Itinerary
A wonderfully relaxing day enjoying the breathtaking scenery along the famous Amalfi coastal road with each bend revealing superb panoramic views and towns and villages perched above the sea. (more information and videos on the locations visited is provided below)

The first main town you come across will be the famous and romantic Positano where gravity doesn't seem to apply to the multi coloured houses and their swimming pools. If possible you may be given the opportunity to take some photographs before continuing along the coastal road towards Amalfi.

You will pass Priano with its mountainous background and views of Li Galli islands, and in the distance Capri before reaching Conca dei Marini where, weather permitting, you can admire the local pottery. Then onto Amalfi where you will have about an hour and a half free time to explore this historic and beautiful town with its medieval Cathedral, shops and cafes. Take the opportunity to enjoy an ice cream or coffee overlooking the beach and ferry platform with a regular service between Sorrento and other locations should you wish to return for a longer visit.

The journey then continues along the coastal road rising to about 300 metres above the sea where you will discover Ravello and even more spectacular views which have inspired so many artists including Richard Wagner. You will have time for lunch and to explore this medieval village including the Cathedral of St. Pantaleone and the Villa Rufulo which hosts a music festival every year from April to October with outdoor concerts performed against a background of sea and sky.

Finally the return journey takes you through the Chiunzi valley before joining the motorway to reach Sorrento around 17.30 in time to get ready for an aperitif before dinner and reflect on the day's events. Perhaps even plan a ferry ride to Amalfi or an evening concert in Ravello or...

Days available
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs or Saturday

Pickup points and times
You will be advised of the most convenient pickup point for your accommodation
Approx 08.00 start and 17.30 return depending on the pickup point

Method of payment
After reservations have been confirmed payment can be made by credit card before the visit or in the Sorrento office itself, whichever is the more convenient.
To book a reservation please use our enquiry form or telephone +44 (0) 1446 771220.

Optional extras paid on site.
Villa Rufolo in Ravello. Entrance fee € 5.00
Church in Ravello. Entrance fee € 2,00
Church and museums in Amalfi. Entrance fees € 2.00
Boat ride along the coast in Amalfi (if available) € 10.00

Additional Notes
Lunch is not included in the price of this excursion
Appropriate clothing needs be considered if visiting the Cathedral and churches

---

Background information about the locations visited on this excursion
You can also see videos of Amalfi on Friends of Sorrento TV
The Amalfi coast is part of the Campania’s coast, located south of the Sorrentine Peninsula, overlooking the Gulf of Salerno it is bordered to the west by Positano and to the east by Vietri sul Mare. It is a stretch of coastline famous around the world for its natural beauty, home of major tourist sites. It takes its name from the town of Amalfi, the heart of the coast not only geographically but also historically. The Amalfi Coast is known for its diversity : each of the towns on the coast has its own charm and its traditions.

Positano
The origin of the name of Positano is narrowed to two traditions. The historical version that the name derives from Paestum, whose inhabitants took refuge in the area during the raids of pirates. The other version has it that the name comes from a voice that kept saying "... posa posa ...", heard when, during a crossing by sea of a painting of the Madonna, the boat encountered a heavy storm. The men then fled to what is now known as the bay of Positano, and when they laid the picture on the beach, the storm stopped. The origins of Positano are lost in the mists of time, where history and legend mingle. As often happened in the past, the myth, which replaced the lack of clear data, tells us that Positano was founded by Poseidon, the god of the sea, for the love of the nymph Pasitea. At the time of the Romans, Positano was the place from which the Emperor Tiberius, stocked up "safe flour," not trusting the products to be found on the island of Capri where he feared conspiracies. The town developed around the Benedictine Abbey of St. Vito in the ninth century, and was populated only later, when the attacks of the Saracens in 915 AD forced the inhabitants of neighbouring areas to flee and seek refuge here. There are traces of these influences in many elements of architecture. During the period of the Maritime Republics the town was devastated by one of the other Maritima Republics namely Pisa, and changing its architecture in order to protect the city from invasions from the sea. Protective walls were built, streets and narrow houses clinging to the coast at a height difficult to reach and in strategic positions. The town became a busy hub for maritime trade, even competing with Amalfi between the fifteenth and seventeenth century. Then began the demographic decline that continued until the early twentieth century, when it was 'discovered' by the Germans, British and Americans. From this moment on Positano saw an economic growth that continues today. The shops and small businesses in the clothing industry have become so important that they create their own style, Positano Fashion. The clothes of Positano seamstresses constitute a recognizable style with sarongs and laced bodices, brightly coloured.

Praiano
In the past it was one of the old farmhouses of the Amalfi Republic, together with that of Vettica Maggiore, and ancient fishing village, chosen by many as a holiday resort. Lying on the ridge of the Lattary mountains, Praiano is a thriving tourist destination of great beauty from the naturalistic point of view. The landscape is very beautiful with the mountains in the background, and out at sea you can admire the Li Galli islands and in the distance the isle of Capri.

Amalfi
The main square which is dedicated to Flavio Gioia, the invention of the sea compass. The centre is dominated by the impressive staircase and the facade of the Duomo, dedicated to St. Andrew, also famous for its cloister and museum. Not to be missed, the opportunity to admire the coastline from the sea and photograph every single detail in this magnificent coastline shaped over centuries by wind and sea, also rich in natural caves. The medieval Cathedral is known for its beautiful façade, the result of the encounter between Islamic and Norman art. An optional tour includes the Cathedral itself and its museum, which includes the cloister, masterpieces of high artistic value as the Mitra S. Ludovico di Tolosa studded with 19,330 beads and baroque crypt of St Andrea.

Ravello
In this delightful little medieval town you can visit the Cathedral of St. Pantaleone, beautiful Romanesque church with two precious medieval pulpits (Ambon) and the medieval Villa Rufolo with the breathtaking views, which was a source of inspiration for many artists including Richard Wagner, in fact, to commemorate the presence of the German composer, in the Villa every year there is a music festival in his honour.