SICILYANDTHEAMALFICOASTMAY18-27,2017

TRIPSUMMARY

HIGHLIGHTS

• ExperiencingthebestofsouthernItaly,fromthebayofNaplestotheislandofSicily• Exploringcharmingtownsandancientruins,includingPompeii• WalkingonthePathoftheGodsandclimbingtwovolcanoes• Savoringregionalcuisine,localwines,andfruitsandvegetablesfreshfromtheorchard

Phone:877-439-4042OutsidetheUS:410-435-1965Fax:410-435-3084Email:info@goodadventure.com

TRIPATAGLANCEDates: May18-27,2017Location: NaplesBay,AmalfiCoast,andSicilyCost: $3,295.00Activities: HikingArrive: We'llmeetatourhotelinNaplesat6:00PMonMay18Depart: YoucanflyoutofCatania,Sicily(CTA)anytimeonMay27TRIPOVERVIEW

TheAmalfiCoastissimplystunning:ruggedmountains,craggyseashore,andazureblueoceanserveasabackdroptotinyvillagesperchedonsteephills.Thehiking isdelightfulhiking,thehistory isfascinating,andthecuisineisexquisite.TheislandofSicilysharesallthisandyetisdifferentineverywaywithitsowndistinctivefeel.ThesoutherncoastofItalyhasotherdelightstoo:we'llspendtimeexploringCapri,visittheruinsofPompeii,climbVesuvius,eatpizzainNaples,learnSiciliancookingatanagriturismo,ascendMtEtna,tastelocalwine,andvisitseveralUNESCOWorldHeritagesites,includinganancientnecropolis.Addallthistofriendlypeopleanditslittlewonderthatthisareaiswidelyregardedastheperfectvacationspot.Maximumgroupsize:13

RATING

Thistripisforwomenwhohavesomeexperiencehikingandwanttocombinehikingwithimmersioninthehistoryandcultureofthearea.Wespend3-6hourshikingonmostdaysatelevationsrangingfromsealeveltoover10,000'(Mt.Etna).Somehikesareonwell-maintainedtrails;othersinvolvewalkingover loosedirt, rocks,ashandmanystonestairs,and includestretcheswithsomesteepascentsanddescents.Rating:12[3]45.Aratingof3requiresaerobicconditioningforaminimumof30-45minutes3to4daysaweek.

WHAT'SINCLUDED•AnItalianguideandanAdventuresinGoodCompanytripleader•Ninenightsdoubleoccupancylodging•AllmealsincludingbeveragesfromdinneronMay18tolunchonMay27•GroundtransportationinItaly,includingboat,bus,andferryandairporttransferonthelastday•Allactivitiesontheitinerary,includingguidedtoursofPompeiiandSyracuse,2wine-tastingsandacookingclass,guidedascentofMtEtnaNotincluded:AirfaretoItaly,transportationtothehotelonday1,guidegratuities,optionalactivitiesincludingentrytoTaorminaGreekTheatre,itemsofapersonalnature

OURITINERARY

Belowistheproposeditineraryforthetrip.Asistrueonanyadventuretraveltrip,plansforanyspecificdaymaybemodifiedduetoweatherconsiderations,unforeseencircumstances,andgroupinterests.

D A Y 1 MAY18, THURSDAY

OurtripofficiallystartstodayatourhotelinNaples,Italyat6pm.YoucaneitherflydirectlyintoNaplesorflyintoRome(alwaysafuncityinwhichtospendtime)andtakethetrainfromthere.VibrantNaplesissteepedin history with atmospheric neighborhoods and many world-classmuseums.We'llgatherat6pmtointroduceourselves,meetourItalianguide, and review the trip itinerary. Southern Italy is known for itsfabulouscuisineandtonightwe'llenjoythefirstofmanydeliciousmeals.OvernightChiajaHotel(http://www.chiaiahotel.com/napoli/)orsimilar.

