Pompeii, Ravello, and Spectacular Coastal Hikes
Hiking Amalfi and Capri
Overview
The steep Amalfi Coast has long been exalted as one of the most inspiring landscapes in all Europe, and across the Bay of Naples lies enticing Capri, soaring out of azure seas. We’ll link these two realms with moderate hikes, cultural encounters, and superb meals. One hike brings us from clifftop Ravello to the iconic coastal village of Positano, and on craggy Capri, we follow a rocky path to the top of the island. Back on the mainland, we hike across lemon groves in the Sorrento Hills, then walk along the crater rim of Mt. Vesuvius. Between hikes, we’ll watch mozzarella di bufala being made, visit an olive farm, and explore the haunting ruins of Pompeii.
Arrive: Naples, Italy
Depart: Naples, Italy
Highlights
- Hike the spectacular Sentiero degli Dei trail high above the Amalfi Coast
- Visit top-of-the-world Ravello and picturesque Positano
- Stay two nights on magnificent Capri—enjoy the island after the day-trippers have gone!
- Explore mysterious Mt. Vesuvius, ancient Pompeii, and the temples at Paestum
- Sample Amalfi's fresh seafood, Neapolitan cuisine, and wine from the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius
Itinerary
After a pizza lunch in the colorful city where it was invented, we stroll in the Roman city of Pompeii, buried in ash yet remarkably preserved when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. We’ll explore Paestum, home to three of the best preserved Doric temples in the world, then hike up a steep coastal trail to ravishing Ravello, with its incredible perch 1,200 feet above the sea. This elegant town has appealed to writers, artists, and musicians for centuries. Another panoramic hike brings us down to the seaside town of Amalfi by way of the little hamlets of Scala, Minuta, and Pontone, all perched in beautiful settings along the coast.
We hike the high trail known as the Sentiero degli Dei (“Path of the Gods”) from Agerola to Positano—it’s one of the finest walks on the Amalfi Coast. Our trail leads through fields of wildflowers, past ancient stone huts, and across precipitous terraced hillsides and narrow ledges overlooking the sea. After a visit to Positano, one of the most photogenic towns on the Amalfi Coast, we ferry out to Capri. Roman ruins, high trails with sweeping views, and stone-paved lanes fragrant with lacy swaths of wisteria characterize this craggy island. One of our hikes here leads along narrow lanes to imperial Roman villas and up Mt. Solaro for views of the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius. The ferry brings us to sunny Sorrento, with its old town high on a sea cliff, for a visit to an olive farm and a hike through fragrant lemon and walnut groves.
Our last hike takes us along the brooding rim of Vesuvius. From the rim, we’ll have exquisite views of the coast and we can peer down into the steaming abyss of the caldera. The ash produces rich soil for local vineyards, and we’ll enjoy lunch at a winery on the volcano’s slopes. Depart on Day 9 via Naples.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated a Level 3+, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. You will need to be comfortable hiking 6.5 miles a day, being on your feet for up to 4 hours a day, and hiking on uneven surfaces including downhill over loose scree. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.
Average Hiking Day
Review Trip Level Details
Average Hiking Day
- 3-4 miles
- 3 hours
- 600-700 feet gain/loss
- Day 6: 3 miles, 2.5 hours, 1,250 feet gain, and 50 feet loss; includes a short scramble
Our hikes take place in a variety of terrains and include hilly countryside walks, scrambles over limestone and lava rock, ancient stone paths in town, and forest trails. There are very steep sections of stone staircases that can be hard on the knees, and slippery when it's been raining. Hiking poles are highly recommended. Many of the trails are on rocky and uneven ground, so it is important that you have proper hiking footwear that is comfortable and has good traction. Hiking in this part of Italy brings you face to face with the delicate balance between urbanization and unspoiled nature.
The weather in Amalfi and Capri in late spring and early fall is usually very pleasant, with temperatures between 70°F and 80°F during the day and 50°F and 60°F at night. Cool breezes and showers can occur at any time.
We spend one night in a restored 18th century agriturismo (historic farmhouse). While it is rustic, it is charming and comfortable and chosen for its proximity to the ruins of Paestum. All the other nights are in comfortable 3- and 4-star hotels. Since our accommodations are often in historic buildings, the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Single rooms can be requested but are not always available, due to the limited space in the hotels. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.
We have most of our meals in charming local restaurants. We savor Amalfi's fresh-caught seafood, Neapolitan cuisine, and wine from the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 pm.
Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need for the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day).
Client Testimonials
"Great food, good leaders, good time!"
Anthony C.
Holland, PA
"One of our best trips ever. The group, hikes, food, hotels, trip leader, and trip design were outstanding."
Bill B.
Morris Plains, NJ
"A lovely way to experience this part of Italy. We very much appreciated the variety of walks and other experiences."
Brady M.
Friendswood, TX
"A great balance among hiking time, sightseeing historical sites, museums, tours, eating!"
Carmen D.
Daly City, CA
"This was the trip of my lifetime. I have been home for one week and I can't stop smiling remembering my trip to Italy while being in the good care of JoAnn, Andrea, and Zuzana! Way to go, Wilderness Travel, for employing such a great team of trip leaders."
Carole B.
Alta Loma, CA
"The Trip Leaders, the venues, special off-the-beaten path restaurants—it was all wonderful. There were so many experiences that had that WT touch."
Cathie B.
