Hercules
loved a nymph called Amalfi and sought the most beautiful place in the
world to immortalize her. Seeking the same beauty, Sherpa moves further
south in Italy to discover the dramatic Amalfi coast where the mountains
quite literaly tumble to the sea. A land of ‘everlasting Spring’,
golden light, charming villages and monasteries, watch towers, isolated
farmsteads, with flower-strewn coastal paths threading them all together.
There are also areas of near wilderness along the Monti Lattari just
behind the coast, with impressive cliffs rising up to 1400m whilst
omnipresent is the blue of the Mediterranean.
After arriving in Amalfi, and
perhaps a swim to wash away the tiredness from your journey, our first
walk takes us to the ‘Valle dei Mulini’, the valley of the watermills,
and on up to the little village of Pontone and the medieval Torre dello
Zirro. The return stretch back to Amalfi is very scenic with spectacular
viewpoints. Including a visit to beautiful Ravello. Next we walk into the
Valle delle Ferriere, one of southern Italy’s most beautiful nature
reserves, passing beneath the towering cliffs close to some little
waterfalls. From Pogerola a beautiful medieval muletrack curves down to
Amalfi, amidst lemon groves and maquis.
The tour continues along a
paved muletrack dating back towards the 9th century, to the imposing
monastery of Santa Rosa. The route descends to the coast and the
spectacular inlet at Furore. From here we walk along to the church of Sant’Elia
into the Valley of Praia and then to the coastal town of Praiano. Next we
follow the famous ‘Sentiero degli Dei’ (Footpath of the Gods), with
views of Capri before descending to precariously perched Positano, one of
the most charming villages of the coast.
Finally we take a local bus back up to Montepertuso where we start a
circular walk of the Positano valley following ancient footpaths through
the forest with marvellous viewpoints. We climb towards Santa Maria al
Castello, the old fortress defending the narrow valley between the Amalfi
and the Sorrentine side of the peninsula and overlooking both the Gulf of
Salerno and the Gulf of Naples. The walk then descends via a forest
station to Positano.
On the 11 day tour we
stay in Sorrento which has good access to some extraordinary walks, and is
also a convenient place for an excursion to the beautiful Isle of Capri.
This classy, beautiful walk
follows steep-stepped routes on some days to get you quickly to the
viewpoints.
7
nights/8 days - The
first 3 nights of our tour is spent in the ancient capital Amalfi.
Our 3* hotel is centrally located so you are within walking
distance of the main monuments. It is furnished with antiques and
offers all modern facilities. Nights 4 & 5 are spent in a beautiful small town called Praiano.
The 3* hotel is situated steeply over the sea and has an excellent
restaurant that offers panoramic views over a large stretch of the
Amalfi Coast. Nights 6 & 7 of the tour is spent in the lively village of Positano,
with its characteristic houses clinging to the edge of the mountain.
Here, our 4* Best Western hotel is always a popular choice with
clients.
10
nights/11 days - As above with 3 nights in a 3* hotel in Sorrento.
Sherpa
Notes
Arrival From Naples central railway station you take the train through
to Salerno (approx 30-60 mins) then the ferry up to the Amalfi
Coast (approx 30mins) The hotel is located approx 5 minutes from
the ferry point.
Accommodation &
Meals On bed and breakfast basis on both the 8 and 11 day tour. We use 3*
& 4* hotels in/near to village centres. All rooms have ensuite facilities. You will be free to organise your dinner from the wide choice of restaurants in town.
Way Marks
Only a very small part of the route is waymarked; elsewhere it is
necessary to follow the route notes provided with the maps.
End of Tour
Tour ends on day 8 in Positano. The return to Naples is by bus to
Sorrento (approx 50 mins) and then a 1hr train journey to Naples.
Why not treat yourself and upgrade to an executive room in
Positano. It has a jacuzzi and wonderful sea views. The hotel only has 6 of these rooms available, between £40 and £80pp depending on time of year.
Consider extra nights in
Sorrento/Naples and take the short train journey through to Pompei
