TOURS

THE AMALFI COAST

THE AMALFI COAST & GULF OF NAPLES BY BOAT

WALKING IN THE DOLOMITES

TUSCANY

CINQUE TERRE

Other popular Italian walking routes not detailed here, are:

Lake Como region - 7 night independent tour

Sicily and the Volcano Islands - 7 night independent tour

Piedmont - 7 night independent tour

Island of Elba - 7 night independent tour

Calabria - 7 night independent tour

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  THE AMALFI COAST

8 day Independent tour

The early Romans were not wrong when they choose Hercolanum and Baia as their privileged holiday resorts, as it is here that mythology put its most famous heroes, Enea and Ulysses.

The rage of the volcano Vesuvius gave us Pompeii, unique evidence buried under ashes since 79 D.C. Going south we find Amalfi, which reached its maximum splendour in the X and XI centuries, when it became the first Sailor Republic in Italy and played a great role in the commerce with the Orient and transporting crusaders. This link with the Arab-Byzantine world is even clearer when wandering up and down along the labyrinth of white roads in Atrani, looking to the arches of the Paradise’s Cloister in Amalfi or even in the architecture of the first church of Positano.

Enchanted by the lovely climate and the beauty of nature, many artists and princes have build their sumptuous villas here, especially in Ravello or in Capri. As an extension of the peninsula there is the island of Capri, last residence of the emperor Tiberio, which delight us with its beauty. Also here we find huge villas by artists and princes, surrounded by pine-trees.

A superb area to walk and experience the true Italy!

Day 8: Departure or extend your stay with a trip to Capri

Schedule and Price

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THE AMALFI COAST & GULF OF NAPLES BY SHIP

8 Day Escorted Tour

When thinking of the Amalfi Coast one imagine's rich green hillsides, blossoming lemon trees, azure coloured sea, and history-charged villages situated on steep cliffs. However, the Gulf of Naples offers a great variety of other highlights as well: Not only the visit of Mt. Vesuvius – situated above the bay- but also the eeing of the buried town Pompeji is a special highlight of this journey. Naples will probably astonish you: Often the city is underestimated but certainly a lot of surprising insights and landmarks will await you. On the Island of Capri- mecca for the rich and famous- you will endeavour an excursion with a ferry. Moreover your Turkish gullet will accompany you to the Islands of Procida and Ischia. Go along with us and experience a scenic and cultural diversified journey through the most beautiful sites of Italy.

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

Day 1. (Sat) Castellammare di Stabia and Pozzuoli (2,5 hrs, approx. 150 meters of altitude)

Individual arrival in Castellammare di Stabia in the Golf of Naples. Check in starts at 11am. At 1 pm the gullet will cross over to Pozzuoli. Should you arrive later you can board the gullet in the port of Pozzuoli from 4pm onwards.

Together with your travel guide there is time for a short hike to the third largest amphitheatre in the world. Afterwards you will move on to Solfatara a small crater “Forum Vulcani” which the Romans used to call the front court to hell. On the way back to the boat more interesting sights like the Serapis Temple will truly amaze you.

Day 2. (Sun) Sightseeing Naples and crossing to Procida

After breakfast a half hour train ride will bring you to the metropolis of Naples. If you like you may go on a city sightseeing tour- otherwise you may take a tour into the underbelly of Naples, that will take you to Greek and Roman cisterns and through a branched road system deep under the earth. Before heading back to the boat by train you will have some spare time to enjoy this lively port town.  

Back on the boat you will move on to the small island of Procida with its typical and very local fishing neighbourhood – almost untouched in 300 years.

Day 3. (Mon) Ischia (5 hrs, approx. 450 meters of altitude)

In the early morning the boat will bring you to Ischia- also called the green island due to its rich landscape. From Ischia port you will start your hike on an even trail to the castle of the Aragonese. The impressive castle complex is one of the town’s landmarks and definitely worth a visit.

Afterwards the trail will lead you via Campagnano and Barano on to Sant Angelo. Here you will see hot water, containing salt, bromine and iodine, spurting out of the rock. Use the opportunity to relax in one of the local hot springs. 

