Sarah Phillips Visits The Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast

Exodus Walking the Amalfi coast 18-25 June 2015. Did Sarah Phillips, Wells, have a good time?

Here's your answer...

The Highlights Of My Adventure With Exodus

After a bright and early 4.30am check in at Gatwick, we boarded our BA flight to Naples. Our group of 10, ranging from 25 years to 66 years of age, were all excited about our 5 day Exodus walking tour we were about to embark on. On arrival in Naples, we travelled by coach to our first stop, Mount Vesuvius. After our long walk up the steep pathway, we were met by a specialist guide, who led us around the crater, where the sulphuric smoke can still be seen, and smelled! The temperature was much cooler at the top of Vesuvius, with a welcome breeze, as we made our way back down. A quick lunch break and then onto Pompeii. This ancient city is vast, so much bigger than I ever imagined. And again, an expert guide, Hector, walked us around the ruins with Vesuvius in the distance it was hard to imagine its catastrophic eruption in AD79, which completely buried the city.

scenery1

After this busy day, we headed to our hotel. Our accommodation was at the hotel Due Torre, set in the village of Bomerano, on the agerola plains – this family run hotel was delightful. The local agerola produce and wine was enjoyed by the whole of our group and a chance to sit down after our long but enjoyable day. The owner of the hotel, Nicola, even gave us a pizza making demo one evening, which was great fun. A highlight of our trip, on day 2, was the “walk of the Gods” – setting out from the hotel with walking boots and a rucksack we were ready to experience the amazing views of the coastline by foot. With lemon groves, vegetable gardens and vineyards on steep slopes, the scenery was stunning. A packed lunch was provided for our stop halfway, and after approx. 12 kms, of panoramic views, we ended up in Positano, an almost vertical town, which we reached by hundreds of steps down. The wisteria lined alleyways, and designer boutiques, were worth every step, and my calf muscles the next morning reminded me of this scenic workout. With time to explore on day 3, Amalfi, and its magnificent Duomo, we watched a wedding taking place and the bride and groom standing at the top of the cathedral stairs, set 2 doves free to celebrate their marriage – a memorable sight.

scenery2

The small beach area was full of sunbathers and children swimming in the Bay, and many enjoying the famous gelato in the high temperatures of the midday sun.
A visit to Ravello, reached by bus, was our afternoon stop with stunning views of the coastline en route. In Ravello the Villa Cimbrone, standing on the edge of the cliff, with the infinity terrace, and its marble bust, was a photographers dream. Its landscaped gardens and exotic vegetation was stunning and well worth the visit. On our last day, we travelled by bus down to Amalfi, where we caught the boat across to the Isle of Capri. The journey along the Amalfi coast was spectacular, and Eduardo our guide, pointed out homes of the famous and points of interest along the 1 hour 20 minute journey. Upon arrival in Capri, we had a beautiful walk around the town and a short taxi journey to Ana Capri, were we had time to explore. A visit down a little piazza took us to San Michele church, a modest 2 euros entry to this architectural treasure, with its high altar and ceramic tile floor was inspiring.

restaurant

An Exodus trip to the Amalfi coast is highly recommended, and with so many highlights I have only touched on these over my 4 night trip. But for more information, pop into our Wells branch and I will be happy to share my experience with you and make recommendations for your next adventure on foot.

I can definitely recommend a holiday with a difference when you take an Exodus walking tour – whatever your level of ability there is always something to suit everyone. Top tips include: good walking boots with ankle support, water bottles to keep hydrated and walking poles are very helpful.