Equally spectacular but with far fewer visitors, experience the quieter side of the Amalfi Coast on this relaxed, off-season walking holiday. From a seafront hotel in the small resort town of Maiori, hike coastal trails to traditional fishing towns, ascend ancient, stone stairways to Ravello on the Path of the Lemons and discover rural life in the villages of Tramonti. Indulge in the local produce, visit a lemon farm and taste wines at a village cantina.
Breakfast: 7
Lunch: 4
Dinner: 4
Explore Tour Leader
Driver(s)
Bus
Public Bus
7 nights comfortable hotel
Leisurely and Moderate
Trip maximum 16 Explore Average 11
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
The trip starts at Naples International Airport (NAP) at 11.15 am. Please meet your driver, who will be holding an Explore signboard, in the arrivals hall next to the 'Welcome Area' kiosk. If you would like to join the complimentary transfer today, the latest time your flight can arrive is 10.45 am. If you plan to arrive later than the 11.15 am transfer then you will need to make your own way to our accommodation. A taxi should cost in the region of €120 Euros.
The drive to Maiori usually takes around an hour and 15 minutes. The small town of Maiori has the largest beach along the Amalfi Coast, backed by a pleasant waterfront promenade. Our base for the week is the three-star Hotel Sole, a small hotel run by a mother and daughter team, located right on the seafront in Maiori. The hotel's comfortable, en-suite sea-facing rooms are on the 5th and 6th floor (there is an elevator) and all have either a terrace or balcony. The hotel has a restaurant, with pizza oven, on the ground floor and there's a terrace with stunning views on the 6th floor.
Tonight we'll enjoy a welcome supper at our hotel and your trip leader will brief everyone on the week ahead.
Hotel Sole (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
This morning we take a short public bus ride east along the coast to the ancient medieval fishing village of Cetara. It is a traditional fishing village, where for centuries fishermen have caught bluefin tuna; today there are still many small fishing boats in the harbour. The village has developed a reputation for its good food and countless fish restaurants. We will have the opportunity to explore the pretty beach and meandering streets before heading off on our walk towards Vietri Sul Mare. Our walk takes us up above the coast with far reaching views towards the Bay of Salerno. Vietri Sul Mareis the 'first town' of the Amalfi Coast and famous for its ceramics and pretty coloured houses. Here you will have some time to explore the shops and ceramics studios before heading back by public bus to Maiori.
Today's eight kilometre walk is graded as Leisurely, with a total ascent of 300m and descent of 350m. We expect it to take us approximately three hours.
Today we walk from our hotel in Maiori to Minori along the spectacular Sentiero Dei Limoni (Path of the Lemons), with some great views towards Capri and along the Amalfi Coast. The route passes through terraced lemon groves, up and down ancient staircases and through alleyways. En-route we'll visit a lemon farm where we'll take a tour and enjoy the opportunity to taste different lemons. At Minori we visit the world famous Pasticceria de Riso, that sells wonderful pastries made by Italy's most revered pastry chef, Salvatore de Riso. We'll also visit the Villa Romana with its wonderfully preserved Roman mosaics. From Minori we continue up to Ravello on steep, ancient steps. In Ravello we stop for lunch - you can visit one of the many cafés and restaurants - and you'll have the option to visit the gardens at Villa Cimbrone. We then continue our walk, descending 300m back down the cliffs into Atrani, and finally walk on to Amalfi. In the late afternoon we take a public bus (journey time approximately 20 minutes) back to our hotel in Maiori.
Today's 10 kilometre walk is graded as Moderate, with a total ascent and descent of 550m. We expect it to take us approximately five hours.
A short bus ride inland this morning brings us to Polvica in Tramonti. Tramonti is a traditional farming area, set 300m above sea level, with far reaching mountain views and is a largely unexplored part of the Amalfi Coast region. There are 13 small villages and 11 churches that sit proudly above the Amalfi Coast in the foothills of the Lattari Mountains. On arrival in Polvica we walk for 1 kilometre up a quiet road where we will get the opportunity to visit a traditional cantina (wine cellar) for a small traditional food and wine sample. After a short presentation from our host, we will begin our walk which follows ancient paths which link these villages: we pass small vineyards, lemon groves, farmland, old stone houses and many churches. At the end of the walk, we stop for lunch at a local restaurant, where we will try traditional antipasti and sharing plates of homemade pizzas. We continue the short walk to Pucara, and then take the public bus back to Maiori.
Today's nine kilometre walk is graded as Leisurely, with a total ascent of 150m and descent of 350m. We expect it to take us approximately three hours.
Today is a free day to use as you wish. You may choose to relax in Maiori, visit Amalfi or Positano by bus, or take an optional day-trip to Herculaneum and Pompeii. Both cities were devastated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Pompeii is hailed as one of Europe's most compelling archaeological sites, due to the unique way that the volcanic ash has perfectly preserved so much of the city. Walking around the paved streets and buildings of this UNESCO World Heritage site provides a fascinating, if ghostly, insight into Roman life. Unlike Pompeii, the mainly pyroclastic material that covered Herculaneum, carbonized and preserved more wood in objects such as roofs, beds and doors, as well as other organic-based materials such as food and papyrus. The trip to Herculaneum and Pompeii is organised locally with the assistance of your tour leader, so you do not need to book it in advance.
