After a 30-minute private transfer to Amalfi, we take the boat along the coast to Positano, a near vertical town of colourful buildings reached by a network of ancient paths and tracks. On the journey, we enjoy classic views of the Amalfi Coast. In Positano, we explore this picturesque town, strolling among the winding streets. There is time to visit the beautiful cathedral, swim in the sea or shop in the boutiques. We also enjoy an optional lunch in a pizzeria and a refreshing Italian gelato before returning in the late afternoon to Bomerano by boat and minibus.

We descend from the Agerola hills and head to the famous volcano that looms over Naples, Mount Vesuvius. The vehicle takes you to an altitude of approximately 3,280ft (1,000m) and from there to the crater we need to ascend on a path, which is approximately 490ft (150m) long and quite steep in places. A local guide then takes us on a short walk along the crater rim, explaining the fascinating history of Vesuvius. During adverse weather conditions, such as fog, storms or heavy rain, the local authorities may decide to restrict or prevent access to Vesuvius. If this occurs, we take you to Herculaneum to visit the perfectly preserved remains and virtual museum, which give an amazing insight into the life of an ancient Roman city. Transfer to Pompeii in the afternoon, a thriving port town until the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius spanning two days in 79 CE, during which the city was buried in ash and pumice. Lost for 1,700 years, Pompeii is now a World Heritage site as the perfectly preserved remains give us an amazing insight into life in a Roman city, complete with bathhouses, bakeries and homes – some of which still have walls adorned with detailed frescoes. You may take time to explore the site independently, but we recommend opting for a detailed tour accompanied by a local guide, which can be hired locally for approximately €10 per person depending on the group size. We return to the hotel by bus in the late afternoon.

This morning, we take a short walk to visit a cheese factory in Agerola, where we can sample freshly made mozzarella, prepared in front of us following a centuries-old recipe. We then depart for Amalfi, which was popular with the British upper classes in Edwardian times. The large duomo (cathedral) dominates the town with brightly coloured tiles so typical of the region. We have a few hours to explore the historic centre and alleys before touring the Paper Museum, which celebrates the long-established paper-making tradition in Amalfi. The guide explains how Amalfi paper was once made and you can experiment yourself, using ancient paper-making machines. We then head back to the hotel for a pizza-making class before dinner.

Today is free to relax by the hotel pool or at one of the local beaches. Alternatively, opt to take a day trip to Capri and explore the island on foot, by boat and chairlift. Another option is to spend the day in Ravello, a peaceful town high on the cliffs above Amalfi, famous for its gardens and impressive cathedral. Your tour leader will not always join these optional activities but will help you to arrange transport locally.

The Amalfi Coast is also renowned for colourful ceramics and this morning we visit a local artisan’s bottega, where the kids can paint a pottery souvenir. Later, we hike a short section of the Path of the Gods, one of the finest coastal trails in the world. The route follows the contours of the land with amazing views of the coastline far below. The terrain can be rocky or uneven at times and there are parts that are a little exposed and therefore not suitable for severe vertigo sufferers. After the walk, we return to the hotel on foot, where we have lunch by the pool (included, weather permitted).

After a scenic 30-minute ride down to Amalfi, we enjoy a half-day kayak along the Amalfi Coast. This is the perfect finale for the trip as it allows us to explore the coastline from a spectacular angle. After a short introductory lesson on how to kayak and safety at sea, we set off towards the Marmorata waterfall, led by an experienced local guide. The route takes us along the finest Amalfi beaches, under natural rock arches and into sea caves, giving us the opportunity to admire the old watch towers that dot the entire length of this coast. Those not wishing to participate can wait for the rest of the group at the lovely beach where the activity starts. Kayaking is normally possible only between May and September. At other times of the year, or in the event of bad weather and rough sea conditions, your tour leader arranges an alternative activity such as a memorable day trip to Sorrento or Capri. We return to the hotel in the evening and enjoy a delicious farewell group dinner.

The adventure ends after breakfast. Say a fond farewell to the hotel, which may feel a bit like a second home by now, and begin our return journey home.