Most Inspirational Moment
Visit to Pompeii . The views on all the walks . The Group :)
Thoughts on Group Leader
Roberta
Advice for Potential Travellers
Check room allocation /facilities before you go
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As mentioned in other reviews some of the walks are a bit challenging – mainly on the descent – this was our first walking holiday and after the first day had concerns about if we could stay the course . We did – and whilst still challenging we did enjoy it . Many thanks to our group leader Roberta who kept us safe and informed throughout and maintained a sense of humour even in the face of group moaning ! Hotel is good in respect of all staff who are lovely and service which is great – drinks reasonably priced and cocktails good . Cleanliness and cleaning also excellent . Food was sometimes excellent and sometimes a bit monotonous – especially breakfast . Our room wasn’t brilliant – too small – no drawers and particularly difficult on wet day with nowhere to hang anything to dry out . Other rooms much better . Our group mix was excellent a highlight of the holiday . Overall a good trip with just a few niggly bits
Visit to Pompeii . The views on all the walks . The Group :)
Roberta
Check room allocation /facilities before you go
Well organised and executed. Guide, Roberta, was helpful and knowlegable
Roberta
Don't hesitate
Fantastic way to explore the Amalfi Coast
Walking the Path of the Gods, truly beautiful
Our group was very fortunate to have Veriano as our leader. His enthusiasm and knowledge was limitless. Always conscious of everyone's wellbeing and safety, and was especially encouraging when having to tackle the vast number of steps on the Amalfi Coast!!
Some of the walks were pretty strenuous over uneven ground, so reasonable fitness required
The food and hospitality at the Hotel 2 Torri was very good
Generally a good time but some niggles. Very good walks with spectacular views, but which could be physically challenging.
The walks to the top of the Vesuvio and Pompeii were awe inspiring, and both guides were excellent.
Our leader was all right, but from what we gathered from other groups, we seem to have got a more basic service. I didn't have the impression from his responses to my questions that he was terribly interested in sharing the local culture that much. Also, we were a mixed group (not a problem and we all got on very well), with a wide range of ages (from mid 20s to mid 60s) and a wide range of abilities. Some of us were slower than others during the walks. And the biggest issue was that our leader seemed to be happier to spend his time at the front with the fatest ones, leaving the slowest ones at the back, on their own. Which could have been dangerous in particular with the uneven terrain we were going through. As we were 2 walking groups I am a bit puzzled as to why a test walk wasn't done at the beginning, and groups rescheffuled according to abilities.
To come physically very well prepared. Attendees will be requested virtually straightaway to walk several hours, on uneven terrain, through 600 to 800 m elevations. These are not moderate walks for your average sedentary customer. And even for the reasonably prepared, 2 hours of going down uneven steps can leave your legs shaking and your calves sore for a few days!
Amalfi, and Ravello are quite touristic but the hotel is situated in a normal working village, ie not a chocolate box one as often seen on pictures, with a main street with a few shops and several cafes and restaurants, which seems at its most lively in the evening. But we were a bit out of of season. The hotel itself was fine, with a large dining room where guests have their meal, as a group, at large tables, at a fixed time in the evening. The food was adequate, sometimes good, but sadly largely uninspiring for me. Our room was on the 3rd floor, no lift though, with a large terrasse. It was part of a building built more recently, or renovated, and was spacious and clean. The hotel staff seemed pleasant and efficient. I was surprised by the level of tipping requested to the guides, the hotel staff, the bus drivers... The local transport system is very good (buses, ferries) , and on our free day, a few of us in the group managed to organise relatively easily to go and see Salerno, among other places, which gave us a better idea of the life in a local larger city. (And included a lovely cathedral with an impressive crypt)
I love the Amalfi coast and was looking forward to this holiday but although as a whole it was a great experience I was left quite disappointed on more than one occasions. I heard from others that other Exodus holidays in other location have been much better. It seems to depend on the local Exodus team rather than on the agency staff in the UK.
Climbing Vesuvius
He clearly loves trekking and the mountains, but he wasn't the most caring leader. Our group was varied in age, from people in their 20s to others in their 60s, some had health conditions which requited slower pace of walking, but our leader was always at the front with the fastest and youngest, not knowing how the rest of the group are doing, are they coping, are they in pain. If I had his job, I'd like to know where everyone in my group is at all time. On the last day, the slower part of the group was not even given breaks. As soon as they caught up, they had to go again. Some of the activities were not scheduled with our best interest in mind, after climbing Vesuvius and walking around Pompei for hours we had 30 min for a rest in the hotel and had to go to a cheese tasting and then to a pizza making deminstration and then to dinner. Some people refused to go to all these activities. It was just too much for one day.
