Current as of: October 10, 2024 - 13:37
Current as of: October 10, 2024 - 13:37
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
Live la dolce vita for a week, exploring the best of the Amalfi Coast, one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline in Europe. Whether travelling to chic Capri by boat, admiring dreamy coastal views from the Path of the Gods, or exploring romantic Ravello, you’ll be spellbound by the natural beauty and cultural treasures of this land. Based at a family-run hotel in the quieter village of Agerola, we also visit the most famous sites in the Bay of Naples, namely the extraordinarily well-preserved ruins of Herculaneum and the legendary archaeological site of Pompeii.
Highlights
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
It involves travel by private bus and boat and includes guided walks and sightseeing on foot. The walking and pace are not strenuous, but you need to be in good health and fitness.
This trip also includes a linear hike (2.5mi/4km) on the Path of the Gods, a scenic coastal route considered one of the best in the world for its jaw-dropping views. This walk is of moderate difficulty and a reasonable level of fitness and agility is required, although the pace is leisurely. Please be aware that the path can be rocky and uneven at times, so wearing suitable walking footwear is essential. While some sections of the path may be challenging for those with vertigo, the stunning views are worth it, and an expert local guide will be there to offer support and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience. If you have any concerns about your fitness levels, please talk to your tour leader before joining this activity.
Please note, there is high demand for our Amalfi tours, so it’s likely there will be more than one Exodus group at Due Torri. The hotel is also occasionally open to non-Exodus guests. Nevertheless, our experienced team of leaders is used to this and will tailor itineraries to ensure you enjoy each activity with your own small group. Any additional groups are either on a different tour or follow an alternative itinerary.
It is also worth noting that during the high season, usually May to September, popular towns along the Amalfi Coast such as Positano, Amalfi itself and the island of Capri, can also be quite busy.
Finally, please be aware that the Amalfi Coast can be warm, possibly reaching 35C (95F) between July and September, so wearing a hat and keeping hydrated is highly recommended.
Our leader will accompany the group on all scheduled activities, but due to Italian legislation is not allowed to guide groups around Herculaneum and Pompeii. The leader does not always accompany the group on activities undertaken on the free day but will be available to provide all the necessary information before you set off.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 5
Max group size: 18
Those of us on the group flights touch down in Naples and will be driven 1hr 20min south, past Vesuvius and Pompeii, up and over the Sorrentine Peninsula to Bomerano – a tiny village on the west side of the Agerola Valley. Our hosts for the week are the charming and friendly Giovanni and Nicola Acampora, owners of the Hotel Due Torri. Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, their family-run property has a pool and fabulous views of the surrounding Lattari mountains; an ideal location to escape the crowds.
Please note: It is possible the order of the itinerary will be changed to ensure the best possible conditions for each activity during the trip. All listed activities and services will be included. Your leader will inform you of any changes locally after assessing conditions.
If you have extra days at hand and are willing to extend your adventure, consider booking additional nights in Naples or even Rome. Speak to your Sales Consultant for more information on our City Extension packages.
This trip starts in Bomerano – a tiny village on the west side of the Agerola Valley, 1hr 20m south of Naples. Our hosts for the week are Giovanni and Nicola Acampora, the charming owners of Hotel Due Torri. Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, their family-run property has a pool and fabulous views of the Lattari mountains; an ideal spot to escape the crowds. We’ll rendezvous at the hotel in time for dinner and a welcome briefing.
Please note: It is possible the order of the itinerary will be changed to ensure the best possible conditions for each activity during the trip. All listed activities and services will be included. Your leader will inform you of any changes locally after assessing conditions.
If you are willing to tailor your journey adding extra nights, speak with your Sales Consultant for detailed information on available pre-tour, post-tour and extension packages.
Leaving the Agerola plain, we descend by private bus to Amalfi, the oldest maritime republic in Italy. Quintessentially Mediterranean, Amalfi’s townscape is a cluster of little white houses and buildings, narrow alleyways and shady porticoes, dominated by the large cathedral with its brightly coloured tiles typical of the region. We spend the morning sightseeing, relaxing in one of the sun-filled piazzas, or visiting the interesting paper museum (optional). Later, we continue by fast boat (approximately 20 minutes) to Positano. En route, we enjoy the enchanting views of the sheer cliffs and rugged shoreline dotted with small beaches that have drawn people to this stunning coast for centuries. There is no better way of approaching Positano for the first time than from the sea, as the contrast of this near-vertical town of colourful buildings against the verdant cliffs and blue waters will leave you mesmerised. We have a few hours to explore this chic, picture-perfect village on foot before we return to our hotel in the late afternoon by boat and private bus.
During winter departures (November to February) the following changes are made to the itinerary;
It’s a busy day today as we travel to the Bay of Naples by private bus (approximately one hour), where we join local guides to tour two of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, Herculaneum and Pompeii. Both towns and their people got buried under the ash and magma of Mount Vesuvius in the 79 CE eruption, but they were only rediscovered through excavations in the 18th century. The eruption affected the sites in different ways: while Pompeii is home to a more extensive collection of Roman homes, stores and bathhouses (plus the iconic plaster bodies), the ruins, frescos and recently discovered 300 skeletons along the seashore at Herculaneum are much better preserved. We return to the hotel late afternoon (approximately one hour) to enjoy a delicious dinner and cooking demonstration.
