Name: Amalfi Coast: Pompeii & Pizza Family Holiday
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.7 (28 reviews)

Amalfi Coast: Pompeii & Pizza Family Holiday Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Family Group, Private Group Adventures
Destination: Italy
Programmes: Family
8 Days: Flight Inclusive
8 Days: Land Only
Ages: 9+
Trip Code: FVI
Carbon Footprint: 18kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Enjoy a family vacation taking in Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii and authentic Neapolitan pizzas

Southern Italy is famous for beautiful beaches, picturesque towns and, of course, wonderful pizzas and gelatos. The Amalfi Coast offers all this and more. From our family-run hotel, we strike out on foot, bus and boat to explore the dramatic coastline, ruins of Pompeii, and the winding streets of Positano and Amalfi. We also try our hand at ceramics, paper making and even create an authentic Neapolitan pizza. Add to this a trip up the mighty volcano Mount Vesuvius and, in season, a thrilling kayak excursion along the colourful coastline and you have a week that will live long in the memory.

At a Glance

Seven nights at a comfortable family-run hotel with a pool
Six days walking, boat trips, sightseeing and kayaking (seasonal)
Group normally 4 to 18, plus leader
Designed for ages 9 to 12, also suitable for ages 13 to 16
Travel by private minibus, boat and on foot
Order of the itinerary may be changed to ensure the best possible conditions for each activity
Option to travel by train to your adventure
Option to book an extension package

Highlights

Visit Pompeii and get close to the Mount Vesuvius crater
Enjoy boat trips and kayak along the beach
Learn how to make an authentic Neapolitan pizza
Take a superb coastal walk along the Path of the Gods

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

It is designed for ages 9 to 12 but is also suitable for ages five to eight or 13 to 16 (depending on the departure date). Our goal is to have similarly aged children on each departure, which allows the leader to better adapt the pace of the trip as required.

Our Family Activity Levels are aimed at children in the primary or ‘Designed for’ age group. We are confident it is also suitable for those in the ‘Also for’ age range; however, if your child is in this secondary category they may find it either a little easier or tougher. Please see the Family Activity Levels on our website for further information.

When grading our trips, we consider multiple factors: the pace, how busy an itinerary is, and the level of activity involved. Then there’s the amount of time a family will spend travelling. The weather is an important factor too.

This holiday aims to show you the best parts of the Amalfi Coast using a mixture of private buses, boats and sightseeing on foot. Though there is no strenuous physical activity involved, some days will be busy and in summer the heat and humidity can be tiring. Travel time is kept to a minimum wherever possible (maximum two hours on the bus per day) and the private vehicles used are comfortable and have air conditioning.

On most days, you will be back at the hotel at the end of the afternoon, with a couple of free hours before dinner to rest or enjoy the hotel pool. There is also one free day and leisure time at the beach included.

There are two walks included in the trip. During the visit to Mount Vesuvius, the vehicle will take you to an altitude of approximately 3,280ft (1,000m); from there to the crater, you will need to ascend on a path which is approximately 490ft (150m) long and quite steep in places. Along the Path of the Gods, you will be walking on a marked path; however, the terrain can be rocky or uneven at times and there are parts that are a little exposed, therefore not suitable for severe vertigo sufferers. This walk usually takes around 90 minutes.

The kayaking excursion will last approximately four hours including stops. Each minor should be accompanied by one adult in a double kayak. No previous experience is necessary, but participants must be able to swim. Please note that kayaking is normally possible only between the months of May and September. Furthermore, please note that due to safety reasons in the event of rough sea conditions at any time of the year, the activity will not take place. Where this is the case, your guide will arrange an alternative trip to the island of Capri or to the coastal town of Sorrento.

Please be prepared for some drives on winding coastal roads throughout the trip.

In unexpected weather conditions, the boat journeys may be replaced with minibuses.

The family-run accommodation is comfortable with air conditioning and private bathrooms and a small outdoor pool (seasonal). See the relevant section in the Trip Notes for further details.

Please note, there is high demand for our Amalfi tours. As such, it’s likely there will be more than one Exodus group at the Hotel Due Torri. The hotel is also open to non-Exodus guests. Our team of leaders are well used to this and any additional groups are either on a different tour or follow an alternative itinerary. This includes the same excursions but taken in a different order, usually reverse.

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 be quite busy.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as not suitable for full wheelchair users, but it may be suitable for other persons of reduced mobility. Please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Group

The leader will accompany the group on all programmed activities, but due to Italian legislation is not allowed to guide groups around Pompeii and Vesuvius (local guides are available for hire). The leader will not always accompany the group on activities undertaken on the free day, but he will offer advice and help with the arrangements of transfers and activities.

Adult min age: 9

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 18

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Agerola
End City: Agerola

Land Only Itinerary

This trip starts in the village of Bomerano, on the Agerola plains above the Amalfi Coast. Enjoy a warm welcome from our local hosts, the Acampora family, before settling in.

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 wish to tailor your journey by adding extra nights, speak with your sales representative for detailed information on available pre-tour, post-tour and extension packages.

