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This trip starts in Bomerano – a tiny village on the west side of the Agerola Valley, 1hr20m south of Naples. 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. Those us who have arranged our own flights should rendezvous at the hotel in time for dinner, although the more convenient option is to meet the group at the airport for the transfer.
Leaving the Agerola plain we descend by private bus to Amalfi, Italy’s oldest maritime republic. Quintessentially Mediterranean, Amalfi's townscape is comprised of a cluster of little white houses and buildings, narrow alleyways and shady porticoes, dominated by large Duomo Cathedral with its brightly coloured tiles which are typical of the region. We spend the morning sightseeing, relaxing in one of its sun-filled piazzas, or visiting the interesting Paper museum (optional). Later, we continue by fast boat (approx. 20 mins) to Positano. En route, we enjoy the famous 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.
A busy day today as we travel to the Bay of Naples by private bus (approx. 1 hr) to explore two of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, Herculaneum and Pompeii. Both the towns and its people got buried under the ash and magma of Mt Vesuvius after the AD79 eruption, but it was only much later in the 18th century that these ancient cities came to light once again through excavations. The eruption affected the sites in different ways: whilst Pompeii is known to be home to a more extensive and vaster collection of Roman homes, shops and bathhouses as well as the to the iconic plaster bodies, Herculaneum ruins, frescos and the recently discovered 300 skeletons along the seashore are much better preserved. Entrance tickets to both sites are included in the trip and you can decide to explore alone, at your own pace, or led by a knowledgeable local guide (optional). We return to the hotel late afternoon (approx. 1hr) to enjoy a delicious dinner and cooking demonstration.
Today we walk a section of one of the world's finest trails. Leaving from our front 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 famous '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 1700 steps downtown, and we take a circular walk 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 as well as a rewarding stop for a barbecue lunch (weather permitting), this short hike is of moderate difficulty but doable by all those in good fitness, and the challenge will be no doubt be repaid by the magnificent views! (Walking time: approx. 2.5-3 hours; Distance: 6km; Ascent: 100m Descent: 100m)
How will you spend a free day on the Amalfi Coast? We recommend considering a trip up to the slopes of Mt Vesuvius to peer into the crater, followed by an excellent wine tasting at a renowned local winery located right below the majestic volcano. Alternatively, you could opt to take a visit to Sorrento for a nice seafood lunch and to enjoy the sweeping views over the Bay of Naples. Pedestrian lanes, little boutiques, limoncello shops, and restaurants make it an easy and enjoyable place to spend a day at leisure. There is no need to pre-book these excursions prior to departure as your tour leader will help arrange them locally on request.
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 clear azure water overlooked by towering cliffs. The time spent on Capri is unguided and on arrival, you are free to explore independently. Your tour leader however might recommend avoiding the hassle of public transport on the island and make the most of your time by arranging an excursion by local taxis 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 famous Faraglioni, rock stacks that stick vertically out of the sea. There is also time to do a spot of shopping in some of the island's boutique shops before we return 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 Duomo but Villa Cimbrone (visit included) and Villa Rufolo (optional) are the real gems of the town. Set amidst elegant gardens, the villa's balconies stand at the edge of the cliffs offering stunning views aptly described by 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. We enjoy a farewell dinner and say goodbye to the friendly staff and group.
7 nights in a 3-star family-run hotel with a poolSightseeing on foot and 1
short Grade 2 walkGroup normally 6 to 18, plus leader. Min age 16 yrsTravel
by private minibus and boat
All breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 6 dinners are included.Breakfast is continental
style with a choice of cereal, bread, yoghurt, and milk with an array of
teas/coffee. Lunches are normally taken in traditional cafes or local
restaurants (depending on the time available) recommended by your guide. 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’ (seabass in crazy water!). They
usually consist of three or 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 the famous
Neapolitan pizza. Please note that drinks are not included with meals but
available to purchase. Vegetarians are well catered for in Italy.
7 nights in a 3-star family-run hotel with a poolSightseeing on foot and 1
short Grade 2 walkGroup normally 6 to 18, plus leader. Min age 16 yrsTravel
by private minibus and boat
The overall Activity Level for this trip is 2 (Leisurely/Moderate).The trip
involves travel by private bus plus some transfer by boats and includes
guided walks and sightseeing on foot in several places. The walking and pace
are not strenuous, but you need to be in good health and fitness.This trip
also includes a short circular hike (6km, approx. 2.5-3 hours walking) on a
section of the Path of the Gods, a very scenic coastal route considered one
of the best in the world for its jaw-dropping views. This walk is of moderate
difficulty reasonable level of fitness and agility is required to participate
although the pace will be leisurely. Please be aware that the path can be
rocky and uneven at times, so wearing suitable walking footwear is essential.
The path is a little exposed in some parts therefore severe vertigo sufferers
should consider this before setting out. If you have any concerns about your
level of fitness, please talk to your tour leader before joining this
activity.Please note that 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 addition 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
hight 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 also be very warm,
possibly reaching 35 degrees in the summer months between July and September
so wearing a hat and keeping hydrated throughout the day is highly
recommended.
