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Those on group flights fly to Naples, where they will be met by their tour leader on arrival. A transfer of approximately 1 hour 20 minutes takes us to the Hotel Due Torri, our base for the week 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. Land only clients can arrive at any time, although we do recommend to join the group at the airport as public transport options to the hotel are limited.
From the hotel it's a short stroll to the village square (or in the case of Bomerano, a triangle) and the start of today’s walk. The circular route provides a good chance to stretch the legs; following a mixture of paths and tracks we ascend to the top of Monte Tre Calli to be rewarded with spectacular wide-open views of the jagged coastline and seemingly endless blue sea. The Agerola Plain and the village of Bomerano are laid out below us and on a clear day we can see as far as the famous island of Capri, a haven and idyllic hideaway for many celebrated artists and writers over the past 200 years. After admiring the majestic scenery descend to Bomerano and enjoy some rest time before a hearty dinner.
Distance in Km: 10.5
Distance in Miles: 6.5
Activity Hours: 5
Altitude Gain: 487
Altitude Loss: 487
Start walking towards Amalfi, a town popular with the British since Edwardian times when the upper classes favoured it as a pleasant place to spend their winters. The route has a downhill bias, following the path from Bomerano at 700m to the shores of the Mediterranean, accompanied by wonderful coastal views. There are sections of steps today (approx. 2000 in total), but there are also plenty of opportunities to rest and go at your own pace. On arrival, you will see the large Duomo (Cathedral) dominating the town with its brightly-coloured tiled cupola (dome), which along with the baroque facade and interior, is a typical example of regional architecture. Take some time to explore the town, swim in the small bay or enjoy a well-earned gelato before taking the transfer back to Bomerano.
Distance in Km: 9
Distance in Miles: 5.5
Activity Hours: 5
Altitude Gain: 191
Altitude Loss: 818
Transfer to the Bay of Naples, the area spanning between the region’s capital city, Naples, and the town famed for its lemon groves, Sorrento. Situated on the lower foothills of the volcano dominating the Gulf, Pompeii was a thriving port town until Vesuvius’ catastrophic eruption spanning two days in 79AD during which the city was buried in ash and pumice. Lost for 1700 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 some time to explore the site this morning, perhaps opting for a detailed tour accompanied by a local guide. After lunch, travel by bus high up onto the slopes of Vesuvius to view the volcanic crater. Depending on weather conditions, it may be possible to take one of the many extended walks around the caldera and beyond, led by an expert volcanologist (optional).
Today's walk starts in Ravello, a town much favoured by the Bloomsbury set and other artists and intellectuals due to its secluded location and inspirational scenery. Before setting off for the walk we have some free time to explore the town and visit Villa Cimbrone or Villa Rufolo with their meticulously landscaped gardens and breath-taking views out to the sea (optional). The route today is mostly downhill but it does include a considerable amount of steps. After descending and taking a quick stop in the village of Pontone, we continue through wooden bridges and shady paths carpeted with wild flowers in season, to the beautiful moss-clad waterfalls within the closed gates of the Valle delle Ferriere National Park. Finally, following the stream gently downwards through lemon groves, past the shells of former paper factories (a major local industry from the 12th to 19th centuries) and mediaeval ironworks we reach Amalfi. 5 hours walking, 10km – 6.2 miles, 214m – 702ft up - 450m – 1476ft down).
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6.2
Activity Hours: 5
Altitude Gain: 214
Altitude Loss: 450
Today we have a day at leisure to relax at the hotel or go down to the seafront. The hotel also offers private transfers (payable locally) to the most popular attractions in the region not covered during the rest of the week, including the city of Herculaneum. Also destroyed during the disaster of 79AD, Herculaneum was buried in mud rather than ash and it is said that this lead to the site being even better preserved than the bigger Pompeii. You might instead choose to take a ferry to the chic island of Capri and the funicular through lemon groves up to Capri town. These optional excursions can be arranged locally by your leader. Alternatively, spend the free day by the pool or in true Italian style in a café, sipping espresso and watching the world go by!
A fitting finale to the week is one of the world's finest day walks. Leaving the hotel it's a short stroll through the quiet village of Bomerano before we join the ‘Sentiero degli Dei’ (Walk of the Gods), thus named as it provides some of the most evocative views in the world, of ragged cliffs speckled with tiny villages and extensive views of the sparkling Mediterranean sea. The route follows undulating hills, carpeted with flowers in season, the contours of the land and the coast. The trail is broken by insights into local life, passing shepherds huts and ancient stone houses carved into the limestone before we descend a long series of steps to the colourful Positano, an almost vertical town clinging to the rock face of a sheltered bay. Take some time to explore the alleyways lined with wisteria and designer boutiques or have a dip in the clear water of the beachfront before returning to Bomerano by boat and bus (seasonal) in the late afternoon. During the week many meals will have included some delicious local smoked mozzarella cheese and before dinner, we will have the chance to see how it is made and taste the mouth-wateringly fresh final product.
Distance in Km: 11
Distance in Miles: 6.8
Activity Hours: 5
Altitude Gain: 205
Altitude Loss: 716
* 7 nights family-run hotel with small outdoor swimming pool and en suite
facilities
* 4 days centre-based guided walking; 1 sightseeing day with additional
optional walk and 1 free day
* Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs.
