rome and the amalfi coast on foot

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1 A UTracks holiday is all about exploring Europe your way. It s about U + the walking tracks and cycling trails you want to discover. Since we began in 2006, UTracks has quickly become known as the leaders in active European holidays. Our itineraries are creative and very affordable. Set your own pace on a flexible self guided trip or enjoy the benefits of an experienced local guide on a guided tour. Together with our sister company Sherpa Expeditions, we offer over 400 active tours across the continent and it s many exotic islands. There s an active holiday idea everyone including families, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, experienced alpine walkers or those that just want to see Europe differently. The physical demands range from introductory to challenging with all offering unique opportunities to discover the untrodden Europe, spanning postcard landscapes, centuries old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights. Compare the price and you will see that we offer exceptional value active programs that are virtually all inclusive, giving you more time to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders you ve come to experience. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want. explore europe your way TRIP COST Joining Rome : 1250 Trip Concludes: Naples All prices are per person OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS H - high season surcharge: 70 TRIP NAME: TRIP CODE: TRIP DURATION: ROME AND THE AMALFI COAST ON FOOT URA 8 DAYS GRADE: INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE 2 ACTIVITY: GUIDED WALKING Rome Italy Naples Herculaneum Sorrento Amalfi Capri single supplement: 140 ACCOMMODATION: HOTELS As the trip price is based on twinshare, a single supplement is payable if a single room is required or a single traveller supplement if you are travelling solo*. Please refer to the price options for costs or ask our office for details. Note regarding single rooms The single supplement guarantees the privacy of your own room, however, rooms can at times be small and in some places may not enjoy the same facilities as double/twin rooms. *The single traveller surcharge is only available on trips deemed suitable for solo travellers. It is usually more expensive than the single supplement due to the extra cost for luggage transfers and organisation. IMPORTANT NOTES H - High Season DN1 - High season is for departures in September - supplement applies. DATE DETAILS: APR - 06 MAY, 20 MAY - 27 MAY, 17 JUN - 24 JUN, 09 SEP - 16 SEP H, 30 SEP - 07 OCT H highlights Exploring the fascinating beauty of Rome on foot with an expert guide Enjoying a vineyard lunch then climbing Mt Vesuvius Visiting the picturesque Isle of Capri Tasting local produce wine, cheeses, limoncello Exploring stunning Amalfi coast towns and villages with time to visit Pompeii Walking the spectacular Path of the Gods between Agerola and Positano the trip It s impossible to do it all in one week in Italy, but this trip sure does pack in a lot of highlights in a short amount of time. From the streetscapes of Rome, littered with must see ancient sites, to the dramatic cliffs and picturesque villages of the idyllic Amalfi Coast, this engaging week of activity will allow you to explore some of Italy s most diverse attractions and landscapes. In the company of an expert local guide you will discover the hidden treasures of Rome, enjoy a typical southern Italian lunch at a family run vineyard, visit a local limoncello producer for a tasty tipple as well as sample the savoury cheeses of Sorrento. Burning off the calories will be easy and fun when you hike to the top of the Mount Vesuvius volcano, swim in the crystalline beaches of Positano and take a boat to the beautiful island of Capri to discover and immerse yourself into the local way of life. Surrounded by verdant forests and with sweeping views of the Mediterranean, your base at Agerola is the ideal location to explore the many natural highlights of the Amalfi Coast and nearby Pompeii. In between walks and the scheduled activities, there is always time to simply relax and enjoy the fine hospitality, take a dip in the Mediterranean and sample the variety of delicious local cuisines on offer World Expeditions Travel Group - Dana Garofani 11/2/2016 9:46:08 AM Page 1

