There are few places in the world that can be considered as evocative as Naples and the Amalfi Coast. And even fewer are the places that can boast breathtaking natural scenery, a lively and vibrant city, a majestic volcano and archaeological traces as poignant and fascinating as those of Pompeii in such a small space. But this phenomenal concentration of beauty does not end here: this land has to offer a cultural heritage that extends to every corner of the region, along with the extraordinary richness of the Mediterranean diet and the natural warmth of Campania’s hospitality.
Group departures: 16th July 2023 | 03rd September 2023 | 08th October 2022
This trip will introduce you to the two souls of Campania. First we will visit the Coast starting from Agerola, through the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) that will take us to admire the beautiful natural landscapes of the Coast. Here nature creates unique places thanks to specific physical and biological conditions, such as the Ferriere Valley.
Nature creates the perfect environment for the proliferation of cultural activities. Amalfi is famous for the production of paper that we will see in the Paper Museum, Ravello is known for the Villa Cimbrione and the extraordinary Terrace of Infinity.
The second part of the trip is dedicated to Cilento, characterized by the fascinating ruins of Paestum and the ancient settlements of Magna Graecia, such as Elea-Velia. This trip will give you the opportunity to get in touch with the local cuisine, not only by tasting genuine products and learning about the Mediterranean diet, but also by trying your hand at cooking classes.
Arrival at the airport and private transfer to the hotel for the check-in.
After breakfast check out at the hotel. We leave Naples to get to Agerola (about 1 hour drive) where we meet our guide. We start the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) arriving in the village of Nocelle. The Path of the Gods is considered as one of the most beautiful hikes in the world. During the hike it is possible to admire the stunning natural landscapes of the Costiera, with a privileged view over Capri. Here the nature is still unspoilt, and it is very difficult to find signs of the human hand, except for the signs along the way. After the free lunch we move down the famous 1500 steps (a terrace overlooking the sea) to Positano. Free time in Positano and transfer to hotel in Amalfi. Accommodation in hotel. free dinner and overnight.
After breakfast private transfer from the hotel in Amalfi to Pontone (municipality of Scala) from where the excursion into the Valle delle Ferriere starts. Stop and visit to the Oriented Reserve. The Ferriere Valley is a unique place in the world. Thanks to its geographical position, this area has benefited from certain physical and biological characteristics of the environment. In fact, it is protected, thanks to the rocky ridges, from the cold northern winds and exposed mainly to the south, conditions that create a good ecological environment where high humidity and extremely moderate temperature excursions prevail. In this extraordinary environment, colonies of extremely interesting plants have survived, preserved since ancient times. Free lunch.
Arrival in Amalfi in the early afternoon and visit of the interesting Museo della Carta (paper museum). Amalfi has been famous for the production of fine paper since the middle ages and here we will discover more about it. After the visit, time at leisure in Amalfi to visit to the city or relax by the sea. Free dinner and overnight.
After breakfast check out at the hotel and private transfer to Ravello. Here we will visit Villa Cimbrione, where we will admire its beautiful gardens and the stunning and enchanting view from the famous Terrazza dell’Infinito (infinity terrace). After the visit, new transfer to Minori. Here we start our walk along the Sentiero dei Limoni (Path of the Lemons). Lemons have always been an excellence of Costiera and during our walk it will be possible to feel the importance of this cultivation. The path ends in Maiori. Free lunch. In the early afternoon departure for Cilento, but with a stop in Vietri sul Mare in a factory-shop to admire the famous Vietri ceramics. Arrival in the late afternoon, accommodation in hotel, free dinner and overnight.
After breakfast visit to the excavations of Paestum to admire the fascinating ruins of this ancient Magna Grecia settlement. In the late morning arrival at the Vannulo cheese factory and guided tour with tasting and lunch included. Here we will discover more about the world famous Mozzarella di Bufala, one the many food excellence of this incredible region. In the early afternoon visit of Agropoli, a cozy medieval borgo far from mass tourism, then we will return to Castellabate. Free time in Castellabate to relax or to enjoy the sea. Return to the hotel. Free dinner and overnight.
After breakfast we will visit the excavations of Elea-Velia. Elea was an important commercial and cultural city in Magna Graecia and the birthplace of the famous philosopher Parmenides. During Roman times it was renamed Velia. Today it is possible to visit the many remains of the ancient city. At the end of the visit, transfer to Castelnuovo Cilento for a lunch at “Anna dei Sapori” farmhouse with cooking class. In the afternoon transfer to Pioppi and visit to the Museum of the Mediterranean Diet. The Mediterranean diet is a nutritional model inspired by the eating habits of Spain, Italy and Greece in the 1960s in a number of countries in the Mediterranean basin. The diet was recognised by UNESCO as a protected asset and added to the list of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2010. In particular, the American nutritionist Ancel Keys identified Cilento as one of the birthplaces of the Mediterranean diet. Afterwards visit to the village and small port of Acciaroli, known for its enchanting alleys and its clear blue sea. At the end of the visits, return to the hotel. Free dinner and overnight.
After breakfast check out at the hotel and transfer to Padula to see the famous di Padula, UNESCO heritage since 1998. Lunch in a farmhouse and early afternoon visit to the Pertosa Auletta Caves. These karstic caves are the only ones in Europe to preserve the remains of a pile-dwelling village dating back to the 2nd millennium BC Return to Naples in the late afternoon. Free dinner and overnight.
Breakfast at the hotel. According to the schedule, transfer to the airport for the flight back.
From March to October, see scheduled group departures.
More departures upon request and availability.
On request – quotations from 5 to 14 pax.
For further information on the price or a tailor-made quotation please contact us at info@out-of-italy.com.
Along the coast and in the flat areas weather is generally hot, windy and dry summers and mild winters. Rainfall can be heavy due to moist Atlantic winds. Summer temperatures have high peaks, while winter is generally mild.
The quote includes 7 breakfasts and 3 lunches, as indicated in the itinerary.
We travel by minivan (from 5 to 6 pax) or bus (from 7 pax) with english speaking driver.
Naples: Hotel Oriente 4* or similar
Amalfi: Hotel Bellevue 3* or similar
Castellabate: Palazzo Gentilcore 3* or similar
For logistics or technical reasons, the itinerary can be run with some amendments on the sequence of the visits and excursions.