Meals included: Dinner

After a 30-minute private transfer to Amalfi, we take the boat along the coast to Positano, a near vertical town of colourful buildings reached by a network of ancient paths and tracks. On the journey, we enjoy beautiful, classic views of the Amalfi Coast and once in Positano we start exploring this picturesque town, strolling among the winding streets. There is time to visit the beautiful cathedral, enjoy a swim in the blue sea or visit the boutiques for great shopping opportunities. We also enjoy an optional lunch in a pizzeria and a refreshing Italian gelato before returning in the late afternoon to Bomerano by boat and minibus.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we descend from the Agerola hills and take a transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to Pompeii, once a thriving port town until the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius spanning two days in 79 CE, during which the city was buried in ash and pumice. Lost for 1,700 years, Pompeii is now a Unesco World Heritage site as the perfectly preserved remains give us an amazing insight into life in a Roman city, complete with bathhouses, bakeries and homes – some of which still have walls adorned with detailed frescoes. You may take time to explore the site independently but we recommend opting for a detailed tour accompanied by a local guide, which can be hired locally for approximately €10 per person depending on the group size.

In the afternoon, we head to the famous volcano that looms over Naples, Mount Vesuvius. The vehicle will take you to an altitude of approximately 3,280ft (1,000m) and from there to the crater you will need to ascend on a path which is approximately 490ft (150m) long and quite steep in places. A local guide will then take you on a short walk along the crater rim, while explaining the fascinating history of Vesuvius and its volcanic activity. We return to the hotel by bus in the late afternoon.

Please note, during adverse weather conditions, such as fog, storms or heavy rain, the local authorities may deicide to restrict or prevent access to Vesuvius. In the event this inclusion cannot be offered on your departure, we will take you to Herculaneum to visit its perfectly preserved remains and virtual museum, which give an amazing insight into the life of an ancient Roman city.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we take a short transfer to visit a cheese producer in Agerola, where we can sample delicious freshly made mozzarella, prepared in front of us by hand following a centuries-old recipe. We may also have time to visit a small farm owned by the same family of cheesemakers.

We then depart for a visit to Amalfi, which was popular with the British upper classes in Edwardian times. The large duomo (cathedral) dominates the town with its brightly coloured tiles so typical of the region. We have a few hours to explore the wonderful historic centre and alleys before taking an interesting tour of the Paper Museum, which celebrates the long-established paper-making tradition in Amalfi. The guide will explain how the Amalfi paper was once made and you can experiment yourself, using ancient paper-making machines. We then make our way back to the hotel for a pizza-making class before dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is free to relax by the hotel pool or at one of the local beaches. Alternatively, you could opt to take a day trip to Capri and explore the island on foot, by boat and chairlift to visit the network of small pedestrian streets, the remains of the Roman Villa Jovis, and the Faraglioni (rock stacks) and Blue Grotto. Another option is to spend the day in Ravello, a peaceful town high on the cliffs above Amalfi, famous for its gardens and impressive cathedral. Your tour leader will not always join these optional activities but will help you to arrange transport locally.

Meals included: Breakfast

The Amalfi Coast is also renowned for its colourful ceramics and this morning we visit a local artisan’s bottega, where the kids can paint a pottery souvenir. Later, we set off along a short section of one of the finest walks in the world: the Path of the Gods. The route follows the contours of the land with amazing views of the Amalfi coastline far below. In season, the meadows are carpeted with flowers and the coastal waters teem with cruisers and pleasure boats. Please note, the terrain can be rocky or uneven at times and there are parts that are a little exposed and therefore not suitable for severe vertigo sufferers. After a barbecue lunch (included, weather permitting) we return to the hotel on foot.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

After a scenic 30-minute ride down to Amalfi, we enjoy a half-day kayak along the Amalfi Coast. This is the perfect finale for the trip as it allows us to explore the coastline from the most spectacular angle: in the midst of the sparkling blue sea. After a short introductory lesson on how to kayak and safety at sea, we set off, led by an experienced local guide, to the west towards Runghetiello Grotto. The route will take us along the finest Amalfi beaches, under natural rock arches and into sea caves, giving us the opportunity to admire the old watch towers that dot the entire length of this coast. Those not wishing to participate can wait for the rest of the group at the lovely beach where the activity starts. Please note that kayaking is normally possible only between the months of May and September. At other times of the year or in the event of bad weather and rough sea conditions, your leader will organise an alternative activity such as a memorable day trip to Sorrento or Capri. We return to the hotel in the evening and enjoy a delicious farewell group dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The adventure ends after breakfast. We say a fond farewell to the hotel, which may feel a bit like a second home by now, and begin our return journey home.

Meals included: Breakfast

Extend Your Trip

Rome City Extension

Amalfi Coast: Pompeii & Pizza Family Holiday

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:

Two nights at three-star Hotel Nord Nuova (or similar)
One-hour guided city tour with English-speaking guide

2. Deluxe Rome city extension:

Package includes:

Two nights at four-star Hotel Diana Roof Garden (or similar)
One-hour guided city tour with English-speaking guide

Single supplements are available on request for both extensions.

