Self-Guided Walking on the Amalfi Coast Trip in the...The Amalfi Coast is one of the most dramatic...

Self-Guided Walking on the Amalfi Coast TripNotes

Ways to Travel: Self-Guided

Destinations: Italy

Programmes: Walking & Trekking

Trip Code:LTB/W07BO Leisurely / Moderate

8 Days Land only

Min age: 12

Trip Overview

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most dramatic and beautiful coastlines in Europe. Mountains rise steeply out of the Mediterranean far

below and picturesque towns nestle neatly in isolated coves. This self-guided walking holiday sees you descend from your quiet base

in Agerola, following mule tracks and old paths through hillside villages, lemon groves and beautiful deep gorges to towns with narrow

streets, whitewashed buildings and fascinating churches, monasteries and cathedrals. Away from the trails there is plenty of time to

partake in the traditional Amalfi pastimes of sampling incredible food and wine, as well as enjoying the Mediterranean climate. A

highlight of the tour is one of the world's greatest walks, trekking on the 'Path of the Gods'. A visit to the Bay of Naples would not be

complete without seeing the incredible Roman remains of Pompeii beneath the volcanic cone of Vesuvius.

At a Glance

Trip Highlights

7 nights family-run hotel with swimming pool

5 days optional centre-based walking

Low altitude throughout

Countries visited: Italy

Fantastic walks including the 'Walk of the Gods', one of the world's finest daywalks

Visit the stunning coastal towns of Amalfi, Ravello & Positano

Current as of: June 18, 2019 - 10:58

Valid for departures: From January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2020

Is This Trip for You?

5 days optional centre-based walking with low altitude throughout. All walks take between 4 and 6 hours including lunch stops and

require a reasonable level of fitness. This is a self-guided tour, so you can walk at your own pace (we recommend taking plenty of time

to rest and enjoy the views!). On some of the walks the terrain encountered is similar to the one you would find on a moderate walking

trip, hence the Leisurely/Moderate grade. The terrain and type of path will vary from man made paved tracks, tarmac to forest trails. On

a couple of days, there are considerable sections of steps (some of which can be avoided by taking the bus). We try to give as much

information as possible in the route notes but we always recommend you consult the weather forecast and speak to a member of the

local staff before attempting any of the more rocky walks.

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. This tour based at the same hotel for the week and is managed locally

by the hotelier who will be on hand to assist you and highlight particular places of interest. The route notes contain an emergency

assistance telephone number. In an emergency, the hotel is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish

to charge for this service.

Adult min age: 12

Itinerary

Explore Pompeii, the world's most visited archaeological site

Sample delicious Italian cuisine in family-run hotel with small outdoor swimming pool

Land Only

Start City: Agerola

End City: Agerola

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1

Start Agerola

Fly to Naples then transfer (optional, extra expense) to our base in the sleepy village of Bomerano; Agerola.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2

Follow mule tracks and steps down to Amalfi; explore the cathedral and town

After breakfast, start your walk to Amalfi and the glorious coast. Today has a downhill bias as you follow the path down from

Bomerano at 700m to the shores of the Mediterranean and the town of Amalfi. Wonderful views of the Amalfi Coast accompany

you as you follow the trail. There are sections of steps today (approx. 2000 in total).

Amalfi itself has been popular with the British since Edwardian times when the upper classes favoured the town as a pleasant

place to spend their winters. The large Duomo (Cathedral) dominates the town with its bright coloured tiles so typical of the

region. You will arrive in time to explore the town, take a swim or enjoy a well-earned ice cream before returning to Bomerano by

bus.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 10 km / 6 miles

Altitude gain (m): 50

Altitude loss (m): 700

Activity (hours): 4

Day 3

Free day; optional trip to Pompeii or Capri

For your first free day you may choose to visit the amazing city of Pompeii which, during the catastrophic eruption of Mount

