Current as of: March 28, 2024 - 13:03

Amalfi Coast Holidays

Highlights of the Amalfi Coast Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: Italy
  • Programmes: Culture
  • Activity Level:

    2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: AVG
  • Carbon Footprint: 36kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Discover one of the most fascinating and romantic destinations in the world

The real beginnings of southern Italy start in the Campania region, a sought-after spot since the Romans named it Happy Land. Based in quiet Agerola, amid the green Lattari mountains and away from the crowds, we visit the most famous sites in the Bay of Naples, namely the extraordinarily well-preserved ruins of Herculaneum and the legendary Unesco archaeological site of Pompeii. On the other side of the Sorrento Peninsula, we explore the Amalfi Coast, one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline in Europe. Whether travelling to Capri by boat, admiring delightful coastal views from the Path of the Gods or visiting romantic Ravello, you’ll be spellbound by the natural beauty and cultural treasures of this land. Over time, illustrious artists, writers and actors have found inspiration here; now it’s your turn to live la dolce vita for a week.

 

Highlights of the Amalfi Coast

At a Glance

  • Seven nights in a three-star hotel with a pool (seasonal)
  • Sightseeing on foot and one short Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) walk
  • Group normally 6 to 18, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Travel by private minibus and boat
  • Order of the itinerary may be changed to ensure the best possible conditions for each activity
  • Option to travel by train to your adventure
  • Option to book an extension package

Highlights

  • Enjoy boat trips along the Amalfi Coast and to the island of Capri
  • See the romantic coastal towns of Amalfi, Positano and Ravello
  • Visit both Herculaneum and Pompeii
  • Enjoy Italian hospitality at family-run Hotel Due Torri

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

It involves travel by private bus and boat and includes guided walks and sightseeing on foot. The walking and pace are not strenuous, but you need to be in good health and fitness.

This trip also includes a linear hike (2.5mi/4km) on the Path of the Gods, a scenic coastal route considered one of the best in the world for its jaw-dropping views. This walk is of moderate difficulty and a reasonable level of fitness and agility is required, although the pace is leisurely. Please be aware that the path can be rocky and uneven at times, so wearing suitable walking footwear is essential. The path is also a little exposed in parts, so you’ll need to be comfortable with heights. If you have any concerns about your fitness levels, please talk to your tour leader before joining this activity.

Please note, there is high demand for our Amalfi tours, so it’s likely there will be more than one Exodus group at Due Torri. The hotel is also occasionally open to non-Exodus guests. Nevertheless, our experienced team of leaders is used to this and will tailor itineraries to ensure you enjoy each activity with your own small group. Any additional groups are either on a different tour or follow an alternative itinerary.

It is also worth noting that during the high season, usually May to September, popular towns along the Amalfi Coast such as Positano, Amalfi itself and the island of Capri, can also be quite busy.

Finally, please be aware that the Amalfi Coast can be warm, possibly reaching 35C (95F) between July and September, so wearing a hat and keeping hydrated is highly recommended.

Group

Our leader will accompany the group on all scheduled activities, but due to Italian legislation is not allowed to guide groups around Herculaneum and Pompeii. The leader does not always accompany the group on activities undertaken on the free day but will be available to provide all the necessary information before you set off.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 5

Max group size: 18

Itinerary

Map AVG

Land Only

  • Start City: Bomerano, Agerola
  • End City: Bomerano, Agerola

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Bomerano (Agerola)

This trip starts in Bomerano – a tiny village on the west side of the Agerola Valley, 1hr 20m south of Naples. Our hosts for the week are Giovanni and Nicola Acampora, the charming owners of Hotel Due Torri. Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, their family-run property has a pool and fabulous views of the Lattari mountains; an ideal spot to escape the crowds. We’ll rendezvous at the hotel in time for dinner and a welcome briefing.

Please note: It is possible the order of the itinerary will be changed to ensure the best possible conditions for each activity during the trip. All listed activities and services will be included. Your leader will inform you of any changes locally after assessing conditions.

