Tha Amalfi Coast is one of the most stunning areas in Italy. Surrounded by rugged mountains, the area is known for its craggy shore framing the deep blue of the Mediterranean, the candy-colored houses that cling to the steep hillsides, its utterly charming villages, its sense of isolation, and its delightful climate. Our hiking trip leads us between century old olive trees, crystal clear sea, Roman temples and medieval watch towers. Capri and the Amalfi coast have long lured world travellers and poets have celebrated their beauties in many a poem.

May 8– Meet in Rome If your flight arrives in the morning, you can choose to join your guide seeing some of Rome’s famous sights or explore on your own. Regardless of when you get here, we’ll meet at our hotel in Rome in late afternoon to start getting acquainted before going out for our first dinner together. We’ll have an early evening so that those of us with jet lag can get to bed early. Overnight Hotel San Giusto in Rome (D).

May 9 – Roma/Paestum This morning we take advantage of the excellent Italian train system with a 3.5 hour train ride to Paestum. After lunch we'll spend the afternoon visiting the impressive Greek temples whose stone turns golden in the setting sun. While this is theoretically a non-hiking day, our exploration of the archaeological site requires at least 2 hours of walking. We will also visit the museum, considered an absolute must because of the superb Roman frescoes. Overnight Villa Rita (B, L, D).

May 10 – Paestum/ Castellabbate/Paestum (8.7 miles – 4 hours). – We'll start our day with a visit to a mozzarella factory, savoring this delicious cheese while it is still warm. After transferring to Agropoli, we'll have a chance to visit the town with its medieval centre and the castle before starting our walking tour at its small harbour. We walk around "Punta Tresina" with amazing views of the coast. We'll stop for a wine tasting/light lunch at a local producer. Our hike ends in Castellabate Marina, a classic fishing village, with white sand beaches and lovely people. We then transfer back to Paestum for a second night. Overnight Villa Rita. (B, L, D).

May 11- Paestum /Amalfi/Ravello We'll catch the boat from Salerno to Amalfi and our arrival by sea is sure to be a highlight. We walk to the hotel where we leave our luggage and then start a 2 hour uphill hike to the enchanting town of Ravello. Ravello is called the balcony of the “Costiera “ because of the amazing views we can enjoy from there. This small, somewhat sleepy village is a lovely oasis of quiet in the sometimes overly busy Amalfi coast, with lovely gardens, nice little squares and cobbled back alleys. Our two 2 hour descent via the town of Atrani, walking among lemon groves facing the sea, takes us back to Amalfi for supper and the night. Overnight Hotel Fontana (B, D)

May 12– Amalfi/Positano/Amalfi In the morning we'll catch a bus from Amalfi to the start of today's trail. Our 4.5 hour hike is mostly downhill, but with a few ups and downs. Our trail is rightly called the “Sentiero Degli Dei”, the gods' walk, because of the incredible views and the luscious vegetation. We reach the shore close to Positano and spend some time in this world-famous little town. Shopping is a feast! We head back by boat to Amalfi, first stopping for what will become a delightful habit: savouring an ice cream at a cafè table while watching the colourful stream of people strolling around. Again, the view of the colourful houses cascading down from the steep hill into a dark blue sea is just magnificent. Overnight Hotel Fontana (B, L, D)

May 13 - Amalfi/Capri Capri of course is a must! And amazingly the centre of both Capri and Anacapri are surprisingly uncrowded. We'll catch the boat to this little corner of Paradise, and walk for about 3 hours to one of the Roman villas. We'll have plenty of time to enjoy the shops, the boutiques, and cafes. Overnight Hotel La Residenza (B, D)

May 14 - Capri We'll spend a second night on thie beautiful island of Capri and enjoy a beautiful loop hike from Anacapri. We'll take the cable car to a ridgetop and then walk the ridge along the cliffs. On one side there are pine trees and mellow pastures, and on the other a sheer drop of at least 900 feet down to the bluest sea . An amazing experience (and yes, it is safe)! Overnight Hotel La Residenza (B, L, D)

May 15 - Capri /Pompeii/ Roma. This morning we catch the boat to Sorrento and then continue to Pompeii. Pompeii was covered by ash when the volcano Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, lying buried for 1700 years. Its rediscovery and subsequent excavation has provided a detailed look into life in a typical city at the height of the Roman Empire. We'll spend much of the day exploring the ruins of this world famous archeological site. Although we're not hiking today, you will find it is as tiring as a whole day trekking! After our tour is finished we'll return to Rome and celebrate the end of our trip with a final farewell dinner. Overnight Hotel San Giusto(B, D)

May 16- The trip officially ends this morning. If you can, spend the day relaxing and then joining us for our Treasures of Tuscany trip, an exploration of a completely different type of Rome. Or, if you must, fly home from the Rome airport. (B)