Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...
A very well organised trip. Christine, our guide, was extremely knowledgable on the local history and understood the local culture completely. The walks were pitched at just the right level, even with the heat of August!!
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The views were fantastic and the food......
What did you think of your group leader?
Christine was brilliant. Totally understanding of the local culture and people. She has immersed herself in this and is able to portray an understanding back to her guests.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
When you read the notes take into account the effects of the heat. We travelled in August and it was hot!!
A new experience for me-my first walking holiday! Very hard on day one but by day six I found myself saying.....I'm really enjoying this! Extremely well organised and fantastically led by Christine Rooney.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Surviving day one! I found it a battle, but the feeling I got from my achievements was very rewarding. The amazing places I saw made it worthwhile and if I didn't make the effort I would never have experienced them - not even through photographs, they really don't compare with reality.
What did you think of your group leader?
OUTSTANDING!!!!!!
Her knowledge about the history and culture was second to none - thanks Christine x
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Keep focused-even during the hard times. I counted the number of steps, which gave me something to focus on rather than how difficult it felt. I won't tell you how many steps......I will let you find out yourselves.
For those that suffer from travel sickness - I recommend Travella natural tablets - they definitely work on the journey back from Amalfi, which is winding to say the least.
Lastly, although its tiring try not to miss any of the walking days especially day 4 - absolutely beautiful ; )
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The hotel staff are very hospitable. We met some lovely people on our trip from as far away as Canada - hopefully we'll keep in touch! Thanks Exodus.
Christine Notley
THE AMALFI COAST
Written
This holiday was fun. The views were magnificent and our group was friendly and sociable, as was our leader. The hotel was fine. I think that 'easy to moderate' sums up the level of fitness required very well.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were many high points but the views have to count among the most memorable parts of the holiday.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our leader was excellent; both friendly and approachable. Nothing was too much trouble.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Bear in mind that August on the Amalfi coast is very, very hot and that the walking is therefore quite draining. You will need lots and lots of water and lots and lots of suncream and a very good hat....
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Ravello, in my opinion, should be included in the itinerary as it's too good to miss. Everyone I have spoken to rates Herculaneum above Pompeii so I think it would be worth going to the former instead, there isn't time to do it all...
There are lots of 'little extras' so take plenty of money. The buses in August are packed, which is an understatement, so if you want to arrange private transport into, say, Amalfi, it'll cost you dear.
The whole holiday was an excellent experience. The hotel was fabulous from the friendliness of the staff to the quality the food. The walks were fantastic with stunning scenery and always with the reward of a thirst quenching lemon soda at wonderful family run cafes at the end. The holiday ran so smoothly. this was due mainly because of the professionalism of the leader who had a wealth of local knowledge and great relationships with the owners of the local establishments we visited.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The scenery is stunning. The walk to the summit of Vesuvius makes you appreciate the power of nature. If you get the opportunity to visit Herculaneum, take it. It is much more awe inspiring than Pompeii.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I loved the walk in the Valle delle Ferriere national park. The waterfalls in the locked part of the park were stunning!
The trip organised by Eduardo on the free day - Herculaneum was very interesting ,made more so by the excellent guide we had there. We had the place almost to ourselves. This was followed by a drive through the mountains to Ravello. Ravello is the most beautiful place ,with absolutely stunning views .Several of us fell in love with the place. The Villa Cimbrone was the highlight for me! The famous Terrace of Infinity being the highlight.
What did you think of your group leader?
Very good.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The first days walk is quite a shock to the system , the first half being all uphill-steps, road,track and finally a steep scramble to the top. I learnt that it's best to take it at your own speed and don't be tempted to try and keep up with those that are ahead! this is not a leisurely walk! The other days were much easier , for me anyway.
A walking pole is a help for the rocky scrambly bits especially downhill and for those hundreds of steps down to the coast.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The hotel has recently added a small swimming pool. This is not mentioned in the trip notes. Take your swimming stuff. I didn't and wished I had. Exodus didn't tell us of this addition.
This was my first experience of a walking holiday, so I was a little apprehensive at first. However, as soon as I arrived, I knew the holiday was going to be something special. Our guide, Christine was absolutely lovely as well as being really knowledgeable and made the week really interesting. Added to that, a great group of people of all ages and good accomodation and food, made for a truly wonderful holiday.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Quite honestly, there were so many breathtakingly beautiful sights of the coastline as we walked above it, that it's hard to pinpoint a single moment. However, pushed to choose one -I really loved Ravello and the views from Villa Cimbrone were pretty near to my idea of Paradise!
What did you think of your group leader?
As I've said above, Christine our guide was great. I immediately warmed to her and as wellas being very organised, she was also full of fun and very engaging. She was also very encouraging to everyone and I can't speak highly enough of her - she contributed enomously to the enjoyment of the holiday experience.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Although rated as leisurely/moderate, I would say this holiday leans more to the moderate end when temperature ( I travelled at the end of June) is taken into consideration.
I was in two minds whether to invest in a walking stick, but found to my surprise, that it was invaluable for walking both up and down hills.
I travelled with a friend - a little concerned about going on my own - but having now experienced this type of holiday with Exodus, I would have no worries about going it alone next time.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
To sum up, this holiday was probably the best holiday that I've had for some years. The company was a good interesting mix, as well as being great fun and apart from the wonderful views, it made walking up a steep hill in temperatures of 33 degrees worthwhile, even if I was completely zonked out by the time I got to the top!!
Last thought - go to Herculaneum if you have chance, as I found it much less crowded and possibly more interesting than Pompei.
Jonathan Galloway
THE AMALFI COAST
Written
This is an excellent trip with a superb itinerary. All of the walks were enjoyable, with 'the walk of the gods' being a great climax. The Amalfi coast is beautiful and I would particulary recommend the trip to Ravello. Pompeii, Herculaneum and Veusuvius were all fascinating places to visit.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The visits to Pompeii and Herculaneum were particularly interesting...they vividly bring to mind what it must have been like for the inhabitants when Vesuvius erupted. On the day that we visited Herculaneum, they opened the gates at the old sea front where over 300 skeletons were found...the remains of those who were still waiting for boats to take them to safety...Herculaneum has an eerie silence in contrast to the tourist bustle of Pompeii and it was particularly powerful moment when we were able to 'peak into Desolation Row' where these skeletons have laid for 2000 odd years...
What did you think of your group leader?
Christine was a very good group leader. She had excellent knowledge of the local situation and knew when it was best to arrange private transport rather than rely on the public buses! She made sure that we had very good local guides when visiting Vesuvius and Pompeii. She knew the best places to go for food and drink in all of the locations we visited.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This trip is more expensive than the upfront costs...there tend to be add-ons which you cannot resist and the Amalfi coast is not as cheap as some places!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The hotel deserves a 5 star rating because of the superb friendly service it offers...most 5 star hotels can only dream of being as attentive and welcoming as this family run one...The food was first rate and it was great that we were invited into the kitchen on several occasions for cooking demonstrations. The hotel pool and jacuzzi are great additions (though it is worth mentioning upfront that these cost 2 Euros to use each time).