Basically a perfect week in a beautiful part of the world, good food, great companions, great walks, excellent guide, great weather and fantastic views and experiences...
The guys transporting us were really punctual, courteous, and kept us safe. Lino in Pompeii was fantastic! Nicola & Micaela were so hospitable and some of the best food I had in my 3 weeks in Italy was at Sant’ Alfonso Agriturismo. Everybody was top-notch on this trip, however, Vincenzo was the most exceptional Tour Leader and really made the experience unforgettable! He was personable, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable on all topics (with impeccable English)! He made the tour educational, entertaining, and memorable. He went above and beyond by assisting tour group members even on his own personal time. He helped individuals with post-tour travel plans, catching the right trains, and directing them on how to mail postcards to the USA. When the group expressed interest in doing an activity together on our free day, Vincenzo orchestrated a last-minute tour of a cheese making facility and a limoncello factory. He even spent his down time taking a few of us to a restaurant in Sorrento that was less touristy and popular among the locals. We were so grateful for this experience and for the cultural humility he espoused. It was evident that solo hiking and the resulting self evaluation have garnered him much wisdom and have tailored him to be an inspiring mentor. It was special to see him in his element as he prepared us for and led us on a hike on the Amalfi Coast. When someone is doing what they love, it always shows and is a gift to others involved. By the end of the trip he felt like an old friend! We will miss his storytelling and charisma!
This was a really great tour of the Amalfi coast. Our tour guide Enrico was amazing and knew so much about the area, restaurants and more! He made sure everyone was ok and had what they needed. Every day we walked to a different town. Be prepared... Hundreds of stone steps.... But all so beautiful!
I thoroughly enjoyed my local experience tour. I was able to complete all the hikes offered. A good number of my fellow travelers were not able to do the hikes. It seemed their understanding of the physical requirements was not good. Perhaps more or clearer information on physical fitness requirements would help(?…).
We really enjoyed our trip. All information was clear so didn't have any questions. Walks not very hard. Amazing views. Decent hotels. Clean. We left in the morning and came back in the evening. Hotel in Agerolo was lovely. Public transport was very confusing in Amalfi. No clear information where the bus stops. We had to to push to get on the bus with the third attempt.
Nearly missed stop in Pompey as all windows were in white dots and could not see passing stations. No screen or announcement. Use Google Map. We met lots of tourists from around the world in towns and had interesting conversations. I wish we had more time in Pompei and regret that we didn't hire a guide. The trip was a good combination of nature, history, cuisine, culture and people. I have to say in the last stay in B&B in Naples the receptionist Italian lady was wonderful. She didn't speak English so we used Google translate and it was an interesting experience. She hugged and kissed us as we were her best nephews. Such a lovely lady. It was interesting to talk with Antonio in Agerolo hotel. Great experience. Love Italy.
Thoroughly enjoyed the service and facilities at Due Torri, the hiking, the help and the community . We paid Bookmundi more for our self guided tour than the travel expert advertises for this same trip. We would like an explanation or refund if possible.
This 17-day adventure around Italy takes in some of the most ancient sites in European history and shows you the lesser-known countryside, too. With a local by your side, you’ll explore the bustling streets of Rome, then travel through beautiful countryside past villas, vineyards and rolling hills as you visit historical sites like Pompeii, Lecce and the Sassi dwellings in Matera. There’s plenty of free time available to explore the area and take in the sites at your own pace, whether you want to indulge in food and wine or enjoy local experiences.
Travelling at your own pace, you'll combine the elegance of eternal favourites like Ravello, Positano and Sorrento with discoveries most travellers never make such as farmers harvesting olives, fishermen crouched over brightly painted boats mending their nets and the bird's eye view of the entire peninsula from the Path of the Gods above Positano.
From Ravello, whose exotic formal gardens at Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone seem to float ethereally between sea and sky, your route takes you first to Positano's chic pastel houses and enticing pebble beach. It's then on to Marina del Cantone, and the hidden shingle coves few visitors ever find. Finally you reach cliff-top Sorrento. With balcony views over Vesuvius, it's a great base to visit Pompeii or Herculaneum by train, or Capri or Ischia by boat.
Very well organised trip. Logistics were excellent, accommodation was comfortable and central to all amenities of the towns. Hike maps and notes were extremely detailed. I would highly recommend them and am considering another trip in the near future.
Embark on a journey through southern Italy, from Naples (the birthplace of pizza) to Sicily’s Catania, exploring the best spots along the way. For those seeking to venture off Italy’s beaten path, Calabria offers clear waters and the stalwart fortifications of Tropea, as well as active volcanoes on the Aeolian Islands. With plenty of opportunities to relax and soak up the Mediterranean sun by the seaside, you’ll also take a boat ride to the coves of Toarmina, indulge in local granita and maybe even take a dip in Sulphur springs. This trip promises a blend of culture, nature, history and cuisine – truly embodying the essence of Italy!