We take the public bus this morning to Scala via Amalfi. We begin our walk at the impressive 12th century Cattedrale di San Lorenzo in Scala and head upwards, via some steep steps, towards the small village of Minuta. We then enter the Ferriere Natural Park, an area which was famed for its paper-making and ironworks. Both industries have disappeared but we can see the watermills that were once powered by the river. We walk though ancient woodland, sometimes alongside the river and should see some waterfalls. We continue downwards to Pontone and into Amalfi and then take a public bus to our hotel.
Today's six kilometre walk is graded as Leisurely, with a total ascent of 100m and descent of 400m. We expect it to take us approximately five hours.
The Walk of the Gods is justifiably regarded as one of the greatest coastal walks in the world and makes a fitting finale to our week on the Amalfi Coast. This morning we head by public bus to the village of Bomerano on the Agerola Plain. From here the high cliff path contours west with magnificent views of the Bay of Salerno and Capri. The trail passes under huge limestone cliffs and above picturesque stone farmhouses until it reaches the attractive village of Nocelle. From here, we descend down an ancient stairway, past pretty flower gardens, into Positano. A poor fishing village until the 1950s, Positano has grown into a chic town that is still a favourite with Hollywood stars. There is time to enjoy the town before catching our private bus back to our hotel for our final evening.
Today's 11 kilometre walk is graded as Moderate, with a total ascent of 330m and descent of 900m. We expect it to take us approximately five hours.
Departing Maiori this morning we drive to Naples International Airport (NAP) where we will arrive about 8.30am and this is where the holiday ends. The earliest time you should book a flight to depart today is 10.30am.
Total distance : 24 miles
April/May and October/November are pleasantly warm. June/September are the hottest months. Showers are common in Autumn.
+1
2 Pin Round
Roman Catholic
Italian
Herculaneum and Pompeii - Private return bus transfer €60 per person (payable to tour leader, arranged once on tour) plus entrance fees of €13 for Herculaneum and €18 at Pompeii. Please note that we normally need a minimum of 6 people to operate this excursion. We recommend a fast track ticket for €55 per person which includes skip-the-line access and 2-hour guided tours and entrance fees for both sites. A minimum of 10 people is needed and this can be organised by your tour leader. Amalfi - Papermill museum €3.50, Amalfi Duomo €3
From October to early April on the Amalfi Coast you should pack for cool weather (5 - 15 degrees Celcius), although on a sunny day it can be very pleasant. It is also quite likely to rain at some point during your trip. Be prepared for all eventualities and bring a waterproof jackets and trousers, walking boots, warm clothes including a fleece and comfortable walking trousers, woolly hat and gloves.
We recommend you bring walking boots - leather or fabric are both fine. Some of the paths are a bit rocky underfoot and so you could twist an ankle if not wearing boots. Trainers are not recommended. Make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. We recommend that you wear/carry your walking boots as hand luggage on the international flight: should your luggage be delayed, your well broken-in boots will be irreplaceable.
20kg
One main piece of baggage and a waterproof day-sac (20-30 litres recommended). You just need to carry what you need for the day which may include a raincoat, jumper, camera, sun-cream, picnic lunch etc.
You will need a resuable water bottle (preferably 1-2 litres). Trekking poles are recommended as some of the descents involve stone staircases and can be long and a bit tough on the knees. It is a good idea to line your daypack with a good quality plastic bag - this will go a long way in protecting your gear from any rainswe encounter. Tap water: is safe to drink in most places but water sources along the trail are non-existent. We encourage our clients not to buy mineral water because of the negative environmental impact with plastic bottles. Energy snacks including chocolate and sweets are recommended whilst on trek as well as a lunch box/Tupperware for picnic lunches.
Bus, Public Bus
Our base for the week is the three-star Hotel Sole, a small hotel run by a mother and daughter team, located right on the seafront in Maiori. The hotel's comfortable, en-suite sea-facing rooms are on the 5th and 6th floor (there is an elevator) and all have either a terrace or balcony. The hotel has a restaurant, with pizza oven, on the ground floor and there's a terrace with stunning views on the 6th floor. The hotel can cater for vegetarian and low gluten diets (using gluten free pasta and flour) but is unfortunately unable to guarantee the non-contamination of gluten free meals. If you require a vegetarian or gluten-free diet, you must inform us before you travel. Located just a few kilometres from Amalfi, which is easily reached by public bus, the small town of Maiori has the largest beach along the Amalfi Coast, backed by a pleasant waterfront promenade. As we're visiting out of season, some restaurants and shops may be closed, but with a local population of around 5,500, there will still be plenty open to choose from.
Can you drink the water? It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day.
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice. Please refer to our COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry. Whilst we strive to update this on a regular basis we recommend you also check the FCDO website for the latest advice on entry requirements in this fast-evolving situation. Information can change at any time.
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
Italy: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.
If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking. For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.
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You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display a UK flight inclusive package guide price which is generally based on a London departure. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
Nothing required. Tetanus recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.