D A Y 2 MAY19, FRIDAY

Capri,thenameofboththeislandandthemaintown,isamust.Anareaofincrediblenaturalbeautyandhumanhistory,onceyougetawayfromthetowncenter,itissurprisinglyuncrowded.Aftera45minutehydrofoilrideacross theBayOfNaples,wewalk fromthe town'scentralpiazzapastvillasandgardens,endinginstepsthatdescendsteeplytotheGrottadiMatromania. TheGrotta is a seriesofhidden caves carved into theisland'slimestonecliffs.WethencontinueontotheTerrazzadiTragara,astretchoftrailofferingspectacularviewsoftheFaraglioniseastacks,andthetopofMonteSolaro,thehighestpointontheisland.We'llhavefree time in theafternoon toenjoyoneofCapri's lovelybeaches.WereturntoNaplesinlateafternoonfordinnerandtheeveningatourhotel.Hiking:3.5-4hourswith1,000'elevationgain/loss,onpavedanddirtpaths.OvernightChiajaHotelorsimilar.

D A Y 3 MAY20, SATURDAY

Wegetanearlystartthismorning,startingwithavisittowhatiswidelyregardedasoneofthemostimportantarcheologicalsitesinEurope.^heeruptionofMtVesuvius inAD79buriedthetowninhotash,whereitwas forgotten for 1500 years. The ash preserved the city and thesubsequent excavations have provided detailed insight into town life2000yearsago.Aftera3hourvisitwe’llvisitanearbyfamilywinerytosample local products. In the afternoon, we will climb to the top ofMt.Vesuvius. Along the way our guide will explain the mountain'sgeological and natural history. After the walk, we transfer to thecharming town of Minori, just up the coast from Amalfi. Dinner andovernight stay atHotel Santa Lucia (http://www.hotelsantalucia.it/) orsimilar.Walking/hiking:3hoursinPompeii,2hourshikingondirtpathsonMtVesuvius,350feetelevationgain/loss.

D A Y 4 MAY21, SUNDAY

AprivatetransferthismorningtakesustoAgerolaandthestartoftoday'strail.Ourtrailisrightlycalledthe"SentieroDegliDei",thegods'walk.Thisroutelivesuptoitsnamewithdramaticviewsofaruggedcoastline,anddistantsightingsasfarastheislandofCapri-itmaybeyourfavoritehikeofthetrip!!WereachtheshoreclosetoPositanoandspendsometimein thisworld-famous little town that clingsprecariously to ahigh cliff.After lunchwe takeaboat toAmalfi.Again, the viewof the colourfulhouses cascadingdown from the steephill intoadarkblue sea is justmagnificent. In Amalfi we'll visit some of the town's famous sites,including the PiazzaDuomo and the ornate 11th century cathedral ofSaint Andrew. The Amalfi Coast is known for its lemon groves andlimoncello,aliqueurmadefromlemons,andwe'llfinishwithavisittoalocal producer before returning to Minori for dinner and the night.OvernightHotelSantaLucia.About4.5hourshikingwithsomeupsanddownsbutanoverallelevationlossof600feet.

D A Y 5 MAY22, MONDAY

ThismorningwevisitValleMulini(ValleyoftheMills),adelightfulvalleythatwasonce the centerofAmalfi's importantpaper industry. In latemorningwe'llreachtheenchantingtownofRavello.Ravelloiscalledthebalconyof the "Costiera" becauseof the amazing viewswe can enjoyfromhere.Thissmall,somewhatsleepyvillageisalovelyoasisofquietinthe sometimes overly busy Amalfi coast,with lush gardens, nice littlesquares,andcobbledbackalleys.Wehavesomefreetimetoexplorethetown,beforereturningtoNaplesintheafternoon.ItwouldbeashametoleaveNapleswithoutsamplingitsworld-famousNeopolitanpizzaandthatiswhatwe'lldofordinner.Wethenheadtotheportwhereweboardthe overnight ferry to Sicily, in a cabin with twin beds and privatefacilities.Hiking:4hours,1150elevationgain/loss

D A Y 6 MAY23, TUESDAY

WewakeuptoSicily!AlthoughperhapsbestknownasthehomeoftheMafia, more recently it has gained renown for its natural beauty,interestinghistory,anddelicious food.Aprivate transferbringsus thelittletownofCastelmola,knownforabreathtakingviewsofMt.Etnaandtheseaasseenfromitsquaintcobblestonestreets.Aneasy1.5-2hourwalk, mostly downhill, brings us to the medieval town of Taormina,locatedontheshoresoftheIonianSea.Aftercheckinginatourhotel,we'll have free time to relax, take advantage of the town's shoppingpossibilities,orvisitthehistoricalcentreandthefamousGreekTheatre.The theatre,originallybuilt during the3rd centuryBC, is still used forperformancesduringTaormina'sannualsummerartsfestival.Taorminaisalsoknownformulberrygelato,whichwemayhavetosample.HotelContinental(http://www.continentaltaormina.com/en)orsimilar.Hiking1.5-2hours,1,000feetelevationloss.)

