Drea I got a taste of the hustle and bustle of Naples as soon as I boarded the plane in Sicily. After having spent 4 weeks solo there, 3 of them in a serene language school, the packed plane with passengers roaming the aisles, no regard for an orderly line, was quite a shock. Combine that with the familiar mix of excitement I had for my next stop on my Italian tour, a little bit of anxiety about how safe Naples was for a solo woman, and sadness at leaving the place and people I had become so fond of in a short time, it’s no surprise that I had all the feels. What I knew for certain, though, was that on the other side of Naples, was seaside bliss – hiking along the Amalfi Coast.
Here’s a peek at what hiking the Amalfi Coast looked like for me, and why I chose to do part of it with a group and part solo. Turns out, you don’t have to choose between independence and support. Keep reading for my Intrepid Travel Amalfi Coast hiking itinerary, honest group tour reality checks, and my favorite solo discoveries in Naples and Sorrento (including where to get the best pizza in Naples – you’re welcome).
So. Many. Stairs.
The Amalfi Coast is sun, stunning views, and endless steps between villages. You do not want to be dragging a heavy bag up them. My free custom packing checklist keeps you light on your feet (your dogs will thank me).
Why I Mixed Group Hiking and Solo Travel on the Amalfi Coast
This was part of my three-month Italian adventure from Sicily to Courmayeur. After hiking the Cinque Terre the year before, the Amalfi Coast was next on my list. While I love solo travel, multi-day hiking through different towns with logistics and permits? That’s where I want professional help. So I created a solo-group sandwich – solo time bookending the middle group tour portion.
Are you a group travel person? I’ve asked myself this many times. While I’m not a tour-bus-herd traveler, small group adventure travel is different. They handle logistics and safety while you show up, live in the moment, and enjoy your surroundings and companions.
After weeks solo in Sicily, I also craved human connection. Real talk: every group dynamic is different – sometimes energizing, sometimes tiring. The good thing is you can dial your interaction up or down. Some people did their own thing, others were highly social. It’s your trip; make it what you want.
When Group Travel Makes Sense (Even for Solo Travelers)
- Multi-day hiking or adventure activities where safety and local knowledge matter
- Destinations where transportation is complex or time-consuming to arrange
- When you want social interaction built into your itinerary
- Physical activities where having a group provides motivation and safety
Naples Solo: First Impressions and Must-Dos
I’d heard warnings about Naples for solo female travelers, and I’ll admit the hype got to me – I arrived hyper-alert. But my anxieties melted away thanks to a friendly Uber driver and the familiar sound of the local dialect (reminiscent of Spanish!). I settled into my hotel in the historic center, took a breath, and was ready to explore.
I had two days before joining my Intrepid group. Friends from Sicily were coincidentally visiting, so we explored together – meandering through museums, churches, and streets packed with everyday life. Three people on a scooter shouting to someone hanging out a window, elderly women with perfect hair and red lipstick, cigarettes tucked in their shirts, cars on roads so narrow you wonder how they got there.
That everyday chaos was the best part of Naples. Well, that and pizza. I stayed near Gino e Toto Sorbillo – still one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had. L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele was another hit.
My 2-Day Naples Highlights
- Catacombs di San Gennaro (caught a wedding in action!)
- Spaccanapoli Street and the Spanish Quarter – gritty, lively Naples at its best
- Piazza del Plebiscito and Royal Palace (stumbled upon a marathon finale)
- Pizza pilgrimage: Gino e Toto Sorbillo and L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele
- Aperitivo in Piazza Bellini with locals
- Waterfront stroll to Castel dell’Ovo
- Shopping along Via Toledo
Solo Travel Safety Tips
- Carry your bag cross-body in front with your arm over it
- Stay in the historic center – walkable, populated, safe
- Stick to main areas and don’t wander late at night
- Take private transport from the airport
- Solo dining was easy – friendly servers and great people-watching from patio tables
Meeting My Intrepid Group: Expectations vs. Reality
I booked Hotel Neapolis since that’s where my Intrepid group was meeting – no sense switching hotels and losing exploration time. We gathered at 6pm for introductions and trip logistics.
