3rd
June 2018
Dear
All,
We have just returned from a week in Italy on the
Amalfi Coast. We travelled with “Exodus” in a group of 16 – the group included
six American ladies celebrating the 60th birthday of one of their
number. Initially this did not look too promising but they turned out to be the
life and soul and made for a lively week! The weather was hot – over 30°C each
day and the walking was challenging, as flat land is very scarce so there were many
steps or climbs up and down, but the scenery was spectacular. We stayed in a
family run hotel in a mountain village called Bomerano, which was good because
the coastal towns were very busy. The approach however included some serious Z
bends and skilful driving – the bus drivers certainly earn their money. The
soil in fantastic for growing being of volcanic origin so it was intensively
cultivated the standard of vegetable growing was very high.
Bomerano Garden
The first day we walked down to Almalfi which
involved about 2,500 steps and passed Mussolini’s Palace and Sophia Loren’s
house. We had a swim to cool off but the beach was too hot to stand on with
bare feet.
Bomerano from Amalfi
Walk
The next day we started with a visit to a Mozzarella
cheese factory then climbed up Mount Tre Calli. This was a challenging climb
but we made it with frequent stops and the views towards the Bay of Naples and
the Island of Capri were spectacular.
Positano from Tre Calli
Tre Calli
On Tuesday we visited Pompeii and Vesuvius. Pompeii
was larger than I expected and was brought to life with a knowledgeable guide.
At Vesuvius we were allowed to walk round the rim with a volcanologist. This
was a little scary as Health & Safety has not yet reached this part of
Italy and the walk involved a narrow crumbling path with a 300’ drop into the crater
with no handrails to spoil the view. It is difficult to imagine this being
allowed back home!
Pompeii with Vesuvius
Vesuvius Crater
Wednesday’s walk was entitled “The Walk of the Gods”
from Bomerano to Positano along the cliff. It was one of the best walks I have
ever done with flowers, rocks, sea views and of course 1000 steps down to
Positano. We had a swim there then caught a boat back to Amalfi.
Walk of the Gods
Thursday was a free day and the choices offered a visit
to Herculaneum, a trip to Capri or more local walks. Herculaneum was expensive
and involved a decent bus ride – those who went thought it was better than
Pompeii. We opted for a local walk down to the beach at Praiano with four
others. This proved to be an adventure as we got lost three times and the descent
was quite steep but eventually we enjoyed a cold drink and a swim. Walking back
was not an attractive option; three opted for a taxi at 110 euros! The rest of
us caught the bus which was not straight forward as the driver said “you need
to buy a ticket in Almafi”, “but we are going to Almafi”; eventually we were
let on as long as we rushed to a shop to buy a ticket in town. The next leg
from Almafi to Bomerano, the bus was 25 minutes late and there was an absolute
scrum to get on with not everyone successful. We managed it – it was all part
of the experience and the total cost was 3.20 euros.
Walk down to Praiano
The last walk was from Ravello to Almafi. We started
with a look round Ravello especially two Villas: Cimbrone and Rufolo which were
both worthwhile then the walk returned to Amalfi via lemon groves and a nature
park. The lemons in the area were incredible and it is claimed that this year
is the best yield for 20 years. We had a tour of Amalfi cathedral before
returning the 30 minutes and 50 bends to Bomerano.
Villa Rufolo, Ravello
Lemon Grove
The journey home was a little tortuous: bus to
Naples airport, flight to Zurich, 2 hour wait, flight to Heathrow, Hoppa bus to
hotel, drive home arriving 11 pm.
Love
Mike & Kate
