Amalfi Coast

Nicola Roberts, Victoria Hall and Lisa Hamblin (left to right), all from England, were among 11 solo travelers on a group trip to Italy’s Amalfi Coast that included a hike to the top of Mount Vesuvius, where they posed for this photo.   (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

In Amalfi, the beach is close to the town square, so it’s easy to spend a day exploring both.   ( Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune )

Built in the 1200s, the Cathedral of St. Andrew dominates the bustling square in Amalfi.  (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

Lemon products, especially bottles of the local liqueur, limoncello, are for sale all over the Amalfi Coast.  (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

The Gran Caffe Gambrinus in Naples is noted for its pastries, as well as its coffee.   (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

The old town in Naples is filled with narrow alleyways shared by pedestrians, cars and motorcyclists.  (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

The group finishes the last part of the Path of the Gods, 1,500 stone steps, along the Amalfi coastline, before heading to Positano for refreshments.   (John Chant / Chicago Tribune)

The Path of the Gods, which can take between three and four hours to complete, awards hikers with stunning views.  (John Chant / Chicago Tribune)

At Hotel Due Torri in Bomerano, the base for the Exodus solo travel trip, guests were invited into the kitchen one night to learn how to make pizza with one of the pros.  (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

In Naples, Trattoria da Nennella makes a superb spaghetti carbonara.  (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

Along the Amalfi Coast, you can buy tomatoes that grow in clusters like grapes.  (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)