Eleven travelers plus our guide made 12. We represented the US, England, and Australia, ranging from 20s to 60s – a nice mix of couples and singles. Everyone was friendly, and I could tell immediately we’d be a mellow group. Our leader was fantastic and set a great tone.
I opted to share a room and met my roommate for the next seven days – funny with fiery energy, exactly the kind of travel companion who makes a trip better.
Group Dynamics Reality Check
The biggest concern I hear? “What if I hate the people in my group?” I’ve taken several small group trips (14-16 max), and I’ve never had a nightmare person. You naturally gravitate toward some more than others, but I’ve found travel kindreds in every group – people I’ve stayed in touch with and even traveled with again. That’s the hidden gem of small group travel.
Intrepid doesn’t include all meals, which I loved. Lower price, more flexibility, and the freedom to eat what I wanted, when I wanted, with whom I wanted. We’d find local lunch spots, grab aperitivos, and decide how to spend post-hike afternoons. Built-in alone time made this the best of both worlds.
Can you keep up? The pace wasn’t intense, and there was always an option to skip a hike and take transport to the next stop. Groups naturally split into faster and slower paces, and our guide expertly managed both, ensuring the gap stayed reasonable.
The Intrepid Hiking on Amalfi Coast Itinerary: Day by Day
Day 1: Naples Welcome
- We met at 6pm for a group briefing and were not spending any time in Naples, which is why I arrived early.
- With the introductions covered and the trip groundwork laid, there was nothing left to do but enjoy our first dinner together and get ready to hike the next day!
Day 2: Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius to Agerola
We hiked Vesuvius’ rim with tour buses crowding the base – glad we had our small group and knowledgeable guide (falling into a volcano solo? No thanks). We explored Pompeii’s ruins for a few hours with a stern but brilliant local guide. Three hours was enough to catch highlights and wander on our own. After that we transferred to Agerola – our first Amalfi Coast glimpse from the van recharged us after a full day.
Walking stats: ~3 hours, 4 km
My take: Worth the visit, manageable difficulty level
Day 3: Free Day in Agerola
Everyone opted for the Orrido di Pino hike to Punto Panoramico – rocky cliffs giving way to that iconic Amalfi Coast view. Back in town, we did a limoncello tasting, wandered, and had a group dinner before turning in early for the Path of the Gods the next day.
Day 4: Hiking the Path of the Gods to Positano & Boat to Amalfi
The main event! Sentiero degli Dei lived up to the hype – steep climbs, steeper descents, and stunning views at every turn. About halfway through, we stopped for a water break at a viewpoint, and I remember thinking, “This is why I’m here.” The coastline stretched endlessly below us, the Mediterranean impossibly blue, and for a moment it was just the sound of our breathing and the wind.
Descending into Positano felt like stepping onto a movie set: terracotta walls, bougainvillea everywhere, and the endless sea. We. Had. Arrived. After an aperitivo and a sea dip (because obviously), we boated to Amalfi, our base for the rest of the trip.
Hiking Stats: 6 hours, 7 km, steep descents
My take: Most intense hike yet – good fitness required. This set the tone for the whole trip.
Day 5: Isle of Capri
We boated to Capri and climbed to Villa Jovis – Emperor Tiberius’ cliff-perched villa 1,200 feet above the sea. The climb through swanky shops and private villas was worth it for the views (shocking, I know – more stunning views!). Some skipped the climb for shopping; we all reunited for lunch, limoncello, and beach time.
Hiking Stats: 4 hours, 3 km
My take: Gentle pacing, nice Capri taste. Next time I’d stay for dinner to see it without crowds.
