Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I can't really pick one moment because the whole trip really was one big inspirational moment. The Tre Calli hike and the views from up there were amazing, Vesuvius was brilliant, but so were all the other hikes. We hiked in pouring rain during our last day and even that was fun because our group spirit was so high! And like I mentioned earlier, we had such a good time during every dinner, so many nice conversations, so many laughs...the live music night and everyone singing and dancing together was so brilliant, it really showed the team spirit...I just had a really wonderful time!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Severio was AWESOME!!! I can only praise him!! He paced the hikes really well, there was always a chance to take a break and drink some water (it was around 35 Celsius outside every day so it got really hot and it was crucial that everyone drank enough fluids, so Severio made sure everyone drank enough and reminded us to have some water) and there were also enough bathroom breaks along the way. Severio really took an excellent care of us and always made sure everyone was fine and that no one got lost. He kept counting us to make sure everyone was there so that no one gets left behind or goes the wrong way. Also, on the last day when it was raining really bad he changed the schedule around a bit so that we all still had a great time and got to see the sights but at the same time were safe and didn't take any unnecessary risks due to the rain and possible thunderstorm so that no one would get injured. I really appreciated that. It was nice to know you were in good hands and could trust your guide. Severio also told us a lot about the history and other interesting information and also always kept the group spirit high. It was great to have a real Italian as our guide to show us the "Italian way" and allow us to really get a glimpse of the Italian culture and to teach us a little bit of Italian and to answer any questions we had about Italian culture and customs!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely make sure to get enough of uphill training before you go because especially the Tre Calli hike includes a LOT of uphill climbing for like 2 hours straight. It's not really an easy hike. Also the way down includes a lot of loose rocks and can get a bit tricky so make sure you have really good shoes and maybe hiking poles if you feel more secure with them. Also for Pompeii, if you're going during the summer, make sure you have LOTS of water with you, as well as a hat and also an umbrella, because it gets REALLY HOT and there is no shade so you will really appreciate the umbrella for the shade! Also I'd really encourage everyone to go with an open mind. Don't be afraid to try new things. Even if you normally wouldn't eat something, at least try everything! You get so much more out of the whole trip and really get to experience the culture! Also...be prepared to have a great time!! Remember that the trip is also part of what you make it yourself! Be open to new experiences and a fun time and you'll have the BEST vacation ever!!

Most Inspirational Moment

I think it was walking around the crater of Vesuvius and going down into the crater. Our local guide was so passionate and interesting that made it that much better.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tina was fantastic. Well organized, fun and upbeat. She was new to this area so didn't have an expanse of local in depth knowledge but if we did ask questions she always made sure to find out and come back to us with the answers. She went out of her way to help with the arrangements of our free day and also we took a different way back to Naples when the tour was over and she put us in touch with the right person to look after that.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If it's rainy you would definitely want some sturdy light hikers. They don't need to be over the ankle but having really good traction is key as there is lots of loose rock and bigger steps. I had poles with me on Vesuvius as did my friend and we were so glad for that as it was no problem for us while others struggled. I also had poles on the Mont Tre Calle hike and was glad but I didn't take them on the other days.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were too many such moments, but I will always remember the goats at the top of the misty mountain and the view from the piazza of Rovello.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suzy was fantastic. Always cheerful, always mindful of the group's well-being and always quick to point out the great photo opportunities and local nuances. And she always had cookies. You can never go wrong with cookies.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For the Amalfi trip, there is quite a bit of hiking with elevation changes. This is not a simple walk through town or to grandmother's house. Pace yourself ("piano piano"), bring lots of water and snacks and comfortable hiking shoes. You will be sore from this but it's managed. Some people wore over-the-ankle hiking boots and those were overkill. Our guide Suzy wore trail running-type shoes and those would be fine. Something lightweight for walking up stairs and hills and something that will absorb the shocks of going down thousands of stairs.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking into Vesuvius - it was terribly windy, misty and quite chilly. But the special guide was a great enthusiast and it was great fun. Pompeii was huge and brilliant too. And swimming in the sea.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He did the basics - he was pleasant, with excellent English and a warm, generous manner. We set off on time and he looked after the slower walkers very well. However from my experience on other tours the leader often provides interesting information on history, geology, natural history or whatever. Severio didn't seem have much to share.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You don't need walking boots. Bring a swim suit. The Walk of the Gods and Pompeii was very busy and rather congested - as you might expect. Many of the walks are actually up and down steps - its like being on a step machine but uneven. Your calves might ache a bit. Avoid the wine on the table. The bottles are not much more expensive and hugely better quality.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from the balcony of the Villa in Ravello... stunning ! Closely followed by the Walk of the Gods...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Severio was fab. A great organiser.. Considered everyone in the group, and made sure that all abilities were catered for.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its going to be harder than you think.... its a lot of steps, both up and down... not easy walking.. maybe leisurely pace but you still need to put the effort in. Definitely recommend walking poles. But all worth it for the views .

