Island Hopping in the Bay of Naples Trip Notes
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Current as of: October 22, 2019 - 14:44 Valid for departures: From January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2022 Island Hopping in the Bay of Naples Trip Notes Ways to Travel: Guided Group 8 Days Land only Trip Code: Destinations: Italy Min age: 16 TDE Leisurely / Programmes: Walking & Trekking Moderate Trip Overview Not far off-shore from the Amal Coast, Ischia and Capri have long been the summer playground of the rich and famous. However, away from the yachts, glamorous piazzas and exclusive boutiques, the stunning natural landscape of these islands also offer breath-taking walking opportunities with their great variety of quiet coastal trails, secluded sea coves and pastel-coloured villages. Starting from the blissful Sorrento peninsula, we sail through the blue waters of the gulf, walking on the world-famous Capri and Ischia, plus the island of Procida - one of Italy’s best kept-secrets - and ending in the vibrant Naples. Perfect for rst timers as well as the Amal Coast acionados, this trip is denitely one for the bucket list! At a Glance 7 nights in 3-star hotels, all rooms en suite 8 days land only 4 days walking and 1 free day Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs Low altitude throughout Trip can be combined with TDA: Walking the Amal Coast Trip Highlights Wild nature and azure bays in volcanic Ischia The other face of glamorous Capri Procida, one of Italy's prettiest islands Enjoy a limoncello tasting in Sorrento Is This Trip for You? Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) 4 days walking with low altitude throughout. Similarly to the Amal Coast, the islands of the Gulf of Naples are home to some of the best walks in Europe, with a variety of great coastal trails, deserted beaches and coves and picture-perfect shing villages. The pace of the walks on this trip allows time to rest and enjoy the views, however, the terrain and amount of ascents and descent encountered is similar what you may nd on a moderate walking trip. The terrain and type of path will vary from man-made paved tracks, tarmac to forest trails. The walks usually take between 4 and 6 hours including lunch stops (depending on the pace of your group). Please note that the summer temperatures can make some of the walks more strenuous. Overall, the trip offers a very good balance between backcountry walks and sightseeing in beautiful towns of Italy such as Sorrento, Capri and Naples. The boats used to travel between the islands are normally high speed ferries with good facilities on board. Occasionally, depending on sea conditions and seasonal timetables, slower ferries or private fully licensed boats might be used. Due to the number of transfers included on this itinerary, we recommend packing light and limiting the number of suitcases/rucksacks you travel with. You may nd our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference: https://www.breakaway-adventures.com/Breakaway_wt_fitness_training_guide.pdf Adult min age: 16 Min group size: 4 Max group size: 16 Itinerary Land Only Start City: Massa Lubrense End City: Naples Land Only Itinerary Day 1 Start in Massa Lubrense, at the tip of the Sorrento Peninsula. The trips starts today in the lovely village of Massa Lubrense, our base for the next two nights located right at the tip of the Sorrento Peninsula. Enjoy a warm welcome from local hosts and enjoy a delicious dinner in the hotel's restaurant overlooking the Gulf of Naples. Land only clients can arrive at any time, although we do recommend to join the group at the airport or arrive at the hotel before 8pm. Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Walk to beautiful Sorrento; free time for sightseeing and enjoy a delicious limoncello tasting; return to Massa Lubrense. We start the day with a walk to the beautiful coastal town of Sorrento, hometown of Limoncello, the famous lemon based liqueur. Perched on top of a cliff, the town is known for its sweeping views over the Bay of Naples and its charming and elegant historic centre. There will be some free time to stroll around at our own pace or take a drink in the lively Piazza Tasso, before enjoying a refreshing limoncello tasting (included). In the afternoon we continue our walk back to Massa Lubrense; dinner and overnight in Massa Lubrense. