Amalfi Coast Discovery

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 haven't 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 and 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 The Rabbit hotel, 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.

Today, we immerse ourselves in the history, charm, and coastal beauty of the Amalfi Coast. After breakfast, we take a morning bus ride to Amalfi, one of Italy's most iconic towns. Here, we begin with a guided walking tour, exploring its narrow alleyways and vibrant piazzas. Highlights include the magnificent Byzantine Cathedral of St. Andrew and the fascinating Paper Museum, where we'll discover Amalfi's centuries-old papermaking tradition, dating back to 1231. Following our tour, we'll have free time for lunch in one of Amalfi's many trattorias. In the afternoon, we set off on a short, scenic coastal walk to Atrani, a hidden gem just 20 minutes away on foot. Once the political heart of the Amalfi Coast and home to its nobility during the 10th and 11th centuries, Atrani enchants with its quiet charm, intimate squares, and timeless atmosphere. We'll have time to relax by the sea, perhaps with a gelato in hand, before strolling back to Amalfi. Later in the day, we'll return by bus to Bomerano, arriving at our hotel in the late afternoon.

We'll set off early this morning for a full day of discovery, beginning with a morning bus ride to the charming city of Sorrento. After arriving, there's time to enjoy a coffee in the lively main square and wander through the historic centre. Don't miss the beautiful 12th-century cathedral, with its striking facade and colourful frescoes adorning the ceiling. By late morning, we'll board a fast ferry across the sparkling Bay of Naples to the island of Capri - one of the Mediterranean's most glamorous destinations. On arrival, we make our way up to Capri's main square, either on foot via a steep but rewarding 30-minute climb of steps, or by taking the funicular if you wish which costs approximatley €2. Once in Capri town, you can choose between a guided walk to Villa Lysis - a hilltop mansion famed for its neoclassical style and panoramic views across the island. The villa is open to the public and costs approximately €2.50. The walk is around 6 kilometres/3.7 miles, three hours, or simply enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. Capri offers something for everyone: glitzy designer boutiques, narrow lanes filled with kitchen gardens, and elegant piazzas perfect for people-watching over a coffee or gelato. In the late afternoon, we take the ferry back to the mainland and return by bus to Agerola, arriving at our hotel around 7pm - the perfect time to relax and reflect on a day spent between coast and island.

Today we'll take an unforgettable journey back in time with a day trip to the ancient cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii. Both were devastated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, and visiting them offers a haunting yet captivating glimpse into Roman life. Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is remarkably well-preserved, with streets, houses, and frescoes frozen in time under volcanic ash. There has been quite a lot of recent excavation work and significant discoveries reported. Herculaneum offers an equally extraordinary experience, where roofs, beds, doors, and even organic items such as food and papyrus have survived for centuries, providing a vivid insight into daily Roman life. The trip includes a guided tour with an English-speaking guide, ensuring you can explore both sites in comfort and with expert context. A digital radio is provided so you can hear every detail clearly as you wander through these extraordinary archaeological sites. This visit offers an immersive encounter with history, making the ancient world come alive.

We'll slow the pace today and enjoy a day in Bomerano, embracing the traditions and flavours of the Amalfi Coast. This mountain village is famed for its fertile farmland, rich dairy heritage, and particularly for Fiore di Latte - the creamy mozzarella that has become one of its culinary treasures. In the morning, we join our hosts for a hands-on experience, learning the secrets of traditional Italian cooking. Together, we prepare fresh pasta and Fiore di Latte, discovering techniques perfected here over centuries, before sitting down to savour our creations over a relaxed lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon there'll be time to unwind and choose your own pace. You might like to relax by the pool, take a gentle stroll through the village of Bomerano with its welcoming piazza and local cafés, or join your guide for a circular walk directly from our hotel. This scenic 6-kilometre/3.7-mile route forms part of the famous Walk of the Gods, where sweeping coastal views and fragrant lemon groves showcase the timeless beauty of this region.

Today, we'll set out to discover another gem of the Amalfi Coast, beginning with a morning bus ride to Maiori. Once part of the powerful Amalfi Republic, this seaside town is home to medieval churches, colourful houses, and sweeping coastal views. There's time to wander through its historic centre before we begin the famous Sentiero dei Limoni (the "Walk of the Lemons"). This gentle 4-kilometre/2.5-mile trail (with around 240 metres/787 feet of ascent and descent) meanders through terraced lemon groves, where the scent of citrus fills the air. These groves are more than just beautiful - they represent centuries of tradition, as the prized Amalfi lemons have long been a lifeline for local families and a symbol of the region itself. Their thick skins and aromatic zest make them essential in everything from cooking to desserts, and of course, in the production of the coast's most famous liqueur, limoncello. When we arrive in Minori we visit to a traditional limoncello producer who offers the chance to sample this refreshing drink. After this we have free time to explore Minori and have lunch. You might also choose to indulge at the world-renowned Pasticceria Sal De Riso, tasting one of its decadent ice creams or lemon-infused pastries. For those interested in history, there's also the option to explore a Roman villa, or simply spend some time relaxing on the beach. In the late afternoon, we'll return to Bomerano by bus, arriving back at the hotel around 5.15pm. This evening, we gather for a special dinner accompanied by traditional Neapolitan musicians - the perfect way to round off a day steeped in history, culture, and the vibrant spirit of the Amalfi Coast.

Today's focus is Ravello, the "City of Music," perched 350 metres/1,148 feet above the sparkling Mediterranean. Renowned for its breath-taking vistas, charming piazzas, and enchanting villas, Ravello has long inspired artists, musicians, and travellers alike. Its serene atmosphere and dramatic views have made it a hub for creativity, hosting world-famous music festivals each summer that draw performers and audiences from across the globe. Our guided tour begins with a visit to the town's 11th-century cathedral, built in 1086, where the intricate architecture and historic details offer a glimpse into Ravello's rich past. We then explore the exquisite gardens of Villa Cimbrone, famed for their perfectly manicured terraces, statues, and panoramic viewpoints that seem to stretch endlessly over the Amalfi coastline - a setting that has inspired composers, painters, and poets for centuries. Afterwards, we'll have free time to enjoy lunch at one of Ravello's cafés or trattorias and a possibly a visit to the 13th-century Villa Rufolo. Its legendary gardens and terraces are said to have inspired Richard Wagner, and the villa continues to host concerts and recitals that celebrate its musical legacy. The villa is open to the public and if you wish to visit it the entrance costs around €8. The town also offers charming shops and artisan boutiques, ideal for browsing local crafts, souvenirs, or simply soaking up the relaxed ambience of the piazzas. In the late afternoon, we'll return by bus to Bomerano, arriving at the hotel around 5.30pm for time to freshen up before our final meal with our host family at our hotel.

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 later transfer, please be aware that you'll 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.