Hiking the Amalfi Coast

Welcome to beautiful Italy! You'll start your trip in the bustling city of Naples, using it as your hub for the next few nights and staying at a hotel in the heart of the city. After settling into your accommodation, stave off jet lag by seeing some of the highlights of Naples. During tomorrow's excursion, you can opt for a city tour. So for this evening, feel free to just stroll around the center core and visit some of the churches, such as San Giovanni, the Greater Basilica or the grand Cathedral of Naples. Another beautiful church to visit is San Gregorio Armeno, which is set on a pedestrian street lined with vendors selling everything from kitschy souvenirs to unique pieces of art. For sunset, you can walk up to the 14th-century Castel Sant'Elmo and enjoy gorgeous views of the coast and Mt. Vesuvius. For dinner head to the neighborhood of Vomero for small, sophisticated bars and restaurants, or the Quartieri Spagnoli neighborhood for a more lively feel.

If you were able to find some of the city's viewpoints last night, then you understand how close Mt. Vesuvius is to Naples. After breakfast, you'll visit the astounding archaeological site of Pompeii. Both Pompeii and Herculaneum were destroyed during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, and both sites are in a remarkable state of preservation providing an invaluable testimony to ancient Rome. You'll find in-tact and preserved city structures, streets, churches, and amphitheaters, as well as fossilized bodies of those who tried to flee the eruption. You can still find shops, houses, and even pieces of artwork in the two cities. It's truly a fascinating experience. In the afternoon, you can opt to return to Naples early (skipping the second town of Herculaneum) for a walking tour of the city. The historic centre of Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with baths, villas, temples, and theaters. The city is divided into several neighborhoods, all with a different personality and feel. Discover the unique history and soul of each area, and soak in the special atmosphere which reigns in this vibrant city.

Today is a day for beauty and leisure. After breakfast, you'll travel by airboat to the famous island of Capri. Here, charming houses line flower-filled alleys and small narrow streets with delightful sea views. As soon as you arrive, you'll understand why this stunning island is so beloved. Climb up Scala Fenicia, the mountain stairway that leads to some of the island's most beautiful viewpoints. You can also enjoy the art museum Villa San Michele and the stone ruins of Castello Barbarossa. For those not wanting to hike today, you can always opt for the chairlift all the way to the top of Monte Solaro. Head away from the touristy port and sites to discover the hidden beauty of the island. You'll be immersed in sumptuous villas, flower gardens, and shimmering turquoise waters. If you're interested in caves, you can explore Grotta Verde or Grotta Azzurra. You can also walk out to the lighthouse for a more gentle hike. In the evening, you'll return to Naples to continue exploring the city and enjoy dinner.

After breakfast, you'll transfer to Mt. Vesuvius, where you'll hike to the edge of its crater. A private guide will tell you all about the history and geology of one of the most famous and dangerous volcanoes in the world. You'll get a bird's-eye view into the gaping crater that caused so much damage to the region. Along the hike, you'll enjoy magnificent views of the Bay of Naples, the city, and the islands of Capri and Ischia. Then, you will be transferred to Agerola, a charming, cliffside village along the Amalfi Coast. This will be your hub for the remainder of the trip. Settle into your accommodation and freshen up before a hosted dinner.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Agerola and prepare for today's scenic hike in Almalfi. Today you'll follow the Sentiero degli Dei (the Gods’ Path) , which connets Agerola to Positano. The hike follows an historic mule track which once linked the two villages for commerce reasons. The views are stunning throughout the hike. From the highest points, you can enjoy sublime coastal landscapes, iconic and jutting cliff-sides, and gorgeous villages that seem suspended from the surrounding rocks. Once you arrive in Positano, enjoy some free time to meander the hilly streets of the famous village, with its multi-colored houses descending to the sea below. Enjoy a stroll along the beach, take picturesque photos of the village, or visit the stunning Church of Saint Mary of the Assumption. You'll return to Agerola for the evening, either by boat or bus, depending on the weather. If you are able to go by boat, you'll enjoy gorgeous views of Positano and the Amalfi Coast from an entirely new angle.

Today's hike takes you up the beautiful Vallee delle Ferriere (Valley of the Mills). The road is lined with streams, waterfalls, lemon-tree terraces, and old mills that once made paper. As you walk, absorb the nature, history, and stunning views of your surroundings. The trail continues to Ravello, a beautiful village 1100 feet (350 m) above sea level. Take some time to lose yourself in the narrow streets and to visit the famous cliffside villas, including the 13th-century Villa Rufolo, which was built in Moorish style. Stop at gardens set high into the rocks, manicured and overlooking the turquoise sea. Step into the Church of Saint John the Apostle of the Toro, which has a glass floor looking into old ruins of the town. Stop into the shops lining the street, many selling the region's famous and colorful ceramic plates. You'll end your trek in Atrani, one of the most charming and picturesque villages along the Amalfi Coast. By size, it's the smallest town in Italy. Enjoy the views of its stone walls, pastel buildings, and sandy beach, then weave through its tiny streets and stop into the beautiful church, Collegiate Santa Maria Maddalena. Return to Agerola in the evening for your final night along the beautiful Almalfi Coast.

Enjoy one final breakfast on the gorgeous Amalfi Coast, then prepare for your departure. A private driver will transfer you to Naples Airport in time to catch your flight home, or onto your next destination.