Walking tour of Italy – 08N/09Days

Arrive in Amalfi. Arrive at your gorgeous 4-star hotel in Amalfi. There’s time for a dip in the swimming pool, offering stunning views, before dinner (Pay locally for dinner).

Exploring Ravello 10km/6.5mi/3.5hrs approx: A 20 min bus ride (pay locally) to picture-perfect Ravello where your walk begins. Time to view the famous Villa Rufolo and Greta Garbo’s legendary retreat, Villa Cimbrone, before descending through citrus groves to Torre Dello Ziro (the Saracen watchtower inspired Webster’s Duchess of Malfi), then along panoramic terraces, to enter the Valley of the Mills (a testament to Amalfi’s medieval paper industry).

Amalfi/Bomerano to Positano 11km/7mi/4hrs approx. : We will drop you off in Bomerano to begin today’s walk which takes you along the Path of the Gods, the region’s most famous walk offering views all the way along the peninsula, with Capri’s famous Faraglioni cliffs marking ‘land’s end. There’s a choice of picnic spots with stunning views as you continue onwards past lemon groves and brigands’ treasure troves to Nocelle. Then it’s down through lush terraces to the vertical pastel town of Positano and your hotel in the historic center.

At Positano. Positano’s wide pebble beach is perfect for a lazy day, but if you fancy exploring further afield there’s a pleasant walk to Fornillo Bay with its twin Saracen watchtowers. Boat excursions to discover coral-lined sea grottoes, as well as trips to the magical Mediterranean island of Capri, are available in the harbor.

Positano to Marina del Cantone 12km/7.5mi/4.5hr or 15km/9.5mi/5hr approx: We take you into the hills near Fontanelle (30 mins) from where you wind through olive trees as you climb gently to Sant’Agata. There are balcony views – making this a fantastic picnic stop – of Capri, Procida, and the Li Galli islands, once considered to be the home of the mythical sirens who lured sailors onto the rocks. A paved lane finally leads you down past geranium-decked houses to the small fishing resort of Marina del Cantone

At Marina del Cantone (Optional 6km/4mi/2.5hrs approx): You’ll be tempted to linger in this pretty little village with its pebble beach lapped by incredibly azure waters, but it will be a pity to miss out on our optional walk on the gorgeous Jeranto Bay. There are sea views throughout as you climb to the Montalto Tower, perched on its 100m-high cliff-top outcrop with a truly fabulous panorama over Marina del Cantone and the Li Galli islands. You then descend through olive groves and olive growers’ dwellings to an atmospheric ancient limestone quarry, with great sea views, before a final ascent back to your hotel.

Marina del Cantone to Sorrento 7km/4.5mi/3hr or 8km/5mi/3.5hrs approx: Transfer to Termini from where you wind through olive groves with ever-opening views over the Bay of Naples and its islands, Capri, Ischia, and Procida. It’s well worth the detour to lovely little Annunziata to visit its pretty Aragonese castle for wonderful views. It’s then on to bustling, pastel-colored Sorrento, with its enchanting gardens, a maze of narrow streets, and stunning views over to Vesuvius.

In Sorrento – Staying at your 4-star hotel panoramically overlooking Mount Vesuvius, you’re ideally placed to visit Naples or one of its islands, such as Ischia or Capri, by hydrofoil. Alternatively, the historical sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum can be visited using the excellent Circumvesuviana Railway.

Check out and Leave Sorrento for your return or onward trip.