The 'Path of the Sea Gods' - Kayaking from Cetara to Amalfi & Positano - KAMA7
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Paddling from Cetara & Vietri to Amalfi, Furore, Praiano and Positano
The Amalfi Coast is definitely is one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe, an intriguing mix between an overwhelming natural environment and cultural heritage. The blue waters of the Mediterranean are dominated by Europe’s steepest coastline, rising up to almost 1500 m. (4500 feet). But it’s not only rocky cliffs that you’ll encounter on this trip: the patient labour of generations has transformed the steep mountain slopes into a cascade of terraced lemon groves & vineyards. And with charming villages, chapels and other sites of cultural interest scattered all over.
Paddling along the coastline of Amalfi offers you an opportunity to experience a blend of nature and architecture like no other. The view from the waterline highlights the dramatic cliffs and amazing terraced landscape, the amazing mix of natural wonders and ingenuity and craftsmanship of generations. Its dramatic coastline offers wonderful views, different every step you take, and every metre you paddle…. The smell of rosemary and citrus trees fills the air, fields of multicoloured roses overwhelm the eyes and sandy beaches are magical to the touch. It offers an extraordinary palette of colours, with deep azure skies, white limestone cliffs, deep blue seas, and bright citrus orchards lit by the dazzling Mediterranean sun. This intoxicating sensual feast inspires a celebration of the goodness of life itself.
Highlights include the stops in the amazing ‘Fjord’ of Furore (‘Furor’), in the charming fishing village of Cetara, and on the isolated beaches around beautiful Positano. On this amazing kayaking adventure you will discover that with reason the Amalfi Coast has become Italy’s most famous coastline, but as well that it takes only a little effort to get ‘off the beaten track’. At only a few hundred metres away from the crowds, you will find yourself surrounded by nature. On this tour we take you beyond the crowded beaches, and you’ll be lying on isolated beaches and paddling alone with the seagulls…. In short, you’ll discover the real Italian paradise!
Please note: this is a moderately easy tour which is suitable for all those who have just some experience with sea kayaking and a good general physical condition. Kayaking times: approx 4-5 hours each day.
 |
 |
 |
Day 0 Arrival in Naples. Travel to Salerno
Arrival in Naples (or Salerno or Cetara) in case you arrive a day earlier. Naples has an international airport. From Rome (and many other cities) Naples and Salerno can easily be reached also by train. Several hotels can be booked in Naples and Salerno, according to your wish (either ‘downtown’ centrally located, or near the harbour or train station, ranging from 3 to 5-star). N.B. If you arrive one day earlier you have the possibility to pay a visit to the world famous archaeological museum In Naples, where all the artefacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum are exposed, and/or the equally wonderful Capodimonte museum. Also is it possible to make a day trip to Pompeii.
Day 1 Arrival – Cetara
In the early afternoon you travel to the charming small fishing harbour of Cetara, one of the most authentic spots on the Amalfi Coast. You settle in your beautiful hotel, just outside the village, overlooking the whole Bay of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast, and at literally a few steps from the beach, where you can already go for a first swim. Towards the end of the afternoon we meet our tour leader and the rest of the group. After a brief introduction of the tour, we will outfit everyone with paddle and PFD and offer some basic kayaking instruction. Then we go for a short introduction trip, towards the small little town of Cetara itself. Here we go for a short stroll through the colourful streets, soaking up its atmosphere. Then we have our relaxed ‘aperitivo’ on the beach and slowly peddle back to our hotel. In the evening we eat all together in the nice restaurant of our hotel, overlooking the Mediterranean. Accommodation: Cetara – Meals included: 1 ‘aperitivo’, 1 dinner
Day 2 Cetara & Vietri sul Mare
In the morning we will first thoroughly check again all our gear, and then we go for our first real day trip. We’ll paddle along the amazing coastline in eastern direction today. The coastline here is a stupendous alternating scenery, ranging from impressive bare cliffs, to terraced lemon groves and isolated small beaches. We’ll make a first stop on a small beach with a fresh water source, and then continue towards Vietri sul Mare, famous for its ceramics. Here we’ll paddle around the ‘Due Fratelli’, two isolated rocky islands which are the symbol of Vietri. After Vietri we can opt to peddle towards Salerno. We will have a beautiful view on the city from the red light house. We will have a picnic lunch on a beach between Vietri and Cetara and then, in the late afternoon we paddle slowly back to our hotel, where we still have some time for a swim or a drink on the beach, or just some relaxation. In the evening we go out for dinner together in a nice restaurant in the medieval town centre of Cetara. Accommodation: Cetara – Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 3 Cetara – Capo d’Orso – Amalfi