D A Y 7 MAY24, WEDNESDAY

Thiswillbeourmostchallenginghike:a1500footascentofMtEtna!MtEtnaisthehighestvolcanoinEuropeandtheoneofthemostactiveintheworld.Noworries,eruptionsarequitepredictableandwewon'tbecaughtbyonealthoughweathercouldalterourplans.We'lldrivetothesouthernflankofMtEtnaandthenbetransportedbycablecarand4x4vehicles to 9500 feet. Accompanied by certifiedmountain guides, weascendtoMtEtna'sfoursummitcratersonatrailthatattimeshaslooserocksandscree,and .Fromthetopwegazeatsweepingviewsof theIonianCoast,beforeretracingourstepsonourdescent.OnourreturnwetransfertosouthernSicily,wherethelovelyagriturismothatwillbeourlodgingforthenext2nightsawaitsus.Herewe'llsamplethecuisineand hospitality forwhich Sicily is famous.Overnight in an agriturismonearSyracuse.Hiking:5.5-6hours,1500feetelevationgain/loss.

D A Y 8 MAY25, THURSDAY

We enjoy not packing up today, as we spend the day visiting thePantalica,acollectionofcemeterieswithrockchambertombscutintoalimestonepromontory.Datingfromthe7thtothe13thcenturiesBC,itwasmadeaUNESCOworld-heritagesitein2005.Itisanimportantnaturereservewithavarietyoflocalfloraandfaunaandourhikeexploresboththenaturalandarchaeologicalaspects.Returningtoouragriturismo,wefurtherexperienceSiciliancuisinewithacookingclassandwinetasting.Overnight in agriturismo near Syracuse. Hiking: 5 hours, 800 feetelevationgain/loss.

D A Y 9 MAY26, FRIDAY

Having enjoyed our time in rural Sicily, today we head to Syracuse.Syracuseisknownforitsbeautifulbaroquearchitecture,itsrichculture,anditsGreekhistory.ItplayedanimportantroleinancienttimeswhereitwasamajorMediterraneanpower.We'llcheckintoourhotel,locatedinthecity'shistoriccenter,andthengoonaguidedtourtolearnaboutandexploretheruinsinitsarcheologicalpark.We'llvisitotherpartsofthecity,includingthepeninsulaofOrtigia,whereSyracusewasfounded.We'llhavesomefreetimeinthelateafternoonbeforeattendingourfinalwinetasting.Thatnightweenjoyafinalfarewelldinner,celebratingallwe've learned, all the food we've eaten, and the camaraderie we'veshared.OvernightinSyracuse

MAY27, SATURDAY

Sadly,ourtripofficiallyendsthismorning.Continueontootherexplorationsor,ifyoumust,flyhomefromtheCataniaairport.We'llarrangetransfersbasedonyourdeparturetime.

ADDITIONALTRIPINFORMATIONGETTINGTHERE

TherearetwowaystogettoNaples(plantoarrivenotlaterthan4pmsoyouhavetimetogettothehotelandgetsettledbeforemeetingeveryoneat6pm.

• FlydirectlytoNaples(NAP).Theairportisonlyaboutfourmilesfromthecityandfromthereyoucantakeataxi(20-25euros;formore,youcanprearrangeonthissite:http://www.yattaxi.com/airportsineurope/en/book-a-ride/plan-your-ride/NAP).Ifyouwanttousepublictransport,youcantaketheAlibusthatdepartsfromthebusstationoftheairport.Thebusservicemakesonlytwostops,oneattherailwaystation(StazioneCentrale-PiazzaGaribaldi)andoneattheharbor(Porto-PiazzaMunicipio;30-35minutesandabouta12minutewalkfromthehotel).Alibusleavesapproximatelyevery20minutes.Youcanbuyaticketinadvancefor3eurosorfromthebusdriverfor4eurosperperson.

