Travel Guides: Italy Travel Guide: Overview
In Southern Europe—right in the heart of the Mediterranean—lies a boot-shaped country stuffed to the brim with culture, history and fine cuisine.
It must be something about standing high above the Mediterranean. Or the lemon-infused air wafting through olive groves. Or the villages carved out of cliffs. Epic vistas from Path of the Gods. You know why Emperor Augustus had to have it all those years ago. Your family will want to make the Amalfi Coast yours, too.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Casual Hotels
Start/End Naples
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Discover the Amalfi Coast's hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path towns | Begin your family journey in peaceful Cava de' Tirreni amid gracefully arched doorways and sun-bleached buildings | Explore the region's history as a center of ceramics, with pottery traditions dating back to Roman times | Chat with our local amici over lunch at a rustic farmhouse | Hike lush forested trails overlooking the dazzling azure Mediterranean | Idle on the terrace with a post-hike refreshment at our sweet retreat in Vietri sul Mare.
An idyllic retreat with elegant décor, top-notch hospitality and panoramic views of the Gulf of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast. (pool, spa)
Stroll through picturesque Amalfi's wonderfully fragrant lemon orchards | Walk past centuries-old paper mills and bubbling streams lined with wildflowers in the Valle dei Mulini (Valley of Mills) | Relax with your family over a tasty Italian lunch | Learn about the literary history of lovely Ravello | Take an evening passeggiata (stroll) along the sea | Join our local guide, who brings the region's rich past to life en route to the medieval hamlet of Nocelle | Hike along the magnificent Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) | Carry on to Positano, where pastel villas cling to cliffs above a labyrinth of shops and fashionable cafés | Just in front of our inviting hotel in Atrani, the Tyrrhenian Sea is an idyllic post-hike swimming hole.
Located in the heart of charming Atrani, this 19th-century nobles' residence features modern amenities and a beautiful rooftop terrace. (spa)
Explore the isle of Capri, with its limestone peaks, narrow twisting streets and delightful gardens that have captivated visitors for centuries | Walk along stone paths from Capri town | Channel your inner Frank Sinatra or Brigitte Bardot and spend the afternoon in Capri's celebrated La Piazzetta | A scenic ferry ride transports you to Ischia, a volcanic island renowned for its thermal springs | Discover timeless Ischia, made ever more famous by novelist Elena Ferrante | Hike ancient trails with glorious views of the coastline | Ascend through a forest of chestnut and alder to Monte Epomeo, Ischia's verdant centerpiece | Head to a beloved family-owned restaurant that has been pleasing locals and visitors for decades | Opt for a refreshing swim in the sea or a rejuvenating soak at our hotel's acclaimed spa | Enjoy an aperitivo and savor a delicious dinner by the water | Experience the vibrant island of Procida | Stroll around the old-world fishing village, where crumbling houses in every imaginable hue line the winding streets | Take in remarkable views from 16th-century Castello d'Avalos, an ideal finale to your family trip.
Built around Ischia's renowned thermal springs, this sophisticated and refined spa hotel dates back to 1863. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do. LEARN MORE.
Note: The terrain on this trip includes a mix of cobblestone village paths and stone steps. The elevation gains and losses can make the routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
The majority of the routes on this trip are relatively short, but moderately strenuous with occasional steep sections. The most challenging aspect is the dramatic elevation change. We're often climbing or descending steps and cobblestone paths to reach stunning Mediterranean vistas and charming cliffside towns. While you're free to take your time navigating these routes, you should feel comfortable with some steep ascents and descents.
Our routes through this captivating terrain are a combination of loop hikes and out-and-back trails that begin and end in the same location. In some cases our shuttles will get us to and from the trailheads, but due to the nature of these trails, we usually won't see our vehicles along the route. Ample trail support in the form of water, snacks and encouragement is provided by your Backroads leaders and local guides.
In Southern Europe—right in the heart of the Mediterranean—lies a boot-shaped country stuffed to the brim with culture, history and fine cuisine.
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