Vesuvius spanning two days in AD 79, was completely buried in ash and pumice. Lost for 1700 years, Pompeii's perfectly

preserved remains give us an amazing insight into the life of a Roman city. You may also wish to add on a trip to Mount Vesuvius

and walk up to the volcano crater. Depending on the weather conditions, you may choose to be led by a specialist Volcano guide

through one of the many incredible walks around the crater of Vesuvius. Private transfers to these sites are bookable locally. On

occasion, travellers may (by prior arrangement and for a fee of €35 per person, entrance fees to the sites excluded) be able to

join the Walking The Amalfi Coast (TDA) group tour transfers, however this is on request and subject to availability. Please speak

to the hotelier after your first briefing if you wish to join the group transfers to/from Pompeii and Vesuvius. Alternatively you

could enjoy a boat ride along the coast from Amalfi (available from Easter to October), visit the majestic island of Capri, or spend

the day relaxing by the hotel pool!


Day 4

Walk to top of Monte Tre Calli for great wide-open views of the coastline

From the front door of the hotel it's a short stroll to the village square (or in the case of Bomerano, a triangle) and the start of

your walk. Following a mixture of paths and tracks you ascend to the top of Monte Tre Calli, where you are rewarded with

spectacular panoramic views of the coastline and the sea. The Agerola Plain and the village of Bomerano is laid out below you

and looking west on a clear day you can see the famous island of Capri at the westernmost tip of the Sorrento Peninsula.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner




Activity (hours): 5

Day 5

Walk the 'Path of the Gods' down to picturesque Positano

Today you may enjoy one of the world's finest day walks. Leaving from your front door step it's a short stroll through the quiet

village of Bomerano before beginning the Walk of the Gods. The route follows the contours of the land for the majority of the

day with amazing views of the Amalfi Coastline far below. In season the hillside is carpeted with flowers and the coastal waters

teem with cruisers and pleasure boats. Your destination today is Positano, an almost vertical town of colourful buildings reached

by a network of ancient paths and tracks. On the way there is plenty of time to admire one of the most beautiful views of the

Amalfi Coast before descending a long series of steps into Positano. You will have time to explore before returning in the late

afternoon; you may even choose to take a boat trip back to Amalfi.





Activity (hours): 5

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders. Please note that different

GPS measuring devices can give differing results dependent on the barometric pressures at the time. Measurements stated throughout

these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter.

Day 6

Free day; optional walk in the Valle delle Ferriere National Park

You have a choice today; relax by the pool or take one of the excursions mentioned in the routebook, alternatively you can enjoy

a more difficult walk to the Valle delle Ferriere National Park. This walk is steep and rocky and must only be done in (and after)

good weather as the ground can become slippy. After a short climb up a set of steps passing farmhouses and terraced vegetable

patches, you will reach a hillside of extensive chestnut groves, where you will be rewarded with beautiful views across the

valley and down to the distant coastline. Following the hillside through the groves, make the most of the shady trails before

emerging at a rocky viewpoint. You then descend along a rocky path (steep in parts) and walk through woodland where you may

see wild flowers and herbs growing.

Over a river, and through the National Park boundary fence, discover a lush enclave within a gorge harbouring a beautiful moss-

clad waterfall. From here the path to Amalfi is well marked and of a gentle gradient. Shells of former paper factories give way to

colourful terraces of vegetables and lemon trees nestled beside quaint houses. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore

Amalfi, take a boat trip to the nearby Grotta Smeralda, or enjoy a refreshing gelato.





Activity (hours): 5

Day 7

Circular walk from Amalfi to romantic Ravello

Ravello is home to the most classic views of the Amalfi coast. You will take the bus down to Amalfi where your walk begins.

Passing through the village of Atrani, you will make your way up through the cobbled streets and alleyways before arriving at

Ravello; a beautiful town that became a retreat for countless stars of the silver-screen. You may like to take the opportunity to

visit the gardens of Villa Cimbrone and see the magnificent Duomo or stop for lunch in a café before heading back to Amalfi via

the high route, passing some incredible views and the historic Torre dello Ziro on the way.