Day 6: Valle delle Ferriere & Kayaking
We had a morning hike through watermill valley and nature reserve – greenery and waterfalls replaced blue seas, showing the area’s range. That afternoon, we sea kayaked to Santacroce Beach. The water was calm, making it fun even for nervous first-timers (our guide was patient!). We swam, climbed rocks, and had lots of laughs before paddling home.
Hiking Stats: 4 hours, 5 km
My take: Nice variety. I’ve kayaked before and was excited but others hadn’t – luckily everyone got the hang of it.
Day 7: Ravello & Valle del Dragone
We hiked up to Ravello through Valley of the Dragon – village streets turning into mountain trails. We sipped coffee in the square before visiting Villa Cimbrone’s gardens, perched dramatically on cliffs. Took the bus back down to Amalfi (we earned that cheat!).
Hiking Stats: 4 hours, 5.5 km
My take: Ravello is a must-see. Do the hike if you have time; visit either way.
Day 8: Departure from Amalfi
After breakfast, we said our goodbyes, and went onward. A few of us headed to Sorrento together, sharing transport to our next Italian chapter.
Back to Solo: My Days in Sorrento
Before heading to Tuscany, I wanted more coast time. Sorrento was perfect – bigger than Amalfi villages, easy rental car pickup, no long drives on winding roads. My waterfront Airbnb was postcard-perfect. I could’ve stayed there reading and sea-gazing, but Sorrento had too much to offer.
My Three Days in Sorrento
Some Amalfi hikers had the same idea – we explored together on day one, then I went solo. I stayed put rather than island-hopping: strolled through shops, ate at incredible restaurants, luxuriated at beach clubs. We saw the Three Tenors, discovered art museums, and dined under lemon trees for all the Amalfi vibes.
Why Sorrento Works as a Solo Base
Sorrento is great for solo travelers. There are a lot of transportation options so getting there is easy. It doesn’t have that uber romantical vibe that some of the smaller Amalfi towns might have, so you can easily wander and dine solo and not feel like you stick out like a sore thumb. It’s very walkable and everything was within easy reach. It was the perfect post-hike, post-Amalfi recovery spot – one of my favorite places in Italy, to this day.
What I Wish I’d Known Before Hiking the Amalfi Coast with Intrepid
Before You Book:
- Fitness required: Intrepid rates this accurately – trust their activity level descriptions
- Best timing: May was perfect (pre-heat, pre-crowds)
- Pack light: Dry-wick fabrics you’ll re-wear + a few evening outfits for swanky settings
- Luggage transfer included: Focus on hiking with just a daypack
- Payment: Cards widely accepted; carry cash for coffee/small purchases
- Camera: iPhone was plenty
- Solo hikers: Remote trails make guides valuable (one rolled ankle = big problem)
The Good, the Challenging, and the Unexpected
- The Good: Amazing views and hikes, wonderful people, and a trusted and organized tour guide and company
- The Challenging: It was warm a couple of the days, meaning more water breaks on our hikes. I would have liked an extra day on the coast to just chill by the beach. A reason to go back
- The Unexpected: Ravello took my breath away; Naples and Sorrento were meant to be logistical stops but became some of my faves.
Budget Snapshot
in 2018, Intrepid’s tour was around $1,800-2,000 per person (prices vary by season and how far in advance you book). This included accommodations, luggage transfers, most breakfasts, guides, and all activities. Not included: most lunches and dinners, drinks, and personal expenses. I budgeted an additional $400-500 for the week for meals, souvenirs, and extras like limoncello tastings (totally worth it). Add your Naples and Sorrento bookends – I spent roughly $600 for three nights in Naples and Sorrento combined (Airbnb + meals).
Grand total for this portion of my Italy adventure: around $2,500-3,000 including the group tour and solo time. This doesn’t include flights since I was already in Italy, but factor in $800-1,200 for round-trip flights from the US depending on when you book.