* Altitude maximum 1109m, average 600m
* All transport by private minibus and boat
* Not suitable for severe vertigo sufferers
* Moderate walks, leisurely pace; good level of fitness recommended
* Order of activities and walks subject to change depending on number of
groups booked each week
All breakfasts, 4 packed lunches and 6 dinners are included.
Breakfast is continental style with a choice of cereal, bread, pastries,
yoghurt, orange juice and milk with 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’ (seabass
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 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 family-run hotel with small outdoor swimming pool and en suite
facilities
* 4 days centre-based guided walking; 1 sightseeing day with additional
optional walk and 1 free day
* Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs.
* Altitude maximum 1109m, average 600m
* All transport by private minibus and boat
* Not suitable for severe vertigo sufferers
* Moderate walks, leisurely pace; good level of fitness recommended
* Order of activities and walks subject to change depending on number of
groups booked each week
Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) 4 days centre-based walking with low
altitude throughout.
The Amalfi Coast is home to some of the best-loved walks in Europe; the
varied scenery and temperate climate make this a heaven for hikers and
ramblers. The pace of the walks allows time to rest and enjoy the views,
however, the terrain encountered on some of the paths is similar what you may
find on a moderate walking trip.
The terrain and type of path will vary from man-made paved tracks and tarmac
to forest trails. Whilst most walks are manageable for those with a good
level of fitness, the walks involve some steep climbs and descents on
slightly loose terrain and some have sections on narrow pathways alongside
some sheer drops (not recommended for severe vertigo sufferers). Optional
walks on Mount Vesuvius are on rocky cinder/gravel trails and likely to be
loose underfoot, with steep sections and quite large drops in places.
On most days, there are considerable sections of steps (over 1500), which
make the walks unsuitable for those with knees problems. Walks usually take
between 4 and 6 hours including lunch stops (depending on the pace of your
group) and require a good level of fitness. Summer temperatures can make some
of the walks more strenuous. If you are concerned about the difficulty of
the walks we recommend calling us to discuss the trip in more detail.
*Please note that due to high demand for this tour, on some weeks we may lay
on a second group departure, which will follow an alternative itinerary. This
includes the same excursions but taken in a different order, usually
reverse.*
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 from £180 or
equivalent per room 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, wheather 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.
All breakfasts, 4 packed lunches and 6 dinners are included.
Breakfast is continental style with a choice of cereal, bread, pastries,
yoghurt, orange juice and milk with 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’ (seabass
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 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
minibus or coach). On other days, private buses and boats will be used.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days*
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We 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.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Agerola and ending in Agerola*
Your 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.
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 to join
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 number
of people sharing the vehicle and it is payable to Exodus prior departure.
Southern Italy, like much of the Mediterranean, has a hot, dry climate in
summer and cooler but sometimes wet spring and autumn periods. Unseasonable
cold spells and rain are possible at any time of year, so we recommend
bringing some warm clothes, especially useful in Bomerano where evening
temperatures can be lower than expected. Summer can be very hot with daytime
temperatures in July and August reaching up to 34-37°C on the coast.
*What to expect in the low season (October – March)*
A common misconception about the Amalfi Coast is that it is very warm and
year round. However, autumn and winter months may be cooler than you’d
expect; although usually milder than Northern Italy, average temperatures in
December, January and February range from lows of around 8°C to highs of
15-17°C. Travellers should be prepared for periods of colder weather (with
temperatures sometimes dropping to 2°C) especially at higher elevations –
there may even be snow atop the Lattari Mountains and sometimes in Bomerano
itself! During the winter up to early spring there is also more rain than
usual (with an average of one day in four affected) but there are still
plenty of enjoyable crisp sunny days. Overall the Amalfi Coast is still a
great destination in winter as the coastline is beautiful year-round and you
have the chance to visit the sights without the summer crowds and traffic.
Small daypack (for 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 jacket and wind stopper 2-3 season
Walking boots or trekking shoes with good grip
Long walking trousers (some paths may be overgrown)
Warm clothes for departures between October and March (including a warm hat
and gloves)
Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for summer departures
Walking poles are strongly recommended
Water bottle: while mineral water is available at the hotel and shops, it’s
safe to drink the local tap water, so remember to bring refillable water
bottles and keep hydrated during the day
A small umbrella in case of unexpected showers
Swimming costume for pool at the hotel or sea
Beach towel
For lunches not included, you should budget €10-20, depending on whether
you choose a set menu in a café or restaurant.
Approximately €25-30 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. 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 payable locally:*
Optional trek around Mt Vesuvio accompanied by local guide/volcanologist
€11 per person (entrance to Vesuvio main visitors area is included in the
trip price)
Local guide at Pompeii: €10 per person (entrance fee is included in the
trip price)
Return transfers to Herculaneum and Naples on the free day can be arranged
locally and cost approximately € 40- €80 per person, depending on group
size.
Return boat to Capri: €38 slow boat, €44 hydrofoil (seasonal and
depending on weather/sea conditions).
Capri cable car: €10 return
Herculaneum: entrance fee to archaeological site €11; Audio-tour €6.50;
local guide €10 per person
Ravello: Villa Cimbrone entrance fee €7
Amalfi: entrance fee to the Cathedral €3
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
client per leader. We also recommend a minimum of €10 per group for local
guides at Mt Vesuvius and Pompeii. It is also customary to tip private bus
drivers (please allow approx. €10 per person for the week). 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 approx. €15 per person for
the local staff at the hotel.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
* Local city tax
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