Day 4. (Tue) Amalfi – Ravello  (3 hrs, ca. 450 meters of altitude)

In the early morning the boat will start a longer crossing during which you will leave the Gulf of Naples and arrive in Amalfi after approx. 5 hours. This city enjoyed its gilded age during the 10th to 12th century when it was also a powerful sea republic.

From Amalfi you will hike uphill passing the Mill Valley and ruins of medieval times before reaching Ravello. The romantic mountain village is embossed by its noble palaces, the ample Piazza and the Basilica of St Pantaleone. Especially worth seeing is the Villa Rufolo with its Moorish architecture, 300 rooms and magnificent gardens and courtyards.

The bus will bring you back to Amalfi where you could take a stroll through the city centre and visit the cathedral.

Day 5. (Wed) Agerola - Positano (3 hrs, approx. 180 meters of altitude during ascent – 450 meters of altitude during descent)

In the morning the bus will take you from Amalfi via a winding road with terrific views to the village Agerola. From here the trail of the gods (Sentiero degli Dei) will lead you through rocky landscapes and beautiful rolling terraces high above the shiny sea to Positano. The narrow alleys with its countless boutiques invite for a shopping tour. Back on the boat the night will be spent in the bay or in Piano di Sorrento.

Day 6. (Thu) Island of Capri and Sorrento

In the morning the ferry will bring you from Sorrento to the Island of Capri. Although Capri has a size of only 10km² it is well known all over and should not be missed during a tour of the Gulf of Naples. Up to 15,000 visitors reach the island daily by ferry therefore it is very lively around the main sights. Nevertheless Capri still has some peaceful corners worth discovering during a hike. On Capri the programme is quite flexible and can be adapted to your individual interests.

In the afternoon the speed boat will transfer you back to Sorrento, surrounded by lemon and orange groves and situated on an impressive cliff. Do not miss a walk through the alley of the old town before returning to the boat that will bring you to Piano di Sorrento.

Day 7. (Fri) Vesuvius and Pompeii (2 hrs, 150 meters of altitude)

A transfer bus will drive you to the visitor parking of Mt. Vesuvius. Starting from here a relaxed hike to the top and along the crater awaits you. If the weather is good you will have a fascinating view over the Gulf of Naples and its city. Only from here will you appreciate its true size. Afterwards you will be brought back to Pompeii, the city that was smothered immediately during the eruption of Vesuvius in the year 79 AC. In the afternoon you will take a guided tour through the streets of this impressive ruined city.

During dinner on board it is time to say good bye to the crew and your travel guides.

Day 8. (Sat) Castellammare di Stabia (Disembarkation)

Changes:  

We reserve the right to make changes to the planned route due to changing wind and weather

conditions and if required by organizational necessities.

Tour Rating - Easy to Intermediate

Easy to intermediate hiking tours of 2- 5 hours on karst trails. Hiking boots are essential. Alpine peak performance is not required!

Your Ship - Maria Giovanna, 4****

In 2008 the Maria Giovanna was built in Bodrum as a Turkish gullet and was transferred to the Gulf of Naples afterwards. As a gullet with a size of 23.8 x 6.7m it was built with all the experience and love of detail that is used in Turkish traditional ship building. The boat has 6 guest cabins equipped with air conditioning, radio and private bathroom. Two twin cabins and four double/triple cabins (double bed 200x140cm and bunk bed 200x 80cm above) are available. Captain Pierro and his friendly crew will accompany you on your journey and introduce you to the most beautiful bays along with the coastal towns.

Cosy hammocks and chairs and sun beds are provided on deck as well as an outside area with table and seats under a sun protection sail.

Catering:

The cook on board is part of the 4 crew members and will prepare daily breakfast and a warm meal.

Tour Rating - Moderate to Intermediate

Routes of medium difficulty on good trails and paths through a hilly and mountainous terrain. A good fitness level is required as you walk distances up to 16 km and 6 hours duration. Adequate hiking gear is required.

