About the Amalfi Coast Expedition
At a glance...
Country: Italy
Group size: Minimum four (4), maximum fifteen (15)
Duration: 10 days/ 9 nights
Activity: Hiking and sightseeing
Travel style: Guided
Difficulty grade: Moderate
Comfort: 4* hotels
Price: Based on double occupancy. See booking page for single supplement upgrade.
Experience the heart of Southern Italy with our unique itinerary, the Amalfi Coast Expedition. This journey — a combination of hiking and sightseeing — will take you from the Bay of Naples to the island of Sicily, and will immerse you in Italy’s incredible history, breathtaking natural beauty, and diverse landscapes. Marvel at the iconic Amalfi Coast, with its charming towns of Amalfi and Positano, then explore Sicily’s lush scenery and storied cities. Enjoy authentic regional cuisine and experience Italy’s renowned warm hospitality at every stop.
As part of the 10-day/9-night itinerary, you will spend a day exploring the wonders of Pompeii, where ancient streets and preserved ruins reveal the fascinating daily life of a Roman city frozen in time. Wander through remarkably intact homes, temples, and public baths as your guide provides a narrative of Pompeii’s rich history and the tragic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Then, set off on a scenic hike to the summit of Vesuvius itself. This moderately challenging trek offers unforgettable views over the Bay of Naples and an up-close look at the volcano’s still-active crater. Standing atop Vesuvius, you’ll gain a profound appreciation for the powerful forces that shaped this landscape and the resilience of the communities that endured.
You’ll also visit the ancient city of Segesta, a hidden gem of Sicily, where the majestic ruins of a Doric temple and an ancient Greek theater await. After taking in Segesta’s timeless beauty, you will embark on a hike up Mount Pispisa, the scenic peak overlooking the ruins. This climb rewards you with panoramic views of the temple below, the surrounding valleys, and even the distant coastline.
Read more about the Amalfi Coast Expedition in the detailed itinerary below!
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Amalfi Coast expedition
10 days/9 nightsClick on the preferred date to register:
Registration deadline is 90 days prior to the start of the trek.
Amilfi Coast Expedition Details
Please read all of these carefully!
Naples
Spend some time in Naples, where historic streets bustle with life, ancient ruins tell tales of a storied past, and the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked pizza fills the air.
Town of Ravello
Perched high above the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is a tranquil haven known for its elegant gardens, breathtaking cliffside views, and timeless charm that has inspired artists and writers for centuries.
Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
Visiting Pompeii immerses you in the hauntingly preserved streets of an ancient Roman city, while climbing Mount Vesuvius offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and an unforgettable encounter with the volcano that shaped its history.
Segesta and Mount Pispisa
You’ll explore the archaeological site of Segesta, which boasts a majestic Doric temple and ancient Greek theater, followed by a climb up Mount Pispisa with sweeping views of the historic ruins nestled amid rolling hills and the distant Sicilian coastline.
Mount Monaco
On Day 8, enjoy a trek up Mount Monaco, named for its distinctive silhouette resembling a kneeling monk with clasped hands, a shape best appreciated from the historic *tonnara* (tuna fishing plant) in San Vito Lo Capo.
Zingaro Natural Reserve
You’ll enjoy a 5-hour hike through the Zingaro Natural Reserve, Sicily’s first protected area. The reserve is a coastal paradise of rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and crystalline waters, interwoven with scenic trails that wind through fragrant Mediterranean vegetation and offer stunning sea views.
- Hobnail Trekking Co. long-sleeve trekking shirt and ball cap
- Custom Hobnail mobile app
- Lots of freebies
- Opportunities to get to know your fellow trekkers include an invitation to a private WhatsApp group for your trek, group training hikes if trekkers live in proximity to each other, and other local social gatherings
- All transfers on itinerary by private minibus on the mainland and public hydrofoils at the islands
- 9 nights’ accommodation in 4* hotels
- Full board (picnics and restaurants for lunch and dinner at restaurants or pizzerias) per itinerary
- Water included during the meals
- English-speaking guide throughout trip
- Entrance fees to Pompeii, Mt Vesuvius, Segesta, Grotta del Genovese, Windmill Park in Trapani, Zingaro reserve
- Tourist taxes
- Wine tasting at Mt. Vesuvius and Marsala
- Private cultural guide at Pompeii
- Cooking class on day 9
- One group transfer from Castellmmare del Golfo to the airport in Palermo on Day 10
- Travel insurance (See the Travel Insurance section on this page for details)
- International flights
- Entrance Visa
- Transfer from airport to meeting point on Day 1
- Lunches on Days 1 and 10
- Drinks other than water
- Tips for drivers, guide(s), etc.
