A Week in Amalfi - 8 days from £699

Accommodation

Hotel la Bussola (3-star)
4 nights’ half board, 3 nights' bed and breakfast. Situated on the seafront overlooking Amalfi’s port. All twin rooms have a balcony and side sea view. This hotel offers a bar, restaurant, lounge and roof garden. Rooms have airconditioning (mid June – mid September) and rooms with front sea views are available for a supplement.

Hotel Marina Riviera (4-star)
7 nights’ bed and breakfast. The hotel is situated in the centre of Amalfi overlooking the beach. All guest rooms have a sea view, air-conditioning, TV, phone, minibar, hairdryer and safe. There are indoor and outdoor lounges and a pool. English newspapers, tea and complimentary Internet are provided.

Hotel Miramalfi (4-star)
7 nights’ half board. This hotel is set in a stunning position and boasts magnificent views of Amalfi and the coastline. Take the lift to the swimming pool, spectacularly cut into the rocks just above the sea. Other facilities include a bar, lounge and restaurant. All rooms are sea facing with air-conditioning and a terrace or balcony. A 10-minute steep walk downhill brings you to the centre of Amalfi. The pool and shuttle service are available from 1 May to 31 October.

Itinerary

Day 1: UK/Naples

Journey along the stunning coastline from Naples to Amalfi and your choice of hotel for a seven-night stay.

Days 2 - 7: The Amalfi Coast

Visit Amalfi and you’ll soon see why it was such a popular holiday destination for Edwardian Britons. Set in a chasm between towering cliffs, Amalfi is a truly charming town. At its heart is the main square, overlooked by a striking cathedral topped by a tiled cupola. It’s one of the town’s main attractions and is fascinating to explore. Or how about taking a gentle stroll along the cobbled lanes to sample delicious home-grown red chillies. They’re a flavour-filled treat, especially when washed down with a splash of locally produced limoncello. Alternatively, simply sit and watch the world go by, Amalfi style, from one of the pavement cafés that line the central square.

You will have plenty of time to explore Amalfi and the surrounding areas at your own pace. Perhaps stroll around the sophisticated town, take time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the culture and enjoy the local restaurants and cafés - the choice is yours. Included with your holiday is an excursion to the charming town of Ravello. Furthermore you can see as much, or as little, of the region as you wish by joining some, or all, of the enticing optional excursions we have carefully put together. The optional tours detailed below are either full or half-day tours, they are designed to ensure that you see the very best of this wonderful region while always having the options to tailor the holiday to suit your desires.

While in Amalfi, those staying at Hotel la Bussola will enjoy dinner in your hotel restaurant on four nights. Then on the remaining three nights you’re free to choose where you eat, dining in any of the local restaurants.

Ravello

One of the Amalfi Coast’s most enduring images has to be the view from Ravello, set high in the hills above the sea. Join your Tour Manager on a journey along the precipitous roads to Ravello, where you can stroll through the charming streets to the glorious gardens of Villa Cimbrone. Then why not feast your eyes on the lush floral landscapes and unparalleled coastal views of Villa Rufolo. The villa and its gardens so enamoured Wagner that he was inspired to base part of his opera Parsifal here.

Throughout your holiday, your Tour Manager is on hand to assist in your discoveries of this beautiful stretch of coastline. Why not join them to uncover the myriad of delights on offer.

Capri (full day)

It’s just a short boat journey across the Bay of Naples to enchanting Capri, but you could be stepping into a whole new world as you land on this island that’s famous as a playground for the rich and famous. Wander around the village of Capri’s designer boutiques before journeying along the narrow, winding roads up to neighbouring Anacapri, passing through olive groves and vineyards that give a taste of the island’s traditional heart. For spectacular views, nowhere on the island can quite compete with Villa San Michele.

Pompeii and Sorrento (full day)

Any school child should be able to tell you the story of the tragic city of Pompeii, shrouded in ash when Vesuvius erupted in 79AD, but nothing can quite prepare you for the scale of the city when you visit in person. Meander along streets permanently scarred by the constant passing of chariots. Marvel that the secrets of this lost city are still being uncovered more than two millennia after its destruction. From Pompeii, journey on to the delightful resort of Sorrento, stood atop 150ft cliffs and boasting spectacular views across the Bay of Naples.

Boat trip to Positano (half day)

Take to the water to admire the jaw-dropping coastline from a different perspective as you visit the picturesque resort of Positano. The approach to this pretty town can only hint at the treasures it holds, with pastel-coloured houses that seem to be stacked on top of each other tempting you to explore its streets.

Paestum and mozzarella tasting (three-quarter day)

Founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC, Paestum was an expression of power and the three massive Doric temples couldn’t be more of a status symbol. Even though the temples are in ruins their power can still be felt today. Take a stroll around Paestum’s museum, where tomb paintings, sculptures and a wealth of other findings discovered in the ruins of the ancient city are arranged in beautiful displays. You will also have the opportunity to sample some of the finest, freshly-made, mozzarella.

Herculaneum (half day)

Smothered by the same eruption that destroyed Pompeii, Herculaneum is actually better preserved than its more famous counterpart. Painstakingly excavated, your tour will reveal ornately decorated houses and give a fascinating insight into the daily life of the town’s wealthy former inhabitants.

Day 8: Naples/UK

It’s time to leave the stunning Amalfi Coast and return home.