Your experience will depend very much on the group leader you get. The hotel was nice, rooms were new and comfortable, but the food at breakfast and dinner was not the best. Not what you'd expect from an Italian holiday and for the money you pay.
Make sure all groups get the same experience and treatment from their group leader. The other walking group was very happy with their leader and kept telling us how they all felt very cared for, walks were at a pace which was suitable for everyone, no-one was struggling, there were lots of regular breaks. Exodus could split the groups better next time, after the first walk, when everyone's level can be assessed, and people are-distributed according to their ability.
I really would recommend this trip for the experiences it offers of the Amalfi coastline and its most fabulous landmarks. The scenery, views and opportunities to savour some of the best of Italian culture did not disappoint and will resonate with me for weeks to come. My only caveat would be for those who are uncertain of their capacity or willingness to endure some strenuous, extended hikes; the scenery certainly made it worthwhile, but some in the group questioned whether the physical demands were too high. This holiday isn’t for anyone looking for leisurely explorations of the Amalfi coast, although the hikes made the comforts of rest, relaxation and tasty food in between all the more appreciated! This was a well organised trip and I met some lovely people too. What’s not to like?!
Walking the crater of Vesuvius and the 'Path of the Gods'!
Funny, friendly and organised!
Prepare in terms of fitness and/or consider if this type of walking holiday is what you are looking for.
While I anticipated a week of trail hikes, our guide added several events to make the week a cultural event as well. To begin, the scenery is spectacular. Added to that, our guide Veriano shared his deep passion for the area and its culture. We enjoyed the morning challenges of the trails, then shared in the preparation and/or consumption of those gourmet products in the afternoon. It was the best of both worlds. Our guide was extremely knowledgable about the history and vegetation of the area, having been born and raised there. In addition there were opportunities to appreciate the history first hand by climbing Mt Vesuvius and visiting Pompei. The experience left me with a great appreciation for the area and left me with a lifetime of memories.
Seeing the remaining caldera of Mt Vesuvius was indeed impressive and then walking on the pumice still adorning the Amalfi coast, many miles distant provided a new impression of the catastrophe that occurred in 79 AD. Also, I was struck by the presence of herbs growing wild all over the region in the hills.
As I stated above, our group leader was fantastic. He was clearly passionate about his roots there, which was infectious for all of us. His knowledge of everything local was unsurpassed. He kept our days light hearted and ensured the safety of all. He has a great sense of humor, yet maintained order in the group with excellent leadership skill. This is my second trip with Exodus, and thus far, I have experienced two phenomenal group leaders.
Although this trip was designated moderate in difficulty, it is far less challenging than the hiking around Mont Blanc in France. Still, I would recommend that participants spend time walking and hiking on a regular basis prior to the trip. There are some rather challenging inclines.
Fantastic week nice hotel good food and well organised trip all round.
Vania De Paoli was Excellent. Thoroughly knowledgeable of the area, extremely enthusiastic and went out of her way to be sure everyone had a great time.
Thoroughly recommend both the experience of this holiday and Exodus Travel.
This was first time with Exodus and definitely go with them again.
Expert local guide and family run hotel made this a great trip
The weather in March was mixed, but we only got wet once or twice. In general the weather was good for walking, and later in the week there was plenty of sun.
Most places looked like they were just getting reason for the season, with much painting and repairs being done. Being this early meant most places were quiet, so no queuing or traffic jams.
Walking the crater rim of Vesuvius with a local expert was very interesting. Seeing the scale of Pompeii, again with a local expert guide. The Path of the Gods had great views. Eating a gelato in Amalfi in the sunshine mid-week was in marked contrast to after the first walk when the waves were crashing on the beach. Watching the hotel chef making various pizzas, and then eating as much as I could manage.
Severio obviously enjoys his job, and reordered the schedule to make the most of the varying weather. Living locally meant he knew the area very well. I would certainly recommend him as a guide.
There are indeed a lot of steps (mostly down), although generally in good condition. For someone who lives in a flat part of the UK, the first few days were hard going at times, We were very well fed every evening, and the local house wine was very good value. The boat trip from Amalfi to Capri on the free day was fun, and included a bit of sightseeing of the Capri coastline on arrival. Even in March the buses between Capri and Anacapri were busy, so getting around took a lot of time. The Path of the Gods ends in Positano and we were lucky that the return boat ride had just started. Any earlier and it would have been a return by bus.
As recommended, a walking pole was very useful at times.