Hotel Due Torri We spend 7 nights at the 3-star Hotel Due Torri in Bomerano, a small village
in the municipality of Agerola set high above the Amalfi Coast at an altitude
of approximately 700m. Run by the warm and welcoming Acampora family, the
Hotel Due Torri is well known for its great local cuisine, providing
authentic dishes of the Campania region as well as fun pizza-making
demonstrations. All rooms have en suite facilities, air conditioning, TV
with international channels, and free Wi-Fi.A limited number of superior
rooms (with facilities including Jacuzzi bath, power showers, and fridge) are
also available for a supplement payable pre-departure. Please ask your sales
consultant for further info.Being higher up in the hills the property offers
the benefit of cooler nights, although beaches are not too far away and there
is a small outdoor pool (usually open from mid-April to mid-October, weather
dependent). The village is generally quiet and provides a relaxing contrast
to the busier towns by the sea.On occasion, if the hotel is full you might be
offered (upon booking) to stay at an alternative accommodation located within
walking distance from the Due Torri. Guests staying at alternative
accommodation will still make use of all the facilities of Hotel Due Torri,
including the pool and restaurant.
The leader will accompany the group on all programmed activities, but due to
Italian legislation is not allowed to guide groups around Herculaneum and
Pompeii (those wishing to book a private guide in these sites can do so for
an extra fee of approx. €10 per person per site, payable locally). The
leader does not always accompany the group on activities undertaken on the
free day but will be available to hand out all the necessary information
before you set off.
All breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 6 dinners are included.Breakfast is continental
style with a choice of cereal, bread, yoghurt, and milk with an array of
teas/coffee. Lunches are normally taken in traditional cafes or local
restaurants (depending on the time available) recommended by your guide. 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’ (seabass in crazy water!). They
usually consist of three or 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 the famous
Neapolitan pizza. Please note that drinks are not included with meals but
available to purchase. Vegetarians are well catered for in Italy.
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.
Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 daysThe group flight from London
is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary.Flights from
LondonWe normally use the scheduled services of British Airways or Lufthansa
(depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly
we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to
confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later
date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before
departure.Train from LondonWe can book your train travel to this trip.
Starting at London St Pancras, you'll change trains in Paris and spend the
day travelling through the French Alps and beautiful Italian countryside
until you reach Turin. After spending the night in Turin, you'll take the
train to Naples the following day, making your way to Naples airport to join
the group transfer. On the way back, you'll have the opportunity to spend an
afternoon and evening in Florence, as well as a night in Paris. Read more
about travelling by train with Exodus here, or call our Sales Consultants for
more information. Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Agerola and
ending in AgerolaYour trip normally starts at our accommodation in Agerola in
the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start
point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately
two weeks before departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.If you require airport transfers, you may (by
prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are
arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight - please check
the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this
transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your
own expense.It is possible to reach the start hotel using the public bus or
train network but unfortunately, the connections to Bomerano (Agerola) are
very limited and services not always reliable. For this reason, we strongly
recommend joining the group transfer at the airport if possible.
Alternatively, you can contact the Exodus Customer Operations team prior
departure to arrange a private pick-up transfer on arrival. This costs
between £80-120 depending on the number of people sharing the vehicle and it
is payable to Exodus prior to departure.
Southern Italy, in common with a lot of the Mediterranean, possesses a hot,
dry climate in summer. Temperatures may reach 35 degrees in the summer months
between July and September. There are cooler, but slightly damper spring and
autumn periods, and 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;Herculaneum will
be visited instead of Vesuvius.A private transfer will be used instead of a
boat from Positano to Amalfi.If Capri is not reachable due to rough sea
conditions, the group will visit Sorrento or Naples.The above changes can
apply to any departure if it is affected by adverse weather conditions
small rucksack (for a water bottle, camera, etc)small shoulder bag or bumbag
for visiting Pompeii (due to security regulations rucksacks are not allowed
in during the visit) lightweight waterproof jacketwalking boots or walking
shoes with a good grip on the soles for the Walk of the Gods (please note
that your tour leader will not allow you to partake in this activity if you
are not equipped with suitable walking shoes or boots)sun hat and other sun
protection equipmentwarm clothing, hat, and gloves for winter departures.
A small umbrella in case of unexpected showers and swimming costume
For lunches, you should budget between €15‐30 depending on whether you
choose a set menu in a café or restaurant. Approximately €20‐30 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 will be collected by the
accommodation provider at check‐in or check‐out. For this trip, please
allow approx. €10, depending on the season, for the week. Children and
people aged 75 or over are exempt from this tax. Optional ExcursionsOptional
guides in Herculaneum, Capri, and Vesuvio (approx. €10‐13 each depending
on group size).Naples Archeological Museum €8In 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 approx. €25 per
person.
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. 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 approx. €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 Mt
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.
Travel insuranceSingle accommodation (available on request) Visas and
vaccinationsLocal city taxes (approx. €10)
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.