We’ll paddle along the amazing coastline in western direction today. The first small village we pass is Erchie, a small hamlet of just a few houses dominated by a medieval watchtower, and a beautiful beach, perfect for a short biscuit stop and a swim. We then continue along the rocky shore, exploring many sea grottos and land on deserted beaches. High above us we’ll notice the sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Avvocata, while we approach one of the most pristine areas of the Amalfi Coast, the amazing headland of Capo d’Orso. We round the cape and then have lunch on a beautiful isolated beach. Now we enter the real ‘Heart’ of the Amalfi Coast, with a number of beautiful coastal villages and Ravello and its beautiful ‘hanging’ gardens high above the coast. We go ashore in the amazingly beautiful small town of Atrani, perhaps the best preserved village of the Amalfi Coast, where we will have some time to stroll through its narrow streets and have a drink on its wonderful town square. From here Amalfi is only a mile away. Arriving in Amalfi we dock our kayaks and can enjoy some relaxation in our centrally located hotel, in the heart of the historical centre, and at literally two steps from the beach. You could also opt to go for a short stroll through the colourful streets, or maybe make another dive into the sea. In the evening we then all join for a great evening meal. We are picked up by private boat and brought to a nice restaurant located in a beautiful little bay nearby. After dinner we travel back to our hotel, gliding by boat over the glorious Mediterranean. Accommodation: Amalfi – Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Day 4 Amalfi, Ravello, Capri, or the ‘Path of the Gods’?
Today we will stay ashore, so that you can take the opportunity to discover some of the highlights of the Amalfi Coast: of course you can spend time in Amalfi itself, but also could you walk to beautiful medieval Atrani, the smallest town in Italy or to amazing Ravello, with its stunning gardens. In alternative, you could opt for a boat ride to the beautiful island of Capri, where you can enjoy the famous sites, bus as well go for a nice walk through its stunning nature and along its Roman villa’s. If you have the energy, you could do one of the most spectacular hikes in the region, the ‘Path of the Gods’ (route notes for a self-guided hike are provided). This famous hike atrats from the village of Bomerano, and brings you along a well-maintained path, built into the side of the steep cliffs, down to Positano. From here you can catch a ferry back to Amalfi. Accommodation: Amalfi – Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 5 Amalfi – Fiord of Furore – Praiano – Positano
Today’s sea kayaking will take us along one of the most famous stretches of coastline in Italy, with our final destination being the enchanting city of Positano! Our first destination will be the colourful village of Conca dei Marina, dominated by the impressive monastery of Santa Rosa, high above it. We paddle along an amazing coastline with lemon groves & vineyards, and beautiful little villages, suspended halfway the water and the sky. Past the villa of Sofia Loren we reach a beautiful beach for some relax. Then we paddle around the headland of Conca, with its medieval ‘Saracen’ watch tower. Our next destination is the amazing ‘Fjord’ of Furore, where we will enjoy a coffee break, in between the coloured fishing boats. Those who want can take a short walk, to discover the beautiful hamlet and the amazing scenery of the fjord. Then we continue along the coast in western direction. Some short stops will be enjoyed at some of the many water access ports along the coast, like Marina di Praia or the beautiful, isolated, beaches between Praiano and Positano, places where the likes of Liz Taylor and Jackie Kennedy had a good time back in the sixties. We’ll have lunch at one of the nice restaurants along the way. Arriving in the elegant and cosmopolitan Positano, we will dock our kayaks on the large beach underneath our hotel. You will now have the time for a swim or some relaxation in our comfortable hotel. Or you can take the chance to explore the steep city streets and wander up into the hillside grabbing a bird’s eye view of the water below. Tonight we’ll celebrate our accomplishments with another wonderful dinner experience, on the premises of our hotel, overlooking the Mediterranean. Accommodation: Positano – Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 6 Positano & its many beaches