2 itinerary at a glance Day 1 Arrive Rome Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 detailed itinerary DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 Morning walking tour to view main sites, afternoon at leisure Via Naples to Herculaneum, vineyard lunch, ascend Mt Vesuvius crater, Agerola (2hrs) To Capri, hike to the Matromania caves and Terrazza di Tragara (3hrs), then Agerola Walk through the Ferriere Valley to Ravello (5hrs) Transfer to Sorrento, visit cheese and limoncello factories, continue to Pompeii Along the spectacular Path of the Gods to Positano, return to Agerola (5hrs) Morning transfer to Naples, trip concludes Arrive Rome Arrive in Rome and meet with your guide at the hotel in the centre of Rome at 6pm. After settling in, we have a briefing from our guide on the week s activities. Dinner and overnight Rome. meals: D Morning walking tour to view main sites, afternoon at leisure In the morning, meet with a licenced guide for a tour of the centre to discover all the fascinating beauty of Rome: the Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna... we will have a look at all the classics of this monument-packed city. After lunch you will have some free time to relax or do some shopping or sightseeing. Dinner is at your leisure, and overnight in Rome. meals: B,L Via Naples to Herculaneum, vineyard lunch, ascend Mt Vesuvius crater, Agerola (2hrs) This morning we leave Rome by train to Naples, where we are met by a minibus and continue to Herculaneum. We ll have a typical lunch in a family-run vineyard. After a short visit of the winery, we ll climb the sleeping giant of Mt Vesuvius. You can look right down into the steaming crater and imagine the eruption of 79AD, when huge flaming boulders were hurled all the way to the Bay of Naples! The walk to the crater and back will take around 2 hours and is suitable for anyone of reasonable fitness. Later we ll transfer by minibus to our accommodation in Agerola, where we will have a lesson on how to make the perfect Neapolitan pizza with our chef Nicola. Ascent/descent: +200m -200m, 4km To Capri, hike to the Matromania caves and Terrazza di Tragara (3hrs), then Agerola After breakfast, we take the public bus to the harbour town of Amalfi, to catch a boat for a mini cruise to the Isle of Capri. Visit to the Matromania caves and to the Terrazza di Tragara along a colourful path with villas and gardens full of flowers. Enjoy great views over Capri s iconic limestone stacks known as the Faraglioni and Monte Solaro. In the afternoon we return to Amalfi, where a private minibus takes us back to Agerola. Ascent/descent: +500m/-550m, 7.5km 2011 World Expeditions Travel Group - Dana Garofani 11/2/2016 9:46:08 AM Page 2

3 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8 Walk through the Ferriere Valley to Ravello (5hrs) Beginning in the village of Amalfi, we hike along the beautiful Ferriere Valley, which is the ancient Amalfi industrial area where paper mills and ironworks were situated. The trail takes us to Ravello, a picturesque and peaceful village located 350m above sea level and overlooking the sea, where there is free time to explore the village. The walk concludes in Amalfi. We ll return to Agerola by private transfer. Ascent/descent: +500m/-500m, 11km Transfer to Sorrento, visit cheese and limoncello factories, continue to Pompeii Private transfer to Sorrento, which is built over a dramatic cliff of tufa stone and from where you can admire the entire Gulf of Naples. We will stop in a typical cheese factory to learn about the secrets of the divine mozzarella and taste some lovely cheese. Sorrento is also the hometown of Limoncello, so we ll taste this famous liquor in one of the better known factories, and a light lunch will be served. We ll then head to Pompeii, where there is free time to visit the ancient Roman town. Everyone knows the story of Pompeii - buried under ash for 1700 years after a catastrophic eruption of nearby Vesuvius - but to actually walk around and see this incredible sleeping city is quite another story. After the visit, we ll transfer back to Agerola for dinner and overnight. Along the spectacular Path of the Gods to Positano, return to Agerola (5hrs) Today we take the spectacular trail known as the Path of the Gods ( Sentiero degli Dei in Italian). This is an ancient terraced mule path linking Agerola to Positano, a small charming fishing village. Depending on conditions, we have the option of returning to Amalfi by boat, then private transfer to Agerola. Ascent/descent: +300m, -900m, 9km Morning transfer to Naples, trip concludes After breakfast there will be a group transfer at 9am to Naples airport or train station, where the trip concludes. We suggest you do not make arrangements from Naples airport before 12 noon, if you require the group transfer. meals: B inclusions 7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, 6 dinners 7 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (hotel taxes extra, payable locally allow 10 15) all transfers as per the itinerary using a mix of private or public buses and train Hydrofoil to Capri, boat from Positano to Amalfi English speaking guide half day guided walk in Rome wine tasting (day 3), cheese tasting and Limoncello producer visit (day 6) entrance ticket for Vesuvius (Pompeii extra, allow EUR11) items not included arrangements for arriving into Rome and departing from Naples dinner on day 2 and all beverages (except at breakfast) items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc. travel insurance tips as a guide allow EUR3 5 per person per day tipping is discretionary entrance fee for Pompeii allow 11 (free for under 18 and over 65) 2011 World Expeditions Travel Group - Dana Garofani 11/2/2016 9:46:08 AM Page 3

