Follow ancient pathways linking isolated farms, quaint villages and exquisite churches; the outstanding beauty of the Amalfi coast can only be fully appreciated on foot. Our base is a former 16th century monastery surrounded by gardens, terraces, lemon groves and grape vines, where meals are served overlooking the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean. Amalfi Coast Active 2009 GPE 7 15 Max 15, Avg 10 Europe Italy Agerola Agerola Italy Italy Trekking/Hiking 8 4 Standard http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/italy/italy_pompeii.jpg Arrive in Furore at any time. Visit the city of Ravello, made famous by Wagner. This city of music is filled with galleries, churches and streets to explore. Enjoy some great Italian gelato and sit on a patio and watch the world go by. Begin your scenic walk to Punta Campanella/Baia di Leranto. Sprinkle your full day of walking with plenty of opportunities to sample the delicious local cuisine. Even the most novice photographer can snap some amazing photos of this stunning coastline. Visit the forgotten city of Pompeii. This city's ruins are famous for being 'frozen in time' from the eruption of nearby Mt. Vesuvius, which buried the city in ash around 79AD. Take a guided tour of the city after which there is plenty of free time to explore on your own. Hitting the Amalfi coast again, hike along ancient trails through the idyllic coastal towns of Positano and Praiano. The rough terrain makes this a challenging hike, but rewards you with spectacular scenery as you complete the Walk of the Gods. Enjoy more of the famous Italian landscapes as we walk through scenic olive groves and vineyards on our way to the Grotta di Smeraldo. Free time to check out this fascinating cave and explore the surrounding area. Spend a final day enjoying the Amalfi region. There are plenty of options to choose from, including a visit to the island of Capri, or renting a scooter and exploring the area local-style, before our final night in Furore. For the duration of our trip we stay at the Agritururismo Saint Alfonso, formerly a 16th century monastery, where the friendly and hospitable staff is unsurpassed. The monastery is surrounded by colourful gardens, open terraces and endless staircases leading out to lemon tree groves and grape vines. Enjoy your meals in an open-air dining area that overlooks the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

The views from the open air dining area down to the blue waters of the Gulf of Salerno below will make sure you have a great start to every day of your vacation. Off to one side is a quaint chapel where many locals come to get married during the summer. However the Sant Alfonso is far enough away from the towns to give you a sense of absolute tranquility and harmony. In the cute villages, buildings are surrounded by gardens and terraces, narrow pebbled streets and endless steps, lemon trees, grape and olive vines and the perfume of nature. The terrace overlooks the intensely blue sea in a view that is breathtaking, where you can enjoy a glass of wine after a long day’s hike.
Estimated Travel Time: 40 minutes

We’ll visit the musical city of Ravello, made famous by Wagner. Visit Villa Rufolo and enjoy your free time exploring the galleries, gardens and churches, or just pick up a gelato and watch life pass by in the main square of this quaint village.

In the afternoon you may choose to walk back down to Amalfi (1hr) via lemon groves, terraced paths and winding stairways down to the small fishing village of Altrani and around the coast back to Amalfi, or you can jump on the local bus (20mins). Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours (each way)
Estimated Walking Time: 3 hours

We’ll catch a bus along the coast and then start one of Amalfi’s most famous walks to Punta Campanella/Baia di Larento. As with most of our days the walking route hugs the coastline with wonderful vistas from village to village; today we are treated to spectacular views of Capri. We cross from the Gulf of Salerno to the Gulf of Naples on this full day’s walking, with plenty of stops on the way for photos or to relax and take in the addictive Italian atmosphere and lust for life with a glass of wine. La Punta Campanella/Baia di Larento are the Amalfi coast’s gorgeous Land’s End.

For nature lovers and hikers you must not miss the pristine paths of the Amalfi Coast. The Lattari Mountains, up to Campanella Point, constitute a territory that is one of the most suggestive and celebrated of the world. It is an impressive show and imposing view of precipitous cliffs above the "pending waves". The itinerary unwinds in the silence of the mountainous calm, with scenery of haunting panoramas, far from the coastal congestion and the ribbon of asphalt highways. The trails run across places of incomparable beauty, rich with history and culture, where the colors, perfumes and the odors relax and overwhelm the senses.
Estimated Travel Time: 1.5 hours (each way)

Today we head off by train or bus to the famed ruins of Pompeii, at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. One of Italy’s best-known sites, it is truly an amazing experience. After the guided tour there is free time to explore the site on your own and eat our picnic lunch, before heading back to the Agriturismo to relax for the rest of the afternoon and evening. Estimated Travel Time: 45 minutes (one-way)
Estimated Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Probably the most famous walk of the Amalfi region, the trail climbs along ridges high above the coastal towns of Positano and Praiano. Feel in a world of your own as you hike the ancient trails, once the only road connecting these two villages. This is the most challenging of our three walks but well worth it for the spectacular scenery and the chance to be so close to nature and the Gods.

