The perfect way to explore Italy’s glamorous coastline

Rome: Italy’s Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the world and a terrific way to explore its renowned hilltop towns and beaches is on a unique walking holiday in Europe this autumn.

Popular with locals and tourists alike, the Sorrento Peninsula is a place that should be on every traveller’s list.

Allowing you to make the most of the last rays of summer as you soak up the glorious atmosphere, October is a wonderful time to explore the area on foot and Country Living readers can do just that by joining us on an exclusive walking holiday in Italy this year.

The trip will leave you feeling healthy and rested, having walked the Monte Tre Calli hiking trail, with spectacular views over the Mediterranean, and Sentiero degli Dei, which is known as the ‘Walk of the Gods,’ an extraordinary panoramic footpath.

You will visit Ravello, Positano and Amalfi, the iconic southern Italian town that has been popular with British holidaymakers since Edwardian times, when the upper classes flocked to its shores for a pleasantly warm getaway during the cold English winter months.

Walking downhill from your hotel towards Amalfi, as stunning views of the Mediterranean open up in front of you, you’ll see why it’s remained so adored.

Between walks you’ll have plenty of time to swim in secluded bays, taste as many flavours of gorgeous gelato as your heart desires and wander around the duomos and villas that line the coast, with their immaculately landscaped gardens.

You’ll also have an opportunity to visit the unique, UNESCO-listed heritage site of Pompeii. This historic Roman port was lost for 1700 years under the ash and pumice secreted by Mt Vesuvius during its two-day eruption in 79AD, and has been perfectly preserved as a result.

Tour its bathhouses, bakeries and homes to see walls that are still adorned with original Roman frescoes.

The same slopes of Mount Vesuvius that were once covered in molten lava are now fertile soil that produce one of the region’s most famous exports. Lacryma Christi, which translates as Christ’s Tears, is a local wine named after the grapes that have grown here since Roman times.

It’s believed that Jesus wept onto the ground, enriching the vines and bestowing them with their incredible taste.

You’ll be able to try the wines and tour a vineyard during your stay at the family-run Hotel Due Torri. Set amid idyllic wild meadows and boasting fantastic views over the Amalfi Coast, the hotel is a great place to retire after days out exploring the region.

Here, you can take a dip in the outdoor pool to cool off after a long walk, rest your legs as you sunbathe and tuck into hearty and traditional Italian dinners in the restaurant.