• FlytoRome(FCO)andtakethetraintoNaples.Ittakesapproximately1hourand20minutesbyRailwaysEurostar(ES)or2hoursbyIntercity(ICPlus);therearemorethan10trainsaday.Youcancheckschedulesandbuyticketsathttp://www.raileurope.com.YoucanalsocheckschedulesandticketpricesontheTrenitaliawebsite,http://www.trenitalia.com/.

If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Sara Schuitemaker atsara@scaneastwest.comorcall800/727-2157

ACCOMMODATIONSMostofouraccommodationsarelocallyownedsmall3starhotelsindoubleroomswithprivatebathrooms,asspecifiedintheitinerary.We'llalsospendonenightindoublecabinsontheovernightferryfromNaplestoSicilyandtwonightsatanagriturismoinSicily.

WEATHERTheclimateinsouthernItalyalongthecoastisverymildduetothegeographyofthearea.Thoughitcanfeelabitcoolerandbreezywithbeingonthesea,theaveragehightemperatureinMayisinthelow70sandandtheaveragelowisinthemid-50s.Sicilyhasbothhigheraveragetemperaturesduringtheday(high70s)andloweraveragetemperaturesatnight(low50s).Mayisoneofthedriestmonths.

TRAVELINSURANCE

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOURCOSTIFYOUNEEDTOCANCELORINTERRUPTYOURTRIPformedicalreasons,tripdelay,lostbaggage,andotherunforeseenemergencies.AdventuresinGoodCompanywillsendyouinformationabouttravelinsurancewithyourregistrationinformation,oryoumaypurchasecoveragethroughyourowninsurancecompany.Inordertoavoiddisappointmentandexpenseintheeventthatyoumustcancelyourtripwestronglyurgeyoutopurchasesometypeofinsurancecoverage.YoucanalsosignupforitonlineatTravelexInsurance.Togetthebestrates,use20-0016asyourlocationnumberontheGetAQuotepage.

PACKINGLIST FOOTWEAR__1pairlightweightwaterproofhikingboots.__1paircomfortablewalkingshoes–athleticshoes,Keens,orTevas/Chacos__2-3pairsocks:woolorsyntheticequivalent(Thorlo,Smartwool,Ultrex,orTeko)CLOTHING__1-2paircomfortable,lightweight,comfortablehikingpants__1-2pairshortsor3/4pants(lightweightandquickdrying)__1-2lightweight,long-sleevedshirts__1lightweightvest__1lightweightlongunderweartop__2-3T-shirtsor sleevelessshirts;onecanbecotton__1mediumweightlayersuchasfleecepulloverorwoolsweater__1wide-brimmedhat,visor,orbaseballcapforsunandhighfashion(veryimportant)__Underwear/Pajamasorwhateveryouliketosleepin__Rainjacket__2-3changesofcomfortableclothestowearwhengoingouttodinner;e.g.pantsand/orskirts,blouses,and2tops__SwimsuitEQUIPMENT/ESSENTIALS__1daypack,withapackcoverorlargeplasticbagtolinebackpackforwaterproofing__PairofTrekkingPoles__Passportandaphotocopyofyourpassport __SunscreenandlipblockwithSPFofatleast15 __travelalarm/watchwithalarmorwatch__Sunglasses(100%UVblocking)andretentionstrap__headlamp/smallflashlight__2literswatercarryingcapacity(waterbottleorhydrationsystem)__Plugadaptor,Europeanstyle.TOILETRIES(smalleverything)__Toothbrush,smalltoothpaste,dentalfloss,shampoo,moisttowelettes,sanitarysuppliesandazip-lock

plasticbag,contactlensparaphernalia__Personal“patchkit”/medications.(See‘notesonpackinglist’forrecommendations)Individualsallergictoinsectstingsmustbringanepi-pen.OPTIONAL(notrequired,personalpreference)__Smalljournalandpen __Cameraandfilm/memorycard __Favoritesnack(s)__Earplugs(foragoodnight’ssleep) __batteries/charger__Showershoes(likeflipflops) __bandanna__Washcloth(typicallyEuropeanlinensdonotincludeawashcloth)__Shortgaiters__220Vthreetierconverter__Compactbinoculars

