ULTIMATE TREKKING AMALFI COAST

Early morning pick-up from your hotel or prearranged meeting point to the 11th-century Benedictine Abbey of Cava de’ Tirreni. Here you will meet our mountain guides and the other members of your group. Our tour starts with a guided visit to the Benedictine Abbey of the Holy Trinity in Cava de’ Tirreni. In the Middle Ages, the Benedictine Abbey was one of the most important and most powerful religious and cultural centers in southern Italy. Built in 1011, the Abbey is the only monastery in the world that has been continuously inhabited by Benedictine Monks for over one thousand years. The tour allows you to visit the Cathedral, the Roman Cloister, the Catacombs, and its small Museum. After the tour, we begin our trek towards Mount Avvocata (max. 3 hours). Trekking on Mount Avvocata is a classic route with stunning views over the Gulf of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast. Every Monday, after the Christian holiday of Pentecost, the Monastery on Mount Avvocata is reached by thousands of pilgrims from Cava de’ Tirreni and Maiori to renew their devotion to the Virgin Mary. We visit the cave where the Virgin Mary appeared to a local shepherd and told him where to build the monastery. Time for a lunch break before descending on a steep path from 1,014 meters above sea level to the village of Maiori at sea level. Overnight accommodation in an Hostel. Meals included: Boxed Lunch.

After breakfast we begin our second on the Lattari Mountains. From Maiori we walk via the Lemon Trail through the picturesque villages of Minori, Ravello, Atrani and Amalfi. In Minori will stop at De Riso pastry shop for an excellent slice of lemon cake of the Amalfi Coast. From here, then, through ancient stairs we will first reach Ravello, where we can take a coffee in the elegant Piazza Duomo, and after we will reach the beautiful Atrani, set in the rock; finally, through a comfortable and unique path between the roofs and the courtyards of the houses, we will arrive in the center of the queen of the coast, the magnificent Amalfi where you can visit the Duomo or simply stroll among the many shops of the ancient historical center. Transfer to our overnight accommodation. Meals included: Breakfast, and Boxed Lunch.

After breakfast we take a transfer back to Amalfi and walk up to reach the trail to the Mills’ Valley. Here we climb the ancient stairs and paths amid lemon trees full of springs and waterfalls amid high cliffs. Within the deep valley we will see several examples of industry from as early as the 10th century, such as the remains of an old aqueduct and ironworks. There are also ruins of several paper factories that remain one of the few links to the history of wealth and power of the medieval Republic of Amalfi. The Valley of the Mills is a subtropical microclimate where you may find Cyclamen, Wild Orchids, Pterris vittata, Pinguicula hirtiflora (a carnivorous plant), Woodwardia Radicans, and Erica terminalis (a rare species of the giant fern which has its origins in the tertiary period). Time to get on another trail that will take us up to the town of Agerola, where we will spend the night. Overnight accommodation. Meals included: Breakfast, and Boxed Lunch.

After breakfast we enjoy a pleasant hike on the most famous trail on the Amalfi Coast: the Path of the Gods (Italian: Sentiero degli Dei). Walking across the mountainside, at the feet of the Sant’Angelo a Tre Pizzi mountain, we will admire one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the world. The path starts from the square in the hamlet of Bomerano in Agerola. The first part offers outstanding views of Praiano, Positano, Li Galli islets, and Capri. We also see the Grotta Biscotto, an old shepherds shelter, built into the rock and inhabited since Prehistoric times. Along the way we walk in the shade of elm and oak trees surrounded by myrtle and juniper. We cross wild precipices full of caves and small vineyards. Here is where the ped’ e palomma grapes are harvested. Within 3 hours we reach the small village of Nocelle with Monte Pertuso in front of us. The path ends with 2,000 steps going down, arriving in the center of Positano. Once there you may choose to wander its narrow streets or enjoy an espresso and pastry at a local cafe. Transfer to overnight accommodation. Meals included: Breakfast, and Boxed Lunch.

After breakfast we have a short transfer to Punta Campanella to complete our last day of hiking (5 hours). We hike up to the Convent of San Costanzo, the protector of Capri, to a breathtaking viewpoint offering a 360 degree view of the Gulf of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, the Gulf of Salerno, the Amalfi coast, and all surrounding islands. A steep descent to the Bay of Jeranto, where we can enjoy a dip in the emerald green waters of the Mediterranean Sea, before reaching the quaint fishing village of Nerano. Time to relax and enjoy an exquisite homemade frozen lemonade at a local cafe. The tour ends after private transfer to your hotel. Meals included: Breakfast and Boxed Lunch.