An active, yet relaxing trip to a beautiful corner of Italy with an amazing variety of different walks offering views of coastal cliffs, limestone peaks and gorges, charming seaside towns and some history in the form of the extensive and intricate ruins at Pompeii and Herculaneum as well as a unique visit to one of the world’s most notorious volcanoes. Â
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
All the walks were excellent and different from each other, but the afternoon ascent to the summit of Mount Vesuvius really stood out for me. There were numerous steaming fumaroles illuminated by the setting sun just metres away from the remnants of a snow cornice on the crater rim and extensive views over the Bay of Naples in all directions – stunning! Â
What did you think of your group leader?
Barbara was friendly, well organised and informative and also allowed all group members to go at their own pace and make the most of any free time on the trip. Â
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
On the free day, boat trips to Capri aren’t available during winter months so a good option is to visit the Roman ruins of Herculaneum and the clifftop village of Ravello and this was conveniently arranged with the hotel who ran private transfers to each of these sites. The hotel staff are very welcoming and accommodating and did a particularly good job at catering for my meal preferences.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I did this trip over new year and we were incredibly lucky with the weather, but it can be cold at this time of year (early morning frosts on a couple of days and even a dusting of snow on the highest peaks above 1000 metres) – however, winter weather isn’t always perfect in the Mediterranean, so come prepared for cool and potentially wet conditions.
The weather was wonderful (especially considering it was the first week of November),and the scenery spectacular. The walks were well described in the trip notes and were at the level we were expecting (leisurely/moderate). Our guide, Christine, was knowledgable and made sure the week ran very smoothly. The hotel was a very good standard and food was plentiful. All in all a wonderful week and would definately recommend this trip.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I really enjoyed the trips to Pomeii and Herculanium and found these places very moving. I would definately recommend having a guide on these sites so that you can look and listen rather than having to jump aroung a guide book and map (which they had run out of). The weather was excellent for walking, needing a fleece only when starting out. Seeing the rugged coastline was spectacular.
What did you think of your group leader?
Christine was very efficient, knowledgable and helpful, just as we have come to expect of Exodus guides, thank you for making it such a wonderful time.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The thousand(s) of steps down to Amalfi and Positano do take it out on your knees, so poles are very useful.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Having stayed at farm houses previously there was always a pot of tea/coffee when we arrived back from the walks and I missed this at the hotel, but that is the only extremely minor "disappointment" I have with the whole trip.
We stayed an extra night in Naples, and can't say I was that impressed, wouldn't recommend it and certainly will be in no rush what so ever to go back there again.
Gillian Murray
THE AMALFI COAST
Written
This was an enjoyable week, great weather especially for the beginning of November, great food - although sometimes a little too much, good hotel, fab company, good guide and a good mix of walking and site seeing.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Visiting Herculaneum and Pompeii realising how little civilisation has changed in the last 2000 years.
What did you think of your group leader?
Christine was a great group leader and was very considerate to all members of the group. She gave a thorough briefing every evening letting us know exactly what was to come the following day.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The grading of the walking is appropriate and generally speaking there is alot more down than up, just beware there are an awful lot of steps on the day 3 walk into Amalfi and this does take it out of your knees somewhat. Plus be prepared for the bun fight to get on the local bus back from Amalfi, this for me was the low point of the trip.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I enjoyed the week overall although I was alittle disappointed in this part of Italy, I think this was due to the fact alot of people had said how beautiful the Amalfi coast is and that my expectations were very high. On the other hand the Valle del Ferriero National Park walk and the 'Walk of the Gods' were both lovely walks and Positano although very quiet on the day we were there was beautiful.
On our free day we opted to do the trip that included a visit to Herculaneum and Ravello which I thoroughly enjoyed, managing to fit in visiting both Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufalo in Ravello - we did skip lunch though to fit in both Villas without feeling like we were running between the two.
Wonderful week away in the Amalfi, the walking was varied and interesting with fantastic views. The group leader Christine was passionate about the area and really bought the trip to life. The hotel were great and they couldn't do enough for us, really making the effort to make the trip special and make us feel at home.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
For me i loved the day in Pompeii which was so interesting, the guide was the best investment of the holiday and really bought it to life showing us all the key things and explaining things that you wouldn't even think to ask. Also the walk of the gods on the last day was wonderful with amazing views.
What did you think of your group leader?
Christine was friendly, professional and passionate about her job and the area which really made the holiday. She made the whole holiday very easy and relaxing and was a lot of fun.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The food at the hotel is fantastic so don't worry about going hungry.
On the day off we went to Herculaneum on the hotel arranged trip which was wonderful, we had the same guide as for Pompeii who was excellent and this was a thoroughly interesting trip, would definately recommend.
Sonia Kingsnorth
THE AMALFI COAST
Written
I finished my holiday with a big smile on my face and plans to book my next trip as soon as possible.Â
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I loved the fact that each walk is different in terms of terrain and spectacular views. The walk to the nature reserve, which in itself is another sight to behold, was my favourite with the dappled sunlight, passing mule trains and waterfalls. I also enjoyed the occasions of taking the local bus back to our hotel (sit on the left hand side!) and twirling ever upwards round the hairpin bends, beeping frantically as you go. We did one trip at night and looked back on Amalfi twinkling in the dark - perfect!
What did you think of your group leader?
Albert was a safe pair of hands as a group leader. He gave the group the freedom to find their level in terms of fitness and speed and kept us all together.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
My advice would be to make sure you have comfy walking shoes (I had a blister!) and take a pair of flip-flops in your back-pack for the beach, as it is shingle and very painful to walk on. A cozzy and walking boots is not a good look, especially in Positano amongst the glamorous Italian ladies.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Exhilarating walks, great food, fine wine and lovely company!  Who could ask for more?
Aidan McKeon
THE AMALFI COAST
Written
Well organised holiday excellent mature walk leader etc Albert, hotel family owned and family welcome feel very informal. enjoyed the holiday very much would recommend aidan mckeon
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Every walk was as good as each other. Â At times a litttle tough but all very enjoyable. Â
The hotel was superb, it was more like staying with a family, they all made us very welcome during the entire stay. Â The food was wonderful, four courses every night and all delicious. Â The evenings spent in the kitchen were great fun.Â
What did you think of your group leader?
Juanne our leader was excellent. Â He was always most helpful, considerate and fun to be with. Â He led the walks with enthusiasm and kept the pace to suit us all.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Most of the reviews for this holiday mention that the walking is hard going. Â Although I would agree to this they were all manageable. Â We are in our sixties and coped well but if you should have severe knee problems the steps down at the end of the walks could prove a little difficult as there are a lot of them. Â
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Overall a great holiday spent in a lovely country. Â The walks were very scenic and the places visiited beautiful. Â The beach was absolutley bliss at the end of the walking day.