Accommodation

Hotel Due Torri, a family-run three-star albergo in Bomerano

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 superior 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

Hydromassage pool for refreshing post-hike dips
Buzzy restaurant serving local dishes
Limited number of superior rooms available with hot tub

Worth knowing

Pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements; cooler months may not be suitable for swimming
When the hotel is full, you might still be able to join the trip on your preferred date by staying at an alternative accommodation just a short walk from the main hotel. You will be provided with full details upon booking and have full access to all the Due Torri facilities, including the pool and restaurant.
A kettle is available in the rooms. Please request tea/coffee bags at reception

While we do our best to ensure families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little control over where you will be put.

Single supplement from £ 295

Accommodation - Pre Trip

Ease into the adventure with a pre-trip stay at the four-star Palazzo Salgar (or similar) in Naples or at the three-star Hotel Due Torri (or similar) in Bomerano. Speak to your sales representative for a quote.

Accommodation - Post Trip

If you’d prefer to extend your family adventure after your trip, the same hotels are available: Palazzo Salgar in Naples and Hotel Due Torri in Bomerano. Speak to your sales representative for a quote.

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, four packed lunches and five 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.

Included packed lunches usually consist of a sandwich filled with a choice of cold meats, tuna, or local cheeses.

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.

Transport

All transfers will be in a private vehicle (normally a mini-coach) and on some days we use boats.

Weather & Seasonality

Southern Italy, in common with a lot of the Mediterranean, possesses a hot, dry climate in summer, with cooler but slightly damper spring and autumn periods, and at coastal levels mild, damp winters. Rainfall is expected in winter months with an average of one day in three affected. It is particularly important to note the high temperatures during summer, which can often reach 35C (95F) by the coast. Unseasonable cold spells are possible at any time of year, during which you will need warm clothes, especially in the hills up 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.

Joining Instructions

Key information

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)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer

Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves.
Additionally, there are two more shared airport transfers to Hotel Due Torri, which can be booked for an extra cost (about €42 per person). Speak to your sales representative for the times and prices of these two shared transfers.

Make your own way
It is possible to reach the start hotel using the public bus network but unfortunately the connections to Bomerano are very limited and services not always reliable. For this reason, we strongly recommend joining the group transfer at the airport if possible. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative to arrange a private pick-up transfer on arrival (payable prior to departure).

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative 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: Agerola
Location end: Agerola

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Small rucksack (for water bottle, camera etc)
Small shoulder bag or bumbag (fanny pack) for visiting Pompeii (due to security regulations rucksacks are not allowed in during the visit)
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Walking boots or trainers with a good grip on the soles for the Vesuvius walk and Path of the Gods
Sun hat and other sun protection equipment
Towel and swimming suit
Warm jumper or fleece (on autumn/early spring departures)

Optional Equipment

Small umbrella in case of unexpected showers
Walking poles: there are a limited number of walking poles available at the hotel on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis. Alternatively, there is a local shop in the village where poles can be hired and purchased (subject to availability)

Practical Information

Passport

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.

Visa

Italy

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.

Vaccinations and Health

Italy

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

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.

Local Time

Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +02:00)

Electricity

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

Money

Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)

ATM Availability

There is an ATM in Bomerano and credit cards are accepted in most shops.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

For lunch on your free day, 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 introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration oversees the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually between €0.50 and €1.50 per person per night. For this trip, please allow between €5 and €10, depending on the season, for the week. Children and people aged 75 or over are exempt from this tax.

Optional activities:

Boat tour around Capri’s grottos: €25
In Capri, the leader may recommend using private taxis to move around the often-overcrowded island. For this optional service and the cable car, please allow approximately €35 per person
Regional Lunch (€15, payable locally in cash)
BBQ Dinner (€35 , payable locally in cash)

Tipping

Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline, we recommend a contribution of €15-€20 per adult per leader. Groups normally like to show their appreciation for hotel staff by leaving a tip at the end of their stay. We recommend a contribution of approximately €10 per adult for the local staff at the hotel. It is also customary to tip private bus drivers (please allow approximately €10 per family for the week).

Responsible Travel

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 will spend the nights 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 their rooms and all food provided are homemade, using locally produced and sourced goods where possible. On one of the evenings before dinner, clients have the opportunity to learn from their hosts how to prepare a traditional Neapolitan pizza.

This trip is packed with exciting activities for the whole family which really highlights the best natural and cultural treasures of the Amalfi Coast. Children have the opportunity to showcase their creativity through a series of activities such as pottery painting in a local artisan’s ‘bottega’ and experimenting the ancient way of paper making in Amalfi. Such activities are also great to foster interaction with locals. Our money spent at various historical sites goes towards the maintenance of these places and the wages of those working there.

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…

Important Information

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.

Family trips

Our staff and leaders are there to ensure the trip runs as smoothly as possible. However, company policy states they cannot take care of children; it is your responsibility to look after your young ones throughout the trip. During free time or if you decide to opt out of part of the itinerary, you are responsible for your family and any arrangements that need to be made, though your leader will be happy to make recommendations.

Important Information

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.

How to Book

Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
Complete your booking and payment

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.

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