Amalfi Coast

Hi, yes me and 3 girly friends of mine are coming on this trip

 funnily enough we all meet on exodus trips

 I've done a few trips with exodus, cuba, croatia, jordan, morrocco all of them have been fab

 a friend of mine has done this one and she loved it

Rakhi

Hi, thanks for replying.  It sounds like Exodus are a good company to travel with then, if you've enjoyed the holidays - that's good!  I've been to Morocco with Solo's on a jeep safari, that was a really good holiday.  Also went to Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus with them.  As i'm not single anymore, I don't want to do Solo's holidays now, but thought it was good to holiday in a group, hence booking with Exodus.  Neither of us have been to Italy, so are really looking forward to it.

Alison and Andrew

Hi, I am also going to be on this trip in May and am really looking forward to it. This will be my first Exodus trip and my first solo holiday so it would be nice to chat with fellow travellers before we go.

From what you have said above it sounds like Exodus are a good company to go with. Italy is somewhere I have always wanted to visit and I can't wait to sample the Italian food.

Rakhi - the other trips you have done with Exodus are also to places I fancy going so I will certainly be hoping to get some more information on those at some point when we're away.

Hannah

Hello Hannah,  thanks for replying, so you're another first-timer like us!  It is a good idea to chat to others before we go.  Whereabouts do you live?  We live near Bristol but have to go from Gatwick Airport as there's no regional transfers.

Alison 

Hi Alison, 

I can't believe you live near Bristol, I moved to that area towards the end of last year and am still finding my feet and settling in. I have family who live reasonably near to Gatwick though, thankfully, and have already enlisted their taxi services for the return trip to Gatwick.

My plan this weekend is to go to the Go Outdoors shop on the way out to Bath as I hear that is a good place for getting walking poles, which I think might come in useful. The holiday is proving a good excuse for me to shop and update my wardrobe too!

Hannah 

 

Hi again Hannah

 That is a coincidence then, us both living in the same area!  small world eh?  Good that you've got family living near to the airport, saves on some of the cost of parking or travelling expenses.  I guess we'll be driving up and parking somewhere close to the airport, I must check out prices.

Andrew likes going to that outdoor shop, I expect you'll find lots of stuff to buy, I think it's all quite reasonably priced aswell.

What do you do for a living?  I work in a college.

Alison 

Hi Hannah/Alison,

how exciting , i cant wait to go either, i love Italy but have never done this side so really looking forward to

you have me worried hannah with talk of walking poles, you mean I cant wear my heels ha ha, hopefully it is more of a leisurely trip with a bit of walking

 happy to tell you about my other experiences with exodus Hannah, to be fair I've not been disappointed yet

 lucky both of you, I'm going to have to get to gatwick from Leeds, think i may come down the night before, less stressful

 have a great weekend, fellow travellers

Rakhi

 

Hi guys,

I'm thinking of booking this for the 14th May, but haven't done a group/singles trip before, although have travelled by myself, but think you have convinced me to give it a go, lots of italian food, wine and a bit of walking can't be that difficult! maybe I should switch to 21st now! (might need to blow the dust of my walking boots first) I would be coming from Leicester though, so not sure how that would work,

Wendy

 

HI Wendy Come on the 21st it will be fun. Can't make an excuse that your coming from leicester I'm coming down from Leeds.... Rakhi

Hi all

This is my first Exodus trip but I've done several others with similar companies.  I'm coming from Australia (on my way to the US on business) and catching up with a London friend Liz for the trip.  We have done this each year for the last few years and had lots of fun.  Another Aussie friend Angela will be coming as well.  We all love Italy and Angela and Liz speak the language which helps.

Cant' wait!  Anne-Maree

Rakhi - I'm not sure we'll need walking poles either, I thought it was billed as a leisurely walking trip, we do have some so will probably bring a pair just in case.  Bit of a pain for you travelling from Leeds, is that further than Bristol to Gatwick? guess it is.