Schedule and Price

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WALKING IN THE DOLOMITES

8 day Independent tour

South of the Alps at the foot of the mighty Dolomites you walk through the most beautiful part of South Tyrol. In the core of the country between Brixen (Bressanone), the cultural capital of Tyrol and Bolzano, capital of South Tyrol, continental and Mediterranean cultures meet.

The first part of the hiking tour follows so called “Keschtn”trail (sweet chestnut trail). Fine food and breathtaking panoramas combine to a singular holiday experience.

Day 6: Seiser Alm – Grödner Valley
On a lower altitude we will walk into the well known valley of wood carvers – Grödner valley, at the foot of imposing Mt. Langkofel. 5 hours walking time.

Day 7: Grödner Valley to Brixen (Bressanone)
Leaving Grödner Valley on the old postal trail and reaching Klausen in the north. Again stunning views to the mountain ranges in South Tyrol. The last stage to Brixen/Bressanone is covered by train. 5 hours walking time.

Day 8: Individual departure or additional nights

Tour Rating - Moderate to Intermediate

Routes of medium difficulty on good trails and paths through a hilly and mountainous terrain. A good fitness level is required as you walk distances up to 16 km and 6 hours duration. Adequate hiking gear is required.

Schedule and Price

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TUSCANY

8 Day Independent Tour

This particular hiking vacation in Italy is in the region of Tuscany. Indeed Tuscany is a very large region but this walk will take you through the area of Tuscany which is the most photographed and therefore you should experience the type of scenery found on many calenders and postcards from the region. This walking holiday has been graded as a level 2 self guided walking tour.

This really is the Tuscany that you always have dreamt of. You will walk in the rolling hills very often portrayed in Renaissance paintings and filmed in today’s movies, a landscape with a deep blue sky, golden ochres and lush greens. From the famous vineyards of Vino Nobile and Brunello to walled medieval and renaissance boroughs visiting superb churches and abbeys with comfortable accommodations and typical restaurants and locandas. You will see high cypress trees, holm oak, broom, in the fields wheat, vines, chestnuts and barely. Look closely and you might see, wild boars, foxes, porcupines, badgers, buzzards and much more.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 8 Departure after breakfast.
Buses are available to reach Siena or Buonconvento railway station where trains are available to Pisa and Bologna.

Tour Rating - Moderate to Intermediate

Walking distance varies from 10 to 16km. The hilly countryside can be demanding and it requires some stamina and a moderate to good physical condition. The walks are along uneven footpaths, mule tracks and strade bianche, (small gravel roads).

Adequate hiking gear is required.

Accommodation
Selected 3 star hotels and cosy family run agriturismo and Inns, several with swimming pools that are generally open from May to September. Accommodation is based on double room occupancy with private en-suite facilities. Throughout the trip there are plenty of opportunities to taste not only the excellent local food but also the many famous wines of the region.

Schedule and Price

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CINQUE TERRE

7 night independent tour

Along the LiguriaN coast a steep mountain range is located. Among these beautiful landscapes resides the "Cinque Terre" with its five picturesque, dreamy villages. Colourful houses on steep hillsides, small squares with colourful boats, winding alleys, stepped roads, gates. This area has been populated for thousands of years, today it is a National Park which is unique for Italy. A broad network of mule paths – today used as walking paths – lead you through the remarkable landscape. But the region offers more: charming cities such as Portovenere and Levanto, long sandy beaches and the romantic Mediterranean island Palmaria, in the gulf of poets.

Tour Rating - Moderate to Intermediate

Walking distance varies from 6 to 16km. The hilly countryside can be demanding and it requires some stamina and a moderate to good physical condition. The walks are along uneven footpaths, mule tracks and strade bianche, (small gravel roads).

Adequate hiking gear is required.

Accommodation
Selected 2 and 3 star hotels and cosy family run Inns. Accommodation is based on double room occupancy with private en-suite facilities. Throughout the trip there are plenty of opportunities to taste not only the excellent local food but also the many famous wines of the region.

Schedule and Price