4 hotel taxes which must be paid locally allow transfers not noted as included getting there BY CAR BY TRAIN BY AIR Driving routes can be accessed via the following websites: com Rome is accessible by train from points throughout Italy and Europe. We are happy to assist with rail bookings. Rome is serviced by two airports. For assistance with flights, please speak to your UTracks consultant or Travel Agent. trip grading - introductory to moderate INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE GRADE 2 This trip includes introductory to moderate grade walks along paths that are well defined and clearly marked and sometimes paved. There are some steep hills (around Amalfi and climbing Mt Vesuvius) but they are not long with some walks less than 3 hours and 2 days of 5 hours. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure. dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut free or allergen free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications. fast facts COUNTRIES VISITED VISAS CLIMATE Italy Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www. schengenvisainfo.com/schengen visa countries list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements. Italian summers are hot. From late June to September, highs of 35 degrees Celsius are common. Spring and autumn are the nicest times of year, though rainfall in November can be heavy. Specifically, April to early June and September to October are the most pleasant months to walk. Average daytime highs are around degrees Celsius World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 11/30/ :43:30 AM Page 4

5 MIN GROUP SIZE 6 MAX GROUP SIZE 15 SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIRED Wet weather gear, sunscreen, good walking shoes and sun hat walking poles optional but recommended. (A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre departure information provided on booking). how to book Booking a UTracks holiday is simple. You can book online, via our secure payment facility, at your own convenience. Alternatively, fill out our booking form which can be found at the back of our brochure, on our website or we can you a copy then scan/ , fax or post the form to your nearest UTracks or World Expeditions office, or travel agent, with the relevant deposit by cheque or credit card (note: surcharges may apply for credit card payments if full payment is made). UTracks has access to competitive airfares to Europe. Contact us, or your travel agent, for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation. follow us There s even more tips and ideas on our blog at slide shows UTracks invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, com or contact our office. IMPORTANT NOTE THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS ITINERARY,AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE. talk to us If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 11/30/ :43:30 AM Page 5

6 AUSTRALIA UTracks / World Expeditions Level 5, 71 York St Sydney NSW 2000 T: (02) F: (02) Toll free: info@utracks.com.au Feel free to visit our World Expeditions offices in:- Melbourne Perth Brisbane Adelaide (Thor Travel) Our staff will be happy to assist with your enquiries. For address and office phone numbers see our website at NEW ZEALAND World Expeditions Level 1, High St Auckland CBD PO Box Auckland City 1143 T: (09) F: (09) Toll Free: info@worldexpeditions.co.nz CANADA - OTTAWA World Expeditions 47 William St Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1N 6Z9 T: F: Toll Free: info@worldexpeditions.com UNITED KINGDOM World Expeditions 1B Osiers Road Wandsworth London SW18 1NL T: F: T: (Ireland) info@utracks.com 2015 World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 11/30/ :43:30 AM Page 6