Wendy - yes as Rakhi says come on our trip instead of 14th May! Maybe there's good train link from Leicester to Gatwick Airport?

Anne-Maree - coming from Austrailia - wow! Great that your friends speak the lingo too, really looking forward to meeting everyone! 

Alison 

...gutted now, just remembered why I picked the 14th, i have a family wedding on the28th I have to be back for, you all sound really nice too, would have loved to come a week later, maybe we'll pass at the airport!

Rakhi, what other exodus trips can you recommend? This is a kinda trial run week for me, hopefully to do other trips later in the year, I like a bit of adventure, but not too much, probably wont be canooing up the Amazon any time soon!

Anne-Maree, can you recommend any other companies? might as well check out all the options,

Wendy

There's been so much activity on here since I last accessed it.

I've been and bought the walking poles today (not expensive ones), although as you all say, I am hoping it is a quite leisurely walking holiday rather than too strenuous. It sounds like we are going have a really good mix of people and I look forward to meeting you all.  

Alison - I'm an accountant and therefore chained to my desk during the week. I love to get out and about on my holidays to make up for that and think this holiday will be such a great way to see that area of Italy. What job do you do for the college?

I was thinking of getting myself an Italian phrase book to help me with the lingo, but seeing as we'll have a couple of fellow travellers who speak the language maybe they can teach me some of the basics whilst we're there instead. I should just need "Please", "Thank you" and "A glass of white wine" :)

Wendy - that's a shame, maybe another year!?

 Hannah - I work as a support worker at the college with disabled students in the classroom, half term now so phew! week off.

 Good to see a photo of you!  Have other people got photos they could put on this site?

Such a nice idea to chat to people before we go, looking forward to meeting everyone.

Alison (and Andrew, the only male so far!)

HI Hannah , I share your thoughts too since I too am also an accountant . Yes Alison , Andrew is very brave, he is the only male so far. Mind I think the two guys who run the hotel should be able to give Andrew some male conversation. Shame your not going to join us Wendy ......other trips I would recommend are taste of Cuba, Croatia coast one,Jordan was good too RIght getting more worried now with all the walking poles purchases.....ha ha Rakhi

it's probably just as well i can't make it....I'm also an accountant!  (LMAO)  ....and I haven't got any walking poles!

Wendy - How funny you're an accountant aswell! could have been a busman's holiday for you!

 Rakhi - I expect more men will book up at the last minute, so Andrew doesn't feel like the odd one out!

 Alison 

Hi - everyone. I'm due to be heading off on this trip too. Looking forward to it - never been in Italy before and this looks a lovely part of the country.  Only 10 weeks away.  Munch (Derek)

 

Hi - everyone. I'm due to be heading off on this trip too. Looking forward to it - never been in Italy before and this looks a lovely part of the country.  Only 10 weeks away.  Munch (Derek)

 

thank god says Andrew, I have to listen to Alison talk about hair products enough at home! we're both looking forward to some warmth and never been to Italy before either. Alison and Andrew

Hi Andrew - You're welcome. You can talk about hair products with me instead, just for a change!  I use Aussie "Take the Heat" shampoo and conditioner. Just bought myself a new Tormaline Ionic Ceramic comp.  HaHa  :)      Derek

Sorry -    comp = comb 

Hi Everyone,  we've paid the balance on our holiday now, so we're definitely going!  Really looking forward to it and meeting everyone.  Alison and Andrew

Yes - that's my cheque gone as well. Hope it doesn't bounce.  I think you'll find Exodus is a first-class professional company. I first went on one of their trips in 1978 (Israel),  then again in 1996 since when I've travelled regularly with them. Never any problem, leaders very capable and knowledgeable of their respective regions, with strong local connections, easy to speak to and willing to help and answer any queries from the punters. By the way Andrew - hope I didn't scare you or give you the wrong impression with my "hairtalk".   Derek

Spent a bit of time with the catalogues, feel I'll be able to hold my own in conversation now Derek!

