Reviews

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely exemplary.  Christine managed to combine fantastic leadership skills whilst somehow, very cleverly, making everyone feel that she was very much part of the group!  She was very in tune with each individual, extremely informative and well prepared and great fun.  I have nothing but praise for her.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're not used to walking with poles and are fit and healthy, then don't bother to bring any.  You can borrow one from the hotel, if you change your mind.  I didn't think that any of the walks warranted the use of poles apart from for those participants with knee or hip problems.I wore walking boots for each of our 6 days and that worked out fine!The evening meals are enormous and you never know how many courses will be served so resist the temptation to fill up on bread with the first course!No need to take anything 'dressy, as the whole holiday is very casual and relaxed.Since so many parts of Pompeii are currently closed, we had about 3 hours there, then visited Herculaneum which was really good to help us to see how different the 2 Roman sites were.  On our 'day off', we ascended Vesuvius and then some of us packed in Ravello too, just to make sure we'd seen everything on our lists! If you're looking for a bit of early spring weather and greenery at the end of February, you may be disappointed!  For our trip, the landscape was every bit as brown as the UK and we had snow flurries on our first day! 

Most Inspirational Moment

How to decide? The challenge of a completely new experience, the fantastic views, the insight into the past in Pompeii and the realisation that even the rain did not dampen my enjoyment and achievement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine was friendly, organised, professional and a very considerate leader. She made the experience enjoyable for all and is obviously very popular with the locals

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be afraid to travel solo;the trip notes are very helpful and so is a walking pole on some of the slopes and steps.

Most Inspirational Moment

The 'Walk of the Gods' was spectacular and lived up to its reputation.The walk into the Valle delle Ferriere was superb, full of interest and history culminating in a magnificent waterfall.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine Rooney was an excellent leader in every respect; knowledgeable, caring and someone in whom you had total confidence that all would be well throughout the trip. She was at all times appreciative of the group's abilities/interests and made appropriate adjustments according to individual need.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would endorse the advice from Exodus to take walking poles, useful in my case for some of the long descents and numerous steps.March can be very varied in terms of weather. We experienced snowfall and hailstorms. Be prepared regarding layers and suitability of clothes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the ruins of Pompeii felt like talking a trip back to the ancient and elegant Roman era: A truly inspirational moment followed by an exciting walk along the crater of Mount Vesuvius. The beauty of the sleeping (yet active) volcano is something that I haven't forgotten!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine's knolwedge of the local area was impressive... her passion and expertise contributed to make trip a very enjoyable experience for evryone. Her attention to detail, humour and positive and calm attitude make her a perfect group leader!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The terrain can be quite difficult in some of the walks. Walking poles can be helpful is some cases! Although other members of the group found some of the walks quite challenging, I believe they were all perfectly achievable with a minimun level of fitness. The pace is leisurely and lots of breaks are taken so the less fit walkers shouldn't worry!

Most Inspirational Moment

We were so lucky to have such a sunny week in February, so the views were terrific each day.  Our visit to Pompeii was incredibly interesting and this was followed in the afternoon by a trip up the snow-capped Mount Vesuvius. Perhaps the best moment of the week was when we arrived at the beautiful waterfalls during our long walk through the forest and down the very steep hillsides en route to the little town of Amalfi.  The waterfalls were breathtaking and we could have stayed there all day!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Christine was superb! She was absolutely lovely all week, very jolly and chatty and she took every opportunity to show us maps of the area and keep us informed about all aspects of the Amalfi Coast.  Her local knowledge was incredible and she really looked after us brilliantly at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to have lots of fun and don't forget your camera. Go with a huge appetite, the food at the hotel is amazing and the local red wine goes down a treat! Make sure you have good walking boots as there are long walks up and downhill every day and lots of steps.

Most Inspirational Moment

Without doubt the trip to Vesuvious and walk round crater,awesome! The walk down to Amalfi through the woods was the highlight of the varied walks.Also,even in the off season Amalfi, Ravenelo and Positano were busy without being crowded,( Except the 5.30pmBus up to Bomerano from Amalfi-always packed!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Albert was great,so laid back he was almost horizontal ! But ensured we were all sorted on our day off etc.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it,we were a mix of couples,male singles and female singles and it gelled well. We were incredablylucky with weather,sunshine every day and just rain twice overnight,but be warned if sun not shining its chilly!Local Sieta buses are easy to use so if you want to explore,just remember to have your ticket before boarding.

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming in the Amalfi Sea after a long day's hike down to beautiful Positano

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're unfit or never walked before don't think this trip will be easy.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Herculaneum

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good. Brilliantly organised and well-informed, while appearing very low-key and relaxed. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

November may not be the best month to go.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant

Most Inspirational Moment

The best walk was down through the Ferriere National Park to Amalfi, through Autumnal Hobbit forest, magical waterfalls and lemon groves.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jo Payne was a great leader. Her judgment was spot on for the situation. On some of the tricky sections of the walk involving ledges she managed the risky situation very well and was supportive to members of the group, particularly those that suffered from vertigo. At all times however it felt like she was just your mate on holiday with you which is a bit of a trick. She possibly been the best tour leader I have come across with Exodus and I've been on a few of your holidays.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles would be a great help on this trip as there are a great many steps down from Bomerano to Amalfi and mitigate some of the stress on your knees.