“See handpicked hidden havens away from crowds”
7 Day Cultural Walking Tour on the Amalfi Coast of Italy, Naples, Pompeii and Vesuvius
Costantinopoli 104, Naples, Province of Naples, Campania, Italy
Cultural Tour in Italy
Embark on an enchanting journey along the Amalfi Coast, venturing through Naples, Vesuvius, and Pompeii. Behold mesmerizing vistas and savor exquisite cuisine. Experience the comfort of charming hotels, your haven amid captivating landscapes. Traverse from village to village - Amalfi, Vietri, Ravello - and immerse in the authentic essence of this renowned region.
Highlights
- Entrance tickets for all the special events
- Vesuvius area wine tasting and winery visit
- Hands-on pottery making lesson in Vietri sul Mare
- Learn about mozzarella cheese making at a small farmhouse
- Tammurriata music and dance special show
- Transportation and local guide during the tour
- 6 nights accommodation in hotels
- All breakfasts, five lunches, five dinners, and local wine included
Skill level
- Intermediate
6 days with instruction
Group size: Maximum of 18 participants
Accommodation
Check-in Time:
16:00
Check-out Time:
11:00
During the tour, you will stay in two four-starred hotels and one four-star luxury with ensuite bathroom). All the hotels are conveniently located in the town historical centers. Two out of three hotels have a swimming pool. Book early and Walk About Italy will try to accommodate you in a room with a view.
Costantinopoli 104 - Naples: An oasis of charm
More than a hotel, Constantinopoli 104 is a haven that Walk About Italy affectionately calls a “charming refuge.” Nestled in the heart of Naples, on the famed Via Constantinopoli, it offers a sanctuary of tranquility. This street, known for antiquarians and restorers, sets the stage for an extraordinary experience.
Once the property of Marchese Spinelli, the villa unveils its splendor across two floors and a terrace. A testament to antiquity, the piperno stone entrance to the garden, the Marchese’s crests on the facade, and the ornate marble balustrades bear witness to its illustrious past. Art Nouveau elements, including a resplendent stained-glass window, extend a warm, colorful welcome.
Each room is a treasure trove of history, adorned with marbles, adornments, and decorations that whisper tales of times gone by.
Hotel Scapolatiello - Corpo Di Cava: Where history meets modernity
Nestled in the heart of an age-old medieval hamlet, known as the “Badia” for its ancient Benedictine Abbey, Hotel Scapolatiello boasts a distinctive allure. This unique setting draws visitors from across the globe to immerse in its historical charm. A seamless blend of past and present, it allows you to experience the ambiance of bygone eras while enjoying contemporary comforts.
Minori Palace Hotel - Minori: A splendid fusion of elegance (for 2024 dates)
Emerging from the exquisite transformation of the former Hotel Bristol, the Minori Palace Hotel stands as a testament to architectural sophistication. Effortlessly blending history with contemporary luxury, this splendid four-star haven showcases meticulously preserved architectural details that hark back to its origins.
Step into a lobby adorned in classic design, meticulously crafted down to the finest details. Public spaces feature prestigious contemporary art, elevating your experience. The bar, resplendent with vibrantly hued marble, invites you to savor a drink in style.
Immerse yourself in comfort and convenience. From an indulgent Italian breakfast buffet to an inviting American bar, their services are designed for your pleasure. With 24-hour concierge, garage, and laundry services, your stay will be seamlessly cared for. The attentive staff and warm interiors will also ensure that your time there will be truly enjoyable.
Program
Walk About Italy has handpicked hidden havens to craft an exclusive adventure, ensuring that you will be free from tourist crowds.
Unveiling the unseen
During your Amalfi Coast walking tour, embrace two to three hours of daily walking, punctuated by guide insights, coffee pauses, and delectable pastries. Engage with family-run farms and relish trattoria lunches. The accommodations, intimate and family-operated, offer ensuite bathrooms. Melodic notes will also infuse the journey, enriching your experience.