You certainly give us confidence the company know what they're doing, we were expecting great scenery and so on and everyone who's posted sounds friendly.  Now we are also expecting that the reps will add more to the holiday than perhaps we've experienced in the past. Very much looking forward to it, and meeting everyone for 'real'. Andrew

Hi to all.   I'm a 'lurker' on this thread but because I've done this trip and know the area well, I just wanted to warn you all that you will find walking poles useful on this one.   It may be classified as leisurely/moderate but just think 'moderate' most of the time rather than leisurely!   You won't lose any weight with the uphill climbs though as the food in the hotel is absolutely excellent and there is loads of it too.   The walking is wonderful and the views are all to die for.   Have a great time!  Marian

Hi Marian,

 Thanks for this, I am doing this trip the week before, and was also wondering about this.  I haven't used poles before, but have a slightly dodgy knee so though they might come in handy.  Do you use one or two? Can you recommend any 'type' if there is such a thing?  Any other hot tips?

 Wendy

I have a dodgy knee too Wendy and I found sticks useful especially for the first walk which is quite a lot of uphill to start with.   Also you may find them useful for the Walk of the Gods.   I even used them for the walk down to Amalfi - which is ALL steps - and remember to cut your toe nails before that one!!  I, personally, always use 2 sticks and mine have shock absorbers in them but then I do a lot of walking.   They are Snow and Rock make.   If you haven't used them before then I'm sure you will be grateful for them on the uphill bits as they really do take an awful lot of weight off your knees.   Apart from that I don't think there is anything else that needs to be pointed out.   Just enjoy the views and May will be wonderful for all the Spring flowers.   Marian  PS.  Enjoy making pizza too!

 

Hi Marian, Thanks for posting about the walking poles.  I tried out Andrew's walking poles today at Brean Down (you might know it Hannah!?) they are Pacerpoles and have ergonomical hand holds, they were great!  I think I'm a convert, so will be buying some for the trip I think, they certainly made me feel less tired and took pressure away from my knees and back. Did feel a little silly to begin with I must admit but when I got the hang of them I didn't care. Alison 

I'm glad to hear my walking poles might come in useful. I am going to try them out for the first time this weekend (weather permitting!) on a walk in the Mendips. I haven't heard of Brean Down, Marian, but it will now be on my list to look up for a walk in the summer perhaps. I can't wait for the weather to improve a bit so I can see more of the area.

I hope we have good weather in Italy, although I will be taking my light waterproof just in case.

Not long to go now - can't wait :)

Hi everybody!   Just to explain to you all that I'm in the Departure Lounge page because I'm going to China in May.   Just in case you all thought I was weird!  And as your thread is always the first on the list with lots of posts, it's probably the most interesting one there is!   As you seem to be converted to walking poles I don't think there is much else I can tell you about the trip.   The weather in May should be good though so you will need your suncream and hats although a light waterproof might come in handy.   I did the trip in September and it was sweltering.   As you know you will be walking up Vesuvio which will be good exercise to work off the huge plate of pasta that you will probably have eaten the night before!    Perhaps the only day when you will grumble a bit is the walk down to Amalfi (perhaps someone will count ALL the steps!).   It is a bit knee jarring but I'm sure you will be too busy looking at the views to really notice it.   I remember a lady in our group who had long toe nails so she did quite a bit of damage to her socks and toes on that walk!   The views really are wonderful along that coastline although I personally think Capril is overrated but if you have never been before I suppose it's worth going to have a look at the place.   I'm almost getting excited for you all too!   Buon viaggio!  Marian

Hi everyone, I'm Alison and I just booked this trip today, really excited! Who else is going on the group flight from Stansted? I've never been to Italy but I've been meaning to for ages and I managed to get a week of annual leave in May so I've booked this :) I love walking and I love Italian food and wine so it should all be excellent.

