Ischia and the Amalfi Coast

Start your trip in style with complimentary airport lounge access before your flight from the UK to Naples. On arrival, a private transfer will take you to your luxurious hotel on the Amalfi Coast, nestled on a cliffside with stunning views overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and out towards the nearby town centre of Amalfi. With its own beach club featuring an outdoor pool right by the sea, along with a solarium with sun loungers and parasols, this is a prime destination for relaxing and soaking up the Amalfi Coast sunshine. Dining here is a treat, too, the signature restaurant, Donna Emma La Cucina, specialising in the authentic flavours of the Amalfi Coast, accompanied by an extensive list of exceptional wines and magnificent views of the surrounding coastline. You’ll find a couple of classy lounge bars, too, where you can sip exquisite cocktails, from the classics to innovative combinations, expertly mixed by the bartenders. 

Over the next couple of days, you’ll have ample time to relax as well as to explore the Amalfi Coast as you please. Perhaps you’ll be tempted by a local limoncello experience in which you’ll learn all about the tradition of producing the Amalfi Coast’s handcrafted liqueur using ‘sfusato Amalfitano’ (Amalfi lemons). Of course, there will be an opportunity to try some yourself. A scenic hike along the Path of the Gods, between the villages of Bomerano and Nocelle, is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the Amalfi Coast’s spectacular scenery, while Positano, renowned for its pastel-hued houses that tumble down the cliffside, is also well worth including on your agenda. There’s also the option of joining a cooking masterclass with a local chef, introducing you to the region’s culinary traditions and techniques. Whatever takes your fancy, the hotel’s concierge is on hand to offer advice and to help arrange any experiences and excursions to help you make the most of your time on the Amalfi Coast.

You’ll leave the Italian mainland behind today as a private transfer takes you from the Amalfi Coast to the Port of Naples for a hydrofoil transfer to Ischia. This volcanic island at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples is carpeted with olive groves, vineyards and fragrant lemon trees, while its coastline is blessed with some truly glorious sandy beaches – a quieter, low key alternative to the ever-popular island of Capri. Your base here is a secluded retreat tucked away among three hectares of luscious Mediterranean gardens between the villages of Lacco Ameno and Forio, in a rural, northern part of the island. With its idyllic natural surroundings, serene spa, inviting outdoor pools and trio of restaurants focusing on sustainable, local produce (including a vegetarian and vegan restaurant, Il Mirto, with Michelin Green Star status), this is a blissfully tranquil oasis in which to slow down, unwind and reconnect with nature. 

The next two days are free for you to enjoy the resort’s first-class amenities and to discover more of what Ischia has to offer. There’s an array of gorgeous beaches to choose from, including the nearby San Montano Bay (accessible via a short hike or a free shuttle service), San Francesco, Cava dell’Isola and Citara, with soft, fine sand and crystal clear water that’s ideal for swimming in. The island is also home to numerous hot springs and thermal gardens, such as at Negombo, the Poseidon Gardens and Sorgeto Bay, all of which are delightful spots for a warm, therapeutic soak in geothermally heated waters. Over on the east coast, meanwhile, is the Aragonese Castle, built on a small tidal island that’s connected to the main island of Ischia by a narrow causeway – a striking historical landmark that makes a thoroughly worthwhile day trip destination. Ischia is also criss-crossed by an abundance of superb hiking trails, not least to the summit of Mount Epomeo, from which you’ll be met by panoramic views of the entire island from 789 metres above sea level. Be sure to set aside time to visit at least a couple of the island’s charming villages – nearby Lacco Ameno is arguably the most picturesque of them all, with its colourful seafront buildings, tree-lined streets, bustling harbour promenade and lively seafront bars and restaurants.

Today, you’ll take a hydrofoil transfer from Ischia back to Naples and on to the airport to catch your flight home – or you could extend your stay with a couple of nights in Naples itself.