Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk that changed me was Monte Tre Calli. Although everyone talks about the Path of the Gods (and wow yes, it is absolutely beautiful, and Vesuvius the day before was unforgettable) Monte Tre Calli was something on an entirely different level. The woodsy trails, the open ridges, the view at the top, the silence, the wind, the sense of being held by nature for six straight hours. That mountain felt beyond words. It was transformative. It felt like being connected to everything around me and to something inside myself that I had not met before. I will carry that day with me for the rest of my life. These were the kinds of views and feelings that shift your perspective permanently.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Veriano was exceptional. He meshed so naturally with every personality in our group and handled the entire week with calm strength and humour, even after a challenging start with a person early in the trip. His deadpan comments were perfectly timed and became a highlight for many of us. When I slipped and landed on my butt, I said I was fine, and he responded with a straight face, “If you wanted to sit down, you could have just told me.” It broke any embarrassment and kept the momentum of the day going. That moment sums up his energy: supportive, present, knowledgeable and patient. It honestly felt like travelling with a close friend who also effortlessly guided us through every trail without it ever seeming to affect him. His passion for the region and the care he had for our group made the trip unforgettable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is a real Level 3 and preparation is important. It is beautiful and rewarding, but physically demanding if your body isn’t used to this type of terrain. Train your legs for descending stairs, not just climbing them. I prepped using the stair master every day, but I didn’t realize how much of the trip would challenge the muscles you use going down. Strengthening those beforehand makes a world of difference. Bring poles, drink water and most importantly, stop and take in the views. It is not just optional; it is essential, for your body, your mind and your soul. There is nothing like these landscapes and it is worth slowing down to truly absorb them. Trust your guide, trust your gut and embrace every moment. If you are lucky enough to have Veriano as your tour leader, you are in very good hands.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hiking the Path of the Gods and coming to our first stunning view.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberta was amazing. She led us so well, kept and us safe, participated at dinner, kept us very well informed prior and during our hikes and assisted with any additional needs from our group including working out a way for someone to participate with an injury. Roberta also with assisted with transport arrangements for forward journeys which would probably be above and beyond her duties.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you are fully aware that the hikes can be challenging. There are lots of steps and inclines and declines but certainly achievable if you are relatively fit and don't have any ongoing physical problems e.g. sore knees. The hotel is very clean and the meals simple but more than adequate in quantity. There are options in town for anyone who wants a change on a free night. Agerola is a lovely, quiet town which was a delight after the crowds in Amalfi and Positano. If you are arriving by train into Naples just make sure you receive clear instructions on where to meet your driver. Unfortunately, we didn't have very good instructions and it took a long time to find him. We just thought the "exit" meant "outside" the station when it actually meant as we exited the platforms. Lucky our driver did speak English.

Most Inspirational Moment

The climb to the summit of Vesuvius

Thoughts on Group Leader

Not communicative enough and very sparse with information.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make great connections.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through poppies, olive trees, and lemon trees, and seeing the water.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Terrific, knowledgeable, organized.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'm not sure what the difference is between walking and hiking anymore. I liked the walk, but be prepared for a more difficult walk than the Trip Notes indicate.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the highest point on Vesuvius, and walking the ridgeline of Capri

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nico was humorous, informative, and took time to indicate landmarks that we would eventually view from multiple perspectives. He is an excellent representative of the Exodus ideal.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be ready for stairs of all heights and lengths to allow access to constant coastal views.

Most Inspirational Moment

Vesuvius volcano visit, up close; as well, Path of the Gods

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nico

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bomerano is higher, nestled in the mountains. Cooler than on the coast. Bring layers

Most Inspirational Moment

The Path of the Gods!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nico was very careful and took his responsibilities to us very seriously. This was surely not easy as the walks were challenging and I’d guess the average age in our group was mid-seventies. Anything could have happened but thanks to Nico there were no casualties.

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing on top of MT. Vesuvius. Walking the "Path of the gods!". The people in my group!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Veriano Verde

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its more than just a hiking trip, but don't forget your hiking boots!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the crater of Vesuvius was truly awesome and visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum, the latter on our day off, was extremely moving. Conquering the Path of the Gods and so many steps was a challenge, but satisfying once my thighs recovered. The gardens and infinity terrace at Villa Cimbrone in Ravello and the Piazza at Sante Maria Maddelena in Atrani were breathtakingly beautiful. Ravello and Atrani were both so lovely, and much more peaceful than the larger villages and towns.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Veriano was superb, from the moment he met us at the airport until our final goodbyes he dedicated himself to making our experience the best it could be, going way beyond our expectations. He knows the area intimately, was highly experienced and competent, and led the walks professionally, with care, courtesy and good humour, whilst emphasising that we needed to follow his advice and instructions in order to cope with the terrain. He managed a challenging situation on the first day with calm competence, transferring a struggling members of our group to vehicles at the earliest opportunity after physically supporting them down a considerable number of steps to the nearest road . As a life long local, his passion for and knowledge of the history and landscape enriched our walks, he took time to show us the flora and geology and lead us to spots off the normal tourist route. He had a great relationship with the hotel staff, joining in the fun at the cookery demos and dining with us every night, even on his day off. With his strong connections we were guaranteed the best guides at Vesuvius and Pompeii, friendly competent drivers, and local artisans happy to entertain us and allow us to sample their wares. He was reliable, amiable and sociable, had a good sense of humour and by the end of the week knew us so well he had even made a personalised playlist for our singalong on the minibus journey to Ravello. The hotel staff also deserve a mention- they were so friendly, learning all our names and making the evenings such fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes carefully and seriously consider whether you will be able to cope with the terrain. There are long sustained periods of steep, uneven steps down from the Path of the `Gods to Nocelle and Positano, 2,500 in total and more again from Bomerano to Amalfi and from Ravello to Atrani. Although mostly down this still puts considerable strain on your thighs, knees and calfs. Walking poles help but you do need strong legs. Take the advice to carry 1.5 litres of water, even in November we needed to hydrate regularly. Use your day off to visit either Herculaneum, much better preserved than Pompeii, smaller in scale and a great museum . Another great alternative is the beautiful Ravello and its gardens. Grouping together to share the transport costs will make this less expensive.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of Vesuvius and exploring the crater of one of the world's most famous volcanoes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Veriano was great! He took care of the group on the walks and answered any questions we had along the way. We also had some real laughs despite challenges on the way. He was very patient and understanding and this allowed for a great week!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hiking Shoes with good ankle support. There are a lot of steps on some of these walks, so please bare that in mind. Layers for travelling during the winter months.