- Spending money, including for souvenirs
- Personal trekking equipment (hiking boots, clothing, etc.)
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra hotel nights, extra meals, etc.)
- All expenses associated with nonscheduled departure or transportation
OK, here’s where we get serious. Hobnail requires that all trekkers purchase travel/medical insurance that covers them properly for all trekking activities.
There are a lot more details you need to know about travel insurance than we want to put in this limited space — including stuff about trip cancellations and what company we recommend — so when you’re ready, pop over to our Travel Insurance page.
We consider our treks to be adventures, not vacations. We’re not Hobnail Vacation Company, after all! Don’t get us wrong; we like vacations as much as the next person, but with our treks, you need to be physically and mentally ready. Here’s what we ask of you:
- You thoroughly read all the information we send you prior to departure.
- You get yourself an accountability partner and train properly. This doesn’t mean doing a few squats two weeks before departure. (Read more in the “Training” tab.)
- You familiarize yourself with your gear prior to leaving. Practice adjusting your backpack, filtering water if necessary, etc.
- If you purchase new boots, they are broken in well in advance of departure.
- When on trek, you FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF YOUR GUIDE. His or her only concern is helping you achieve your goal safely and in good health, but this won’t happen unless you follow their advice. This includes – but is not limited to – food recommendations, speed of pace, when to sleep and when not to, when to walk and when to rest, when to turn around due to illness, etc.
- When on trek, you treat your guide and the locals you encounter with the utmost respect. We are guests in their country and very grateful to be there.
All of these things may seem like common sense — and they are — but we feel that we must mention them. Hobnail’s goal is to provide you with the best experience possible, and you have an important role in achieving that goal.
A few days after registering for a trek (with at least a $500 deposit), we will give you a call (if you’re available) to say hello and answer any initial questions you may have. If you have a WhatsApp number, we will also invite you to join a private group just for your trek. This is a great way to interact with your fellow trekkers, and possibly your guide, before departure. You can post questions in the group anytime you’d like, talk about the cool gear you’re planning to take with you, organize group hikes if you live near each other, and generally just get to know those who will be sharing this incredible experience with you.
Within the first weeks after your trek is confirmed, you will receive a Welcome Box from us. It contains stuff that you can use during training as well as on the trek itself, and some other just fun things to get you (even more) excited about your trip.
The closer you get to your trek, the more you’ll hear from us — but of course, you can reach out any time you have a question.
Like all of our adventures, you need to have achieved a good level of fitness prior to departure for this trek. Remember, these are not simply vacations that incorporate a little bit of walking. On the contrary, these are active adventures! In most cases, you will be on your feet for several hours each day, and in some cases, hiking along rough trails and possibly, steep inclines. It is your responsibility to train, practice, and have yourself in the best condition possible by the time you depart.
So, if you are expecting a 10-mile day of hiking on your trip, emulate that hike at home — repeatedly. If you expect consecutive days of hiking on your trip, complete consecutive days of hiking at home. Same with biking. Do more and more of this as your departure approaches so that when you’re actually there, your muscle memory will kick in. Train hard at home so that things will be easy during the actual trip.
Trust us — your adventure will be infinitely more fun if you are physically prepared for it. If you need help or suggestions with training, feel free to call or email us!
What happens if my trek is not confirmed?
If the minimum number for the trek you booked is not reached before the 60-day booking deadline, you will be eligible for either a refund or to transfer your deposit to another trek. See details HERE.
Our Mobile App
When you book, we send you the login credentials to your own, customized app. By departure, your app will contain your flight info, passport, travel insurance docs, and COVID info, as well as your full itinerary, points of interest, and other amazing stuff.
TREK ITINERARY
Day 1: Welcome to Naples, Italy!
Benvenuto in Italia!
Your trip officially begins today at 4 pm in Naples, where you’ll meet the guide that will lead you on this memorable journey. Vibrant Naples is steeped in history with atmospheric neighborhoods and many world-class museums. We hope you spent some time here on your own because your guide will be transferring you directly to the Almalfi Coast and your hotel.
