfers to Amalfi other than on start or end date
Back
to top
Call Laurie Howell
at 718 797 9300 (ext 1)
Or send an email to Laurie@AmalfiLife.com
Or click
here and submit our Contact page.
Or Consult your favorite Travel Agent
Back
to top
|
|