The outstanding beauty of the Amalfi Coast can only be fully appreciated on foot. Follow ancient paths and trails linking isolated farms, villages, churches and monasteries. Most of the walking offers amazing views to the rugged coastline below with wonderful vistas from village to village. There are plenty of opportunities to visit ancient monasteries and exquisite churches.

You will walk across hilltops, and through vineyards, woods, and chestnut groves, passing along a high ridge path with abandoned farmhouses and lemon groves. Just when you’ve worked up an appetite you will enjoy fresh seafood caught daily, fine wines, delicious home cooked Italian cuisine, and spectacular pastries and ice creams. Estimated Travel Time: 30mins (one-way)
Estimated Walking Time: 1-2 hours

Walk your way down the valley from the Agriturismo to the coast through vineyards and olive groves. We will arrive in the village of Praia, where you can take some time to explore, or head on down to the spectacular Marina da Praia beach and cove where you will find plenty of choice for a delicious seafood lunch and perhaps a boat ride. After lunch we will head by bus to our destination the Grotta di Smeraldo where you’ll be blown away by the colour of the water in this maritime cave. Later we can spend some time in Amalfi for shopping. Take one last day to enjoy more sites of your choosing along the Amalfi Coast. Perhaps a visit to Capri or Ischaia entices you; ask your Tour Leader for some more walks in the area, or rent a scooter and beat your own path. Depart Furore any time. There are no set activities for this day. 1679 1589 959 779 2099 1499 1159 1799 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 EUR 1679 1589 959 779 2099 1499 1159 1799 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 EUR 1679 1589 959 779 2099 1499 1159 1799 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 EUR 1679 1589 959 779 2099 1499 1159 1799 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 EUR 1679 1589 959 779 2099 1499 1159 1799 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 EUR 1679 1589 959 779 2099 1499 1159 1799 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 EUR 1679 1589 959 779 2099 1499 1159 1799 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 EUR 1679 1589 959 779 2099 1499 1159 1799 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 EUR Accommodation Converted 16th century monastery (7 nts). Brochure Notes Departure Departs every two weeks (May-Oct) DepEnd Sat-Sat Group Leader Tour leader throughout, local guides. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Highlights Agerola, Ravello, Punta Campanella/Baia di Leranto, the ruins of Pompeii, Walk of the Gods, Grotta di Smeraldo. Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow EUR90 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included 7 Continental breakfasts, 3 Boxed lunches, 7 Dinners. Min Pax 7 Recommendation A great addition to Italy are our Greek Sailing Adventures - see code GVA08.
Or why not taking the train North to Rome to take our Ultimate Italy trip - see code EIUL. StartFinish ex Furore (Agerola) Testimonial "This tour is the best! The food and accomodations are incredible, staying in an old monastery on the side of the mountain looking down over the Amalfi Coast while eating the food and drinking the wine produced on site. Hikes are spectacular and visits to nearby towns and local sights really gave us a feel for life in Southern Italy. I could easily do this same tour again, although I suspect it might be filled up with all the friends I've recommended take it ASAP." - Dr. David G. Benner travelled on Amalfi Coast Transport Local bus, Train, Walking. What's Included Guided tour of Pompeii, 3 days of organized hikes, visit to Grotta di Smeraldo, visit to Ravello, the city of music and Villa Rufolo. 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 G.A.P Adventures Adventure 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 prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
About Accommodation The Agriturismo Sant'Alfonso is set along stunning, dramatic terraced slopes at the edge of the village of Furore, with spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. It is said that the name Furore comes from ‘Terra Furoris’, a depiction of raging seas crashing against the cliffs.

The Cuomo family undertook radical renovation work on the 17th century farmhouse, yet the property has kept many outstanding period architectural features, such as the murals in the small entrance hall, its structure, antique portals, the kitchen furnace with its central chimney channeling smoke to a smoke room, a laundry equipped with tanks and wash-tubs and antique maiolica tiles, rescued and set into the modern flooring. Every corner evokes an energetic rural life cleverly exploited to the full, as testified by the central well, fed by a natural spring that was also used to irrigate the land, a traditional barbecue and circular press carved out of a 12 metre high oak tree.

The silence, peace and beauty of this location were what inspired the Redemptorist Fathers to build the chapel dedicated to St Alphonsus M. dé Liguori that still stands and the monastery, which today is the farmhouse. Nowadays anyone wishing to retreat from the tumult and stress of everyday life can find sanctuary here in a place on a human scale. You will have plenty of time during the trip, in the late afternoons and evenings to stroll the terraced garden, perched on the edge of the dramatic slopes, lie out in the hammocks with a book under the umbrella pine trees and sway with the breeze as you gaze down to the blue azure of the sea far below.