Today we’ll discover the amazing coastline west of Positano. Although Positano has become one of the most sought-after resorts in Italy, due to its geography it has maintained a larger number of ‘hidden treasures’, like a number of wonderful small isolated beaches, which can only be reached on foot or by water. There have been counted about 20 of these small beaches, which we can virtually have for ourselves. We’ll paddle in western direction, past the beautiful watchtower of Clavel, towards the headland of Punta Germano, where we’ll paddle into a number of beautiful grotto’s. In front of us we’ll see the rocky islands of the Sirens, with the backdrop of Capri. Experienced kayakers, who wish to make a paddling loop around these wonderful islands, can take the opportunity. While in Greek times the islands were believed to be the home of the Sirens, until recently they belonged to the late Russian ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev. Those who wish can take the opportunity to continue paddling towards the little inlet of Marina di Crapolla, where it is believed that Saint Peter embarked on its way to Rome. It’s small pebbly beach with the remains of the old fishing village, the small chapel of San Pietro and the Roman Villa make it a unique spot for a short break Others might wish to relax some time on one of the beaches. Or we can have a great (fish) lunch in one of the restaurants on a larger beach. Returning to Positano, we will have some time to stroll through its narrow moresque streets, do some shopping, or just have a drink on its sea front boulevard. In the evening we then all join for a great last evening meal and raise our glasses to perhaps our best kayaking adventure ever. Accommodation: Positano – Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 picnic lunch, 1 dinner
Day 7 Departure from Positano The tour ends in Positano after breakfast today (unless you booked an extension – extra days available upon request). You can easily make your own way from Positano to Salerno or Naples, either by boat or bus. A taxi transfer can be arranged on request.
| Day | Itinerary & Activities | Distance | Miles | |
| 1 | Arrival in CETARA. Introduction trip | Cetara | 4 km. | 2.5 |
| 2 | Paddling from Cetara to Vietri sul Mare (round trip) | Cetara | 14 km. | 8.5 |
| 3* | Paddling from Cetara to Amalfi, along Maiori, Minori & Atrani | Amalfi* | 14 km. | 8.5 |
| 5 | Paddling from Amalfi to Positano, along Furore & Praiano | Positano | 14 km. | 8.5 |
| 6 | Paddling along Positano’s great coastline (round trip) | Positano | 10-16 km. | 6 – 10 |
| 7 | Departure from Positano |
* on several departure dates an extra night in Amalfi is foreseen, so that you can either do one of the famous hikes in the area, do a boat trip to Capri, or visit Ravello & its stunning gardens!
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
All nights are spent in beautiful, characteristic hotels, mostly historical buildings (generally 3/4-star; 4/5-star on some departure dates). All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Accommodation is on B&B basis, in all accommodations. All evening meals are included, for which we have selected the best available restaurants.
Almost all (picnic) lunches are included in the tour price. Only on two days (Vietri & Positano) you are free to have your own lunch. Here you have the option to have your lunch in a nice restaurant, or purchase your supplies for a picnic lunch.
INCLUDED
• Private English speaking tour leader
• Professional guiding service for each activity
• Accommodation: 2 nights Cetara, 2 nights Amalfi, 2 nights Positano in good ***/**** hotels
• Meals: 6 breakfasts, 3 dinners, 1 lunch
• All private & public transfers as indicated throughout the entire itinerary
• Rental of high-quality sea kayaks
• Group equipment and technical gear for each activity
• 24/24 h local assistance
• Luggage transport
• All gratuities for baggage, porters & hotel service
NOT INCLUDED
• Departure taxes
• Visas
• Travel Insurance
• Drinks and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Optional additional tours or activities
• Tips
• Items of a personal nature
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY / REQUIRED SKILLS Moderate (level 2):
This tour is suitable for those who have some basic experience with sea kayaking. Our very helpful guides/instructors will work with you to help you expand your skills and take on new challenges. You’ll encounter a few short open water crossings, but the waters of the Mediterranean at Amalfi are usually calm. On most days shorter options are available (as well as occasional extensions for the more experienced sea kayakers).
