Capri and the Amalfi Coast Guided Walk

Once you arrive in Naples, make your way to the centrally located group hotel (private transfers available if you’d prefer a smooth start). With its roots stretching back more than 2800 years, this coastal city was originally named Neápolis – or “new city” – by the Greeks. Today, its UNESCO-listed historic centre is alive with winding laneways, crumbling castles, baroque churches and lively piazzas. Be sure to visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum – it holds one of the world’s most important collections of Roman artefacts. You’re also in the birthplace of pizza and the mandolin, and those local traditions still play strong. Spend your afternoon wandering the lanes, tasting something warm from a wood-fired oven, or soaking up the street music. Your guide will meet the group at 7pm. Dinner is on your own – there is no shortage of great local options. We can assist with a private transfer from Naples airport to the joining hotel on request (additional cost applies).

This morning we board the boat to Capri, one of the most iconic islands in the Bay of Naples. After arriving at the port, we set off on foot to explore the island’s quieter side. Our trail leads us up to Monte Tiberio, where sweeping views over the Sorrento Peninsula open up before us – the kind of views that have inspired poets and painters for centuries. We continue to the natural arch, a dramatic limestone formation shaped by the sea, and then on to the striking faraglioni sea stacks. The walk ends in the heart of Capri town, where you can pause in the piazzetta and soak up the island atmosphere. Weather permitting, there’s time for a swim in the clear waters before taking the boat back to Naples in the afternoon. Tonight is all about local flavour – we enjoy pizza, a sip of limoncello, and classic Italian gelato before turning in for the night at our Naples hotel. Please note: the Capri excursion is weather dependent and may be altered if sailing conditions are unsafe. Your guide will offer an equally enjoyable alternative if needed. Elevation gain/loss: +450m / 1475ft and –450m / 1475ft Transfers: Boat, approx. 2–2.5 hours total

After breakfast, we travel by private minibus to the slopes of Mt Vesuvius. Starting at around 1000 metres (3280 feet) above sea level, we walk up to the crater rim at 1150 metres (3770 feet), where a local volcanology guide helps bring the history of this still-active volcano to life. From the top, take in panoramic views over the Bay of Naples and surrounding countryside – a striking contrast to the raw energy of the crater itself. Next, we head to the haunting ruins of Pompeii, one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites. Buried by volcanic ash in 79 CE, the city was frozen in time. Our 2-hour guided tour explores villas, baths, streets and frescoes, offering a powerful glimpse into everyday life at the height of the Roman Empire. Later in the afternoon, we continue to Agerola, a quiet mountain village perched above the Amalfi Coast. This will be our base for the next five nights. Elevation gain/loss: +150m / 490ft and –150m / 490ft Transfers: Minibus, approx. 1.5–2 hours total

Today’s walk begins from the Agerola plateau, following age-old mule paths once used to transport timber across the Lattari Mountains. As we make our way through the hills, we reach the peaceful village of Pogerola, perched high above the Valley of the Mills – once the heart of Amalfi’s centuries-old paper industry. If you wish, you can visit the Paper Museum housed in a restored medieval mill to learn more about how Amalfi’s maritime charts were made. From here, we descend through the valley towards the town of Amalfi itself, a former maritime republic with a history dating back to the 9th century. You’ll have time to explore at your own pace – consider a visit to the striking Duomo di Amalfi and the serene Cloister of Paradise (Chiostro del Paradiso) if open. Later in the day, we return to Agerola by private bus for dinner and an overnight stay. Elevation gain: +200m / 660ft, Elevation loss: –800m / 2625ft Transfers: Public + private bus, approx. 30 min to 1 hour total

Today’s loop walk takes us along panoramic ridgelines in the heart of the Lattari Mountains Regional Natural Park, departing directly from our accommodation in Agerola. Framed by the deep blue of both the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno, this walk offers some of the most expansive views of the trip. The trail offers sweeping outlooks that reach as far as Mount Vesuvius and the remote Cilento Mountains in the distance. You’ll walk through wild, rugged terrain with dramatic vistas at every turn – a real immersion into the mountainous interior that contrasts beautifully with the coastline below. Dinner is at your leisure tonight – enjoy one of the cosy local trattorias in Agerola before turning in. Elevation gain/loss: +400m / 1310ft and –400m / 1310ft Transfers: Minimal or none (short public bus possible)

This morning we travel by private minibus to the elegant hilltop town of Ravello, perched over 300 metres (985 feet) above the sea, with sweeping views across the Canneto Valley and all the way to the Cilento Mountains. Known as La città della Musica – the City of Music – Ravello has long inspired artists, writers and composers, including Wagner, who is honoured each year with a world-class music festival. You’ll have time to wander the cobbled lanes and, if you wish, visit the famous Villa Rufolo or Villa Cimbrone with its stunning clifftop gardens. From here, we descend towards the coast on a scenic walk through stone stairways and hidden alleys, passing through medieval hamlets on the way down to Amalfi. After time to explore, we return to Agerola for the evening. Elevation gain: +200m / 660ft, Elevation loss: –400m / 1310ft Transfers: Private minibus, approx. 1–1.5 hours total

Our final walk is one of the most iconic in southern Italy – the Sentiero degli Dei, or Path of the Gods. This spectacular hillside trail once linked remote villages across the Amalfi Coast, winding past hand-built terraces, fragrant rosemary bushes and pergola-covered vineyards. Carved into the cliffs high above the sea, it offers panoramic views from Capri all the way to the Gulf of Salerno. As we walk, we trace a route shaped by history – once used as a refuge during post-Roman invasions. Along the way, we pass the mountain-side monastery of San Domenico, a quiet reminder of those turbulent times. After reaching Montepertuso, named for the dramatic ‘pierced rock’ overhead, we descend into Positano through steep staircases and a marine cemetery. With its colourful houses spilling down the hillside to the sea, Positano feels almost otherworldly. You’ll have time to explore its narrow lanes, browse artisan shops or simply relax by the shore. In the late afternoon, we return to Agerola for our final evening together. Elevation gain: +100m / 330ft, Elevation loss: –700m / 2295ft Transfers: Private minibus, approx. 1–1.5 hours total

After breakfast there will be a group transfer (at 8.30-9am, takes approx 1.5hrs) to Naples central train station where the trip concludes.