Activity (hours): 6

Day 8

End Agerola

Transfer to Naples (own expense); fly home.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel Due Torri

We spend 7 nights at the 3-star Hotel Due Torri in Bomerano, a small village in the municipality of Agerola, set high above the Amalfi

Coast at an altitude of approximately 700m. Run by the warm and welcoming Acampora family, the Hotel Due Torri is well known for

its great local cuisine, providing authentic dishes of the Campania region as well as fun pizza-making demonstrations. All rooms have

en suite facilities, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

A limited number of superior rooms (with facilities including Jacuzzi bath, power showers and fridge) are also available for a

supplement payable pre-departure. Please ask your sales consultant for further info.

Being higher up in the hills the property offers the benefit of cooler nights, although beaches are not too far away and there is a small

outdoor pool. The village is generally quiet and provides a relaxing contrast to the busier towns by the sea.

On occasion if the hotel is full you might be offered (upon booking) to stay at an alternative accommodation located within walking

distance from the Due Torri. Guests staying at alternative accommodation will still make use of all the facilities of Hotel Due Torri,

including the pool and restaurant.

Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single only guarantees a room for single use. It does not always mean a twin or

double room will be provided for sole occupancy.

Single supplement from $372.00 USD

Food & Transport

Eating & Drinking

All breakfasts, 3 packed lunches and all dinners are included. Breakfast: continental-style with a choice of cereal, bread, pastries,

yoghurt, orange juice and milk with an array of teas/coffee. Lunch: usually a sandwich filled with a choice of cold meats, tuna or locally

made cheeses. Dinner: all evening meals are taken in the hotel, where the standard is excellent, and are typically Italian. Meals usually

consist of four courses, commencing with antipasti, followed by soup and/or pasta, a main meat dish with salad or vegetables and

dessert. Vegetarian choices are always available. You may even be given the opportunity to learn how to make the famous Neapolitan

pizza. (Drinks not included).

Transportation

Transfers to and from the airport (optional, extra expense) will be in a private vehicle (normally a mini-coach). On other days, public

buses will be used. You will also have the option of a boat trip, depending on seasonality. Please be aware that in high season (summer

time) public buses in Amalfi can be very busy, therefore we advise arriving at the bus stop at least 15 minutes before the scheduled

departure time. For more information please consult the route notes for this trip (provided approx. 4 weeks before departure).

Weather & Seasonality

Weather Information

Southern Italy, in common with a lot of the Mediterranean, possesses a hot, dry climate in summer and cooler but slightly damper

spring and autumn periods. At coastal levels winters are mild and damp. Rainfall is most expected in winter months with an average of

one day in three affected. Unseasonable cold spells are possible at any time of year, during which time you will need warm clothes,

especially in Bomerano where evening temperatures can be lower than expected. It is very important to be equipped for cooler

weather in early spring, late autumn and winter.

Joining Instructions

Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Agerola and ending in Agerola

Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Agerola on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start hotel are

given in the Final Joining Instructions.

Full joining instructions including route notes, hotel list and local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining

Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your

travel agent. Please note maps will be provided upon arrival at your start hotel.

Transfers Details

Airport transfers are not included on this trip.

As this is a land-only tour, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense. Private transfers can be arranged through our office. On occasion, travelers may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the Walking The Amalfi Coast (TDA) group tour

transfers, however this is on request and subject to availability. These transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the

group flight - please check the group tour flight details 2 weeks before departure.