Can't wait to meet you all in a few weeks! Ali 

I'm Alison aswell, good to meet you! We're going from Gatwick, not sure who's going from Stansted.  We've never been to Italy either but always wanted to go, so really looking forward to it aswell, like you we both like Italian food and wine and walking too.  I think with you that will make 12 of us so far!  Have you been with Exodus before?  It's our first time.  Alison and Andrew

Hello other Alison and Andrew! I don't know many Alisons - are you ever an Ali? I usually am, and will be on holiday if it prevents confusion! I've never been with Exodus before either, but my friend has several times and she recommended it. As none of my friends were free to go away that week I'd sort of decided not to do anything, and she made me! It hadn't even occured to me to look at companies. I'm really happy with my choice, though. My Dad has some walking poles, so I might ask him if I can borrow them, as I doubt I'd get much use out of them normally. And a quick introduction... I'm 21, live in London and work as a children's nurse.

Ali 

Sometimes i'm an Ali, close friends call me that, otherwise i'm Alison.  Funnily enough Andrew's sister is Alison aswell and she's an Ali!  Did you have to pay extra to go from Stansted?  We wanted to fly from Bristol as that's our local airport, but it wasn't an option as we fly with BA. We're taking poles aswell, I tried them out a few weeks ago and once I got the hang of them they were fine.  I'd recommend you have a practice run if you're not used to them!  Are you a children's nurse in a hospital then? 

Alison 

I'm always Alison at work, because I think Ali sounds younger and being newly-qualified and 21 I want to be taken seriously as a nurse! I actually paid less to go from Stanstead - they offered me BA from Gatwick or Easyjet from Stanstead, and Easyjet was cheaper! Yep, at the moment I work in children's intensive care, and I'm going to work on the neurosurgical ward soon (I move wards the week after we get back actually! I'll be refreshed for my new role!)

Ali 

This thread makes good, interesting  and informative reading. Thanks Marian - your input is much appreciated. I found your thread on the China trip and I hope you have a great experience. China is on the "must visit" list in my head. This trip to Italy is much anticipated - my one regret is that it's only one week - as are most of Exodus's European trips. Two weeks would be so much more enjoyable.  However not to worry - a lot will be packed into this visit in what seems a beautiful part of Italy.  Funnily enough, I'm on another thread in the Forum (August 11 - Wildlife & Beaches of Southern Africa)) and it has been getting a lot of posts too.  Looking forward to meeting you all as you all sound a lovely bunch.  I'm due to be on the flight from Gatwick on the Saturday (cup-final day) so could be busy. Best wishes to you all. Derek

Hi all, my names John, 24, and I'm leaving from Stansted as well (I think I saw at least an Alison that was as well). Booked this holiday last week and really looking forward to it. I've been to Italy once before when I spent a week there with 3 days in Rome, 2 days in Florence and 2 days in Venice, it was fantastic, although pizza back home never tasted quite the same :) I'm glad there's such sociable people going on this trip, I've never been on a holiday by myself before, always figured I'd end up on the wrong flight or some other such nonsense.

 See you all soon, John 

I see that our tour leader for this trip was one of those "Highly Commended" in last year's Exodus tour leader awards. So I've no doubt that we shall be looked after in a capable and professional manner on this trip - I'm sure of that. Nice to see you joining up John at the last minute. Very much looking forward to visiting this part of the world and partaking in a few bottles of decent local wines (although a cold beer or three will do)   

Hi there John, another man for Andrew to talk to! Glad you're joining us on this trip, see you all soon, really looking forward to it!  Alison and Andrew

I spoke to a friend of mine who did this trip a while ago and she loved it....

I asked her about how much cash would be needed and she said that the Pompei day if you choose to do it is about £50 for taxi there and back and entry into the site. Also on one of the nights dinner is not included and all lunches need to be paid for.