A human tapestry
Local interactions will form the heart of your tour. Walk About Italy believes in the magic of connecting with locals, as the best memories are etched through these encounters.
Your journey, your way
Join a small group and customize your adventure, discovering the Amalfi Coast in a way that resonates with you.
How to prepare for this trip
Walking or jogging for 60 minutes three times a week for five weeks ahead of the trip will make your experience more enjoyable. In case you live in a flat area, you might also want to incorporate some steps in your physical activity.
An average day of the trip
On a typical day, you will hike / walk with your guide in the morning for three hours, then you will stop at a restaurant or farmhouse for lunch (lunch can last one hour and a half). Walk About Italy will serve local food and wines as they believe that food plays an important role in the enjoyment of the Amalfi Coast.
In the afternoon. there might be some more walking or town stroll. Around 16:30 or 17:00, your guide will take you back to the hotel.
Before dinner, you will be able to rest a couple of hours. Dinner will be served at a restaurant in town that you will be able to easily reach on foot.
Local wine will always be included for lunch or dinner. They will serve vino della casa (house wine). You will also be welcome to buy your own wine from the list.
Day 1 - Arrival and visit of Naples (night at hotel in Naples)
Welcome to Naples! This is where you will start your Amalfi Coast walking tour. After meeting your fellow travelers and guides at the hotel, your tour will commence with the discovery of this unique city, its culture, and its traditions with the help of an art guide.
You will walk, with comfortable shoes, in the historic center of an amazing city full of art, restaurants, piazzas, and small alleys. Beyond visiting churches and monuments, the visit will be focused on the Neapolitan lifestyle. For example, you will explore Via San Gregorio Armeno with its endless shops dedicated to the Christmas Nativity. The shops, run by artisans, are open all through the year, not only during Christmas!
Do not forget that in the recent past, Italians used to celebrate this festivity with nativity statues and not with the fir tree as people all do in these days.
After having explored pretty much of the old center, you will sit at dinner. On this night, you will enjoy the Neapolitan pizza. The “margherita” and the “marinara” are considered as the original pizza: tomato sauce, basil, mozzarella, and olive oil - simple but tasty!
- 2 km = 1.2 miles
- Costantinopoli 104 - Naples
- Dinner
Day 2 - Pompeii and Vesuvius with a wine tasting (night at Corpo di Cava)
You will begin the day with a 50-minute transfer to one of the most famous archeological parks in the world: the excavation of Pompeii. A guide will shows you around the old Roman city ruins: the forum, the bath, the market, the theatre, and the amphitheater.
Lunch on this day will be at a very nice winery called Bosco de’ Medici. Fresh and organic food of the Vesuvius area will be accompanied with Falanghina and Lacryma Christi wines, white and red.
You will then carry on to an active volcano: the Vesuvius. With your imagination, you will go back to the eruption that destroyed Pompeii in 79 A.D. A local ranger guide will engage you on history and geology of the crater. The expert volcanologist Stefano will also tell the history and the geology of the volcano.
From the top of the volcano (1282m), you can look into the crater and see the fumaroles. The view of the bay of Naples from there is also breathtaking.
Later, a short transfer will deliver you to the hamlet of Corpo di Cava on the Amalfi Coast, which will be your place for the next two nights. Dinner on this night will be served at the hotel.
- 5 km = 3 miles (Vesuvius) + 3 km = 1.8 miles (Pompeii)
- Hotel Scapolatiello - Corpo di Cava
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3 - The Benedictine Abbey of Cava, Albori, and Vietri sul Mare (night at Corpo di Cava)
The day’s adventure will begin with the visit of a Benedictine Abbey dating back 1011 A.D. Eight monks still live in this monastery! There, you can admire two sculptures of the Sienese artist Tino di Camaino (14th century) and the Longobard Cemetery (12th century).
From there, you will start the walk to reach Albori through a wood made of chestnut trees. The village is listed as part of the most beautiful hamlets of Italy. On the way, you will have great views of the coast and the bay of Salerno.
A short drive will deliver you to Vietri sul Mare, know as the “town of ceramics.” A gourmet restaurant will also present their seafood specialties.