Today we walk a section of one of the finest trails in the world. From our doorstep, it’s a short stroll through the quiet village of Bomerano. Here we’ll drop into a local cheesemaker to see how the delicious local mozzarella is made. And, yes, we’ll taste some. We then join the Path of the Gods, which runs all the way to Positano. Luckily, having already visited Positano earlier this week, we can skip the hard part and the 1,700 steps downtown, and take a linear walk of 4km instead, offering some equally fantastic coastal views along the way. Please be aware that some parts of the trail are rocky and there are frequent ups and downs, which can be a little hard on the knees. With breaks for water and snacks, this short hike is of Level 2/3 (Moderate) difficulty but doable for all those in good fitness, and the challenge will no doubt be repaid by the magnificent views. A rewarding regional lunch awaits you back at the hotel.
How will you spend a free day on the Amalfi Coast? We recommend visiting Sorrento for a seafood lunch and sweeping views over the Bay of Naples. Pedestrian lanes, little boutiques, limoncello shops, and restaurants make it an enjoyable place to spend a day at leisure. Alternatively head to Naples, the capital of the Campania region. A trip up the slopes of Mount Vesuvius to peer into the crater, followed by a wine tasting at a renowned local winery right below the majestic volcano may also be possible. Please note that whilst there is no need to book the excursions to Sorrento and Naples prior to departure (your leader will help arrange them locally), securing tickets for the Vesuvius cannot be guaranteed as these may sell out in advance, especially in the high season. The most common option is to wait until you are on tour as your leader will be able to assist you with booking and private transfer arrangements. Should other travellers in your group be willing to join the excursion, a shared and more convenient transfer will be organised for you. Alternatively, you may opt to pre-book entrance tickets online independently. However, be aware that advanced online purchase means being assigned a specific time slot to visit the volcano and that you will have to arrange your own private transportation, which can be costly. Furthermore, weather conditions or other factors may impact the standard order of the itinerary and that any unused tickets as a result of schedule changes are not refundable.
Please note, all tours for your free day are subject to availability and prices are dependent on the number of people joining.
We leave the hotel after breakfast and take the bus down to Amalfi and board the boat to Capri. The journey along the Amalfi Coast is spectacular with small coves and bays of azure water overlooked by towering cliffs. The time spent on Capri is unguided and you are free to explore independently. Your tour leader might recommend avoiding the hassle of public transport on the island and make the most of your time by arranging an excursion by private bus and cable car (optional, payable locally).
A beautiful walk will take you up to Capri town and along a network of small pedestrianised streets to visit the remains of Villa Jovis, the former home of the fearsome Roman emperor Tiberius. A walk around the spectacular coastline is recommended and allows you to see a natural rock arch and the Faraglioni – rock stacks that stick vertically out of the sea. There is also time to peruse the boutique shops before returning by boat and bus to our hotel.
Today we visit the romantic hilltop town of Ravello for some of the best views of the Amalfi coastline. Ravello also has a grand cathedral but Villa Cimbrone (visit included) and Villa Rufolo (optional) are the real gems of the town. Set amid elegant gardens, the villa balconies stand at the edge of the cliffs offering stunning views described by French author André Gide as ‘closer to the sky than the seashore’. There is time to wander, enjoy a coffee and soak up the atmosphere before we return to the cooler climes of Bomerano in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation, before a farewell dinner in the evening.
Our tour ends in the morning of Day 8. Those on the group flight are usually transferred to the airport in the afternoon for their inbound flight. This means there may be more free time to enjoy a nice walk into town and some last minute shopping opportunities.
We have explored one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in the world. Now it’s time to make our way home, but not before one last breakfast at Hotel Due Torri, which may feel like a second home by now.
If your flight leaves later this evening, you’re welcome to make use of the hotel facilities after check-out and enjoy a lunch (optional, payable locally) here. Alternatively, speak to your leader for recommendations on what to do in the village.
Extend your adventure with a pre- or post-tour exploration of Rome. The Eternal City, with history and culture at every turn, offers the perfect introduction to Italy. Speak to your sales representative to check the availability of your chosen package.
1. Comfort Rome city extension
Package includes:
2. Deluxe Rome city extension:
Package includes:
Single supplements are available on request for both extensions.
We spend seven nights at Hotel Due Torri, a mid-sized hotel run by the welcoming Acampora family, who turn out authentic Campanian dishes in the restaurant and put on a show with their fun pizza-making demonstrations.
It sits in Bomerano, a peaceful village that forms part of the Agerola municipality, up in the hills and away from the often-bustling Amalfi Coast.
Being higher up, the hotel benefits from cooler nights, although beaches are not too far away. There is a small heated outdoor pool (usually open from mid-April to mid-October) and energy is generated by a solar panel system.
