Italy: Sailing and Walking on the Amalfi Coast

Sailing & Walking on the Amalfi Coast

Amalfi, Sorrento, Capri, the Gulf of Naples and Pompeii – names that evoke classic images of Italy’s cultural heritage and the pleasures of ‘La Dolce Vita’ – and there is no more elegant and comfortable way to explore the coast and islands than by private boat.

We have chartered a fully crewed traditional caique, built in mahogany, for our week’s visit - 24 m/80 ft overall, with 5 double/twin cabins for guests, all with modern en suite facilities. The chef prepares deliciously authentic Italian meals; we go ashore for short scenic walks each day; and special highlights include guided visits to Ravello, Pompeii and the Walton gardens on the island of Ischia.

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1

D included

After meeting at Naples airport in the afternoon, a short road transfer along the coast brings us to the marina to board our yacht and meet the captain and crew over a glass of prosecco.

DAY 2

B, L, D included

We enjoy breakfast on deck before setting sail towards Sorrento where we moor and go ashore to see the collections of Count Correale in their centuries-old family mansion. On foot, we follow a cobbled track through olive groves down to the ruins of the Roman Villa di Pollio on the Sorrento peninsula and have a simple picnic above the sea. Returning to the boat, we enjoy views of Positano as we travel along the spectacular Amalfi coastline and reach the port of Amalfi in time for an aperitivo at sunset.

DAY 3

B, L, D included

A morning’s circular walk takes us along the riverside path still used by mules to carry wood to paper mills established in the 13C (mainly now in romantic ruins) and we visit the Museum of Paper before lunch. In the afternoon we explore Amalfi town, seeing the 11C Duomo (where St Andrew is buried) and the Arsenal on the waterfront dating from the Amalfi Republic’s period of naval supremacy, and have time to relax on board.

DAY 4

B, L, D included

We travel by road (local bus) up to nearby Ravello, stunningly situated at 300 m above the sea, and visit the Romanesque Cathedral of St Pantaleone and the gardens of the Villas Cimbrone and Rufolo, whose melange of Arabic, Sicilian and Norman architectural styles proved inspirational to Wagner. We follow a track through olive groves and vineyards, then steep steps through lemon groves back down to Amalfi where we board our boat, have time to swim, then sail to the island of Capri.

DAY 5

B, L, D included

From our mooring in a quiet bay near Marina Piccola we take the tender ashore and travel by taxi up to the enchanting Villa San Michele (former home of Axel Munthe). From the famously picturesque ‘piazzetta’ of Capri we walk through narrow lanes to visit the early 20C villa built by the raffish Baron Fersen. As we continue by boat to the island of Ischia, there is a wonderful panorama of the Bay of Naples dominated by Vesuvius.

DAY 6

B, L, D included

This morning we travel by taxi to La Mortella on the northwest coast of the island of Ischia to visit the unique gardens established by Lady Susana Walton, the Argentinian wife of the composer Sir William Walton. First laid out in 1951, the gardens are full of tropical and sub-tropical rarities and some enchanting water features. After lunch – perhaps a genuine Neapolitan pizza - we have time to swim from the beach and explore the fishing village of Sant’Angelo. We have a wine tasting of local island wines in a village enoteca before dinner.

DAY 7

B, L, D included

We travel by boat round to the north east of Ischia and go ashore to visit the imposing Aragonese castle before we set sail for the quiet small island of Procida, renowned as the setting for the classic Italian film ‘Il Postino’. We go ashore for a seafood pasta lunch on the harbour and visit the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo before a final voyage back to Stabia marina and a farewell dinner of Campanian specialities on board.

DAY 8

B, L included

Bidding farewell to the crew, we have a private transfer to Pompeii and a private guided visit to this famously well-preserved archaeological site before lunch, then continue to Naples airport for flights home.

The published itinerary is subject to alteration if weather and sea conditions make it necessary. The captain’s decision as to the most appropriate routing for the safety (and comfort) of the yacht, guests and crew is at all times definitive.

Please note that most of the time the boat is under motor rather than sail and this is not a sailing trip as such, rather a way to visit various islands by boat.

Price includes:

All accommodation for Days 1 through 8 on a twin shared basis

All meals (with wine at lunches and dinners) as listed in the daily notation

All sea and land transportation as described

All entrance and sightseeing fees except during free periods

Gratuities for boat crew

Visa and Health Requirements

Visitors from the EU and the US currently require a valid passport, but not a visa, for entry to Italy. If you are a national of any other country, please check visa regulations with your nearest Embassy of Italy.

At present there are no specific and compulsory health requirements for entry to Italy. Residents of countries in the EU can only claim free (emergency) medical treatment in Italy by presenting their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which is issued in the UK by the Department of Health. You may also wish to check the advice given to travellers by the FCO.

Insurance

It is essential, and a condition of booking, that you protect yourself with a suitable travel insurance policy as soon as you book a trip. Follow this link for a quote for a policy available to UK residents.

If you are already insured or a non-UK resident, please inform us of your policy at the time of booking.