When the weather permits, our included meals will be taken on the canopied terrace adjoining the farmhouse, looking out over the lemon groves and vines of the garden to the Mediterranean coastline below, listening to the sounds of the crickets and the bells of the sheep and goat herders in the valley below. Michela, Nicola and the rest of the Cuomo family will make you feel more than welcome with their unbeatable hospitality and kindness. About our Transportation On this trip we mostly use the local Italian buses, which, depending on the time of year, can be busy and as with many things in Southern Italy characterized by a somewhat chaotic (but always charming!) scheduling system. The scenery along the Amalfi Coast is dramatic and buses are a fantastic way to appreciate some of the magical views, as well as get chatting with the locals, but 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! 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 trip leader (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. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Brochure Intro Follow ancient pathways linking isolated farms, quaint villages and exquisite churches; the outstanding beauty of the Amalfi coast can only be fully appreciated on foot. Our base is a former 16th century monastery surrounded by gardens, terraces, lemon groves and grape vines, where meals are served overlooking the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean. Checklist - Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- Euros and travellers cheques
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- G.A.P Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Camera and film
- Reading/writing material
- Small towel and swim wear
- Rain poncho or light waterproof jacket
- 4 shirts/t-shirts
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- 2 pair of shorts
- 1 pair of long trousers
- 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
- Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
- Walking sticks (if required - terrain can be rocky/uneven)
- Sport sandals
- Light fleece/sweatshirt for cool evenings
- Water bottle
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, any extra prescription drugs you may be taking). Departure Tax Usually included in international air ticket Detailed Trip Notes 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 G.A.P Adventures. 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.
Dossier Intro Follow ancient pathways linking isolated farms, quaint villages and exquisite churches; the outstanding beauty of the Amalfi coast can only be fully appreciated on foot. Our base is a former 16th century monastery surrounded by gardens, terraces, lemon groves and grape vines, where meals are served overlooking the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean. Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures local office
Local Emergency Cell Phone: +34 637 181 791 / +34 627 357 664

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467 Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Finishing Point Hotel Furore
AGRITURISMO SANT ALFONSO
Amalfi Coast
Road to Bomerano, Agerola
Salerno (Furore) 84010
Tel. 39 0 89 83 0515
www.agriturismosantalfonso.com Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description All G.A.P Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G.A.P Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader 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. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. Health You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit 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. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G.A.P Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. Important Notes Please be prepared for long daily hikes that take you up and down steep hills with lots of steps! Not suitable for people with bad knee problems.

The tour includes 3 walking days, 2 of which are about 4-6 hours and will also require a bus ride to or from the start/finish point. Walks will include the “Walk of the Gods”, and “Lands End” by Termini. Please note that the walks may vary due to weather and/or path conditions. The third walking day will be shorter descending through the grape vines down to the coast from the hotel and then a visit to the Esmeralda grotto before we head onto Amalfi by bus for some shopping. Clients can do other walks on the free day if desired. 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 with G.A.P Adventures 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. Joining Hotel AGRITURISMO SANT ALFONSO
Road to Bomerano, Agerola
Furore
Salerno (Furore) 84010
Amalfi Coast
Tel. 39 0 89 83 0515
www.agriturismosantalfonso.it Joining Instructions The joining point is in close proximity to either of the two cities that border the Amalfi Coast, namely SORRENTO and SALERNO. From here you should make your way either by bus or taxi to AMALFI. Once you are in Amalfi there is another bus service which goes on State Highway 366 in the direction of AGEROLA (Bomerano/San Lazarro) and leaves approximately hourly until 8pm. Please note that bus timetables in this region of Italy are typically erratic - always check locally and be prepared to factor-in waiting time.

Our hotel is in Furore, but when asking for directions also mention Agerola (pronounced 'adjérowla') which is a larger and better known town further up the road. IMPORTANT: you must buy the bus tickets prior to boarding the bus at any Tabacchi (cigarette store/kiosk/local bar) and validate your ticket once on board the bus, in the yellow machine next to the driver. There is a Tabacchi in front of the bus station in Amalfi, inside the bar.

Alternatively, you can go by taxi. From Amalfi it is about 10 km to the hotel – ask for it by name: AGRITURISMO SANT ALFONSO. A taxi ride from Amalfi will cost around €40 (be sure to confirm the price with the driver BEFORE you start your journey).

1) FROM SORRENTO
There is a SITA bus that leaves Sorrento to Amalfi at 8:25am, 8:50am, 9:15am, 9:50am, 10:05 am, 11 am, 11:30 am, 12:25 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:05 pm, 3:15 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:25 pm, 7:25 pm and 8:05 pm. You can catch this bus right outside the train station. It will take between 1.5 and 2 hours. Find out more about SITA bus company and check timetables here: www.sitabus.it

There is also a ferry that leaves Sorrento to Amalfi (in high season only (end May,June,July,Aug,Sep)) at 7:50 am, 9:50 am, 1:30 pm, 3:20 am. It will take about 1 hour.