If you are willing to tailor your journey adding extra nights,  speak with your Sales Consultant for detailed information on available pre-tour, post-tour and extension packages.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2
Sightseeing in Amalfi and picture-perfect Positano

Leaving the Agerola plain, we descend by private bus to Amalfi, the oldest maritime republic in Italy. Quintessentially Mediterranean, Amalfi’s townscape is a cluster of little white houses and buildings, narrow alleyways and shady porticoes, dominated by the large cathedral with its brightly coloured tiles typical of the region. We spend the morning sightseeing, relaxing in one of the sun-filled piazzas, or visiting the interesting paper museum (optional). Later, we continue by fast boat (approximately 20 minutes) to Positano. En route, we enjoy the enchanting views of the sheer cliffs and rugged shoreline dotted with small beaches that have drawn people to this stunning coast for centuries. There is no better way of approaching Positano for the first time than from the sea, as the contrast of this near-vertical town of colourful buildings against the verdant cliffs and blue waters will leave you mesmerised. We have a few hours to explore this chic, picture-perfect village on foot before we return to our hotel in the late afternoon by boat and private bus.

During winter departures (November to February) the following changes are made to the itinerary;

  • A private transfer will be used instead of a boat from Positano to Amalfi

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3
Visit the legendary archaeological sites of Herculaneum and Pompeii

It’s a busy day today as we travel to the Bay of Naples by private bus (approximately one hour), where we join local guides to tour two of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, Herculaneum and Pompeii. Both towns and their people got buried under the ash and magma of Mount Vesuvius in the 79 CE eruption, but they were only rediscovered through excavations in the 18th century. The eruption affected the sites in different ways: while Pompeii is home to a more extensive collection of Roman homes, stores and bathhouses (plus the iconic plaster bodies), the ruins, frescos and recently discovered 300 skeletons along the seashore at Herculaneum are much better preserved. We return to the hotel late afternoon (approximately one hour) to enjoy a delicious dinner and cooking demonstration.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4
Walk part of the divine Path of the Gods

Today we walk a section of one of the finest trails in the world. From our doorstep, it’s a short stroll through the quiet village of Bomerano. Here we’ll drop into a local cheesemaker to see how the delicious local mozzarella is made. And, yes, we’ll taste some. We then join the Path of the Gods, which runs all the way to Positano. Luckily, having already visited Positano earlier this week, we can skip the hard part and the 1,700 steps downtown, and take a linear walk of 4km instead, offering some equally fantastic coastal views along the way. Please be aware that some parts of the trail are rocky and there are frequent ups and downs, which can be a little hard on the knees. With breaks for water and snacks, this short hike is of Level 2/3 (Moderate) difficulty but doable for all those in good fitness, and the challenge will no doubt be repaid by the magnificent views. A rewarding regional lunch awaits you back at the hotel.

Ascent: 328ft (100m); Descent: 328ft (100m); Activity hours: 2hr 30min walking

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5
Free day to relax, visit Sorrento or Naples

How will you spend a free day on the Amalfi Coast? We recommend visiting Sorrento for a seafood lunch and sweeping views over the Bay of Naples. Pedestrian lanes, little boutiques, limoncello shops, and restaurants make it an enjoyable place to spend a day at leisure. Alternatively head to Naples, the capital of the Campania region. A trip up the slopes of Mount Vesuvius to peer into the crater, followed by a wine tasting at a renowned local winery right below the majestic volcano may also be possible. Please note that whilst there is no need to book the excursions to Sorrento and Naples prior to departure (your leader will help arrange them locally), securing tickets for the Vesuvius cannot be guaranteed as these may sell out in advance, especially in the high season. The most common option is to wait until you are on tour as your leader will be able to assist you with booking and private transfer arrangements. Should other travellers in your group be willing to join the excursion, a shared and more convenient transfer will be organised for you.  Alternatively, you may opt to pre-book entrance tickets online independently. However, be aware that advanced online purchase means being assigned a specific time slot to visit the volcano and that you will have to arrange your own private transportation, which can be costly. Furthermore, weather conditions or other factors may impact the standard order of the itinerary and that any unused tickets as a result of schedule changes are not refundable.
Please note, all tours for your free day are subject to availability and prices are dependent on the number of people joining.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Boat to Capri; free afternoon to explore the island

We leave the hotel after breakfast and take the bus down to Amalfi and board the boat to Capri. The journey along the Amalfi Coast is spectacular with small coves and bays of azure water overlooked by towering cliffs. The time spent on Capri is unguided and you are free to explore independently. Your tour leader might recommend avoiding the hassle of public transport on the island and make the most of your time by arranging an excursion by private bus and cable car (optional, payable locally).

