Current as of: March 20, 2019 - 13:18 Valid for departures: From January 1, 2019 to January 1, 2021

Highlights of the Amalfi Coast Trip Notes

 Ways to Travel: Guided Group 8 Days Land only Trip Code:  Destinations: Italy Min age: 16 Leisurely  Programmes: Culture AVG

Trip Overview

The real beginnings of southern Italy start in the Campania region, a sought-after place since the Romans named it 'happy land'. Based in the quiet village of Agerola, set amidst the green Lattari mountains away from the crowds, we visit the most famous sites in the Bay of Naples, namely the extraordinarily 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 Europe's most dramatic stretches of coastline. Whether travelling to Capri by boat, admiring some delightful coastal views from the ‘Path of the Gods' or visiting the incredibly 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 in this land; now it’s your turn to live la dolce vita for a week!

At a Glance

 7 nights in a 3-star family-run hotel with pool

 Sightseeing on foot and 1 short Grade 2 walk

 Group normally 6 to 18, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs

 Travel by private minibus and boat

Trip 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 legendary Pompeii  Enjoy Italian hospitality at family-run Hotel Due Torri

Is This Trip for You?

The trip involves travel by private bus plus some transfer by boats and includes guided walks and sightseeing on foot in several places. The walking and pace are not strenuous, but you need to be in good health and fitness.

This trip also includes a short circular hike (6km, approx. 2.5-3 hours walking) on a section of the Path of the Gods, a very scenic coastal route considered one of the best in the world for its jaw- dropping views. This walk is graded 2 so a reasonable level of fitness and agility is required to participate although the pace will be leisurely. Please be aware that the path can be rocky and uneven at times, so wearing suitable walking footwear is essential. The path is a little exposed in some parts therefore severe vertigo sufferers should consider this before setting out. If you have any concerns about your level of fitness, please talk to your tour leader before joining this activity.

Finally, please be aware that the Amalfi Coast can also be very warm, possibly reaching 35 degrees in the summer months between July and September so wearing a hat and keeping hydrated throughout the day is highly recommended. The overall Activity Level for this trip is 1 (Leisurely) meaning that it is suitable for all people who are in good health and fitness.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as not suitable for full wheelchair users, but it may be suitable for other persons of reduced mobility. Please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Group

The leader will accompany the group on all programmed activities, but due to Italian legislation is not allowed to guide groups around Herculaneum and Pompeii (those wishing to book a private guide in these sites can do so for an extra fee of approx. €10 per person per site, payable locally). The leader does not always accompany the group on activities undertaken on the free day but will be available to hand out all the necessary information before you set off.

Adult min age: 16 Min group size: 5 Max group size: 18

Itinerary Land Only

Start City: Agerola End City: 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, 1hr20m south of Naples. Our hosts for the week are the charming and friendly Giovanni and Nicola Acampora, owners of the Hotel Due Torri. Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, their family-run property has a pool and fabulous views of the surrounding Lattari mountains; an ideal location to escape the crowds. Those us who have arranged our own flights should rendezvous at the hotel in time for dinner, although the more convenient option is to meet the group at the Naples airport for the transfer.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 Sightseeing in Amalfi and picture-perfect Positano. Leaving the Agerola plain we descend by private bus to Amalfi, Italy’s oldest maritime republic. Quintessentially Mediterranean, Amalfi's townscape is comprised of a cluster of little white houses and buildings, narrow alleyways and shady porticoes, dominated by large Duomo Cathedral with its bright coloured tiles which are typical of the region. We spend the morning sightseeing, relaxing in one of its sun-filled piazzas, or visiting the interesting Paper museum (optional). Later, we continue by fast boat (approx. 20 mins) to Positano. En route we enjoy the famous 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.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 Visit the legendary archaeological sites of Herculaneum and Pompeii. A busy day today as we travel to the Bay of Naples by private bus (approx. 1 hr) to explore two of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, Herculaneum and Pompeii. Both the towns and its people got buried under the ash and magma of Mt Vesuvius after the AD79 eruption, but it was only much later in the 18th century that these ancient cities came to light once again through excavations. The eruption affected the sites in different ways: whilst Pompeii is known to be home to a more extensive and vaster collection of Roman homes, shops and bathhouses as well as the to the iconic plaster bodies, Herculaneum ruins, frescos and the recently discovered 300 skeletons along the seashore are much better preserved. Entrance tickets to both sites are included in the trip and you can decide to explore alone, at your own pace, or led by a knowledgeable local guide (optional). We return to the hotel late afternoon (approx. 1hr) to enjoy a delicious dinner and cooking demonstration.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Day 4 Walk part of the spectacular 'Path of the Gods' . Today we walk a section of one of the world's finest trails. Leaving from our front door step it's a short stroll through the quiet village of Bomerano. Here we’ll drop into a local cheese maker to see how the delicious local mozzarella is made. And, yes, we’ll taste some. We then we join the famous '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 1700 steps downtown, and we take a circular walk 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 as well as a rewarding stop for a barbecue lunch (weather permitting), this short hike is of moderate difficulty but doable by all those in good fitness, and the challenge will be no doubt be repaid by the magnificent views! (Walking time: approx. 2.5-3 hours; Distance: 6km; Ascent: 100m Descent: 100m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Free day to relax, visit Vesuvius, Sorrento or Naples. How will you spend a free day on the Amalfi Coast? We recommend considering a trip up to the slopes of Mt Vesuvius to peer into the crater, followed by an excellent wine tasting at a renowned local winery located right below the majestic volcano. Alternatively, you could opt to take a visit to Sorrento for a nice seafood lunch and to enjoy the sweeping views over the Bay of Naples. Pedestrian lanes, little boutiques, limoncello shops and restaurants make it an easy and enjoyable place to spend a day at leisure. There is no need to pre-book these excursions prior departure as your tour leader will help arranging them locally on request.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 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 Duomo but Villa Cimbrone (visit included) and Villa Rufolo (optional) are the real gems of the town. Set amidst elegant gardens, the villas balconies stand at the edge of the cliffs offering stunning views aptly described by 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 reminder of the day is free for relaxation.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Day 7 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 clear azure water overlooked by towering cliffs. The time spent on Capri is unguided and on arrival you are free to explore independently. Your tour leader however might recommend to avoid the hassle of public transport on the island and make the most of your time by arranging an excursion by local taxis 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 famous Faraglioni, rock stacks which stick vertically out of the sea. There is also time to do a spot of shopping in some of islands boutique shops before we return by boat and bus to our hotel. We enjoy a farewell dinner and say goodbye to the friendly staff and group.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 End Bomerano (Agerola). Our tour ends in the morning of day 8.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation Hotel Due Torri

