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Family adventures in Italy: Rome and the Amalfi Coast History, Volcanoes and Pizza
This amazing trip starts in the Eternal City: Rome. We will walk around the most famous monuments of this Antique city and cycle along the Antique "Via Appia" passing old aqueducts and in the middle of wild nature to discover another side to this fantastic city. From Rome, a short train ride will lead us to the picturesque Amalfi Coast, a region of steep cliffs and sheltered coves, with numerous small towns interspersed by terraced farmland where olive and lemon trees are grown. The Isle of Capri is next on the route, with the chance to explore its villas, gardens and splendid coastline. We then visit the fascinating remains of the Roman town of Pompeii and also enjoy an easy walk to the summit of Vesuvius (1280m). As a splendid finale, we have 3 days of hiking on ancient mule tracks above Amalfi, including the spectacular 'Walk of the Gods', which leads down from Agerola to the lovely fishing village of Positano. This is an easy walking holiday week, with a real flavour of Italy. Children will love the traditional family culture of this region allowing them to get involved in different local activities, with some easy hikes, time for enjoying beaches and the local Italian cuisine.

Highlights:
- Rome, the Eternal City
- Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii
- Boat excursions around Capri and Positano
- Pizza making and Ceramic painting

Daily itinerary

 

romaDay 1: Arrival in Rome
The group will rendezvous with the guide at the hotel in the centre of Rome at 6pm. After settling in, we have a briefing from our guide on the week's activities. Dinner and overnight in a restaurant. Meals (-/-/D).structure-separateur-horizontal-dot
fori-imperiali-romaDay 2: Walking and cycling Rome (2hrs walk and 2hrs cycling)
In the morning, city trek in the centre to discover all the fascinating beauty of Rome: the Coliseum, the Trevi fountain and Piazza di Spagna...we will have a look at all the classics of this monument packed city. After lunch, we discover another side to the city but this time by bike: the regional park of the Via Appia is full of surprises. Back to our hotel, where dinner is not included. Meals (B/L/-)structure-separateur-horizontal-dot
pompeiDay 3: Climb Vesuvius and make an authentic Neapolitan pizza (2hrs walk +150m -150m)
Transfer by train to Naples, then by minibus to Herculaneum where we will have a typical lunch in a family run wine factory. After a short visit of the wineries, we will make our way up to the sleeping giant. We can look right down into the steaming crater and imagine the eruption of 79 AD, when huge flaming boulders were hurled all the way to the Bay of Naples! The excursion to the crater and back will take around 2 hours. Then we transfer by minibus to our accommodation in Agerola where we will have a lesson on how to make the perfect Neapolitan pizza with our chef Nicola. Meals (B/L/D)structure-separateur-horizontal-dot
museo-della-carta-amalfiDay 4: Amalfi and the paper museum (3hrs walking +350m)
In the morning transfer by public bus to Amalfi. Visit of the village, once a powerful maritime republic, founder of the Amalfi Tables, the oldest maritime code in the world. After an interesting visit to the paper museum, we start our walk through the delightful Valle Mulini, literally 'valley of the mills' as this was once the centre of an important paper industry on the Amalfi coast. We then reach Ravello, a very picturesque and peaceful village located high on a cliff overlooking the sea, where we have some free time to explore the village and to taste the local "gelato". We go back to Agerola by public bus. Dinner and night in Agerola. Meals (B/L/D)structure-separateur-horizontal-dot
amalfi5Day 5: Explore Capri Island (optional walk 2hrs +200m -200m)
This morning after breakfast, we head down by public bus to the harbour of Amalfi to catch a boat for a mini cruise to the Isle of Capri. A stepped path leads to Capri's most famous and picturesque lanes, the Via Tragara. Optional walk offering spectacular views of Capri's iconic limestone stacks known as the Faraglioni rocks or free time to wander the fascinating streets, to enjoy a dip in the sea or boat tour to the "Blue grotto", a spectacular sea cave. In the afternoon we return to Amalfi where a private minibus will take us back to Agerola. Meals (B/L/D)structure-separateur-horizontal-dot
amalfi6Day 6: Pompeii and ceramic painting (1hrs 30min walking)
Transfer by public transport to Pompeii to visit this ancient Roman town. Everyone knows the story of Pompeii, buried under ash for 1700 years after a catastrophic eruption of nearby Vesuvius, but to actually walk around and see this incredible sleeping city is quite another story. You will pay the entrance fee to Pompeii (approximately €11). In the afternoon, we transfer by public bus back to Agerola where we will watch how to make ceramics in a workshop and go back to the hotel with a little souvenir. Dinner and overnight stay in Agerola. Meals (B/L/D)structure-separateur-horizontal-dot
ravello-vistaDay 7: Hike the 'walk of the Gods', boat trip from Positano to Amalfi (2hrs 30min walking +50m -260m)
Today we hike the "walk of the Gods", an ancient terraced mule path linking Agerola to the village of Positano, a small and charming fishing village. We start our walk in Agerola and reach the tiny village of Nocelle, where we will stop for a picnic. Then, a short ride bus will take us to Positano, where we will have plenty of time to discover the village and enjoy the beach. Depending on the weather conditions we have the option of returning to Amalfi by boat, before returning by private minibus back to Agerola. Meals (B/L/D)