The 41 rooms vary in style and size and are spread across two main buildings and two cosy apartments a short walk from the main hotel. A limited number of upgraded rooms, which include a hot tub, power shower and fridge, are also available for a supplement payable before departure. Please ask your sales representative for further information.
Amenities
Worth knowing
Single supplement from £ 295
Take the opportunity to ease into the trip, adjusting to the time zone and atmosphere at a more leisurely pace before the official tour begins. The following options are usually available on this trip:
Speak to your sales representative for a tailor-made quote and to confirm availability of your chosen package.
Take the opportunity to ease into the trip, adjusting to the time zone and atmosphere at a more leisurely pace before the official tour begins. The following options are usually available on this trip:
Speak to your sales representative for a tailor-made quote and to confirm availability of your chosen package.
All breakfasts, one lunch and six dinners are included.
Breakfast is continental style with a choice of cereals, bread, eggs, ham, cheese, fruits, pastries, yoghurt, orange juice and milk, plus an array of teas/coffee.
All evening meals are taken in the hotel, where the standard is excellent and the chef takes great pride in showcasing the best of regional foods, including dishes such as scialatielli all’amalfitana (homemade pasta with seafood) and branzino all’acqua pazza (sea bass in crazy water). Dinners usually consist of four courses, commencing with antipasti, followed by soup and/or pasta, a main meat dish with salad or vegetables, and dessert.
On certain evenings, there is the opportunity to learn how to make Neapolitan pizza. Please note, drinks are not included with meals but available to purchase.
Several dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free, are also well catered for. Please advise us of any dietary requirement on booking.
Transfers to and from the airport will be in a private vehicle (normally a mini-coach). On other days, private minibus and boats will be used.
Southern Italy, like much of the Mediterranean, has a hot, dry climate in summer. Temperatures may reach 35C (95F) between July and September. There are cooler, but slightly damper, spring and autumn periods; at coastal levels, winters are mild and damp. Rainfall is expected in the winter months with an average of one day in three affected. Unseasonable cold spells are possible at any time of year. During these times you will need warm clothes, especially in Bomerano where evening temperatures can be lower than expected. It is important to be equipped for cooler weather in early spring, late autumn and winter.
During winter departures (November to February) the following changes are made to the itinerary;
The above changes can apply to any departure if it is affected by adverse weather conditions.
Start hotel: Hotel Due Torri, Via Divina Costiera, 9, 80051 Agerola NA
Phone: +39 081 879 1257
Recommended arrival time: Between 4pm and 6pm at the start hotel. However, if you have any special requests, you can contact your sales representative
Airport: Naples International Airport (NAP)
The start hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Make your own way
It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, contact your sales representative prior departure to arrange a private pick-up on arrival. This costs between €80 and €160 depending on the number of people sharing the vehicle.
For more information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport that’s scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales consultant if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales consultant to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Bomerano, Agerola
Location end: Bomerano, Agerola
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html
Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.
There are no required vaccinations.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +02:00)
Italy's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), F (two round pins), and L (three round pins in a row) – 230V, 50Hz
Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)
Should you wish to take out extra money locally, there is an ATM in Bomerano, and debit cards are accepted in most shops although cash is usually preferred. It is best to exchange a small amount of cash at the airport or bring some from home for the best rates.
For lunches, you should budget between €15‐€25 depending on whether you choose a set menu in a cafe or restaurant. Approximately €30-40 should be enough for an evening meal including drinks.
Local taxes: many Italian cities have recently introduced a tourist tax for non‐residents. The local administration is in charge of the tax, which is collected by the accommodation provider at check‐in or check‐out. For this trip, please allow approximately €10, depending on the season, for the week. Children and people aged 75 or over are exempt from this tax.
Optional extra fees:
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work. Most of our clients wish to give a tip to their guides in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the service received. For this trip, we recommend budgeting approximately €15-€20 per person for the leader. Most local guides rely on tips as part of their wages, so we recommend a minimum of €10 per group for optional guides at Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. Private bus drivers also expect a small tip (€1-€2 each). Usually, a tip on behalf of the group is left for local hotel staff.
Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges, and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a ‘total approach’ to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company.
On this trip, we spend the week in the family-run Hotel Le Due Torri in Agerola, a relatively unknown area of Amalfi, bringing income to an area that does not usually benefit from tourism. The hotel recently installed solar panels which provides hot water for all rooms all year round. Meals provided in the hotel are homemade by the lovely hosts where ingredients are locally sourced wherever possible. Clients also have the opportunity to learn how to prepare a traditional Neapolitan pizza from the hosts during one of the evenings. The money spent on the places of interest we visit goes directly to the maintenance of these iconic historical sites and provides wages for those working there. Of course, a huge part of Italian culture is the cuisine and this is reflected in locally crafted produce, some of which is unique to the region.
In March 2019, Exodus Travels launched the Exodus Travels Foundation where we support initiatives all around the world. But it cannot exist without travellers who care. Get involved or learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus here…
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.