Madison, WI
"This trip was pure happiness every day, no glitches, superior service, and a true adventure."
Chris R.
West Chester, PA
"Wonderful hikes overlooking the seascapes of the area. The food matched the landscape and was fabulous."
Debbie O.
Franklin, TN
"Unbelievable! My husband did not want to go on group trip but he enjoyed every minute! We could never have experienced any of this without our Trip Leader and his expertise. I rate this trip a 10+++++!"
Denise M.
Colorado Springs, CO
"We had such a wonderful trip! The guides were outstanding. They shared so much information, adapted the trip due to warm weather, which we greatly appreciated, and were so supportive, positive, fun, and they took care of myriad details that made it so easy for the rest of us. We saw so many things, and learned a lot. The hikes were challenging but we were able to complete them and the guides made sure we had plenty of water and snacks. The food—wow on that too. Amazing. We never would have experienced this without Wilderness Travel. Grazie Mille for a trip that we will remember forever."
Dianne D.
Union City, CA
"Accommodations were bellismo, and the food was beyond delicious. Beautiful hikes and informative, interesting activities. I didn't want the trip to end."
Donna K.
Hellertown, PA
"This is a wonderful trip in a beautiful part of the world. Trip leaders did everything to help us understand and appreciate the amazing history, culture, economic basis, and natural sights."
Edie H.
Olympia, WA
"One of our best Wilderness Travel trips!"
Eugene H.
Wilmington, NC
"You can tell the itinerary was well-honed over many years. Good balance of hiking vs non-hiking—the non-hiking parts, such as museums and local guides, were well worth it."
Glenn V.
Flemington, NJ
"This is truly a wonderful trip. We saw and did things I would have never been able to do on my own."
Joan J.
Chicago, IL
"This trip was a real highlight for me. I had never done this type of trip before and I cannot wait to do another. The hiking and eating were phenomenal, augmented by the caring and knowledgeable leaders. We also had the perfect mix of participants. We all got along very well and we had way too much fun!"
Julie B.
Great Falls, MT
"This was my first trip with WT and it will not be my last. WT does an excellent job in all aspects of trip planning and execution... I can't wait to plan the next one."
Karen H.
Fairfax, VA
"This was a fabulous trip. A perfect combination of culture, hiking and joie de vivre. We did an incredible amount in one week. Our group jelled instantly and was easy-going and enthusiastic so that made it even more enjoyable"
Lucy H.
Bethesda, MD
"The trip met all my expectations—moderate hikes with fantastic scenery, fun cultural experiences, outstanding food, and superb trip leaders."
Lucy H.
Sunset Valley, TX
"The itinerary was terrific. We avoided touristy spots while still seeing everything we wanted to see."
Lynne R.
New York, NY
"Can't wait to do another trip! We loved it."
Mary H.
Petaluma, CA
"I would recommend this trip to friends and do it again without hesitation. Well done!"
Neal F.
Incline Village, NV
"Magical from start to finish. One of the other trip members had been on eight WT trips, and we can understand why. Stunning scenery, great local guides, and Trip Leaders who are thoroughly knowledgeable about the area, take care of every detail, and who must be “chemists” to so effectively meld a group of strangers into a team of supportive friends."
Niles and Linda B.
Madison, WI
"Loved everything about this trip. It's perfect; don't change it. We have three WT trips booked for next year, and are getting ready to book a fourth!"
Pam M.
Louisville, KY
"This was the best trip I have ever been on! I loved the mix of culture, hiking, and the amazing food. The guides were fantastic—they took great care of us and made sure we had a good experience. It was so nice to have everything taken care and not have to think or worry about a thing."
Pam W.
Dallas, TX
"Beautiful country with varying itinerary that held balance between great hikes, good food, and ancient history. Loved it!"
Robin H.
Charlotte, NC
"This was a wonderfully planned and executed trip. We saw grand things, the specialist guides were interesting, the hotels were charming, and the food was marvelous. The group got along famously and everybody had a very good time. I heard nothing but delight!"
Robin T.
Mill River, MA
"This was one of the most spectacular trips we have ever taken. The guides were all just terrific and the local site guides were just top rate. We were blown away by the excellent planning and execution of a very complicated itinerary!"
Rose C.
Charlottesville, VA
"This trip really gave us a chance to see the Amalfi Coast in a way we would never have been able to on our own."
Sherry R.
Bridgeville, PA
"Hikes with incredible views, great food—a perfect combination of exercise in the outdoors, culture, and history. Great trip!"
Steven S.
Ellicott City, MD
"The meals were incredible—I have never eaten so well. It was such a fun trip!"
Susan L.
Brooklyn, NY
"One of my favorite trips. The scenery was spectacular, accomodations and food first-rate, and JoAnn, a great guide!"
Suzanne W.
Weybridge, VT
"This trip was wonderful and structured so well. Every day was planned and timed perfectly, providing lots of exciting activities mixed with the right amount of down time and individual exploration. A really wonderful itinerary and trip all around! The hotels were all beautiful and comfortable and every restaurant we went to was delicious and treated us like old friends!"
Tessa K.
New York, NY
"The trip was a wonderful adventure and created a fantastic lifetime memory for our honeymoon."
Tim B.
Danville, CA
"Well organized and executed, with a great mix of hiking and cultural experiences. The food was awesome. The group melded very well and we had an excellent time!"
Tonya P.
Marion, IA
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.