Fitness: High standard of fitness is not necessary but you should be able to paddle for up to 4-5 hours.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
Arrival: The tour starts in CETARA. The nearest city with an international airport is NAPLES. The nearest big city is SALERNO, very well connected with Rome and all other major Italian cities by a frequent (high speed) train service. Upon arrival a pick up service is included from Salerno to the first Hotel. However private transfers can be arranged on request from any other location. Please contact us for more information.
Departure: The tour ends after breakfast on day 7 in POSITANO. A frequent boat or bus service can bring you to either Sorrento or Salerno, from where you travel to your next destination (Naples and Rome can easily be reached by train). Several taxi services are available to bring you directly to your next destination.
EXTRA NIGHTS
It is possible to include extra nights at the beginning or the end of the tour. The tour can easily be extended with a few days in Naples or Salerno, or on the Amalfi Coast or a few days on the island of Capri (see below).
| Trip season | Tour price |
Single suppl. |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
01 June - 07 June 2024 | € 2690 | € 750 | 
| RESERVE YOUR PLACE |
|
08 June - 14 June 2024 | € 2890 | € 750 |
| RESERVE YOUR PLACE |
 |
07 September - 13 September 2024 | € 2990 | € 750 |
| RESERVE YOUR PLACE |
|
17 September - 23 September 2024 | € 2890 | € 750 |
| RESERVE YOUR PLACE |
* on several departure dates an extra night in Amalfi is foreseen, so that you can either do one of the famous hikes in the area, do a boat trip to Capri, or visit Ravello & its stunning gardens!
N.B. Prices are valid for the dates indicated – and based on groups of 4 participants.
Some departures are organised in collaboration with SeaTrek, the leading kayak tours outfitter from sausalito, California. This means that apart from our local Genius Loci kayaking guide & tour leader, you will as well have an experienced Sea Trek Kayaking guide to take care of your trip.
Longer versions of our standard tour are available. These can include stops in Marina del Cantone, a visit of the Baia di Ieranto, the rounding of the cape, Punta Campanella, face-to-face with Capri, and it ends in Sorrento (with the possibility to book an extra night here to visit Pompeii).
Due to the limited availability of rooms along the Amalfi Coast, it is strongly suggested to book on one of the planned departure dates. On these dates we can guarantee the best possible rooms. Exceptionally some private departures (minimum 4 persons) can be planned – depending on the availabilty of the hotels. In this case it is possible to opt for small changes to the itinerary, an upgrade, as well there is the possibility to stay in cheaper accommodations. Availability & prices on request.
| Places available. You can book this tour with a minimum of 1 person. |
| Guaranteed Departure. Still some places available. |
 | There are a very limited number of available places on these dates. Immediate booking is recommended. |
 | Availability and prices on request. |
 | Fully booked. Departure closed. |
- Prices are per person and based on 2 people sharing double or twin accommodation.
- Single rooms (mostly double rooms - single use) are available on all trips. The supplements listed apply.
- Prices are expressed in Euro's. There will never be a currency surcharge.
- Actual exchange rates: GB £ - US $ - CAN $ - CHF - DKK - SEK - NOK - Other currencies.
- A 5 % early booking discount applies for several trips.
It is possible to include some extra nights before or after your tour.
At the beginning or the end of the tour there is the opportunity to visit Naples. The tour can easily be extended with a few days here. Also in SALERNO (a nice city and a good base for visiting Paestum), or ROME several good accommodations are available. Details & prices on request.
The tour can also be extended with a few days on the island of Capri. Several superb accommodations are available. Details & prices on request.
UPGRADE On our ‘standard tours’ we provide accommodation in very good, mostly 3/4-star hotels, with the best possible price/quality ration. On some dates however it is possible to book an upgraded version of this tour, staying in luxurious 4- or 5-star hotels – or a more essential version, staying in simple, but good accomodations. Please ask us for details.
SHORTER & LONGER VERSIONS Shorter versions of this tour are also available, as well as a number of extensions. Especially recommended for experienced sea kayakers is the extension to Capri. See also our other Kayaking tours!
