Highlights of the Amalfi Coast

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, the day trip to Herculaneum and Pompeii was the highlight, however, the time spent at Pompeii was not nearly long enough. The day trip to Ravello was also a highlight - it's a lovely trip and a pretty place to visit. I just wish that the weather had been warmer. Travel in September / October if you are looking for some italian summer sun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Severio, our charming Sicilian group leader, was helpful and interested in making sure our group had a safe and enjoyable trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I recommend you pay the extra supplement to upgrade your room - do it when making your tour booking as it may be too late to change after you've arrived at the hotel. The south-facing rooms with balconies are sunny and light and they are the premium rooms. April is COLD on the Amalfi Coast so be sure to wear a warm jacket if you're traveling at this time. If there is sun there will likely be cold winds, so you won't be laying on the beach and sunning yourself on this trip. No need for walking boots, poles, or backpacks (other than a small daypack) - this tour is not that kind of adventure. You will be asked for extra money to pay for tips and lunches.

Suggestions

The bus travel each day - to Positano/Amalfi, and to Ravello, and to Amalfi again for the ferry to/from Capri - was my least favourite part of the trip. I was discouraged from returning to Pompeii on my free day as it was deemed 'too difficult' by the tour guide (it was achievable but no information was provided to help me). Instead, I chose a day trip to Naples and our small group spent a wonderfully long day exploring the city (5 euros & just over one hour each way, bus stop close to the hotel). However, I had to search for information about the Naples bus service myself; no information was provided after our small group declined an expensive quote for a private coach to Naples from our tour guide. It would be useful for the hotel to have a Naples bus timetable including the location of the bus stop in Naples for the return trip (or for our group leader to arrange this). Same for getting to/from Pompeii (this trip involves both bus & train but it's entirely possible). The information is publicly available and the bus stop is right by the hotel.

Most Inspirational Moment

We enjoyed the chair lift to the top of Capri and the beautiful gardens of Ravello. Most inspirational is a tough one to say - from Pompeii/Herculeum to the beauty and majestic views of the Amalfi coastline and the fun/enjoyment of relaxing and talking with fellow travelers each with their own stories.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Saverio was friendly, fun and very welcoming. He did everything he could to accommodate the needs of a diverse group of travelers. I would highly recommend him as a guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As the trip notes advised there is a good amount of walking and stairs. Although all activity was indeed moderate you certainly need a high level of mobility to explore and enjoy the Amalfi Coast towns.

Most Inspirational Moment

No "inspirational moment" in the true sense of the words. The visits to Herculaneum and Pompeii were the most interesting, although both were more limited than needed to be Sorrento trip on "free day" was most pleasant. Capri is splendid and the trip was well organised, though restricted to two venues, other places of interest being deemed likely to be too crowded.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Focused on safety. Friendly. Organised. Limiting and limited - whether anxious to protect his charges, or for some other reason??

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do your own homework about the "highlights": not much to expect from guide. Be prepared for a lot of leisure in a place offering very few amenities and little escape (places of interest are far and expensive to get to) The family-run hotel is nice and comfortable enough, but doesn't offer much.

Suggestions

This trip as it stands falls between several stools: it is not a cultural trip; it is not a "sun and sea" holiday; it is not an activity holiday... It is saved by the beauty of the area - and the weather when lucky. The programme needs to be reviewed and customers' reviews be taken seriously and acted upon.

Most Inspirational Moment

Pompeii, Herculaneum and Napoli museum. The latter really made the sites "come alive" and I was amazed at just how many artifacts were recovered.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fine and "mellowed" as the week went by. Sometimes didn't appear to be very positive when asked about alternative things to do. Spent a lot of time pointing out 5* hotels and celebrity houses etc which is of no interest to me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just be aware of amount of steps to be negotiated and time spent travelling each day. Amalfi and Napoli are accessible by public transport from just outside the hotel. Great restaurant near the hotel for days when dinner is not included - turn right outside hotel, walk a few metres to the road junction and turn back left up the main road. Restaurant a few minutes walk on left. Lovely food at good prices.

Suggestions

Quite often found myself at a loose end as I don't enjoy shopping so carried a book most days and found somewhere to sit and read. However, I think I was in the minority as most seemed to enjoy town visits more than me.

