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Cilento and the Amalfi Coast
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A Group holiday exploring the Cilento National Park and the beautiful Amalfi coast of southern Italy including Vesuvius. |
Ref: EX-DIM
15 days
from £1059 (minimum 1 passengers)
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Destination:
Italy
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Go Back
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A Fortnight's holiday exploring one of the most beautiful parts of Italy; the deserted trails of the Cilento National Park and the dramatic Amalfi coast
Highlights include visits to Pompeii, Paestum & Velia - Beautiful coastal walks - Visit to Vesuvius - Naples - Cilento National Park.
The region of Campania marks the real beginnings of southern Italy. It has been a sought-after place since Roman times when it was tagged the Campania Felix or ‘happy land’. There is the great city of Naples, beautiful countryside, Roman sites, and small islands and of course, stretches of spectacular coast. On the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast is probably one of Europe’s well-known and most dramatic stretches of coastline, with its towering cliffs and picturesque coves. South of Salerno and immediately south of Paestum the coastline bulges out into an expanse of mountainous landmass known as Cilento, now a National Park with World Heritage listing.
The Cilento coast is dotted with quaint fishing villages and watchtowers and has a wild kind of beauty; wide sandy beaches, backed by rocky ridges, are set between picturesque inlets, richly scented pinewoods and centuries-old olive trees growing down to the shore. Inland Cilento is largely undisturbed by the 21st century. There are mediaeval villages whose inhabitants are still wedded to a fairly traditional way of life and mountain paths which lead among olive groves and woods, alternating with steep cliffs, deep valleys and woodland glades.
The Amalfi Coast has a long tradition as one of the premier tourist destinations in Italy. The best coastal scenery is around the popular resorts of Positano, Praiano and Amalfi, but the inland area is virtually undiscovered by the average tourist. The hills rise steeply up to the Agerola plain, reached only by a tangle of winding roads and ancient pathways that discourage less adventurous travellers. There is a great contrast between the hustle and bustle of the main resorts and the pace and style of life up on the Agerola plain.
There are two free days when the leader does not organise a guided trip. The choice of optional excursions includes; horse riding, day trip by train to Rome, a boat trip to Capri . - the beautiful island off the tip of the Sorrento Peninsula, more Roman remains at Herculaneum or alternatively you may wish to spend the day relaxing at the hotel or on the beach. Is this trip for you? The day walks are all optional and the biggest ascent is about 350m. There are, however, some steep paths to the coast involving descent of many steps. On average expect to walk for about 4 - 5 hours on the 6 daywalks on paths that are never rough for long stretches. A few of the coastal paths are close to the cliff edge but are generally enjoyed by all except severe vertigo sufferers The excursions involve sightseeing on foot.
For the first week we stay at Hotel Il Porto in Marina di Casalvelino. Il Porto is a small seafront hotel with a 3 star rating, located just 100m from the beach. Close at hand are bars, cafes and shops but please note that in high summer season this small resort gets quite busy and a little noisy at times The hotel is run by Rosa Maria and has its own quirky charm. In San Lazzaro we stay at The Risorgimento, a family run hotel with plenty of character and panoramic views over the Agerola plain to the coast. In contrast this is a quiet undeveloped location with little in the way of facilities outside of the hotel, just those you would expect in a small rural community. Twin and single rooms are available in both hotels, all with en-suite facilities.
We have 3 dinners at the Hotel Il Porto which include regional and rural specialities with a strong emphasis on seafood - the locally produced sausage is also a favourite. During each week 3 dinners are taken in local restaurants, giving the opportunity to sample more of the regional dishes. 3 dinners are taken in the Risorgimento in San Lassaro - the hotel prides itself on its food and it produces some excellent dishes. The food is influenced by its locality and the flavours and styles of Naples are common here: pizza, pasta covered in a rich sauce and local mozzarella are mixed with fresh seafood, vegetables and some wonderful pastries to give this area its own unique style. All breakfast are taken at the hotels. Typically breakfast is continental in style, with various extras to the coffee, tea, bread, jam and honey. Packed lunches consist of bread, cheese/cold meat/tinned fish, and fresh fruit. Vegetarian choices are always available. |
Day 1 | Depart London for the flight to Naples. On arrival we drive by minibus or coach to our base at San Marco di Castellabate, a small resort town on the coast. The journey takes about two and a half hours. Those booking land-only arrangements should join us in the early evening at Hotel Antonietta in San Marco di Castellabate. | Day 2 | During the six full days in the Cilento we plan three daywalks, two days of organised visits and one free day. The order of activities is left flexible so that the leader can adjust the programme to best suit weather conditions, opening times, etc. The sightseeing excursions include a day visiting the ruins of the Greek city of Velia, with plenty of time for the site and a walk on the beach. The day taking in the ruins of Paestum focuses on the site and museum before visiting the old town of Agropoli, guarded by its ancient castle. The walking routes venture through the 'maquis', a mass of flowers and herbs on the slopes of Monte Stella. The walks vary from 3½ to 6 hours with the biggest ascent and descent being 350m in the day with only a few steep sections. The routes pass through historic villages, forest of wild cherry, hazelnut and chestnut and have some fantastic views along the coast. On the free day a trip to Rome by train is possible or just relax on the beach and explore the town. | Day 3 | As above | Day 4 | As above | Day 5 | As above | Day 6 | As above | Day 7 | As above | Day 8 | Travel to San Lazzaro on the Agerola plain above Amalfi, going via Salerno to look at the impressive cathedral. | Day 9 | Based in the village of San Lazzaro we have good access to a network of minor roads, mule tracks and pathways linking towns, villages and terraced mountainsides. We have three days walking on mule tracks sometimes to the coast to see some of the coastal towns and two daylong excursions to Naples and Pompeii and Vesuvius. A visit to the Bay of Naples would not be complete without seeing the incredible Roman city engulfed when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. The day walks are optional and the biggest ascent is about 300m. However, some steep paths to the coast do involve descent of many steps. On average expect to walk for about 5 hours. The routes offer unparalleled views of the Amalfi Peninsula, taking us through hillside villages, lemon groves, gorges and along coastal tracks. One free day is scheduled for relaxation or optional trips. Please note a few of the coastal paths are close to the cliff edge but are generally enjoyed by all except severe vertigo sufferers. | Day 10 | As above. | Day 11 | As above. | Day 12 | As above. | Day 13 | As above. | Day 14 | As above. | Day 15 | Return from San Lazzaro to Naples for the flight to London. Those with land-only arrangements end the trip in San Lazzaro. |
Departures Between | Price from | 03 Oct 04 | *£1059 | | *Prices subject to confirmation |
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FLIGHT INCLUSIVE PRICE
Local payment €210 (approx. £150)
Single room supplement £125
Insurance £33
This holiday is operated by Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582.
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Cilento and the Amalfi Coast
A Group holiday exploring the Cilento National Park and the beautiful Amalfi coast of southern Italy including Vesuvius.
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