2) FROM SALERNO
There is a SITA bus from Salerno to Amalfi departing at 5:30am, 7:15am, 8:05am, 10:15am, 11:40am, 12:30pm, 13:20,pm 14:15pm, 15:30pm, 17:00pm, 18:15pm, 19:00pm, 20:50pm. It will take about 1.5 hours. Always remember to buy the bus tickets prior to boarding the SITA bus at any Tabacchi (cigarette stores) and validate your ticket once on board. The bus leaves from the bus stop outside the train station in Salerno (there is a tabacchi in the bar of the train station on platform level).

There is also a ferry (TRAVELMAR) that leaves from Salerno (Piazza Concordia Dock - 10mins walk from the train station) to Amalfi (in high season only (May,June,July,Aug,Sep) at 8:40 am, 9:40 am, 10:40 am, 11:40 am, 2:10 pm and 3:30 pm. This will take about 40 minutes at a cost of 6 EUR.


ONCE YOU REACH AMALFI...
You will need to take the bus from Amalfi towards Agerola (San Lazzaro). Buses leave at 7:30, 8:05, 10:15, 11:50, 12:30, 1:15, 2:15, 3:30, 5:00, 6:15, 7:00 and 8:50 (last bus).

You will need to tell the bus driver that you want to get off at FERMATA (stop) SANT'ALFONSO (in Furore, BEFORE Bomerano and Agerola). The bus will drop you off at the end of the side-road where there is a brown sign for the Agriturismo Sant'Alfonso. If the driver is unsure of where you want to get off, you can ask for the ALBERGO BACCO, which is a larger, more well-known hotel on the main road, one stop past the Sant'Alfonso road end, 200m further up the hill (from here simply walk down the hill until you see the brown Sant'Alfonso sign and follow the same directions). Walk up the side-road, follow it past some houses and a Bed & Breakfast named "Le Marelle", continue down the road right to the end where there is a small carpark and a set of steps leading down the hillside to the left. This is the entrance to the Agriturismo. Please note that you will need to carry your luggage down these stairs so it is essential that you pack lightly as mentioned in the "What to Take" section of the Trip Details (large suitcases are very difficult to manage and if taking the local bus there is LIMITED space for luggage).

IMPORTANT: Please note that Amalfi is NOT reachable by train. Some passengers have mistakenly taken the train to St. Amalfi, which is not the same place!

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day during which no activities are planned.

Your Tour Leader will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. The Tour Leader will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are not offered by the Agriturismo Sant'Alfonso, so please ask your Tour Leader where the closest laundromat is. In some cases you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. On this trip, you have included 7 continental breakfasts (a buffet of fruit, a wide selection of cakes and pastries/cookies, juice, tea or coffee), 3 boxed lunches (water, fruit or cake, and sandwich) and 7 dinners (drinks not included) prepared at the Agriturismo. The meals are home-cooked by the family who run the Agriturismo using local and often home-grown ingredients.

Dinners at the Agriturismo are truly a gastronomic experience, in traditional Southern Italian style. Dinner begins around 8pm with a wide selection of Antipasti (cheeses, cold meats, pastries and other home-made delicacies), followed by a "Primo" (usually a home-made pasta or risotto dish), then a "Secondo" (a main course meat or vegetarian dish), then desert (always a delicious home-made delight!). You may choose to round-off this enormous feast with a small glass of home-made "limoncello" local lemon liquor, or an espresso (remembering that drinks are at your own expense).
Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Western Europe. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Euros , travellers cheques and cards is best. 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

Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities Most activities are included but on your one free day you may like to do any of the following. All prices are per person, in Euro amounts.

Local bus Furore-Amalfi (one-way) - €2
Day pass on local buses (valid Amalfi Coast area) - €6

Capri:
Ferry/hydrofoil from Amalfi (rtn.) - €32
Local buses in Capri - €5
Villa Jovis (Tiberio House) - €2
Funicular to Monte Solaro (highest point of the island) - €6


Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single 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 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.
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.
Tipping It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service (€1-2). 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 or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your Tour Leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from €5-20 per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader or skipper did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €20-25 per person, per week can be used. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. 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 leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. 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.
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 Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2009 - December 31st 2009. Visas All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
We Want Your Photos If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!
What to Take Our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack (whichever you find EASIER to carry). Suitcases are not recommended. A good size daypack is also ESSENTIAL. Please note that you will have to carry your bag to and from the Agriturismo as it is accessible only by a flight of steps leading down from the road. If you arrive by local bus, these can be very busy and have limited space for large pieces of luggage. Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.