Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I particularly like the visit to Ravello (Villa Cimbrone a must having been there 25 years ago) and the following walk down to Amalfi through lemon groves and a lovely wooded valley with waterfalls and streams (useful for cooling your feet) past old iron works and the site of the first paper mill in Europe. The ice creams and beers at the end were very welcome.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Martina was an exceptional group leader - funny, caring and full of local knowledge and a great ambassador for Italy and all things Italian - she introduced us the the word 'undulating' - some of those steps are uphill!

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are lots of steps - read the trip notes. Take walking pole(s) if you have them - the hotel do have some if you don't and there are a couple of well equipped outdoors shops in the village. I wore boots and was pleased to have them although others wore good walking shoes - you need something with good a grip (especially on Vesuvius). You can select your packed lunch each day - provided by the hotel - they were good.

Most Inspirational Moment

Actually what i enjoyed most was the day "off" - since we were there in the middle of a bad heat wave, several of us wanted to hire a boat & driver and go boating up and down the Amalfi Coast, and our guide made that happen for us. We swam in the delightful sea water several times, enjoyed a splendid water view lunch at a small town, visited a deserted beach accessible only by boat, etc. etc. It was truly memorable, like a scene from a movie.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vania did a fine job. She was accessible, kept the group going, very upbeat, went out of her way to arrange our day on the water - we couldn't have done that without her. I was the slowest of our group (and probably the oldest) - on Day 1 I had to ask her to wait up for me at the rest stops and give me a moment to breath, but once i called it to her attention, she was pretty good about extending those rest breaks just a little longer so i could catch up. She provided options for me to bail out of the hiking at a couple of points, and i did so, (skipped one day of all-downhill hiking to save my knees, took a bus partway thru one day when that was possible, for the same reason). I appreciated her consideration and watchfulness. She did a nice job arranging the departures for all of us - many of us could not use the trip-provided shuttle to Naples Airport, and she got us all squared away with our separate arrangements.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I think if you are over 60, you had better be in very fine form to do this trip. I am fit, and found it quite difficult. The first day was 8.8 miles according to my phone, with 44 flights climbed - a rigorous day especially given the heat. Other days were closer to 7 miles. Bring the trekking poles and good boots as Exodus advises, you will use them every day.

Most Inspirational Moment

Most definitely plucking up the courage (with Vania's support) to walk the rim of the crater on Vesuvius. The boat we rented on our day off and swimming off the back of it was a very close second!

Thoughts on Group Leader

She's amazing. She's knowledgable, fun and full of energy. She constantly keeps up with the different needs of the group and makes every walk so enjoyable. Nothing is too much trouble for Vania, whatever you ask of her she arranges to make sure you have the best, most memorable experiences on holiday. Its a pleasure to spend time walking in one of her groups.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book a boat for a day to see the Amalfi coast from the water.

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing in the gardens at Ravello overlooking the sea then walking back through lemon grove after lemon groves back to Amalfi.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Saverio was a very knowledgeable who’s honest humour was refreshing. He introduced us to Sicilian wine and I have been converted and have similar at home.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for all weathers. Read all the previous reviews about steps. They are unforgiving on the legs. If you are looking for a peaceful , get away from it all holiday then I would not recommend this. If you are looking for a full on , vibrant coastal towns and incredible views then this is for you. Yes the hotel is busy, three groups when we were there and busy roads but this because it is the Amalfi and a busy world famous Italian destination.

Most Inspirational Moment

After studying Vesuvius and Pompei as a Child this was the highlight for me getting walk to the very top of Vesuvius with a local Vulcanologist where 99% of tourists are not aloud to go was a dream come true the view were amazing .Pompei and Herculaneum were oustanding the guides we had brilliant and brought the two cities alive with the history and stories of the poor victims we saw

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vania was oustanding right from the 1st day she made sure we were all okay on the walks ,let us walk at our own pace and never rushed us.We had plenty of stops to rest and have water as the heat and humidity were a hinderance especially on the 1st day .She brought the group o together and was a great tour leader and couldn't do enough for you . A beautiful caring Young Lady and she helped make the trips one of the best ive done with Exodus

Most Inspirational Moment

Walk of the gods.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Interesting, very knowledgeable, and didn’t talk too much!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Weather was not as good as expected, pack some warm clothes.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Walk of the Gods to Positano

Thoughts on Group Leader

Severio was very knowledgeable, fun and accommodated all levels in the group really well. He went above and beyond to help us get the most from our holiday even taking the trouble to give us a suggested list of places to visit and how to get there on our free day in Capri as he wouldn't be with us. What a gem!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This holiday is hard on the knees and shins initially as your body adjusts to the huge number of steps most walks involve. The holiday really gives you a great overall walking experience of the Amalfi coastline and the opportunity to also visit the main attractions of the area eg Vesuvius, Pompeii, Herculaneum and Capri. I thoroughly recommend it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing in Ravello on a glorious day, looking out over the Mediterranean. Beautiful. Walking into the cloister at Amalfi. It was stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Saverio was great - very organised, friendly, knowledgeable, and he set realistic expectations of what the hikes would be like. This was very useful for me, as I felt the grading on the website did not match the actual hikes. They felt more challenging than a Grade 2. The assisting tour leader, Tony, was also great.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for more steps than you have ever encountered in one week. There is one hike that involves several hours of downhill steps to Amalfi. (I opted out and got the bus!) Do opt for the group airport transfers. Long distance taxis in this area are hugely expensive.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walks were the important thing and they didn't disappoint - but too short in length almost as I was sorry when each finished.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony was excellent company, an efficient manager, and had very good command of Italian.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't take good weather for granted - the potential trip to Capri was not possible due to the condition of the sea, and two of the walks started in heavy rain which fortunately cleared up later. The coast is amazingly high and the hotel is at 2000 feet with higher mountains behind so it is mountain weather essentially until you get down to sea level. Be prepared to put energy into the walking - it is not just a stroll in the park. It is stretching and exhilarating.

Most Inspirational Moment

Well... there were a few All of the walks were good: those with a view of the sea/ down the coast were great! Walking the path of the Gods was a special experience Optional visit to Herculaneum was great I loved Pompeii - and our guide (Fabio) brought it to life

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vania was amazing from start to finish! Her enthusiasm and sense of fun were catching and her ability to lead the group from the back, the front or the middle allowed everyone to walk at their own pace. Vania was relentless in her pursuit of ensuring we all had a great time - any minor issues were dealt with immediately and she was keen to ensure that everyone's needs were met. Really good company at breakfast or dinner - she didn't seem to get a minute to ourselves! Two of us were keen to do some extra walking on the 'day off' and Vania opted to come with us as it was a walk she hadn't yet done - of course, she ended up leading by default and even apologising that there wasn't a coffee stop en route! I would happily recommend Vania as a guide to anyone wanting to walk the Amalfi Coast.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring clothes for all weathers! We had fog on Vesuvius and temperatures can vary enormously from the top of a hill to sea level. Really, everything was taken care of in the trip notes, I think. However having seen a few people struggling in groups other than ours, it is definitely worth paying attention to the nature of this trip. It's mostly coastal walking, so LOTS of ups and downs - and most importantly, via many hundreds/ thousands of steps. Some of these steps are very uneven and there are a couple of walks where they seem a bit relentless for a while, but it's all worth it! The views they afford are incredible. My calves felt tired and a bit sore every morning (along with everyone else's except Vania's!) but were easy to walk off. Consider a trip to the hotel masseur - she's very good!