Most Inspirational Moment

Various views along the walks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Compared to my last guide, I thought Sevi was good. Compared to another group walking at the same time, we coveted their guide, who constantly gave some bits of information that our group found useful. Sevi was solitious of folks having trouble with the walk. Without a comparison, I would have scored him highly. He could have had a better base of history and politics of the area that he was willing to impart. My last guide (in Chamonix) was not good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a walking trip in the hills, sometimes with big steps and skree. The trail tested the fitness of different members. My group was very tolerant of those who lagged. On the other hand, where was there to go.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational day was the last day when we did the Walk of the Gods.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was highly knowledgeable and experienced. She went the extra mile to ensure that we had as much information as possible. She had clearly worked very hard to build relationships with local businesses and took us to some wonderful places by prior arrangement. She was also good fun and made sure that everyone was able to fully participate, whatever their level of fitness.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My advice would be do some training on climbing and descending steps before you go.

Most Inspirational Moment

The day visiting Pompeii and climbing to the top of Mt. Vesuvius

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not "leisurely" walking for the non-experienced hiker. Bring good shoes, backpack, walking stick and lots of energy! N

Most Inspirational Moment

Undoubtedly walking the rim of Vesuvius on day of day of beautiful weather and long, long views was the highlight for me but there were many others that came close. It would be impossible not to be bowled over by the scenery of the Amalfi coast or the sheer size of Pompei.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Martin was a really good leader; knowledgeable, enthusiastic, patient and with a fine sense of humour. He dealt with all the questions and queries and managed the group walks very effectively (not easy with such a wide range of abilities and experience to consider). He clearly enjoyed his work and made a significant contribution to our enjoyment of the week.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes carefully and think whether the level of walking is right for you - the distances are not great but there is a fair bit of up and even more down - a lot on steps. Some people struggled whilst others were raring to do more. A pair of walking poles is certainly a very good idea.

Most Inspirational Moment

I had inspirational moments throughout the week as every day is a new adventure! You discover different types of trails and little towns along the way to the more popular cities of Amalfi, Ravello and Positano. It's great to hike/walk while chatting with different people in the group and developing a nice camaraderie with everyone, especially when comparing sore leg muscles! And of course, the views will take your breath away: stunning!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Martin, our group leader, was a very pleasant person to have as our guide. He has a very charming and lovely energy which sets a good tone for the group. He told us stories of particular places and people in history to give us a bit of a background of where we were. He also did his best to help and accommodate people in the group if they had specific requests. I would say he was a fun and caring leader to have during the week.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I wouldn't say it's a beginners level, but if you're reasonably fit, you can do this trip. I hesitated to book it at first not being sure I was up for the challenge, but I'm very glad I did. I can see why it is so popular! I would say to for sure have hiking poles unless you know you don't need them. Not only do they help the joints, they also provide stability at some parts. The pace is leisurely but sometimes certain sections could also be a bit challenging. Regarding the latter, you're stronger than you think and by the end of the week, you become a real mountain goat! I would also mention that the summer months may be a bit too hot for some. I went end May/early June and it was a perfect time to go weather-wise.