We spend 7 nights at the 3-star Hotel Due Torri in Bomerano, a small village in the municipality of Agerola, set high above the Amalfi Coast at an altitude of approximately 700m. Run by the warm and welcoming Acampora family, the Hotel Due Torri is well known for its great local cuisine, providing authentic dishes of the Campania region as well as fun pizza-making demonstrations. All rooms have en suite facilities, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

A limited number of superior rooms (with facilities including Jacuzzi bath, power showers and fridge) are also available for a supplement (inquire for prices) payable pre-departure. Please ask your sales consultant for further info.

Being higher up in the hills the property offers the benefit of cooler nights, although beaches are not too far away and there is a small outdoor pool. The village is generally quiet and provides a relaxing contrast to the busier towns by the sea. On occasion if the hotel is full you might be offered (upon booking) to stay at an alternative accommodation located within walking distance from the Due Torri. Guests staying at alternative accommodation will still make use of all the facilities of Hotel Due Torri, including the pool and restaurant.

Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single only guarantees a room for single use. It does not always mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy.

Single supplement from $372.00 USD

Food & Transport

Eating & Drinking

All breakfasts, 1 lunch and 6 dinners are included.

Breakfast is continental style with a choice of cereal, bread, yoghurt and milk with an array of teas/coffee. Lunches are normally taken in traditional cafes or local restaurants (depending on the time available) recommended by your guide. 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’ (seabass in crazy water!). They usually consist of three or 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 the famous Neapolitan pizza. Please note that drinks are not included with meals but available to purchase. Vegetarians are well catered for in Italy.

Transportation

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

When to go

Southern Italy, in common with a lot of the Mediterranean, possesses a hot, dry climate in summer. Temperatures may reach 35 degrees in the summer months between July and September. There are cooler, but slightly damper spring and autumn periods and at coastal levels winters are mild and damp. Rainfall is expected in 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.

Weather Charts Joining Instructions

Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Agerola and ending in Agerola

Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Agerola in the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks before 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.

Transfers Details

Naples Airport transfers are included at designated times. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if Breakaway has booked it. If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.

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. For this reason we strongly recommend to join the group transfer at the airport if possible. Alternatively you can contact the Breakaway sales team prior departure to arrange a private pick-up transfer on arrival.

Location start: Bomerano (Agerola) Location end: Bomerano (Agerola)

What to Take Essential Equipment

 small rucksack (for water bottle, camera etc)  lightweight waterproof jacket  walking boots or walking shoes with a good grip on the soles for the Walk of the Gods  sun hat and other sun protection equipment  warm clothing, hat and gloves for winter departures.

Optional Equipment

A small umbrella in case of unexpected showers and swimming costume

Reading List

At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage.

As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check the airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure.

Practical Information Passport Italy All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.

Certain European nationalities may be able to travel within Europe on their national identity card. Check carefully with the relevant authorities if you intend to do this.

Visa Italy

No visa required for USA or Canadian passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

There are no specific health risks on this trip.

Vaccination Italy

There are no specific health risks.

Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of North America or Australasia are not considered to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary.

Insurance - are you adequately covered?

It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

If you are resident in the USA we recommend Travelex travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip, optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. Local Time

Italy's Timezone: Europe/Rome CEST (GMT +02:00)

Electricity Italy's Electricity: European plug - 2 round pins.

Money Italy's Currency

The national currency of Italy is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate at the time of publication of approximately 0.9 to the US$.

Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.

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 €15-30 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.

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. For this trip, please allow approx. €10, depending on the season, for the week. Children and people aged 75 or over are exempt from this tax.

Optional Excursions

Optional guides in Hercolaneum, Capri and Vesuvio (approx. €10-13 each depending on group size).

Naples Archeological Museum €8

In Capri the leader may recommend to use private taxis to move around the often overcrowded island. For this optional service and the cable-car please allow approx. €25 per person.

Tipping

Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Breakaway. 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 to budget approx. €15 per person for the leader. Most local guides rely on tipping as part of their wages, so we recommend a minimum of€10 per group for optional guides at Mt 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.

Responsible Tourism 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 cuisine and this is reflected in locally crafted produce, some of which is unique to the region.

Important Information

On all guided trips

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake 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.

Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 5 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances 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.

On all trips

In 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 you should call the Breakaway office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 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.

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; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, 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. TRAVEL AWARE –STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD The U.S. State Department has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/ travel

Advice can change so check regularly for updates.

For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety Advice page.

How to Book

Ready to book? Please contact our office on 1-800-567-6286 or Email:

Breakaway Adventures [email protected]

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