Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

At Vesuvius I took the opportunity to join the group in a guided walk right around the circumference of the crater, including to its highest point.  As a fairly novice walker, this was more than I would normally have expected to do, and a fantastic experience.  It took us away from the usual tourist crowds on a ridge walk around Vesuvius' brim.  This was slightly challenging to people who have never done a ridge walk (like myself); our guide advised us on whether he thought each of us would be able to do it, based on our behavior during previous walks on this trip.  Although I am not marvelous with heights, I managed to do the walk without too much difficulty, and I am extremely glad to have had the opportunity of a professionally guided walk in such a dramatic location with spectacular views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was an extremely experienced walker with a great deal of knowledge of the area.  As well as leading our daily walks, he was able to offer advice and tips to help make our trip as enjoyable as possible.  It was also clear that he was able to rapidly evaluate and respond to each of our capabilities during the walks on this trip. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip does involve quite a bit of walking and while highly enjoyable, I would describe it as walking holiday with sightseeing rather than a sightseeing holiday with a bit of walking.  If in doubt it would be worth reading the 'leisurely' and 'moderate' grading in the Exodus Walking & Trekking brochure before deciding on this trip.  Even 'leisurely' walks are expected to be 4 to 5 hours during the day.  This trip is not really for someone who does not enjoy walking.  That said, as a fairly novice walker, I had no problems, but I did take care to be equipped with good quality walking boots and comfortable socks.  Also remember your sun-cream!  For novice walkers who are happy to 'have a go' I would definitely recommend it. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The walking with views.  Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Friendly thoughtful person, well organised.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walk up and down a lot of steps before you go.

Most Inspirational Moment

After a very nice walk on the top of the mountain, walking down to the beach, swimming a little in the beautiful water, resting a little on the beach with a fresh drink or icecream and return back by boat enjoying the view all along the beautiful coast!

Thoughts on Group Leader

A very nice girl, funny girl! We did a lot of funny things! lovely!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather is very hot, you must be prepared to walk under the sun...

Most Inspirational Moment

For me being a bit of a 'foodie' I absolutely loved being invited into the kitchen to see our dinner being cooked and being able to get stuck in and help. Launching ourselves into waterfalls to cool down was definately a must. Pompeii was truly incredible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb tour leader. Great local knowledge and network of local contacts all of which made us so welcome. She knew how to have fun and made sure we did too. Very professional and approachable. Couldn't have asked for a better leader. 

Most Inspirational Moment

All walks were really enjoyable.Pompeii & Vesuvius were fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Not much - he seemed disinterseted. Daily advice & information was lacking ie. re the lack of toilets.

Advice for Potential Travellers

While this is not a difficult walking holiday it is not a stroll in the park.Take a proper hat, NOT a cap.

Most Inspirational Moment

No one moment in particular, but being in such an interesting and pretty part of the world makes the whole week worthwhile.  The Walk of the Gods is great, as was the view from top on the first day's climb.  The family- run hotel and being in a town not overrun with tourists is a great bonus.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Unfortunately, the only part of the trip that was disappointing for our group was the leader.  He seemed a bit "over it" as far as being a group leader goes.  While I appreciate he was unwell with a cold, he gave little or no advice, showed little knowleldge or interest in answering questions and generally was a bit useless.  Having done this trip in 2005 with a different group leader (and having an expectation of Exodus providing us with a similarly enthusiastic leader), I was quite disappointed (and a little embarrassed as I had encouraged three others to come).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely do the Amalfi Coast trip.  The downhill walking can be tough on your knees, so take walking sticks if you think this may be an issue.  On the walking days, think "moderate" for your rating; the "leisurely" part of the rating relates to the non-walking days. I also think a day-trip to Capri on your free day would be advisable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walk of the Gods

Thoughts on Group Leader

Knew his stuff about the region.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Taste the coffee.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me i loved the day in Pompeii which was so interesting, the guide was the best investment of the holiday and really bought it to life showing us all the key things and explaining things that you wouldn't even think to ask. Also the walk of the gods on the last day was wonderful with amazing views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine was friendly, professional and passionate about her job and the area which really made the holiday. She made the whole holiday very easy and relaxing and was a lot of fun.

Most Inspirational Moment

All the walks were excellent and different from each other, but the afternoon ascent to the summit of Mount Vesuvius really stood out for me.  There were numerous steaming fumaroles illuminated by the setting sun just metres away from the remnants of a snow cornice on the crater rim and extensive views over the Bay of Naples in all directions – stunning!  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Barbara was friendly, well organised and informative and also allowed all group members to go at their own pace and make the most of any free time on the trip.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

On the free day, boat trips to Capri aren’t available during winter months so a good option is to visit the Roman ruins of Herculaneum and the clifftop village of Ravello and this was conveniently arranged with the hotel who ran private transfers to each of these sites.  The hotel staff are very welcoming and accommodating and did a particularly good job at catering for my meal preferences.