Most Inspirational Moment

My late husband was into geology and was crazy about volcanos. I made a pilgrimage to Mt. Vesuvius in his memory, and was able to leave a tiny bit of him there. And as he would have done, brought a few small rocks back home to tie us together. It was a completely clear day with visibility for miles and an incredible view over Naples. The other inspiring moment was hiking the Path of the Gods. Indescribably beautiful scenery and solitude. I had a cold and so conquering some of the stairs coming back up were tough, but I was grateful to be there and have done it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduardo Palermo absolutely made the trip, and we adored him. He had lived in the area for many years, and was passionate and proud to share his community with us. He was highly knowledgeable of history and local matters, and brought every location to life for us. He was accommodating to special requests, and infinitely patient and gracious with a “challenging” guest among our group – far more so than I would have been! Eduardo was always around or accessible when we needed something, and seemed totally committed to our having a good time every day. Everywhere we went people seemed to know Eduardo, and his local connections were very helpful. He arranged for us to hire an outstanding guide he knew for the day in Herculaneum and Pompeii, at a reasonable price. We had many laughs together and learned so much from him. Do not lose Eduardo!

Advice for Potential Travellers

(1) Bring a water bottle for the day trips – I put hot tea in mine since it was January. (2) Bring a big appetite! But you’ll walk it all off during the day – didn’t gain any weight! (3) Bring good walking shoes and extra sturdy ones for the Path of the Gods. (4) Being in the small town of Bomerano is lovely and gives you a sense of “real life” in the Amalfi Coast, not just the glittery famous tourist towns nearby. Yet you’ll visit and have time to explore those places before retreating to your “family” experience at Due Torri. (5) For a contrast, consider a day or two before or after the tour on your own in bustling Naples. The archaeological museum there is a must-visit if you’re into history.

Suggestions

This was my first trip with Exodus but won’t be my last. Two of my fellow group travelers were also return Exodus customers, and spoke highly of their experiences with them. Their small group concept works very well. I highly recommend this tour.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Herculaneum and Pompeii, which was the main reason for our choice of holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduardo was excellent. Nothing was too much trouble. Always there when you needed him. Conscientious, helpful, friendly and with a twinkle in his eye! Cannot praise him highly enough! Thank you, Eduardo!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are interested in the archaeological sites, do follow up on the free day with a visit to the Archaeological Museum in Naples, because that is where the wealth of artifacts is on show, which you cannot see from what are essentially "highlight" guided tours of Herculaneum and Pompeii. In the two hours or so allotted to these sites, you get a valuable insight into their workings and history, but there is so much more that you cannot see (eg the 24kg hoard of silver ware, now in the museum). Secondly, we found that Exodus's suggested daily outgoings for lunches etc are somewhat underestimated. Unless you are happy with a simple sandwich and a beer, you are better to budget for around 30-40 euro/head on a main course and a glass of wine (or beer) plus the inevitable tip, in a restaurant. Costs have risen generally in 2022 but Amalfi, Positano and Capri are "high end "resorts, so prices are naturally inflated!

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to choose one thing. Scenery was beautiful

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduardo was an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable about the area as he lives there. Everything was well organised. Trips wer changed to suit weather conditions as appropriate. On our free day he organised a trip to Vesuvius and wine tasting. Eduardo had a good sense of humour and is very friendly.

Suggestions

We travelled to the Amalfi Coast at the end of August. Everywhere is very busy. Perhaps would be quieter at another time It would have been nice to have had coffee in the room.

Most Inspirational Moment

Much fuss made of my father for his 91st Birthday with a cake, and sparkling wine after the path of the gods walk, courtesy of our generous tour guide, Severio. The path of the gods is not to be missed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent group leader; very concerned for the well being of the group. Very practical and firm with the trip details. Clear instructions. Had done his homework. Knew the local region well. Made us all welcome. Bought a bottle of sparkling wine for my father's birthday which was over and above his role. V kind and much appreciated.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have enough pocket money for the trips as the exchange rate is almost 1 euro: 1 pound now. The drinks tab does add up, sadly!

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip to Capri. I loved the chair lift to the top of the island. Also celebrating Gordon's birthday, the 91 year old on our trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Severio was very knowledgeable and spoke excellent English. He also told us about the offer of 7 drinks for the price of 5 at the bar by the pool.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Beware of the heat during the summer months and take plenty of suntan lotion and drink plenty of water. Take good walking shoes/boots for the Path of the Gods, and a walking pole, although they can be hired in the village.