Local Living Italy-Amalfi Coast Winter Adventure Tour

Get ready to live like a local on this off-season trip to the hilltop towns and vineyards of the Amalfi Coast. Explore the small towns and trails of this beautiful countryside while experiencing local customs and once-in-a-lifetime moments. Explore the ruins of Pompeii in the morning, hike the coastline of the Med by afternoon, and tuck into bed at your converted 17th-century monastery homebase at sundown. Since this trip takes place in the off season when it's just a bit cooler out, there are fewer people around the Amalfi Coast-meaning you'll have that much more paradise all to yourself.

Transport  

Private minibus, walking.

Money Exchange  

Italy is in the Eurozone and the unit of the currency is the Euro.

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Visa cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Greece - Check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card, that a fee usually applies.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Euros, traveller's cheques and cards is best. Avoid relying on traveller's cheques alone as these are less and less readily cashed as clients use them very little.

Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Trip Specific Safety  

Like anywhere in the world, major cities have areas safer than others, use common sense, be aware of your surroundings and mind your personal belongings

Tipping  

While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers.

Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program, and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €30-€40 per person, per week can be used as a guideline.

Local Dress  

In Italy, shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting churches and cathedrals. Ask your CEO for more specific advice.

Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Health  

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

About Accommodation  

Our centre-based accommodation is in a renovated 16th century former monastery traditional agriturismo, immersed in greenery based just outside the small village of Furore, high in the hills above the Amalfi Coast. It still has many historic features including a frescoed entrance hall, old gateway, original meat curing oven and period tiles. The rooms are comfortable and welcoming, all with ensuite bathroom and lovely rural views.

PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to share a room with your travelling companion, please make sure you book together, selecting twin or double room according to your preference. Available room types are always shown on each particular tour, and we cannot guarantee your room type will be able to be changed at a later date. If you are unable to book at the same time as your travelling companion, please contact us directly as soon as possible so that we can check availability and , if possible, assign you to the correct room type.

Solo Travellers  

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.

Packing List  

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

EIAL:
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Flight info (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Insurance info (With photocopies)
• Moneybelt
• Passport (With photocopies)
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Small travel towel
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information
• Walking poles
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Note: Please note that there is hiking on this trip and proper hiking footwear is strongly recommended.

Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Departure Tax  

Usually included in international air ticket

Travel Insurance  

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Laundry  

As our agriturismo is in the countryside, there is no convenient self-service laundry. We recommend you bring biodegradable washing soap for any hand-washing you may need to do.

About our Transportation  

The scenery along the Amalfi Coast is dramatic, driving along the coast is a fantastic way to appreciate some of the magical views. The cliffs and mountains of the coastline make for some extremely windy and occasionally precipitous roads - pack some motion sickness medicine if you think you´ll need it!

Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Group Leader Description  

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our CEOs (Chief Experience Officer). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. For our Pompei visit we also use an expert local guide.

What to Take  

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, as well as on and off transportation.

Group Size Notes  

Max 16, Avg 12.

Meals Included  

6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners

Highlights  

Get cozy at an agriturismo on the Amalfi Coast, hike the famous "Path of the Gods", explore chic resort towns and historic villages, savour delicious home-cooked Italian food made from local ingredients, enjoy having the Amalfi Coast to yourself during the off season

Accommodation  

Hotel (1 nt), small locally owned agriturismo/guesthouse (5 nts).

Optional Activities  

Naples
- Archaeological Museum Naples (18EUR per person)
- Underground Naples Visit (Napoli Sotterranea)
- Spaccanapoli Street (Free)
- Naples Food Tour

Furore
- Cooking Class

Sorrento
- Correale Museum Visit (7EUR per person)
- Basilica di Sant'Antonino (Free)
- Marina Grande
- Limoncello Making Demonstration

Agerola
- Mozzarella Making Demonstration

Herculaneum
- Herculaneum Visit (13EUR per person)

Important Notes  

1) Walking notes:
The "Path of the Gods" hike might take up to 5-6 hours involving some ascents and descents of up to 600 metres (2000ft). Please be prepared in particular for some steep ascents and descents and lots of steps (both up and down)! Be prepared for narrow paths as well, some with steep drops to one side as well. This hike is not suitable for people with knee problems. Depending on your hiking experience, you might find that the route used on this trip is moderate to a bit more demanding in difficulty. All hikes are optional. At any time you do not wish to participate in any of the included hikes, your CEO can help you arrange optional, non-included day activities in the area at an additional cost.

The tour includes three walking days of around 5-6 hours, which will require a public bus ride to and from the start/finish points. Walks will include the “Path of the Gods” from Bomerano to Positano. We also walk part of the route to/from Ravello on Day 6, but you can opt out of part of this day's walking and go by bus if you prefer.

Please note that the walks may vary due to weather and/or path conditions. There are plenty of other walks in the region that can be recommended by your CEO and organized for free days.

2) Luggage: In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage in and out of trains and buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.

3. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE:
During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.

Meals  

Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. On this trip, you have included 6 continental breakfasts and 5 hearty farmhouse dinners, home-cooked by the family who run the Agriturismo using local and often organic ingredients.

Please note that meal times in Italy may vary from what you are accustomed to at home. Often, dinner may be enjoyed at 8pm or later.

Minimum Age  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Finishing Point Instructions  

To get to the Rome airports you can catch a train from Naples to Rome Termini (around 3hrs). From there you can catch a train or bus to the airport. Allow 1 hour from Rome Termini station to the airport. We do not recommend booking a flight before 4pm. We suggest you do NOT pre-book train/bus tickets in advance - your CEO will be there to organize it when the trip starts.

Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

What's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Migrantour with Co-op Casba, Naples
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Guided tour of Pompeii. Hike along the famous "Path of the Gods" (weather permitting). Visits to Amalfi, Ravello, and Sorrento. Two pre-dinner cooking demonstrations at the agriturismo. Orientation walk in Naples. Orientation walk in Sorrento. Transport between destinations and included activities.

A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

Group Leader  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guide.