Trails & Treasures of the Amalfi Coast – Premium Adventure

We recommend you arrive by approximately 3pm to meet the rest of the group and take part in a rewarding guided walking tour through the heart of Naples. Covering highlights such as the Lungomare (the seaside boulevard with views of the whole bay), the Royal Palace and the San Carlo Theatre, we also pass through some of the quieter neighbourhoods, home to ancient Greek, Roman and medieval buildings crammed together on the same streets.

This evening, there is a welcome dinner so the group can get acquainted ahead of this exciting adventure. If you wish to tailor your journey by adding extra nights, speak with your sales representative for detailed information on available pre-tour, post-tour and extension packages (D).

This morning, we travel south to Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that completely destroyed the bustling city of Pompeii with a fatal eruption in 79CE. We embark on a memorable circular walk of Vesuvius on a route usually closed to the public, taking in otherworldly scenery. The trail takes us past the impressive volcanic phenomena around the crater: lava flows, pumice fields and grottos, and the amazing Valley of the Giant, before culminating in a walk to the top.

The pièce de resistance is a spectacular detour, led by a specialist volcano guide, that takes us right around the crater rim and up to the highest point at 1,281m (4,000ft), where we have outstanding views of the Bay of Naples, one of the panoramic wonders of the world. After our descent and a relaxed lunch on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, we continue our journey to the Unesco-listed archaeological site of Pompeii. A visit here gives us a unique insight into the daily life of a Roman city, especially when walking along the chariot-marked backstreets.

We see the exceptional frescoes throughout the city and by the opulence of the villas, with their atriums and charming peristyles, owned by the rich and famous of the day. We visit the amphitheatre, as well as the Villa of Mysteries with masterpiece frescoes depicting the secret rites of Dionysus, the Roman Forum and basilica. We also take a stroll in the modern-day town of Pompeii and enjoy an aperitivo there, before driving on by private coach to the Amalfi Coast.

Tonight, we stay in a stunningly located hotel on the cliffs in the beautiful village of Cetara, the lesser-known and authentic part of the Amalfi Coast. We have a well-earned dinner at our hotel, with the Bay of Naples as a magnificent backdrop (B/D).

Today's walk allows us to discover the virtually unknown eastern part of the Amalfi Coast, from the charming town of Vietri sul Mare (the gateway to the Amalfi Coast) back to the scenic fishing town of Cetara. We walk along quiet paths, away from the crowds that congregate on the better-known trails. After strolling through the old town centre of Vietri sul Mare and browsing the many ceramics shops, we walk down narrow alleys to the marina before heading up towards the splendid hamlet of Raito, which has wonderful views of the coast.

After a coffee break, we continue uphill to another charming village – Albori. From here, the path leads through forests and lemon groves all the way to Cetara, one of the most picturesque villages of the Amalfi Coast. We pass through grass- and shrub-land dotted with numerous wildflowers and we see examples of local rural architecture along the winding footpath. Our walk concludes in the heart of Cetara village, where we have the choice to settle in at the hotel right away or go for a swim.

In the evening, there are plenty of choices for a great meal in the village centre (B).

This morning, we start by walking through the centre of Cetara, one of the most authentic villages of the Amalfi Coast, before continuing to the little hamlet of Erchie (optional bus), from where the Sentiero dei Monaci (Path of the Monks) starts. This beautiful panoramic track is a real highlight – a second Path of the Gods but without the crowds.

We enjoy beautiful views of the Amalfi Coast and have many surprising views of the valleys and bizarre rock formations, including the so-called Capo d'Orso (Bear Cape) and the Uomo a Cavallo (Man on a Horse). We arrive in the hamlet of Badia, with its beautiful church of Santa Maria dell'Olearia, then continue to the hamlet of Salicerchie before climbing towards the castle of San Nicola de Thoro-Plano. Our path follows one of the ancient pilgrim routes leading up from Maiori to the Avvocata Sanctuary.

From here, we can see into the valley of the Reginna Maior leading up to Tramonti, and understand why this castle was so important for the defence of the coastal area. After heading down to the town centre, there's time to relax on the broad sandy beach in Maiori, one of the finest in the area, or opt for the final walk to Minori along the lovely Sentiero dei Limoni (Lemon Path). The trail brings us through a wonderful, terraced landscape underneath pergolas of lemons.

After a short stop at one of the famous pastry shops (or a visit to the quaint town centre and the biggest Roman villa of the Amalfi Coast) we then take the boat to Amalfi.

In the evening, we can enjoy dinner together in a local restaurant (B).

Today, we travel by boat to the chic island of Capri, a favoured holiday spot of Roman emperors that has never lost its allure. Once on the island, we take a circular walk starting from the main harbour, and then passing through lemon groves and gardens to the central square of Capri town, the famous Piazzetta.

We also enjoy a circular walk in the eastern part of the island, where some of the cultural and natural highlights of Capri are revealed, always accompanied by beautiful views in an unrivalled Mediterranean landscape. The walk takes us past the amazing Villa Lysis and the ruins of Villa Jovis, which belonged to the Roman emperor Tiberius, and through stunning, little-visited areas.

We have the option either to savour a great picnic in a picturesque spot or visit a local restaurant for lunch, after which you may choose to relax or take another walk. This walk goes past the Arco Naturale and the Faraglioni, three iconic sea stacks off the south coast. Alternatively, walking back to the centre, we can visit the Certosa di San Giacomo and the Gardens of Augustus, while a further option is to walk down to the resort town and beach of Marina Piccola along the spectacular Via Krupp.

This walk can be extended or shortened in many ways and our tour leader can advise on the most suitable walk. We then travel by boat back to Amalfi late in the afternoon.

In the evening, we are free to choose from a range of dining options, from simple pizzerias to exclusive restaurants (B).

On our final full day on the Amalfi Coast, we experience one of the world's greatest hikes. Our private bus takes us along a panoramic road, high above the coast, to the village of Bomerano, where we can have a coffee before we start walking one of the most renowned footpaths in the world, the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods).

This trail really lives up to the name – suspended between the sky and Mediterranean, it winds through unique scenery with unrivalled views over the coast and sea. For a few hours, we walk through some of the most spectacular scenery on the Amalfi Coast, passing by the charming hamlet of Nocelle.

Via another spectacular valley, we arrive at the village of Montepertuso. Here we can have a delicious lunch in one of the restaurants with amazing views over the Amalfi Coast, or there is the option to share a ‘picnic with a view' along the route. Then it's just a short walk down to Positano, one of the most delightful locations on the Amalfi Coast - an almost vertical town of colourful buildings reached by a network of ancient paths and tracks. We stroll through small alleys, perhaps have a swim, or enjoy a drink on one of the many pleasant terraces.

There's time for private exploration before we return to Amalfi by boat, which enables us to admire the impressive cliffs we were walking over this morning. Back in Amalfi, there may be time for another swim or an aperitivo, then in the evening we come together for a last evening meal. We are transported by private boat to a fabulous restaurant in a beautiful bay nearby, then after dinner, we return to the hotel, gliding by boat over the glorious Mediterranean (B/L/D).

This morning marks our last breakfast at the hotel. If you would like to extend your stay on the gorgeous Amalfi Coast, please speak to your sales representative (B).