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Day 8. Departure from Agerola
After breakfast end of services. You have a single group transfer back to Naples airport or Naples train station. Meals (B/-/-)

Note: B (Breakfast); L (lunch); D (dinner)

Grade: easy because little gradient and hikes of 3 hours maximum. However the coastal paths practiced daily and village to village include leading time many stairs and steps of various and irregular sizes. Walking sticks can be welcome relief for your knees.

Accommodation: based on twin/triple/quadruple room:
- 2 nights in hotel*** in Rome in the city center
- 5 nights in hotel*** in Agerola on half board basis

Equipment: trekking shoes, waterproof jacket, water bottle 1 liter minimum, hat and sunglasses, bathing suit, sunscreen (face and lips). During this trip transfers are provided by public bus and train, so you have to walk with your luggage to get to the train / bus stations. So travel light and with a roller bag if possible.

Getting there: the destination airport in Rome. Several trains and buses connect the airport to Rome city center.
Appointment with the guide at your hotel in the center of Rome at 18pm. The last day, group private transfer to Naples airport.

Supplements price per person
Departures in July €60
Departures in August €120
Single Room Supplement €120
Reduction for child sharing the room with parents (triple/quadruple room) €30/€50

Included:
- All transfers using private or public train/buses as described in the itinerary
- bike hire in Rome
- Hydrofoil to Capri and boat excursion from Positano to Amalfi
- accommodation in hotel***, breakfast included
- all Dinners (except day 2)
- all picnic lunches (except day 1 and 8)
- English speaking guide
- ceramic workshop
- Pizza making and visit of the paper museum in Amalfi
- entrance ticket for Vesuvius
- city taxes
Not included:
- lunches on day 1 and day 8
- dinner on day 2
- entrance fee for Pompeii (free for under 18 and over 65)
- All beverages

Published in Family Holidays
Tuesday, 11 August 2015 00:00

Amalfi Coast Culinary and Walking Tour

A great combination of charming tourist destinations and celebrated cuisine

On the south side of the rugged "Sorrentine Peninsula", which separates the gulfs of Naples and Salerno, lies the famously picturesque Amalfi Coast, a region of steep cliffs and sheltered coves, with numerous small towns interspersed by terraced farmland on which olive and lemon trees grow. Enjoy the sun, food and relaxed lifestyle of such legendary places as Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento, Ravello, and Capri. Visit some of the best Italian wineries, discover the vibrant local markets in Naples and stretch your legs along lovely hiking paths.

Highlights:
- Naples and the vibrant historical centre
- Meeting with and local artisans and food producers
- The lovely villages of the Amalfi coast and the elegant island of Capri

 

Daily Itinerary

 