Tonight you’ll stay in Agerola, a peaceful hamlet in the Lattari Mountain range, immersed in nature and far from the tourist crowds.
Southern Italy is known for its fabulous cuisine and tonight you’ll enjoy the first of many delicious meals.
Overnight: Hotel Le Rocce, Agerola
Meals Included: Dinner
Rome is a fun city to visit and should you choose to fly there first, we can provide some advice on local attractions. From Rome, you can catch the train to Naples, where your trip begins.
Day 2: Ravello and Amalfi
A private transfer this morning takes you to Amalfi, the start of today’s hike.
Today you’ll visit Valle Mulini (Valley of the Mills), a delightful valley that once was the center of Amalfi’s important paper industry.
In late morning you’ll reach the enchanting town of Ravello. Ravello is considered the balcony of the “Costiera” because of the amazing views that can be seen from there. This small, somewhat sleepy, village is a lovely oasis of quiet in the sometimes overly busy Amalfi coast. You’ll be enchanted by the lush gardens, quaint little squares, and cobbled back alleys.
Your hike continues until you reach the town of Amalfi. You’ll have some free time to explore the town and the magnificent views of colorful houses cascading down from the steep hill directly to the dark blue sea. In Amalfi, you’ll visit some of the town’s famous sites, including the Piazza Duomo and the ornate 11th-century cathedral of Saint Andrew. The Amalfi Coast is known for its lemon groves and limoncello, a liqueur made from lemons, and you’ll finish your time here with a visit to a local producer before returning to the hotel for dinner and a welcome rest.
Overnight: Hotel Le Rocce, Agerola
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Activity Time: 4 hours, walking
Elevation Changes: +350m, -350m
Day 3: Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius
Today, you’ll set your sights on the historic and renowned areas of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.
Early in the morning, you will visit the ruins of Pompeii, which offer an eerie but incredible glimpse into Roman life as it was 2,000 years ago. Considered one of the world’s premier archaeological sites, Pompeii is one of the most significant proofs of Roman civilization.
After this excursion, you’ll have a wine and local product tasting in a small family-run winery located in the Vesuvius area.
In the afternoon, you will find yourself at the top of Mount Vesuvius. You’ll hike to the top of this active volcano, the Bay of Naples serving as your backdrop, while your guide shares his/her knowledge of the mountain’s geological and natural history. Wow!
After the walk, you’ll return to Agerola, where you will dine and spend the night.
Overnight: Hotel Le Rocce, Agerola
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Activity Time: 4.75 hours, walking
Elevation Changes: +200m, -200m
Day 4: The Path of the Gods, from Agerola to Positano
A short private transfer this morning will take you to the start of today’s trail.
The trail, aptly named the “Sentiero Degli Dei” (“The Path of the Gods”), offers dramatic views of the rugged coastline and distant sightings as far as the island of Capri! You’ll reach the shore close to Positano and spend some free time in this world-famous little town that clings precariously to a high cliff.
Once you’ve had enough of Positano (or your guide tells you it’s time to leave), you’ll head back to Naples. It would be a shame to leave this incredible city without sampling its world-famous Neapolitan pizza – and that is exactly what you’ll do for dinner.
After dinner, you’ll head to the port where you’ll board the overnight ferry to Sicily, in a cabin with twin beds and private facilities.
Overnight: Ferry
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Activity Time: 4 hours, walking
Elevation Changes: -200m
Day 5: Mt. Pispisa and Segesta
Arriving in the morning at Palermo Harbor, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before taking a private transfer to Segesta.
You’ll enjoy hiking the gentle and lovely countryside of the Val d’Erice and exploring one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Sicily: Segesta. This ancient city, founded in the fourth century BC, preserves the Doric Temple and the theatre that opens onto the surrounding hills.
Climb to the summit of Mount Pispisa and enjoy the view of the archaeological area from there! It will give you a better appreciation for its size and the incredible preservation that’s taken place.
Once you come back down from the summit, you’ll be transferred to Trapani to check in at your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Punta Tipa, Trapani
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Activity Time: 3.5 hours, walking
Elevation Changes: +300m, -300m
Day 6: Levanzo
Today you’ll explore Levanzo, the smallest of the Aegadian Islands, via a hydrofoil!
