Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Join the trip at Naples International Airport
The authentic village of Bomerano will be our home for the duration of our tour. Sitting at 650 metres/2,132 feet above sea level, you can get a feeling for slow-paced village life at one of the handful of local bars and restaurants.
Today is about getting our bearings, so feel free to get to know the village or wander further, before joining this evening's welcome supper. We'll get our first taste of the South with a homecooked dinner, produced right here at our hotel.
Naples International Airport (NAP) is our closest airport. We offer two complimentary transfers from the airport to our hotel in Bomerano. The first will be at 1pm (to join this one, your flight should arrive no later than 12.30pm), and the second is at 7pm (to join this one, your flight should arrive no later than 6.30pm). Most of our clients arrive in time for the first transfer, so the later one at 7pm doesn't always run. If you know you'll be arriving later and would like to use that transfer, let us know in advance so we can make sure a vehicle is arranged for you. After clearing immigration and collecting your baggage from the baggage hall, head to the 'Welcome Area' kiosk in the arrivals hall where your driver will meet you holding an Explore signboard. As we need to arrange the transfer vehicles some time in advance and to help us monitor flight arrivals, if you have not booked your flights through Explore you must let us know your flight details and which transfer you would like to join at least 14 days before the start of your trip. If you do not tell us these details, we'll assume that you're travelling on the earlier transfer. There may not be room on the later private bus for you, in which case you'll need to take a taxi at your own expense - this costs in the region of €120 to €200 and increases as it gets later in the evening. If you plan to arrive later than the second transfer, you'll need to make your own way to the accommodation. If you don't wish to take either of the included transfers and will be making your own way to meet the group at the hotel, please tell us in advance so the tour leader does not spend time looking for you at the airport.
Our base for the week is Hotel Rabbit, a small family-run hotel set on a plateau above the Amalfi coast. The property is small and intimate with just 10 rooms - all with private bathrooms. The hotel has a lovely outdoor swimming pool and restaurant including pizza oven. The swimming pool is not heated and is generally open from June to September.
Day 2 - Walk to Mount Vesuvius view point, afternoon poolside relaxation
Today, we enjoy a fantastic mix of adventure, local flavours, and relaxation. We begin with a short bus ride to the start of our walk. From here, we set off on a scenic trail leading us to a panoramic viewpoint offering stunning views of Mount Vesuvius. The walk covers around 6 kilometres/3.7 miles with 300 metres/984 feet of ascent and descent, taking approximately three hours at a relaxed pace. Along the way, we'll enjoy beautiful countryside and sweeping vistas across the Amalfi Coast.
At the viewpoint, we'll stop for a delicious picnic lunch, taking time to refuel and soak up the scenery. In the afternoon, we return to our hotel for some well-earned relaxation by the pool - the perfect chance to swim, sunbathe or simply unwind.
Day 3 - Kayak along the Amalfi coast
This morning we take a bus to the colourful coastal town of Vietri sul Mare, famous for its beautiful ceramics. From here, we begin an exciting kayaking adventure along the spectacular Amalfi coastline, paddling with local kayak guides from Vietri to the charming fishing village of Cetara. A picnic lunch is included, and along the way, we'll take in hidden coves, cliffs, and clear blue waters. Please note: all participants must be able to swim, and there are age and height restrictions - a minimum age of 12 years for a single kayak, with a minimum height of 120 cm. Children under 12 need to go in a double kayak with an adult. After reaching Cetara, we'll enjoy some free time to grab a drink and relax before kayaking back to Vietre Sul Mare, where you will have the opportunity to relax on the beach, or explore the old town, full of ceramic shops, cafes and restaurants. The old town is a 15-20mins walk up hill from the beach area.
At around 4pm, we'll return by bus to Agerola for a relaxing evening at our hotel.
Day 4 - Garden-to-table cooking and ceramics workshop
This morning, we'll enjoy a hands-on experience at the hotel's kitchen garden. We'll have the chance to select our own fresh vegetables, followed by a cooking lesson and pasta-making workshop using the ingredients we've picked. After our efforts in the kitchen, we'll sit down to a delicious lunch in the hotel's beautiful garden.
The afternoon is free to relax or explore at your leisure. For those looking for a creative activity, there's an optional ceramics workshop in the nearby village of Pianillo, just a 30-minute walk from the hotel or you can take the local bus with costs €2.40.
Day 5 - Optional trip to explore Pompeii
Today is a free day to relax at the hotel or venture a little further afield. For those who wish to take the optional excursion to Pompeii, we'll begin with an early start to arrive at the archaeological site as it opens. This optional trip includes a guided walking tour through this extraordinary and remarkably well-preserved Roman city. Once home to around 15,000 people, Pompeii was a bustling commercial hub and a favoured retreat for wealthy Roman patricians. All of that changed nearly 2,000 years ago, when a powerful eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius buried the city in ash and pumice. This tragic event preserved much of the town exactly as it was. During the visit, you'll explore the expansive colonnaded forum, including the Temple of Jupiter, and admire beautifully decorated villas. You can find more information about the cost of this trip in the Optional Activities section of the trip notes.
Day 6 - Boat to Maiori, Walk of the Lemons and free time in Amalfi, traditional Neapolitan music dinner
This morning we take a bus to Amalfi and then board a ferry for a short 15-minute ride to the town of Maiori. From here, we begin the scenic Walk of the Lemons from Maiori to Minori, a gentle trail featuring approximately 240 metres/787 feet of ascent and descent, winding through fragrant lemon groves. Along the way, we'll enjoy a lemon tasting. On reaching Minori, there's the opportunity to visit the world-famous Pasticceria Sal De Riso, renowned for its delicious ice cream and lemon-based pastries. After free time for lunch in Minori, we take the ferry back to Amalfi where we'll have time to relax on the beach, visit the stunning Cathedral or explore the Paper Museum. We regroup later in the afternoon and take the bus back to Agerola.
This evening, we have a special treat - a traditional Neapolitan Music Dinner, accompanied by live musicians for an authentic and lively Italian experience.
Day 7 - Walk of the Gods and pizza making
This morning we set off from our hotel to explore part of the famous Walk of the Gods, following a scenic route to a traditional shepherd's hut. Along the way, we'll enjoy breath-taking views of the Amalfi Coast and the sparkling blue sea far below. We'll stop for a relaxed picnic lunch before retracing our steps back to Agerola. The walk is approximately 6 kilometres and will take around two-and-a-half hours, with a gentle ascent and descent of 200 metres/656 feet each way. After the walk, the afternoon is free for you to relax - a perfect opportunity to unwind by the pool and soak up the Italian sunshine.
This evening, the fun continues as we try our hand at a pizza-making class and mozzarella-making demonstration. Under the guidance of our host, a local expert, you'll learn the secrets behind perfect pizza dough before creating your own masterpiece. We'll round off the day and our holiday by tucking into our freshly made pizzas for dinner - a true taste of Italy!
Day 8 - Trip ends at Naples International Airport
Our trip ends at Naples International Airport (NAP). We offer two complimentary transfers from our hotel to the airport. The first is timed to arrive at the airport at 8am (the earliest your flight can depart is 10am). The second is timed to arrive at the airport at 1.30pm (the earliest your flight can depart is 3.30pm). If you want to transfer to Naples Airport outside of these times and are thinking of organising a private transfer, please note that there are no commercial taxi operators in Agerola and we strongly recommend pre-booking a private transfer through Explore before your holiday. If you're travelling on the second transfer, please be aware that you will need to check out of your room after breakfast. Luggage can be stored at the hotel and you are free to relax in the common areas.