Most Inspirational Moment
I was really happy on that final descent into Minori.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Paolo and the support van driver Rafaele were great--super nice, well organized, patient. Paolo really tried to give us a sense of southern Italy-the history, the people, the places, the food. The food! While you were free to go off on your own, Paolo arranged most of the meals for us and encouraged us to sample the local specialties--olive oil, mozzarella di bufala, various aperitifs and the best antipasti. One person commented that it was like being on a gastronomy tour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Prepare for lots of up and down. There's almost no flat terrain.
Bring enough cash. We were running low and it took us a while to find an ATM that took our card.
The weather could go from hot to cold to windy to rainy all within an afternoon. Bring everything and store it in the van.
The trip notes said the last day was 50K, but Paolo wanted us to see Sorrento which added another ~20K (and the steepest climb of the trip-I joined Rafaele in the van part way up that hill).
Word of warning on bus service on the Amalfi coast. On our last day, we took the bus to Vietri to do a little shopping-since Paolo was taking the same bus to Salerno, he made sure that we got there with no problems. Coming back, the buses were so crowded that we either couldn't get on or they didn't bother stopping. We ended up splitting a cab with a German woman who was trying to get back to Maori.
Suggestions
I don't know if the excursions are at the discretion of the guide, but Paolo took us on a bunch that weren't mentioned in the trip notes. On our second morning out, we took a boat to the Blue Grotto which was a highlight of the trip. In Paestum, we had the option of visiting a buffalo farm where they make mozzarella (and excellent ice cream). Paolo gave us a tour of the cathedral in Salerno. And, on the free day he led a group of us up the 1000 steps to Ravello and on a tour of Villa Cimbrone, which was another highlight.