Amalfi and Capri

The Amalfi Coast has long been exalted as the most inspiring in all Europe, and across the Bay of Naples lies the enticing Isle of Capri, a jewel soaring out of azure seas. We'll hike this breathtaking coast from top-of-the-world Ravello, to the highest point on Capri, across the Sorrento Hills, and along the brooding crater rim of Mt. Vesuvius above Pompeii. Between hikes, we'll watch mozzarella di bufala being made, visit an olive farm, and explore the haunting ruins at Herculaneum and Pæstum. Our Italy Trip Leaders have a genuine passion for sharing their love of La Bella Italia.

Itinerary

Days 1-3
Naples / Herculaneum / Pæstum / Ravello 
After a pizza lunch in the city where it was invented, we stroll in the Roman city of Herculaneum, buried in ash (yet remarkably preserved) when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. We explore Greek-era Pæstum, with its iconic Doric temples, and hike up to entrancing Ravello, with its incredible perch above the sea. Another hike brings us down to the seaside town of Amalfi, with lunch in a village square.

Days 4-7
Sentiero degli Dei / Positano / Capri / Sorrento 
On the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), we hike across terraced hillsides to Positano, with its houses draped in bougainvillea. Ferrying to Capri, our hikes lead along stone-paved lanes to imperial Roman villas and up Monte Solaro for panoramic views. In the sunny Sorrento Hills, we visit an olive oil farm run by the same family since 1849 and hike through fragrant lemon and walnut groves to seaside Sorrento.

Days 8-9
Mt. Vesuvius / Naples 
Our last hike takes us along a crater rim above the great abyss of Mt. Vesuvius' caldera, followed by lunch and wine tasting at a winery on the volcano's slopes. Depart on Day 9 via Naples.