*Pricing note: These are 2018 prices. For 2026 planning, expect:
- Intrepid tour: $2,200-2,600 (up from $1,800-2,000)
- Meals/extras during tour: $500-600 (up from $400-500)
- Naples/Sorrento accommodations + meals: $700-800 (up from $600)
- Round-trip US flights: $1,000-1,500 (up from $800-1,200)
Total 2026 estimate: $3,400-4,000 (vs. 2018’s $2,500-3,000)
Group Travel vs. Solo Travel: What I Learned from Doing Both
Mixing solo and group travel has become my go-to – I get to wander independently while having expert guidance for adventurous activities and logistically complex areas. It’s perfect for Amalfi Coast hiking, kayaking, or exploring harder-to-reach places.
Considering Your First Group Tour?
Booking Your Mixed Trip
Want help planning your own solo-group Italy adventure? I specialize in creating custom itineraries that mix independent exploration with expertly guided experiences – and as a Virtuoso travel advisor, I can often get you added perks or upgrades on group tours. Contact me and let’s build your perfect trip. Prefer to DIY? You can also book the group tour directly with the provider.
Timing: Book 6+ months out for best selection, though last-minute can work if flexible (I booked two weeks before, but I was already in Sicily). Once your core Amalfi Coast hiking trip is set, choose nearby cities for before/after, then book flights. Don’t skip trip insurance – it’s essential for active tours.
Conclusion
Hiking the Amalfi Coast rewards you with stunning scenery but demands real effort – having a group handle logistics for the hiking days made it manageable and more enjoyable. Bookending with solo time in Naples and Sorrento gave the trip balance and let me experience Italy at both the group’s pace and my own rhythm.
Would I do it this way again? Absolutely. The group tour gave me hiking companions, handled the tricky logistics, and pushed me up trails I might have skipped on my own. The solo days gave me the freedom to wander, eat when and where I wanted, and transition between the different chapters of my Italy adventure at my own pace.
Thinking about combining group and solo travel for your Italy trip? I’d love to help you plan it – especially if you want expert input on which portions benefit from group structure and which are better explored independently. I’ll help you navigate tour options, time your bookings, and build in just the right amount of solo breathing room. Let’s chat about your Italy dreams.
Wherever you go, however you do it – group, solo, or a strategic mix of both – I hope you have a trip to remember.
Happy travels, kindreds!
RELATED POSTS
Ready to plan more Italy adventures?
- If hiking plus a little solo time sounds like your kind of trip, my adventure travel guide for women has more like it.
- Solo Travel in Italy Guide – What three months traveling alone in Italy taught me
- Continue traveling south – see my full 2 Weeks in Italy itinerary
- Take a look at how I spent 3 weeks in Sicily
- Explore Northern Italy – 18-day itinerary through Venice, Florence, Tuscany, hiking the Cinque Terre, and Rome
- Scared to Travel Alone? Here’s How I Overcome the Anxiety
- Check out everything you need to travel solo in my full guide
- First Group Tour Tips – Here’s 10 things you didn’t know about group travel
- Active Travel Packing List – Take a look at my 431 packing system that works anywhere – get your free guide here
HELPFUL LINKS
Ready to book? Here are my go-to resources for flights, packing, planning, and staying connected:
- Work With Me
- Need help planning your 2026 travel? Contact me here for personalized itinerary assistance!
- Want more information on the benefits of using a travel advisor? Learn more here
- Planning Resources
- Italy Tourism Board – Official Italy travel planning resources
- Intrepid Travel Amalfi Coast Tours – Official tour page
- Path of the Gods Trail Information – Detailed hiking guide
- Pompeii Archaeological Site – Official site with hours and tickets
- Naples Tourism Board – City information and maps
- Sorrento Official Tourism Site – What to see and do
- Trenitalia – Train connections for Italy travel planning
- Rome2Rio – Transportation between cities
- Looking for Travel Inspiration? Follow me and check out my boards on Pinterest