 Apparently at the hotel, if you decide to have alcohol with your meal you pay a set fee and can have as much as you like, good system there I like it

 According to my friend the walks are not too difficult but a good comfortable pair of shoes is advisable but walking poles are not necessary unless you specifically need them

 Apparently people with Vertigo may feel a bit funny on some of it since it is very steep in places

 but overall she says that it really is an amazing trip and the hosts at the hotel are fantastic

Cant wait to go either

see you all then

 Rakhi

I've just realised that this is for the Amalfi coast and the bay of Naples... I'm going on the holiday that's only called "the Amalfi Coast" so I think I'm in the wrong place, sorry!

In fact it's a bit confusing, both trips are leaving on that day! Who else is def on the one called "The Amalfi Coast" and not the bay of Naples?

I think they're the same trips aren't they? 

No there's two - I booked my Amalfi Coast one on the phone and he said they're different. 

 Here's a link to the bay of Naples one: http://www.exodus.co.uk/holidays/avg/overview?return=cT1wc2VhcmNoJmtleXM9JnNlYXJjaF90eXBlPWFkdmFuY2VkJnBjb3VudHJ5PUlUJnJlZ2lvbj0zJmRhdGVfc3RhcnRbZGF5XT0yMSZkYXRlX3N0YXJ0W21vbnRoXT01JmRhdGVfc3RhcnRbeWVhcl09MjAxMSZkYXRlX2VuZFtkYXldPTI4JmRhdGVfZW5kW21vbnRoXT01JmRhdGVfZW5kW3llYXJdPTIwMTE=

 And this for the Amalfi Coast one: http://www.exodus.co.uk/holidays/tda/overview?return=cT1wc2VhcmNoJmtleXM9JnNlYXJjaF90eXBlPWFkdmFuY2VkJnBjb3VudHJ5PUlUJnJlZ2lvbj0zJmRhdGVfc3RhcnRbZGF5XT0yMSZkYXRlX3N0YXJ0W21vbnRoXT01JmRhdGVfc3RhcnRbeWVhcl09MjAxMSZkYXRlX2VuZFtkYXldPTI4JmRhdGVfZW5kW21vbnRoXT01JmRhdGVfZW5kW3llYXJdPTIwMTE=

 

And Hi John! Is your flight 11.30? In which case, let's try and meet somewhere before we fly as we're on the same one - presuming we are on the same holiday anyway! I've never been away on my own either, but looking forward to it. Ali 

My flight leaves at 13:30 (flight EZY3361), my trip code is 'AVG - Amalfi Coast and Bay of Naples'. I may well be there pretty early just in case I screw up - it happens :) I admit it seems pretty odd to have two holidays with the same company flying out on the same day to the same place that aren't the same. I'm assuming I'm on the Standsted flight and not Gatwick because of when I booked, I live in Guildford so Gatwick would have been a lot easier but never mind. Assuming I am there really early and you want to meet up even though it looks like we're on different flights my mobile number is 07809738258.

Hi Ali,  we're definitely on this holiday not just Amalfi Coast, strange isn't it? Maybe we'll meet up with you during the trip one day, hope so!  Alison

Hi All,

Unfortunately it looks like I got it wrong too. I am on the trip code TDA which is just Amalfi Coast. No wonder we were getting confused about the walking poles as my trip says moderate walking, whereas the other one is leisurely (I may wish I chose that one, depending on how steep the walking is!).

Anyway, it's a shame that after all of this I won't get to meet some of you, but it look like Ali is definitely on the same trip as me so I look forward to meeting you.

Hope everyone enjoys their trip, regardless of which one it turns out to be. Hannah

Just had another look at both trips and it looks like we might meet after all as I think they both stay at the same hotel! They're just trying to catch us out I'm sure - maybe we can mix and match the day trips! :)

Hope you've all got the right week, or I may be meeting you next week after all!

 Have a good time all

Wendy