Following lunch, Elisa, a young artist, will show her ceramic laboratory. With her help, you will then work hands-on on your own piece. At the end of the lesson, you will be able to take your “masterpiece” back home. Cool, isn’t it?
After some free time for shopping, you will drive back to the hotel and have time to relax. Dinner on this night will be served at the hotel.
- 5 km = 3 miles
- Hotel Scapolatiello - Corpo di Cava
- Breakfast and lunch (dinner on your own)
Day 4 - Ravello and Amalfi (night in Minori)
On this morning, you will drive to Ravello. This posh town was the hometown of the richest families of Amalfi during the Middle Ages. This is the reason why there are so many villas.
You will visit Villa Cimbrone, its beautiful gardens, and the “infinity terrace” facing the sea from the height of 400 meters. You will also visit the cathedral, with its mosaic of “Giona and the Whale,” sign of the Moorish influence.
Lunch on this day will be in a very nice restaurant with tables in the garden. You will walk to Amalfi through a downhill path to your next home: Minori, a quaint little village. Dinner on this night will be a delicious pizza.
- 6 km = 3.5 miles
- Minori Palace - Minori
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5 - Tramonti Mozzarella Farm (night at hotel in Minori)
On this day, you will walk in the green valley, with visits of farms and an incredible lunch! There will also be optional excursions to Positano and Capri Island.
Walk About Italy has prepared for you a great off-the-beaten-path day. Tramonti is one of the 13 municipalities of the Amalfi Coast, and it is the only one (or almost) to have maintained its authenticity and its characteristic on being an agricultural village, as well as having preserved its traditions that have lasted for centuries.
You will transfer by bus for about 40 minutes. The walk will give you the opportunity to cross the valley, observing the agricultural biodiversity that characterizes it. In fact, vineyards as well as chestnut and lemon groves will alternate during the walk, creating a harmony of flavors and colors.
A short visit to a farm will be a lovely experience, the farmer will show his crops as well as breeding and gastronomic creations (that you will taste). All activities there have been handed down from different generations.
You will then continue along the Path of the 13 Churches, which crosses the valley, closely observing the centuries-old vineyards of the Tintore, a 300-year-old variety! The itinerary will end in an old farmhouse (called Il Tintore, also the name of one of the grapes that they use to make their own wine!), surrounded by cultivated terraces.
A Limoncello-based welcome aperitif will be waiting for you! Raffaella and her husband Aniello own this organic farm. She will also show you how to make mozzarella cheese.
Lunch, also based on mozzarella and different serves of super-fresh food, will follow in between the vineyards. The driver will then take you back to the hotel. Dinner on this night will be on your own in Minori.
- 3 km = 1.8 miles
- Minori Palace - Minori
- Breakfast and lunch (dinner on own)
Day 6 - The Mill’s Valley (night at hotel in Minori)
You will begin your day with a short drive that will deliver you to the hamlet of Pontone. On this day, you will walk in the Mill’s Valley, along the river Canneto and the ruins of the paper mills where once in the 13th and 14th centuries, the special paper of Amalfi was produced.
After one and a half hour-walk, you will get to a natural reserve. The park protects the beautiful waterfalls and a pre-historic fern. You will then walk in a chestnut forest, where the scenery is calm and the atmosphere is very relaxing. On the way, you will reach a family farm wherein you will enjoy lunch, looking at the valley from the lemon terrace.
After lunch, you will continue your downhill walk to Amalfi. As you get to the town, you will also visit the paper museum that once was a factory. A guide will show you the process of making paper using linen and cotton, the old machinery, and the water channel system.
On this night, a farewell dinner in Minori will be the appropriated occasion to toast to new friendship.
- 5 km = 3 miles
- Minori Palace - Minori
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 7 - Transfer to Naples
Your driver will take you back to Naples train station or Naples airport with a bus.
- Breakfast
Note on the itinerary
Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Walk About Italy reserves the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and in unforeseen circumstances that mandate changes may arise.
