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8 day Escorted Tour
When thinking of the Amalfi Coast, one imagine's rich green hillsides, blossoming lemon trees, azure coloured sea, and history-charged villages situated on steep cliffs. Howerver, the Gulf of Naples offers a great variety of ther highlights as well. Not only the visit of Mt. Vesuvius (situated above the bay) but also the eeing of the buried town Pompeii is a special highlight of this journey. Naples will probably astonish you: often the city is underestimated byt certainly a lot fo surprising insights and landmarks will await you. On the island of Capri (mecca for the rich and famous) you will endeavour a excursion with a ferry. Moreover your Turkish gullet will accompany you to the islands of Procida and Ischia. Go along with us and experience a scenic and cultural diversified journey through the most beautiful sites of Italy.
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DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
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Day 1: Castellammare di Stabia and Pozzuoli (2h30)
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Individual arrival in Castellammare di Stabia in the Golf of Naples. Check in starts at 11am. At 1 pm the gullet will cross over to Pozzuoli. Should you arrive later you can board the gullet in the port of Pozzuoli from 4pm onwards.
Together with your travel guide there is time for a short hike to the third largest amphitheatre in the world. Afterwards you will move on to Solfatara a small crater “Forum Vulcani” which the Romans used to call the front court to hell. On the way back to the boat more interesting sights like the Serapis Temple will truly amaze you. |
Day 2: Sightseeing Naples and crossing to Procida
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After breakfast a half hour train ride will bring you to the metropolis of Naples. If you like you may go on a city sightseeing tour- otherwise you may take a tour into the underbelly of Naples, that will take you to Greek and Roman cisterns and through a branched road system deep under the earth. Before heading back to the boat by train you will have some spare time to enjoy this lively port town.
Back on the boat you will move on to the small island of Procida with its typical and very local fishing neighbourhood – almost untouched in 300 years.
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Day 3: Ischia (5h00)
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In the early morning the boat will bring you to Ischia- also called the green island due to its rich landscape. From Ischia port you will start your hike on an even trail to the castle of the Aragonese. The impressive castle complex is one of the town’s landmarks and definitely worth a visit.
Afterwards the trail will lead you via Campagnano and Barano on to Sant Angelo. Here you will see hot water, containing salt, bromine and iodine, spurting out of the rock. Use the opportunity to relax in one of the local hot springs.
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| Day 4: Amalfi - Ravello (3h00) |
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In the early morning the boat will start a longer crossing during which you will leave the Gulf of Naples and arrive in Amalfi after approx. 5 hours. This city enjoyed its gilded age during the 10th to 12th century when it was also a powerful sea republic.
From Amalfi you will hike uphill passing the Mill Valley and ruins of medieval times before reaching Ravello. The romantic mountain village is embossed by its noble palaces, the ample Piazza and the Basilica of St Pantaleone. Especially worth seeing is the Villa Rufolo with its Moorish architecture, 300 rooms and magnificent gardens and courtyards.
The bus will bring you back to Amalfi where you could take a stroll through the city centre and visit the cathedral.
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Day 5: Agerola - Positano (3h00)
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In the morning the bus will take you from Amalfi via a winding road with terrific views to the village Agerola. From here the trail of the gods (Sentiero degli Dei) will lead you through rocky landscapes and beautiful rolling terraces high above the shiny sea to Positano. The narrow alleys with its countless boutiques invite for a shopping tour. Back on the boat the night will be spent in the bay or in Piano di Sorrento.
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Day 6: Island of Capri and Sorrento
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In the morning the ferry will bring you from Sorrento to the Island of Capri. Although Capri has a size of only 10km² it is well known all over and should not be missed during a tour of the Gulf of Naples. Up to 15,000 visitors reach the island daily by ferry therefore it is very lively around the main sights. Nevertheless Capri still has some peaceful corners worth discovering during a hike. On Capri the programme is quite flexible and can be adapted to your individual interests.
In the afternoon the speed boat will transfer you back to Sorrento, surrounded by lemon and orange groves and situated on an impressive cliff. Do not miss a walk through the alley of the old town before returning to the boat that will bring you to Piano di Sorrento.
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| Day 7: Vesuvius and Pompeii (2h00) |
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A transfer bus will drive you to the visitor parking of Mt. Vesuvius. Starting from here a relaxed hike to the top and along the crater awaits you. If the weather is good you will have a fascinating view over the Gulf of Naples and its city. Only from here will you appreciate its true size. Afterwards you will be brought back to Pompeii, the city that was smothered immediately during the eruption of Vesuvius in the year 79 AC. In the afternoon you will take a guided tour through the streets of this impressive ruined city.
During dinner on board it is time to say good bye to the crew and your travel guides.
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Day 8: Castellammare di Stabia (Disembarkation)
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After breakfast your cycling tour comes to an end, you disembark at 10.00 am, and you may begin your journey home. We would also be more than happy to extend your stay in Europe.
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PRICE & DETAILS
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| Price & Schedule |
DEPARTURE DATES:
Every saturday from April 2nd to May 21st, plus September 17th to October 22nd
| Per person, double occupancy |
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$1220 |
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| Included: |
- 7 nights in a double cabin, all with private bathroom with shower
- Buffet breakfast and multi-course dinner each day
- 7 guided hiking tours as described in the program
- Bed linen and towels
- Entry fees for planned sight visits with the group
- Transfer Naples airport – boat and back (only on embarkation and disembarkation day)
- English, Italian and German speaking tour guide
Not Included:
- 20€ port tax to be paid to captain aboard ship
- drinks on board
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Logding:
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Maria Giovanna, 4****: In 2008 the Maria Giovanna was built in Bodrum as a Turkish gullet and was transferred to the Gulf of Naples afterwards. As a gullet with a size of 23.8 x 6.7m it was built with all the experience and love of detail that is used in Turkish traditional ship building.
The boat has 6 guest cabins equipped with air conditioning, radio and private bathroom. Two twin cabins and four double/triple cabins (double bed 200x140cm and bunk bed 200x 80cm above) are available.
Captain Pierro and his friendly crew will accompany you on your journey and introduce you to the most beautiful bays along with the coastal towns.
Cosy hammocks and chairs and sun beds are provided on deck as well as an outside area with table and seats under a sun protection sail.
 
Catering: The cook on board is part of the 4 crew members and will prepare daily breakfast and a warm meal.
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| Rate: |
EASY TO MODERATE: Routes of medium difficulty on good trails and paths through a hilly and mountainous terrain. A good fitness level is required as you walk distances up to 16 km and 6 hours duration. Adequate hiking gear is required.
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Tours 