Levanzo will show you a jewel from the ancient past: The Cave of Genovese. Dating back to between 11,000 and 12,000 years ago, you’ll see remnants of history from the final phase of the Paleolithic period. Here you will view primitive human messages etched into the cave, a prehistoric sanctuary where religion and culture joined together, and engravings, graffiti, and paintings depicting deer, cows, horses, fish, and humans in daily life – including scenes of hunting and fishing.
While on this excursion, you’ll enjoy views of the Mediterranean countryside and soaring gulls. When your guide tells you it’s time, you’ll board the hydrofoil and head back to Trapani.
Once there, you will have time for a shower at the hotel before heading out to dinner in the wonderful town of Erice, overlooking the city of Trapani.
Overnight: Hotel Punta Tipa, Trapani
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Activity Time: 3.5 hours, walking
Elevation Changes: +200m, -200m
Day 7: Marsala
This morning, you will visit the town of Marsala. You’ll see some of the amazing windmills and salt pans in the area, as well as one of the only ones in Italy that is still working and has been the main income of the region for centuries.
Afterward, you’ll have free time to visit the elegant historic center of the city and its Phoenician Museum.
In the afternoon, you will visit the world-class cellars producing the famous Marsala wine that takes its name from the town.
Finally, you’ll be transferred back to Trapani to fill your belly and rest your head.
Overnight: Hotel Punta Tipa, Trapani
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Activity Time: 3.5 hours, walking
Elevation Changes: +200m, -200m
Day 8: Monte Monaco
This morning, your private transfer will take you to San Vito Lo Capo, a lovely town located between spectacular mountains and famous for its idyllic beaches. Climb up to Mount Monaco (owing its name to the particular shape that reminds one of a kneeling monk with hands clasped in prayer), easily seen from the antique tonnara (tuna fishing plant) of San Vito Lo Capo.
At the end of your hike, you will transfer to Castellammare del Golfo, a lovely seaside town, where you’ll stay for the next couple of nights.
Overnight: Hotel Cetarium, Castellammare del Golfo
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Activity Time: 2.5 hours, walking
Elevation Changes: +480m, -350m
Day 9: Zingaro Natural Reserve
A short private transfer this morning takes you to the hamlet of Scopello, the start of today’s hike. Leaving Scopello, you will walk to Sicily’s first nature reserve, Zingaro.
Established in 1976, Zingaro is home to towering limestone mountains interspersed with spectacular caves. It also has a coastline dotted with coves and cliffs overlooking the sea – all very impressive and beautiful. You’ll even have a chance to swim at one of the coves in the Reserve!
This evening, you’ll enjoy a celebratory cooking class and dinner while spending your final night in this amazing country.
Overnight: Hotel Cetarium, Castellammare del Golfo
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Activity Time: 5 hours, walking
Elevation Changes: +500m, -530m
Day 10: Departure
It won’t seem right to leave this beautiful place so soon, but your family and friends are waiting at home to hear all about your trip. Spend extra time over breakfast this morning, soaking in the last few moments of Italy.
When it’s time, you’ll be transferred to the airport in Palermo for your flight home.
Buon viaggio! Have a good trip!
Meals Included: Breakfast
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Amalfi Coast in a nutshell
Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline where dramatic cliffs meet the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Known for its winding roads, pastel-colored fishing villages, and lush lemon groves, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world. From the historic charm of Amalfi and the iconic cliffside views of Positano to the tranquil coastal paths and hidden coves, the Amalfi Coast is a perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, and relaxation. Here, you can enjoy fresh regional cuisine, explore ancient coastal towns, and savor the timeless allure of Italian seaside living.
About the cuisine
The cuisine of Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a celebration of fresh, local ingredients and coastal flavors. With its abundant seafood, vibrant citrus, and fragrant herbs, the region’s dishes capture the essence of Mediterranean dining. Specialties include spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams, pictured above), rich seafood risottos, and totani e patate, a hearty squid-and-potato stew. The region is famous for its bright and tangy sfusato lemons, used to make the beloved limoncello liqueur as well as lemon-infused pastas and desserts. Alongside seafood and citrus, local mozzarella, olive oil, and wines complete a culinary experience that is as rich and beautiful as the Amalfi Coast itself.
Our Director of Hobnail Italy
Gabriele Gluffrida
Amalfi Coast expedition
10 days/9 nightsClick on the preferred date to register:
Registration deadline is 90 days prior to the start of the trek.