Itinerary changes will be made to improve the tour and your experience.
Location
This tour will take you to different places along the Amalfi Coast of Italy:
- Naples
- Pompeii and Vesuvius
- The Benedictine Abbey of Cava
- Albori
- Vietri sul Mare
- Corpo di Cava
- Ravello
- Amalfi
- Minori
- Tramonti Mozzarella Farm
- The Mill’s Valley
Food
Included in the package are all breakfasts, five lunches, and five dinners. Local wine will always be included with lunches and dinners. Vegetarian? Vegan? No problem! Here are some examples of what you’ll be eating and drinking during the tour. It’ll be a gourmet experience!
Pizza in Naples
Pizza in Naples is not just a meal. It’s a cultural institution and a source of immense pride for the city. Naples, Italy, is widely regarded as the birthplace of pizza, and the Neapolitan pizza, or “Pizza Napoletana,” is revered for its simplicity, tradition, and exceptional flavors. Here is a description of pizza in Naples:
Authentic Ingredients
Neapolitan pizza is all about using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The dough is made from wheat flour, fresh yeast, water, and salt.
San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweetness and low acidity, are used to make the tomato sauce. Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, a soft and creamy cheese made from buffalo milk, is a key ingredient. Additionally, fresh basil leaves and extra-virgin olive oil are essential components.
Thin, soft crust
The Neapolitan pizza crust is thin, soft, and slightly chewy. It’s typically hand-stretched to a diameter of about 12 inches (30 cm). The outer edge of the crust, called the cornicione, is puffy and slightly charred from the wood-fired oven.
Fried calamari on the Amalfi Coast
It is a delightful and iconic seafood dish that perfectly captures the essence of this stunning coastal region in southern Italy. The Amalfi Coast is renowned for its fresh and flavorful Mediterranean cuisine, and fried calamari is no exception. Here’s a description of this mouthwatering dish:
Tender calamari rings
The dish typically starts with fresh, tender calamari rings and sometimes tentacles. These rings are often sourced directly from the clear and bountiful waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, ensuring their quality and freshness.
Light and crispy batter
The calamari is coated in a light, crispy batter made from a mixture of flour, and possibly a touch of cornmeal. The batter is seasoned with a blend of local herbs and spices, adding a burst of Mediterranean flavors to each bite.
Golden perfection
The calamari is carefully deep-fried to golden perfection. The high-quality olive oil used in the frying process not only contributes to the crispy texture, but also imparts a rich and fruity aroma that reflects the region’s olive groves.
Lemon zest
Once out of the hot oil, a generous sprinkling of fresh lemon zest is added to the fried calamari. The lemon zest provides a zesty, citrusy kick that cuts through the richness of the fried batter and complements the natural brininess of the seafood.
Coffee in Naples and Amalfi
Coffee in is an integral part of culture and daily life. Neapolitans take their coffee seriously, and the traditional preparation and consumption of coffee have deep-rooted traditions in this vibrant city.
Espresso is king
In Naples, espresso is the preferred coffee style. Neapolitans often refer to it simply as “caffè.” Espresso is served in small, concentrated shots, and it’s the go-to choice for locals. The rich, dark brew is known for its intense flavor and thick crema.
Neapolitan espresso machines
Naples is famous for its traditional espresso machines, known as “macchine da caffè” or “caffettiere napoletane.” These iconic devices are often made of brass and consist of multiple chambers that allow for the slow and meticulous brewing of espresso.
Historical cafes
The city is home to many historic cafes that have been serving coffee for generations. These establishments, like Caffè Gambrinus and Caffè Florian, are not just places to drink coffee in, but also cultural landmarks where artists, writers, and intellectuals have gathered for centuries.
Crema and aroma
A well-made espresso in Naples is known for its creamy layer of crema on top, which is an indicator of quality. The aroma of a properly brewed espresso is aromatic and captivating, and it’s a key element in the overall coffee experience.
