While exploring this area on foot one is rewarded with stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline whose "Lattari" mountains rise nearly 5000 ft steeply from the deep blue sea. Wildflowers such as Broom and Cistus rose decorate the hillsides in spring and cyclamen carpet the woods in autumn. It is hardly surprising to find out that the Roman emperor Tiberius moved his court to Capri, that the Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev owned an island near Positano or that American writer Gore Vidal chose Ravello for his home. Naples is famous for coffee and pizza (and chaos!) and lies at the foot of Mt Vesuvius with the excavations of Pompeii a few miles away. Our journey starts here almost 2000 years ago when the once thriving market town of Pompeii was buried under ash during a massive eruption of the volcano. Thereafter the countryside and serenity of the Amalfi peninsula await us. Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Naples - Pompeii - Ravello. We meet at 12:00 at the Naples airport and travel to the excavated Roman town of Pompeii to enjoy lunch in the shaded courtyard of its ancient thermal baths. The afternoon is spent exploring public buildings and private homes where occupants left evidence of everyday life as things came to an abrupt halt with the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. A scenic drive through the Valico di Chiunzi brings us to the enchanting town of Ravello and our first glimpse of the Amalfi coastline. Day 2: Paestum. Paestum is an ancient Greco-Roman city 40 km south of Salerno in a region known for its mozzarella di bufula. Settled by Greek colonists in the 6th century BC, Paestum was later occupied by Lucanians, Romans and Christians. Malarial swamps led to the abandonment of the city in the 9th century AD, but also helped preserve its finest artifacts. Today, Paestum boasts three well-preserved Doric Greek temples, ruins of ancient houses and a museum. The site is a little off the beaten path makes an excellent complement to the Roman ruins at Pompeii. Day 3: Ravello - Amalfi. From the hamlet of Scala above Ravello we walk into the "Valle delle Ferriere" Natural Park through cleverly cultivated vineyards and lemon groves. After a light lunch, we enter the gorge and make our way past waterfalls, abandoned iron works and paper mills as we descend into the bustling town of Amalfi for a well earned and thirst-quenching "sorbetto al limone" in the heart of Amalfi (5 hours/9 miles). Day 4: Ravello - Atrani - Amalfi. A visit to the wonderfully landscaped gardens of Villa Cimbrone, whose magnificent location arguably offers the best view of Europe's most beautiful coastline. We follow winding steps down into the square and heart of the tiny village of Atrani, a perfect spot for a delicate seafood lunch before crossing into Amalfi to meet our local guide and learn about its glorious maritime history. There is an optional walk back up to Ravello through the gorge of the "Dragone" river (3 hours/6 miles). Day 5: Ravello - Positano. A leisurely morning visiting the historical center of Ravello, its Duomo and Villa Rufolo. The rest of the day is dedicated to walking along the Sentiero degli Dei or "Path of the Gods". A majestic trail overlooking spectacular coastal scenery leads us to the elegant resort of Positano (4 hours/8 miles). Day 6: Free day in Capri. A boat trip takes us to Capri to experience a little exotic elegance. Owing to its mild climate, the island is a labyrinth of charming alleys and gardens, filled with aromatic flowers and shrubs. A beautiful nature walk or a bus to Anacapri and the chair lift to Monte Solaro will fulfill your photographic dreams with views of the emerald blue sea and the faraglioni rocks. Or perhaps you would rather enjoy the elegant boutiques and take in the atmosphere of outdoor cafes in Capri's main square. We return by boat. Day 7: Punta Campanella. We walk on Punta Campanella where the Amalfi/Sorrento Peninsula opens onto the Bay of Naples. Enjoy magnificent views of Mt Vesuvius, of our previous accomplishments and of the island of Capri (4 hours/7 miles). Day 8: Sorrento - Naples airport. Scheduled departure from our hotel at 9:00 for Naples airport (1 hour). If you wish, we can help you to extend your stay or make other independent departure arrangements. Notes: Price Includes: 
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Also see tour packages in: Europe Italy Outdoor: Land Rambler Hiking & Trekking Food & Wine |
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