Starts | Procida, Italy |
---|---|
Ends | Procida, Italy |
Region | Italy |
Duration | 7 days |
Tour Operator | Intrepid Travel |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Procida/Ischia & Finishing: Procida/Ischia
Welcome to Procida, Italy, a tiny island off the coast of Naples. Your adventure begins today with a group meeting at 3 pm. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. The first port of call is then the local supermarket to buy supplies for your trip as a group. If you have any special dietary requirements, please make sure you notify us at the time of booking so we can accommodate your requests. If you have time in the morning, explore the Mediterranean city of Procida. Perhaps see the walled medieval town of Terra Murata or the charming port of Corricella. Head to the boat for a gentle introduction to life on-board and sail the short distance west to the largest of the Phlegraean Islands, Ischia. In contrast to Procida, it’s the largest island in the Bay of Naples. ***The beauty of sailing is that each day is unique and, while we have a destination to reach, if the weather changes or something takes the group’s fancy, we are flexible on the day's itinerary***
Day 2 - Starting: Ischia - Sorrento & Finishing: Ischia - Sorrento
Spend the morning and early afternoon in Ischia. Perhaps visit Spiaggia dei Pescatori, which is an idyllic beach nestled between Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte. The beach offers a great view of Castello Aragonese, a 15th-century medieval castle. In the afternoon set sail for Sorrento, which offers panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Sorrento has a steady stream of visitors, peaking in the summer months. Tonight you’ll have the opportunity to try one of Sorrento's well-known exports – Limoncello. This a liqueur produced from locally-grown Femminello Santa Teresa lemons.
Day 3 - Starting: Sorrento - Pompeii & Finishing: Sorrento - Pompeii
Today you have the option to visit the abandoned city of Pompeii, a Roman settlement that was frozen in time when Mount Vesuvius erupted. Well-preserved buildings, artwork and pottery offer a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Romans. There’s also an option to hire a private guide for the ruins, as the site could easily be explored over an entire day due to sheer size and content (the additional cost of a private guide will be split between the group). Another possible activity is a visit to the Mount Vesuvius National Park. Reach the volcano by taking a public bus (approximately 30 minutes) and then a short walk (200 metres), which requires a moderate level of fitness. Although it's not an overly strenuous walk, if you have any health issues you may want to run this past your doctor before leaving home. At 1,200 metres, it will be a lot colder than sea level so you'll need to bring a fleece, rain coat, hat, sunscreen, good walking shoes and lots of water with you. The return trip should take approximately three hours. Notes: The cost of your entry ticket to Mount Vesuvius will include the services of a volcanology guide and, if you're lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you'll have incredible views over the Bay of Naples and into the crater. Although Mt Vesuvius is still considered to be an active volcano, the last eruption was in 1944 and there's no sign of lava. If you plan to visit many archaeological sites while in the Amalfi region, you should consider purchasing a Campania Arte card annual pass. For details please refer to www.campaniartecard.it/en
Day 4 - Starting: Sorrento - Amalfi & Finishing: Sorrento - Amalfi
This morning set sail for the Amalfi Coast, passing the Sirenusas (Gallos) archipelago to the east of the Sorrentine Peninsula. On arrival into Amalfi, some travellers will disembark while others may join the group. Today is free to discover the town and its surrounds. You may like to take a half-day trail walk through olive groves, vineyards and ancient villages. The trails are narrow, steep and have many stairs, but the views are worth the trek. If you're after a more relaxing walk with a few cultural highlights, stroll from one side of town to the other within the hour and pay a visit to the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea and the Chiostro del Paradiso. The day’s activities culminate in an optional group meal of local seafood and maybe some gelato in the evening.
Day 5 - Starting: Amalfi - Capri & Finishing: Amalfi - Capri
Today set sail to the Isle of Capri, once home to the magnificent holiday palaces of the Roman emperors. This afternoon, perhaps explore the Grotta Azzura (Blue Grotto). To get there, take a small motorboat and then transfer to a smaller rowing boat. Although swimming in the grotto isn’t permitted, there’s a small platform close by where you can take a dip. If you choose to return from the Blue Grotto by car, you can stop off at the quiet hillside town of Anacapri. In the evening, take some time to wander through the traffic-free streets of Capri Town. Note: Please note that access to the grotto will be closed if sea conditions are considered too rough.
Day 6 - Starting: Procida & Finishing: Procida
This morning relax in the sun or perhaps catch a funicular railway to Capri Town, Anacapri or Marina Grande. If you head to Anacapri, it's worth visiting the Villa San Michele - the former home to a Swedish doctor that's built on the ruins of a Roman villa. Make your way to Capri Town by the Phoenician Steps (Scala Fenicia), which is a long, steep stairway that links the towns of Capri and Anacapri. A moderate level of fitness and comfortable shoes are required if you decide to climb the steps. In the afternoon say goodbye to the Isle of Capri and, weather permitting, set sail back to Procida, which is the final stop. Tonight, enjoy a final group dinner, in town, of rabbit stew or seafood, local wine and Limoncello.
Day 7 - Starting: Procida & Finishing: Procida
Your Amalfi Coast Sailing adventure comes to an end today, as there are no more sailing activities planned. You are free to leave at any time. Your skipper can assist you with directions to the ferry terminal for your return to the mainland or, if you've decided to stay on an extra couple of nights, your hotel.
View Dates