Paths of the Amalfi Coast

Experience Overview

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most dramatic and beautiful coastlines in Europe. Mountains rise steeply out of the Mediterranean far below and picturesque towns nestle neatly in isolated coves. This self-guided walking holiday sees you descend from your quiet base in Agerola, following mule tracks and old paths through hillside villages, lemon groves and beautiful deep gorges to towns with narrow streets, whitewashed buildings and fascinating churches, monasteries and cathedrals. Away from the trails there is plenty of time to partake in the traditional Amalfi pastimes of sampling incredible food and wine, as well as enjoying the Mediterranean climate. A highlight of this Amalfi Coast tour is one of the world's greatest walks, trekking on the 'Path of the Gods'. A visit to the Bay of Naples would not be complete without seeing the incredible Roman remains of Pompeii beneath the volcanic cone of Vesuvius.
Profile
— 7 nights family-run hotel with swimming pool — 5 days optional centre-based walking — Low altitude throughout
At a Glance
— 7 nights family-run hotel with swimming pool — 5 days optional centre-based walking — Low altitude throughout
Trip For You
5 days optional centre-based walking with low altitude throughout. All walks take between 4 and 6 hours including lunch stops and require a reasonable level of fitness. This is a self-guided tour, so you can walk at your own pace (we recommend taking plenty of time to rest and enjoy the views!). On some of the walks the terrain encountered is similar to the one you would find on a moderate walking trip, hence the Leisurely/Moderate grade. The terrain and type of path will vary from man made paved tracks, tarmac to forest trails. On a couple of days, there are considerable sections of steps (some of which can be avoided by taking the bus). We try to give as much information as possible in the route notes but we always recommend you consult the weather forecast and speak to a member of the local staff before attempting any of the more rocky walks.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. This tour based at the same hotel for the week and is managed locally by the hotelier who will be on hand to assist you and highlight particular places of interest. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number. In an emergency, the hotel is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, 4 packed lunches and all dinners are included. Breakfast: continental-style with a choice of cereal, bread, pastries, yoghurt, orange juice and milk with an array of teas/coffee. Lunch: usually a sandwich filled with a choice of cold meats, tuna or locally made cheeses. Dinner: all evening meals are taken in the hotel, where the standard is excellent, and are typically Italian. Meals usually consist of four courses, commencing with antipasti, followed by soup and/or pasta, a main meat dish with salad or vegetables and dessert. Vegetarian choices are always available. You may even be given the opportunity to learn how to make the famous Neapolitan pizza. (Drinks not included).
Transportation
Transfers to and from the airport (optional, extra expense) will be in a private vehicle (normally a mini-coach). On other days, public buses will be used. You will also have the option of a boat trip, depending on seasonality. Please be aware that in high season (summer time) public buses in Amalfi can be very busy, therefore we advise arriving at the bus stop at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. For more information please consult the route notes for this trip (provided approx. 4 weeks before departure).
Joining Instructions
Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Agerola and ending in Agerola Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Agerola on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start hotel are given in the Final Joining Instructions. Full joining instructions including route notes, hotel list and 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. Please note maps will be provided upon arrival at your start hotel. Flights from the UKWe do not offer any package flights on this trip. There are several carriers who fly to Naples from various UK locations.
Transfer Details
Airport transfers are not included on this trip. As this is a land-only tour, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense. Private transfers can be arranged through Exodus. On occasion, travellers may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the Walking The Amalfi Coast (TDA) group tour transfers, however this is on request and subject to availability. These transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight - please check the group tour flight details 2 weeks before departure. It is possible to reach the start hotel using the public bus or train network but unfortunately the connections to Bomerano (Agerola) are very limited and services not always reliable. The cost of a taxi is likely to be about £150 (approx. US$240) should you decide to make your way independently. Alternatively you can contact the Exodus Customer Operations team prior departure to arrange a private pick-up transfer on arrival. This costs between £80-120 depending on number of people sharing the vehicle and it is payable to Exodus prior departure. 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.
Weather Information
Southern Italy, in common with a lot of the Mediterranean, possesses a hot, dry climate in summer and cooler but slightly damper spring and autumn periods. At coastal levels winters are mild and damp. Rainfall is most expected in winter months with an average of one day in three affected. Unseasonable cold spells are possible at any time of year, during which time you will need warm clothes, especially in Bomerano where evening temperatures can be lower than expected. It is very important to be equipped for cooler weather in early spring, late autumn and winter.
Spending Money
— For lunches, you should budget €10-20, depending on whether you choose a set menu in a café or restaurant. Approximately €20-30 should be enough for an evening meal including drinks. — Optional activities payable locally: — Mt Vesuvio entrance fee: €10 — Optional trek around Mt Vesuvio accompanied by local guide/volcanologist €11 per person — Pompeii entrance fee: €13 — Local guide at Pompeii: €10 per person — Return transfers to Pompeii and Vesuvius with TDA group: €35 per person (subject to availability) — Private return transfers to Pompeii and Vesuvius: €40- €80 per person, depending on group size — Return boat to Capri: €38 slow boat, €44 hydrofoil (seasonal and depending on weather/sea conditions) — Capri cable car: €10 return — Herculaneum: entrance fee to archaeological site €11; Audio-tour €6.50; local guide €10 per person — Ravello: Villa Cimbrone entrance fee €7 — Amalfi: entrance fee to the Cathedral €3 — LOCAL TAXES: many Italian cities have recently introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration is in charge of the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually between €1.00 and €2.00 per person per night. For this trip, please allow between €10 and €15, depending on the season, for the week. Children and people aged 75 or over are exempt from this tax.
Tipping
Tipping is expected but not compulsory. Most local guides rely on tipping as part of their wages, so we recommend a minimum of €10 per group for guides at Mt Vesuvius and Pompeii. Private bus drivers also expect a small tip, (€1-2 each). It is also possible to leave a tip for local hotel staff.

Highlights