NOTESONPACKINGLISTPleasenote:Ifyouarenotfamiliarwithanyofthetermsusedasexplanationregardingtheequipmentorclothingrequiredforthistriporwouldlikehelpwithanyitemlistedpleaseletusknow.Weareavailabletoansweryourquestionsand/orsendmoreinformationtoassistindeterminingappropriateequipmentandclothingforyourtrip.Daypacks:Youwillneedadaypackthatislargeenoughtoholdthefollowingitems:1–2litersofwater,raingear,lunch/snacks(fortheday),warmlayer(fleecepulloverorvest),lightweightgloves,warmhatandanyotherdesiredpersonalitemssuchascamera,journal,etc.Werecommendadaypackwithacapacityofbetween1800and2400cubicinchesandpreferablywithahipbelt,paddedshoulderstrapsand‘lifters’.Pleasenote:Afanny-packisnotlargeenoughtoholdalloftheitemsyouwillneedfortheday.PackCover:Thesearewaterproof,usuallyelasticizedcoversdesignedtogooveryourdaypackandkeepboththepackanditscontentsdryincaseofinclementweather.Packcoversaresized.Ifyouarepurchasingapackcoverbesuretoeithertakeyourpackwithyouorknowthesizecoveryouneed.Manydaypacksdocomewithbuiltinpackcovers.Analternativetopurchasingapackcoveristouseaheavy-duty,plasticbagtolineyourpacktoprotectthecontentsfromrain.Footwear:Well-fitting,sturdyhikingbootsareveryimportanttoyoursafetyandenjoyment.Ifyouplantobuynewboots,breaktheminbywearingthemasmuchaspossibleandtakingsomeshorthikesbeforeyourtrip.Forgeneraltrekking/hikingtherearemanychoicesinbothmaterialsandstylesofboots.Yourchoicewilldependontheenvironmentyouwillbehikingaswellasyourpersonalpreferencesandphysicalconditionofyourfeetandankles.Bootscanbemadeofleather,nubuckleather,syntheticmaterialsoracombinationandcomeinlow,midoranklecutstyles.Forgeneraltrekking/hikingwerecommendlow/mid-heightheight,lightweight/midweighthikingboots/shoeswithVibramorVibramtypesoles.Pleasenote:Ifyouhaveweakeranklesorarerecoveringfromanankleinjuryconsidereitherthemid-heightortheankleheightboots.Moreinformationregardingchoosingahikingbootisavailableuponrequest.Remembertowaterproofyourbootsbeforethetrip.(Evenbootsbilledas‘waterproof’stillneedtobetreatedwithawaterproofingproduct–it’stheinteriorliningthatisactuallythe‘waterproof’partoftheboot,nottheexterior.)

PersonalFirstAidKit:Werecommendbringingasmallfirstaidkitwiththefollowingitems:blisterand/orfootremediesforblisters,hotspots,etc.(bandaids/compeed/moleskin/personalchoice),personalprescriptionmedications,overthecountermedicationsforcommonailments(respiratory/colds,stomachissues,soremuscles/joints).YourAGCguidewillhaveafirstaidkitaswellbutifyoualreadyknowwhatworksforyouit’sbesttohavethatwithyouratherthanexperimentonatrip• Pleasenote:Ifyouhaveseverereactionstoinsectbites/stingsorothersevereallergicreactionsandhave

beenadvisedtocarryanEpi-Penpleasedonotforgettobringthatwithyouandletyourguidesknow.Clothing:Allclothingforactivewearshouldbemadefromsynthetic/syntheticblends,down/downblendsorwool/woolblends.NOCOTTONforyouractivewear.Theclothinglistedonthepackinglisthasbeenchosenforyourspecifictripconditionsandforitsversatilityforlayering.Layeringisthemostpracticalandefficientmethodofinsulatingthebody.SeverallayersofvariedweightmaterialsprovidebetterinsulationthanonethickLayerofclothing.Also,addingorsubtractinglayersallowsyoutoadjusttothetemperatureatyourparticularlevelofactivity.