A beautiful walk will take you up to Capri town and along a network of small pedestrianised streets to visit the remains of Villa Jovis, the former home of the fearsome Roman emperor Tiberius. A walk around the spectacular coastline is recommended and allows you to see a natural rock arch and the Faraglioni – rock stacks that stick vertically out of the sea. There is also time to peruse the boutique shops before returning by boat and bus to our hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7
Sightseeing in elegant Ravello; visit Villa Cimbrone

Today we visit the romantic hilltop town of Ravello for some of the best views of the Amalfi coastline. Ravello also has a grand cathedral but Villa Cimbrone (visit included) and Villa Rufolo (optional) are the real gems of the town. Set amid elegant gardens, the villa balconies stand at the edge of the cliffs offering stunning views described by French author André Gide as ‘closer to the sky than the seashore’. There is time to wander, enjoy a coffee and soak up the atmosphere before we return to the cooler climes of Bomerano in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation, before a farewell dinner in the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8
End Bomerano (Agerola)

We have explored one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in the world. Now it’s time to make our way home, but not before one last breakfast at Hotel Due Torri, which may feel like a second home by now.

If your flight leaves later this evening, you’re welcome to make use of the hotel facilities after check-out and enjoy a lunch (optional, payable locally) here. Alternatively, speak to your leader for recommendations on what to do in the village.

Meals included: Breakfast

Extend Your Trip

Rome City Extension

Highlights of the Amalfi Coast

Extend your adventure with a pre- or post-tour exploration of Rome. The Eternal City, with history and culture at every turn, offers the perfect introduction to Italy. Speak to your sales representative to check the availability of your chosen package.

1. Comfort Rome city extension

Package includes:

  • Two nights at three-star Hotel Nord Nuova (or similar)
  • One-hour guided city tour with English-speaking guide

2. Deluxe Rome city extension:

Package includes:

  • Two nights at four-star Hotel Diana Roof Garden (or similar)
  • One-hour guided city tour with English-speaking guide

Single supplements are available on request for both extensions.

Accommodation

Hotel Due Torri, a family-run three-star albergo in Bomerano

Highlights of the Amalfi Coast

We spend seven nights at Hotel Due Torri, a mid-sized hotel run by the welcoming Acampora family, who turn out authentic Campanian dishes in the restaurant and put on a show with their fun pizza-making demonstrations.

It sits in Bomerano, a peaceful village that forms part of the Agerola municipality, up in the hills and away from the often-bustling Amalfi Coast.

Being higher up, the hotel benefits from cooler nights, although beaches are not too far away. There is a small heated outdoor pool (usually open from mid-April to mid-October) and energy is generated by a solar panel system.

The 41 rooms vary in style and size and are spread across two main buildings and two cosy apartments a short walk from the main hotel. A limited number of superior rooms, which include a hot tub, power shower and fridge, are also available for a supplement payable before departure. Please ask your sales representative for further information.

Amenities

  • Hydromassage pool for refreshing post-hike dips
  • Buzzy restaurant serving local dishes
  • Limited number of superior rooms available with hot tub

Worth knowing

  • Pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements; cooler months may not be suitable for swimming
  • When the hotel is full, you might still be able to join the trip on your preferred date by staying at an alternative accommodation just a short walk from the main hotel. You will be provided with full details upon booking and have full access to all the Due Torri facilities, including the pool and restaurant.
  • A kettle is available in the rooms. Please request tea/coffee bags at reception

Accommodation - Pre Trip

Ease into the adventure with a pre-trip stay at the four-star Palazzo Salgar (or similar) in Naples or at the three-star Hotel Due Torri (or similar) in Bomerano. Speak to your sales representative for a quote.

Accommodation - Post Trip

If you’d prefer to extend your adventure after your Amalfi Coast trip, the same hotels are available: Palazzo Salgar in Naples and Hotel Due Torri in Bomerano. Speak to your sales representative for a quote.

Single supplement from USD 442

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, one lunch and six dinners are included.

Breakfast is continental style with a choice of cereals, bread, eggs, ham, cheese, fruits, pastries, yoghurt, orange juice and milk, plus an array of teas/coffee.

All evening meals are taken in the hotel, where the standard is excellent and the chef takes great pride in showcasing the best of regional foods, including dishes such as scialatielli all’amalfitana (homemade pasta with seafood) and branzino all’acqua pazza (sea bass in crazy water). Dinners usually consist of four courses, commencing with antipasti, followed by soup and/or pasta, a main meat dish with salad or vegetables, and dessert.

On certain evenings, there is the opportunity to learn how to make Neapolitan pizza. Please note, drinks are not included with meals but available to purchase.

Several dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free, are also well catered for. Please advise us of any dietary requirement on booking.

Transport

Transfers to and from the airport will be in a private vehicle (normally a mini-coach). On other days, private minibus and boats will be used.