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Distance covered: 10 km / 6.2 miles Altitude gain (m): 600 Altitude loss (m): 500 Day 3 Boat to Capri; free time for optional walk, explore the glamorous town's centre or take a boat tour to explore the island's best swimming spots. In the morning we set off for our sailing adventure in the Gulf of Naples and head to our rst stop: the idyllic island of Capri. Capri's intriguing combination of fabled beauty and hedonism has charmed its visitors for centuries, from Roman Emperors to contemporary Hollywood stars. During our stay we explore beyond the elegant cafes and designer boutiques and get to see the more unspoilt and authentic part of the island. The rest of the day is free with many optional activities: we recommend taking the chairlift up to the top of Monte Solaro to enjoy breathtaking views of the entire Gulf of Naples. In the afternoon explore the island's ower-lled gardens and Roman villas, or take a leisurely boat tour around the island with time for a swim in hidden coves and lesser-known sea grottoes. Don't miss a visit to Capri town, arguably the most chic and glamorous Mediterranean place in Europe! Take a stroll in the pretty town's lanes, and enjoy an Italian aperitivo in the famous "Piazzetta", where everyone comes to see and be seen! Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Walk along the unspoilt western coast of the island and take a boat trip to the iconic Blue Grotto, Capri's most famous sea cave (optional). Today's walk starts from Punta Carena and continues along stunning, rugged coastline following the fortress system built by French and British in the 19th century. We nish at the Blue Grotto, Capri's most famous attraction. An optional boat trip is available for those who want to explore the dark cavern where the sea glows electric blue, the result of sunlight passing through an underwater cave (weather dependent and payable locally); transfer by public bus and overnight in the peaceful residential village of Anacapri. Meals included: Breakfast Distance covered: 10 km / 6.2 miles Altitude gain (m): 350 Altitude loss (m): 350 Day 5 Spectacular walk to discover Capri's rugged nature, caves and stunning view points; late afternoon boat to Ischia. Starting from Capri's iconic 'piazzetta', we walk past colorful villas and owery gardens and reach Grotta di Matromania, a hidden cave tucked into the island's limestone crags and site of ancient pagan worship ceremonies. Later we continue on to Terrazza di Tragara, a spectacular panoramic trail offering postcard views of Capri's iconic Faraglioni and the summit of Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island. In the afternoon we take a hydrofoil to the volcanic island of Ischia, the biggest in the Gulf of Naples and home to some of the prettiest beaches and best hikes of the whole Campania region. Meals included: Breakfast Distance covered: 9 km / 5.6 miles Altitude gain (m): 300 Altitude loss (m): 300 Day 6 Panoramic coastal walk from the colourful harbour to the quaint shing village of Sant'Angelo. Today's walk follows a panoramic coastal trail which, on a clear day, offers stunning views of Naples. After passing through the lovely countryside village of Piano Liguori, surrounded by green vineyards, we reach the picturesque shing village of Sant'Angelo, where we have time for a swim and a visit to the famous Maronti beach. Here jets of steam created by underground volcanic activity rise up through the sand. The sand is so hot in places that locals use specially-made containers to cook food such as chicken or clams underground! Private Transfer to Ischia town. Meals included: Breakfast Distance covered: 12 km / 7 miles Altitude gain (m): 400 Altitude loss (m): 400 Day 7 Optional visit to Castello Aragonese; sail to the pastel-coloured Procida, rated as one of Italy's most beautiful islands; enjoy a short walk and spectacular island views; boat to Naples. In the morning we have some free time to enjoy an optional visit the iconic Aragonese Castle, dating back nearly 2,500 years. We then take a boat to the volcanic Procida, the Bay of Naples’ smallest island and its best-kept secret. Mercifully off the mass-tourist radar, the island's perfect blend of sun-bleached streets, lemon groves and pastel-coloured houses makes it a real joy to the eye and soul. Procida's special charm has also led to it featuring in a number of lms including the classic Il Postino and The Talented Mr Ripley. Our short walk starts from the most picturesque and charming spot on the island: the hamlet of Corricella. After passing through the narrow streets of the village we walk up to the fortied medieval district Terra Murata or ‘walled land’, dominated by its castle from where we enjoy marvellous views. In the afternoon we take a hydrofoil to the colourful city of Naples, where we take a quick orientation tour before enjoying a farewell pizza night in the historic centre; overnight in Naples. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Distance covered: 5 km / 3 miles Altitude gain (m): 150 Altitude loss (m): 150 Day 8 End Naples.