Coffee variations
While espresso is the most popular choice, you can also find variations like “caffè macchiato” (espresso with a small amount of frothy milk), “caffè corretto” (espresso with a shot of liquor, usually grappa or Sambuca), and “caffè freddo” (iced coffee) during the hot summer months.
Sweet treats
Coffee is often paired with sweet treats, such as sfogliatella (a pastry filled with ricotta cheese and orange zest), baba (a small, rum-soaked cake), or a simple pastry like a croissant.
Mozzarella in Amalfi
Mozzarella in the Amalfi Coast region of Italy is a delightful and essential component of the local culinary tradition. The Amalfi Coast, located in the Campania region, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, beautiful coastal towns, and rich culinary heritage.
Mozzarella, a fresh and creamy cheese, plays a prominent role in the local cuisine, offering a taste of the region’s authentic flavors.
Freshness
Mozzarella in this region is celebrated for its freshness. It is often made from the milk of water buffaloes, which graze on the fertile lands near the coast. This milk is considered to be of high quality and imparts a distinctive flavor to the cheese.
Production
The traditional method of making mozzarella on the Amalfi Coast involves skilled artisans who use time-tested techniques. The cheese is made daily in small batches to ensure its freshness. Local dairies and cheese factories are scattered throughout the region.
Texture and flavor
Amalfi Coast mozzarella is known for its smooth, delicate texture and mild, slightly tangy flavor. It is often served fresh, and its softness makes it perfect for salads, sandwiches, and as a topping for pizza.
Varieties
In addition to the classic fresh mozzarella (Mozzarella di Bufala Campana), you may also find variations such as smoked mozzarella and bocconcini (small mozzarella balls). These variations offer diverse taste experiences while still embodying the essence of the region.
Use in local dishes
Mozzarella from the Amalfi Coast is a key ingredient in several traditional dishes of the region. One iconic example is the Caprese salad, which combines fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and a dash of salt. It’s a simple yet delicious representation of the local cuisine.
Pairings
This mozzarella pairs exceptionally well with other regional specialties, such as sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant basil, extra-virgin olive oil, and homemade bread. It is also often enjoyed with local wines, like Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio, to create a truly authentic Amalfi Coast dining experience.
Availability
You can find mozzarella in local markets, cheese shops, and restaurants along the Amalfi Coast. Many restaurants take pride in serving this cheese in their dishes, providing visitors with an opportunity to savor its exquisite taste while enjoying the stunning coastal views.
In summary, mozzarella from the Amalfi Coast is a symbol of the region’s culinary excellence. Its freshness, creamy texture, and delicate flavor make it a must-try for anyone visiting this picturesque part of Italy, where the combination of local ingredients and traditional craftsmanship results in a culinary delight that captures the essence of the Amalfi Coast.
Sfogliatella in Amalfi
Sfogliatella is a delicious and iconic pastry that is closely associated with the Amalfi Coast in Italy. This unique and mouthwatering treat is a must-try for anyone visiting this stunning region.
It is a pastry that is known for its distinctive shell-like or lobster tail shape. The name “sfogliatella” actually means “small, thin leaves or layers” in Italian, which is a fitting description of its flaky, layered texture.
There are two primary types of sfogliatella you’ll find in the Amalfi Coast:
Sfogliatella riccia
This version of the pastry features multiple layers of thin, crispy dough that create a crunchy, shell-like exterior. The layers are often so delicate that they shatter when you bite into them. The filling typically consists of a sweet and creamy mixture made from ricotta cheese, sugar, eggs, and sometimes candied citrus peel.
Sfogliatella riccia is lightly dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Sfogliatella frolla
Unlike the crunchy layers of sfogliatella riccia, sfogliatella frolla has a softer, cookie-like pastry shell. The filling is still made with ricotta cheese, sugar, eggs, and flavorings like vanilla or citrus zest. This version is often smoother and denser in texture compared to the riccia variation.
History
Sfogliatella has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century when it was created by nuns in a convent in the Campania region of Italy, which includes the Amalfi Coast. The pastry became popular throughout Southern Italy and eventually spread to other parts of the country.