Weather & Seasonality

Southern Italy, like much of the Mediterranean, has a hot, dry climate in summer. Temperatures may reach 35C (95F) between July and September. There are cooler, but slightly damper, spring and autumn periods; at coastal levels, winters are mild and damp. Rainfall is expected in the winter months with an average of one day in three affected. Unseasonable cold spells are possible at any time of year. During these times you will need warm clothes, especially in Bomerano where evening temperatures can be lower than expected. It is important to be equipped for cooler weather in early spring, late autumn and winter.

During winter departures (November to February) the following changes are made to the itinerary;

  • A private transfer will be used instead of a boat from Positano to Amalfi
  • If Capri is not reachable due to rough sea conditions, the group will visit Sorrento or Naples

The above changes can apply to any departure if it is affected by adverse weather conditions.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Due Torri, Via Divina Costiera, 9, 80051 Agerola NA
Phone: +39 081 879 1257
Recommended arrival time: Between 4pm and 6pm at the start hotel. However, if you have any special requests, you can contact your sales representative
Airport: Naples International Airport (NAP)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer

  • Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves.
  • Additionally, there are two more shared airport transfers to Hotel Due Torri, which can be booked for an extra cost (about €42 per person). Speak to your sales representative for the times and prices of these two shared transfers.

Make your own way

It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, contact your sales representative prior departure to arrange a private pick-up on arrival. This costs between €80 and €160 depending on the number of people sharing the vehicle.

For more information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport that’s scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales consultant if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales consultant to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Bomerano, Agerola
Location end: Bomerano, Agerola

What To Take

Essential Equipment

  • Small backpack for a water bottle, camera etc
  • Small shoulder bag or bum bag (fanny pack) for visiting Pompeii (due to security regulations backpacks are not allowed during the visit)
  • Lightweight waterproof jacket
  • Walking boots or walking shoes with a good grip on the soles for the Path of the Gods (please note, your tour leader may not allow you to take part in this activity if you are not equipped with suitable walking shoes or boots)
  • Sun hat and other sun protection
  • Warm clothing, hat and gloves for winter departures

Optional Equipment

  • Small umbrella for unexpected showers
  • Swimwear
  • Walking poles – there are a limited number of walking poles available at the hotel on a first-come, first-served basis. Alternatively, there is a local shop in the village where poles can be both hired and purchased (subject to availability)

Practical Information

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

Vaccinations and Health

There are no required vaccinations.

If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.

Local Time

Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +01:00)

Electricity

Italy's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), F (two round pins), and L (three round pins in a row) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)

ATM Availability

Should you wish to take out extra money locally, there is an ATM in Bomerano, and debit cards are accepted in most shops although cash is usually preferred.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

For lunches, you should budget between €15‐€25 depending on whether you choose a set menu in a cafe or restaurant. Approximately €30-40 should be enough for an evening meal including drinks.

Local taxes: many Italian cities have recently introduced a tourist tax for non‐residents. The local administration is in charge of the tax, which is collected by the accommodation provider at check‐in or check‐out. For this trip, please allow approximately €10, depending on the season, for the week. Children and people aged 75 or over are exempt from this tax.

Optional extra fees: 

  • Vesuvius ticket €13 and optional guide €12
  • Naples Archeological Museum €22
  • Capri cable car, approximately €12 per person

Tipping

Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work. Most of our clients wish to give a tip to their guides in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the service received. For this trip, we recommend budgeting approximately €15-€20 per person for the leader. Most local guides rely on tips as part of their wages, so we recommend a minimum of €10 per group for optional guides at Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. Private bus drivers also expect a small tip (€1-€2 each). Usually, a tip on behalf of the group is left for local hotel staff.

People, Places & Planet

Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges, and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a ‘total approach’ to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company.

On this trip, we spend the week in the family-run Hotel Le Due Torri in Agerola, a relatively unknown area of Amalfi, bringing income to an area that does not usually benefit from tourism. The hotel recently installed solar panels which provides hot water for all rooms all year round. Meals provided in the hotel are homemade by the lovely hosts where ingredients are locally sourced wherever possible. Clients also have the opportunity to learn how to prepare a traditional Neapolitan pizza from the hosts during one of the evenings. The money spent on the places of interest we visit goes directly to the maintenance of these iconic historical sites and provides wages for those working there. Of course, a huge part of Italian culture is the cuisine and this is reflected in locally crafted produce, some of which is unique to the region.

In March 2019, Exodus Travels launched the Exodus Travels Foundation where we support initiatives all around the world. But it cannot exist without travellers who care. Get involved or learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus here

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.