It is possible to reach the start hotel using the public bus or train network but unfortunately the connections to Bomerano (Agerola)

are very limited and services not always reliable. The cost of a taxi is likely to be about US$240 should you decide to make your way independently. Alternatively you can contact the Breakaway Customer Operations team prior departure to arrange a private pick-up

transfer on arrival. Cost (inquire for pricing) depends on number of people sharing the vehicle and it is payable to Breakaway prior

departure.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not

receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Agerola

Location end: Agerola

What to Take

Essential Equipment

Small rucksack (for water bottle, camera etc)

Lightweight waterproof jacket and wind stopper

2-3 season walking boots with good grip on the soles for the Vesuvius walk, the Walk of the Gods and the Monte Tre Calli walk. Trail

shoes or trainers are suitable for the remaining walks

Long walking trousers as some paths may be overgrown

A warm jumper or fleece

Sun hat and other sun protection equipment

Warm hat and gloves for winter departures

Optional Equipment

Walking poles are strongly recommended

A small umbrella in case of unexpected showers

Swimming suit and towel for swimming pool at the hotel

Weather Charts

Practical InformationPassport

Italy

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the

correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are

to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and

customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.

Visa

Italy

No visa required for US passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.

For further travel advice please visit U.S. State Department at https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

There are no specific health risks on this trip.

Vaccination

Italy

There are no specific health risks.

Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way

to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly

recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date

information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of North America or Australasia are not considered

to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary.

For additional information please visit: Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Insurance - are you adequately covered?

It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include

repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be

asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

If you are resident in the US we recommend the Travelex Travel Select travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover all

activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip,

optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude

of the trip.

Local Time

Italy's Timezone: Europe/Rome CEST (GMT +02:00)

Electricity

Italy's Electricity: European plug - 2 round pins.

Money

Italy's Currency

The national currency of Italy is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate at the time of publication of approximately 0.9 to the US$.

Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.

ATM Availability

The nearest ATM and Bank to our accommodation is in Amalfi. Credit cards are accepted in most shops; cash is generally easier.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

For lunches, you should budget €10-20, depending on whether you choose a set menu in a café or restaurant. Approximately €20-30

should be enough for an evening meal including drinks.

Optional activities payable locally:

Mt Vesuvio entrance fee: €10

Optional trek around Mt Vesuvio accompanied by local guide/volcanologist €11 per person

Pompeii entrance fee: €13

Local guide at Pompeii: €10 per person

Return transfers to Pompeii and Vesuvius with TDA group: €35 per person (subject to availability)

Private return transfers to Pompeii and Vesuvius: €40- €80 per person, depending on group size

Return boat to Capri: €38 slow boat, €44 hydrofoil (seasonal and depending on weather/sea conditions)

Capri cable car: €10 return

Herculaneum: entrance fee to archaeological site €11; Audio-tour €6.50; local guide €10 per person

Ravello: Villa Cimbrone entrance fee €7

Amalfi: entrance fee to the Cathedral €3

LOCAL TAXES: many Italian cities have recently introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration is in charge of the

tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category,

the season and number of days of stay. It is usually between €1.00 and €2.00 per person per night. For this trip, please allow between

€10 and €15, depending on the season, for the week. Children and people aged 75 or over are exempt from this tax.

Tipping

Tipping is expected but not compulsory. Most local guides rely on tipping as part of their wages, so we recommend a minimum of €10

per group for guides at Mt Vesuvius and Pompeii. Private bus drivers also expect a small tip, (€1-2 each). It is also possible to leave a

tip for local hotel staff.

Important Information

On all guided trips

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorize them to take necessary action which, in some

circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 5 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders

have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative

options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

On all trips

In booking this trip you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Breakaway office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you

approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier

please contact our office or your travel agent.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure

or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy

them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow

the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will

make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

TRAVEL AWARE –STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD

The U.S. State Department has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Advice can change so check regularly for updates.

For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety Advice page.

How to Book

Ready to book? Please contact Breakaway Adventures on Tel: 1-800-567-6286; International Tel: +1-843-856-9771.

https://www.breakaway-adventures.com

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Self-Guided Walking on the Amalfi Coast Trip in the...The Amalfi Coast is one of the most dramatic...

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