Where to find sfogliatella on the Amalfi Coast
When visiting the Amalfi Coast, you’ll find sfogliatella in bakeries, pastry shops, and cafes throughout the region. Amalfi, Sorrento, and Naples are some of the best places to sample this delightful pastry.
Enjoying sfogliatella
Sfogliatella is best enjoyed fresh and warm, straight from the oven. The contrast between the crispy layers and the creamy filling is simply irresistible. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of espresso or a glass of limoncello, which is another specialty of the Amalfi Coast.
In summary, sfogliatella is a delectable pastry that epitomizes the flavors and traditions of the Amalfi Coast. Whether you prefer the crunchy riccia or the softer frolla version, savoring this sweet treat is an essential part of experiencing the culinary delights of this beautiful Italian coastal region.
Wines of the region
The Naples and Amalfi regions in Italy offer a delightful array of wines that complement the local cuisine and showcase the rich wine-making heritage of the area. Here are some of the notable wines you can find in these regions:
Lacryma Christi
Also known as “Tears of Christ,” this wine comes from the slopes of Mount Vesuvius and is available in both red (rosso) and white (bianco) varieties. It’s made from indigenous grape varieties and is often associated with the city of Naples.
Fiano di Avellino
This white wine is produced from the Fiano grape variety in the Avellino province of Campania, near Naples. It’s known for its floral and fruity aromas with a balanced acidity, making it an excellent pairing with seafood and local dishes.
Greco di Tufo
Another popular white wine from Campania, Greco di Tufo is made from the Greco grape variety. It often exhibits a crisp and mineral character with citrus notes, making it a great choice for seafood and pasta dishes.
Taurasi
Known as the “Barolo of the South,” Taurasi is a prestigious red wine produced from the Aglianico grape in the Avellino province. It’s characterized by its robust structure, dark fruit flavors, and aging potential.
Aglianico del Taburno
This red wine is made from the Aglianico grape variety in the Taburno area of Campania. It offers a balance of fruitiness, acidity, and tannins, making it suitable for various Italian dishes.
Costa d’Amalfi
The Amalfi Coast produces some delightful wines, both red and white. These wines often reflect the unique terroir of the region and can vary in style. Look for Costa d’Amalfi DOC wines to explore the local flavors.
Tramonti
Tramonti, a small wine region in the Amalfi Coast, is known for its red wines, often made from the Piedirosso and Aglianico grapes. These wines tend to have a rustic and earthy character.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Alcoholic beverages
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Other dietary requirements on request
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
Things to do (optional)
Optional excursion for Day 5
Three months before the tour starts, Walk About Italy will ask you to choose between Tramonti or Capri options since they will need to organize that day in advance. In case you decide to go to Capri, you will need to pay for your boat ride (about 55 EUR in total for a one-hour boat ride each way).
You will be on your own to the island. No worry, as you cannot get lost. Your guide will give you all the information on places to visit, what to eat, and what to do. You will then take the boat back to Minori and meet the group for dinner (on your own).
Please notice that if you will be going to Capri for the day, you can also stop in Positano for a visit but you must hire a driver to go back to the hotel.
What's included
- Entrance tickets for all the special events
- Vesuvius area wine tasting and winery visit
- Hands-on pottery making lesson in Vietri sul Mare
- Learn about mozzarella cheese making at a small farmhouse, followed by a nice lunch based on cheese and pizza
- Special Tammurriata music and dance show
- Transportation along the tour
- Walk About Italy will carry your luggage from hotel to hotel
- 1 local guide for groups smaller than 10 (2 local guides for groups larger than 10 people)
- All taxes
- 6 nights accommodation in hotels
- All breakfasts, five lunches, five dinners
- Vegetarian and vegan options
- Local wine is always included with lunches and dinners.
What's not included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
How to get there
Recommended Airports
NAP
Naples International Airport
5 km
Transfer not provided
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 16.94% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.
131765
Similar Holidays you might like
Why choose Tripaneer.com
Largest Selection
Friendly Customer Service
Offers for every budget
Best Price