amalfi2Day 1: Naples
Individual arrival in Naples. Check-in to hotel*** located in the heart of this vibrant, chaotic and classically Italian city. A welcome meeting at 6pm will be followed by dinner. Dinner and overnight stay in Naples. Meals (-/-/D)structure-separateur-horizontal-dot
amalfi3Day 2: Naples
After breakfast, meeting with historical guide who will lead the group for a walking tour of Naples' historical city centre, including some of the city's highlights from "Spaccanapoli" district to Via Toledo and Plebiscito Square. At the end of the tour you will be introduced to your first Neapolitan food experience, walking through the old squares and street markets. Free time and overnight stay in Naples. Meals (B/L/-)structure-separateur-horizontal-dot
amalfi7Day 3: Irpinia Wine Country and Sorrento
After breakfast, a private transfer will lead you to the wine country. Visit an exclusive winery, famous for its excellent wines, considered to be one of the best in Southern Italy. After the visit and tasting, a lovely light lunch will be served in the winery's restaurant. Private transfer to Sorrento, followed by short walking tour around the elegant town of Sorrento. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel*** in Sorrento. Meals (B/L/D)structure-separateur-horizontal-dot
anacapriDay 4: Capri (3hrs walking, ascent/descent + 300m - 300m)
After breakfast, hydrofoil to the rugged island of Capri. From Capri Town's central square, we walk past colourful villas with flower-filled gardens to the Grotta di Matromania, a series of hidden caves tucked into the island's limestone crags and the site of ancient pagan ceremonies. We step onto the Terrazza di Tragara, a spectacular stretch of trail offering picture postcard views of Capri's iconic Faraglioni sea stacks and the summit of Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island. You will have free time to stroll through the narrow alleyways or swim in the Mediterranean, with an optional boat tour to visit the Blue Grotto. Hydrofoil back to Sorrento and overnight. Meals (B/-/-)structure-separateur-horizontal-dot
amalfi5Day 5: Nerano and Ieranto Bay (2 hrs walking, ascent/descent + 150m - 150m)
After breakfast, transfer and visit to a local cheese and mozzarella factory. You will meet the owner and see a realdemonstration of how they have produced mozzarella for over half a century, from the first drop of milk to the final product. A tasting and a lunch will be served in the farm. Early in the afternoon, private transfer to the tiny village of Nerano. From here, a short and easy walk will lead us to the natural reserve of the beautiful Baia di Ieranto, between the towers of Punta Campanella and Montalto, now managed by the Italian 'National Trust (FAI). Transfer to Agerola, dinner and overnight stay. Meals (B/L/D)structure-separateur-horizontal-dot
amalfi6Day 6: Amalfi and Ravello
After breakfast, a short walk to reach the beautiful Furore Fjord and just before lunch, transfer to visit one of the most famous local wineries with a spectacular view. You will enjoy a private visit to this highly esteemed estate and a tasting of the best wines served with some lovely local dishes. After lunch, private transfer to Ravello, a lovely and elegant town famous for its beautiful villas and gardens. Transfer to Amalfi village known for its exquisite porcelain tiles and gorgeous cathedral. Here we will visit the Paper Museum and a local producer of the famous "Limoncello" liquor. Transfer back to Agerola where you will enjoy a pizza making cooking class with chef Nicola. Dinner and overnight stay. Meals (B/L/D)structure-separateur-horizontal-dot
ravello-vistaDay 7:Positano and the spectacular Path of the Gods (4hrs walking descent: - 650m)
Today we discover the "Path of the Gods", an aptly named trail built high above the shoreline and affording panoramic views of the entire Amalfi Coast. The trail ultimately leads us to Positano, a lovely village of white Moorish-style houses built above a sand beach melting into a small bay. We'll explore Positano, climbing the steps that serve as thoroughfares between the terraced levels of the town. In the afternoon boat transfer (weather permitting) to Amalfi and transfer back to Agerola. Dinner and overnight stay. Meal (B/L/D)


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Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, group transfer to Naples airport. Meals (B/-/-)

Note: B (breakfast); L (Lunch); D (dinner)

Grade: easy - moderate. 2 to 4 hours walking each day, hilly-to-steep terrain. A prior hiking experience is recommended. On the Amalfi coast there are plenty of steps along our hike down to the villages. We advise to use the trekking poles.

Accommodation:
- 2 night in hotel*** in Naples
- 2 nights in hotel*** in Sorrento
- 3 nights in hotel*** in Agerola

Equipment for the walks:
good and solid trekking shoes, wind and water proof jacket, bathing suit, hat, sun glasses and sun cream, alpenstock, gourd 1 liter minimum. Dishes for the pic nic. A rucksack (15/30 litres) for your trekking day.

Getting there:
the destination airport is Naples. Individual arrival. You can reach the city centre by taxi or you can catch the public bus (every half hour). Naples could be also reached by fast trains from Rome (1h). Welcome meeting with your guide at 6pm. The last day, group transfer to Naples airport.

Single Room Supplement + €150
Extra night in Hotel*** in Naples double/single room + €70/85

Included:

- All transfers by private bus, public bus and hydrofoils
- 7 nights accommodation with breakfast included
- Dinners on days 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7
- Lunches on days 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7
- Visit to local wineries with wine tastings on days 3 and 6
- Visit to a local cheese factory with Mozzarella tasting on day 5
- Visit to local limoncello producer on day 6
- English spoken tour leader
- Tour with historical guide in Naples
- Tourist taxes

Not Included:
- Dinners on days 2 and 4
- Beverage and personal items
- Lunches on days 1, 4 and 8
- Transfer from Naples airport to Naples hotel on day 1
- Museum and monuments entrance fees
Published in Discovery Holidays

Map tour MOTCAMY1TG

Trips note: MOTVCAMY1TG

Destination: Naples and Amalfi Coast
Travel style: Guided walking holidays
Interest: Beach & coastal hikes, Responsible tourism.
Comfort : Standard
Difficulty : Easy
Duration: 8 days/7 nights
Departure : J F M A M J J A S O N D
Participants: from 4 to 15 people
Airport: Naples
price on request
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