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Walks and Hikes on ’s Coast

Seven great days of ancient trails, food & wine, local life.

2007 Tour Dates April 13 – 20 May 17 – 24 October 14 – 21 November 2 – 9

Four Pages Overview If you like to walk and hike, the is one of the most stunning and complex landscapes in all of Italy to enjoy. Ancient trails and footpaths reach from the sea into this dramatic terrain in all directions. When you leave the bustle of the seaside towns behind you will find lemon groves and wildflowers and cool running streams. There are remnants of ancient towers and old mills that speak of a deep and colorful history. And you will be rewarded with sensational views every step of the way.

If you consider that the Coast’s famous serpentine motorway, the Amalfi Drive, is barely 100 years old you can imagine how important this network of trails and steps has been to the people of this region over many centuries. In fact, walking the Amalfi Coast is the best way to encounter the local people as they go about their daily lives.

Giocondo Cavaliere, your tour leader and expert on all things “Amalfi”, has been walking these trails since he was a child. As a native of one of these cliff- hanging villages Giocondo will immerse you in this world of natural beauty together with its authentic local traditions.

You do not have to be an expert hiker for this trip. If you are an energetic, regular walker, with even a little hiking experience you will be able to enjoy this tour to its fullest. The outings are easy to moderate in difficulty and will be 2 – 4 hours in length. Giocondo will describe each day’s trip before you set off. The only gear you need is a water bottle, sturdy sneakers or lightweight hiking boots and a daypack for a camera or a jacket.

Seven Nights: the first 3 overnights are in the village of Amalfi so that we can take advantage of the trails that start from there. Then on the 4th day we walk the famous “Pathway of the Gods” and arrive in , where we will stay for the rest of the week. Page 2 Cuisine and Wine: We assume you will get very hungry during the week, so to keep up your stamina we have included lunches in country homes, hearty picnics, and gourmet dinners in our favorite spots. We pride ourselves on the unique and authentic culinary experiences we offer on all of our tours.

Other Activities: We’ve also included activities that give your muscles a rest, such as a nature cruise along the magnificent coastline, and a day on the island of Capri, and there is some free time for you to do a little shopping and exploring on your own.

We can’t wait to see you here on Italy’s “Divine” Coast. Come along with Amalfi Life and be part of the local life.

Highlights - Along the river in the Valle dei Mulini - From Amalfi to and a poolside picnic - Furore to Positano on the Pathway of the Gods - Private nature cruise along the coast - Glorious food and wine

Itinerary

Day One Getting Acquainted with Amalfi Upon your arrival in Naples we will provide a private transfer to the charming hotel in Amalfi Village where you will stay the first 3 nights. There will be time to unpack, relax, and marvel at the spectacular surroundings. Late Afternoon - Giocondo will give an orientation tour of the village followed by a warm-up hike to the old Cappuccini Convent overlooking the sea. Dinner at the seaside in Amalfi.

Day Two Valley of the Old Mills This morning we will hike a well-loved trail known as the Valle dei Mulini, the Valley of the Mills. It follows the river of Amalfi into the mountain pass behind and up to the small village of Pontone. It has a pleasantly remote feeling even though it is only a mile and a half from the village center. Along the way you will see the remnants of the mills that were once Amalfi’s paper-making industry. Lunch is at a charming country Inn with a special view. We will return to Amalfi through the Valle so that you can see the wonderful, ever-changing vistas before you. Free time and then Dinner. Page 3 Day Three to Ravello The village of Ravello sits on a dramatic limestone promontory of pinewoods and wildflowers over 1000 feet above the sea. The ascent is a succession of concrete steps, narrow wooded paths, and viewpoints all along the way. From Amalfi we start by walking to Atrani, a little non-touristy gem reached by taking one of the original paths between the villages. Our destination is the in Ravello, where we will have lunch by the pool and a leisurely tour of its English gardens. Ravello itself is quite charming and has been made famous by its summer music festival. We will have a tour of the village and a chance to visit a ceramic factory. Late afternoon free time and then Dinner together.

Day Four Sentiero degli Dei to Positano Today will be the longest outing of the week. We begin with a ride up the exhilarating road of hairpin turns to the town of , the high plateau 2,000 feet above the coast. From here we walk along the ridgeline of the Pathway (Sentiero) of the Gods passing into the deep gorge of the village of Furore. Furore is a “painted village” with colorful murals by Italian artists on the sides of the picturesque homesteads; an old community noted for its farms and terraced vineyards. After sensational views over and we reach the tiny village of Nocelle at one of the highest points of the Lattari Mountains. An imposing flight of well-constructed steps brings us down the mountainside to Positano and the end of a remarkable day. We arrive at our hotel in Positano and have dinner together.

Day Five Island of Capri Today we rest our hiking muscles and visit the legendary island of Capri. This is a day for you to explore the island on your own. There is much to enjoy, including the Blue Grotto, the charming towns of Anacapri and Capri, and of course, the shopping. The vistas are amazing and if you must, you can do a little hiking. Capri has several interesting walks and hikes that reveal its particular history and geology. Lunch and Dinner on your own (with our suggestions).

Day Six Positano to Santa Maria del Castello This morning we enjoy a vigorous hike to the old church of Santa Maria del Castello at 1700 feet above Positano. It is a 2 hour ascent on a well-built path that affords tremendous views. Lunch at the restaurant at the top. Return to Positano in mid- afternoon. Dinner together.

Day Seven Nature Cruise and Emerald Grotto Today we have a private cruise along this magnificent coastline in a traditional wooden boat. We will explore the caves and grottos of the seascape and have lunch on the beach. Free time in the afternoon and then a Farewell Dinner in the village of Montepertuso with a last dizzying look over the spectacular view.

Morning of the Eighth Day – Depart Page 4 HOTELS

3 nights - Hotel Luna Convento, Amalfi www.lunahotel.it 4 nights – Hotel Palazzo Murat, Positano www.palazzomurat.it

If we must use alternate hotels we assure you of similar quality.

Group Size Around 12

Tour Costs, Inclusions/Exclusions 2007 Dates April 13 - 20, May 17 - 24 Oct. 14 - 21, Nov. 2 - 9

Costs $2870 per person in double occupancy Single supplement $450

Inclusions

• 5 lunches, 6 dinners • Lunch and Dinner include wine, soft drinks, coffee • Roundtrip transfers from Naples Airport or Train Station on the start and end dates of the tour • 7 nights accommodation • Breakfast daily • Entrance Fees as specified in itinerary • Guide Services as specified in itinerary • Gratuities

Exclusions

• Airfare (We can arrange) • Travel Insurance (Strongly advised) • Premium wine, beer, and liquors ordered on your own • Room Service, Laundry, Valet Service • Telephone expenses • Passport or Visa fees • Transfers to Amalfi other than on start or end date

For Information or to Reserve

Call Laurie Howell at 718 797 9300 ext 1 Or send an email to [email protected]