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The 2019 Expeditions have started!
What better way to kick off the 2019 overseas season than to return to our second home here on the Amalfi Coast?
Positano is secreted in the bowl of cloud, with the peninsula stretching away toward Capri.
The Chestnut wood is being harvested, giving us the chance to see the hard working mules making it all possible.
Mules are still an integral part of the harvest process for the Chestnut woods, reaching areas that motorised vehicles can’t.
The wild flowers and herbs are simply stunning and grow wherever you look.
Wild Garlic is flowering alongside many of the walks, with a subtle but alluring smell!
A beautiful (and poisonous!) Fire Salamanader. They are usually nocturnal, but will come out on a rainy day.
We’ve experienced some wet weather, but even that has a silver lining with the appearance of several Fire Salamanders that are usually so secretive. There are lots of smaller creatures too, if you can spot them.
This is a “Scarabaeus Sacer” or Sacred Scarab beetle. It’s a dung roller that can shift many times it’s own body weight.
Pasquale catching a pizza he’s just spun.
And of course, what better way to finish the day than to eat a freshly cooked, wood fired, handmade pizza and some fantastic organic wine?
The Fantastic Dolomites!
As a finale for the early summer’s tours with Explore and Mont Blanc Adventures, Mountain Experience seized the opportunity for a short notice walking tour based in Dobbiaco, Sud Tyrol.
Lago Di Dobbiaco or Toblachersee
This fascinating region was previously part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and was ceded to Italy following the bitter trench warfare across the mountains during the first World War. Although it is now proudly part of Italy, the area still retains a much more “Austrian” feel with a more northern cuisine and most people speaking German as their lingua franca. Just about everywhere has got two names, one in Italian and one in German.
The scenery is absolutely stunning with breathtaking views in every direction.
Looking back into Italy from the Austrian border
Stunning Dolomite scenery
11 clients undertook journeys on foot, by bus, train and cable car, thus ensuring the maximum time could be spent on the trails that criss cross the area, even strolling back and forth into Austria on one day. Walks took us below the iconic peaks of the Tre Cime and culminated with ascents of Monte Elmo (2,443m) and Monte Arnese (2,550m) on the Italian Austrian border. Several of the team enjoyed themselves so much that they are already planning a return visit for next year!
Looking on to the north faces of the stunning Tre Cime
Beautiful views around Chamonix
Mountain Experience were delighted to work with Mont Blanc Adventures and Explore! delivering their Mont Blanc Highlights walks from Les Houches, recently.
The view toward Chamonix and Mont Blanc, from below the summit of Le Prarion.
Crazy clouds as seen from above Vallorcine
16 clients from all walks of life and of varying ages enjoyed walks around the area that offered stunning views of the main peaks and of course plenty of ice cream!
“Hi Nigel, Thanks very much again for your expert leadership on the Mont Blanc Highlights holiday. You helped make a lovely friendly inclusive atmosphere for everyone which can make such a difference on these trips.” Linda C.T.
We hope to see you again in the future!
That’s it for Amalfi this year
What a fantastic month in Amalfi this year. We’ve experienced some of the clearest views ever, some of the wettest most torrential rain and some of the best food and wine Italy has to offer!
60 clients this month have enjoyed trekking the coastline and surrounding area, with trips to the jewel of Capri, stunning Ravello and Pompeii thrown in for good measure.
Brilliant blue sky isn’t always needed.
As usual, the Valle Delle Ferrier was a favourite for most walkers, and of course the world famous Walk of the Gods continues to impress even on cloudy and wet days.
This view never fails to impress.
Some times it’s nice to just relax at the end of a month’s walking!
After a month of superb walks, it was great to kick back on the hot beach with a cold swim and a colder beer! See you next year!
Amalfi! Amalfi!
As ever, Mountain Experience are absolutely delighted to be back in Amalfi. This year’s trip has seen some bad weather, but that hasn’t deterred us in the slightest.
The view from the upper path toward Capri
Fantastic food, excellent walks, good company and organic wines. The Amalfi coast keeps on delivering! There’s plenty of sun forecast for next week, so roll on the good times.
Arrivederci Amalfi. See you next year!
The beautiful view from high above the Bay of Naples. You can see Ravello, Maiori and of course Amalfi.
Stunning mountain scenery and the Med below.
Well it’s time to say goodbye to Amalfi for 2017, but we will definitely be returning in 2018.
Although the dates are not yet confirmed, we can say that Mountain Experience will team up with Mont Blanc Adventures and Explore! to lead on their justifiable bestseller, Amalfi Coast Walks. We will be there for three or four weeks sometime between mid April and the end of May and would love to see some of our readers there.
Cake for breakfast, incredibly priced organic wine and calorie free gelato! (One of those things isn’t actually true). What’s not to get excited about!
Valentino preparing to serve just one of the courses from an evening meal.
Looking back to the mainland from Capri
This year’s first trip to Italy
Mountain Experience, working with Mont Blanc Adventures and Explore have enjoyed yet another fantastic few weeks in the Amalfi area. Great walks, fantastic food and brilliant company, combined with good old fashioned Italian hospitality meant that each week was going to be a success. As ever, quality clients who formed great teams were the icing on the cake. We are already planning trips there for the Autumn!
On the beautiful island of Capri
Another fantastic view from the Walk of the Gods
Visits to Capri and the thought provoking Villa Lysis, Tiberius’ Palace and the Faraglioni; rugged walks in Valle de Ferriere Forest Reserve with it’s extraordinary cliff scenery and wild flowers; swimming in the Mediterranean; the stunning Walk of the Gods to up market Positano; Pompeii and Vesuvius: A fantastic week!
The view to Amalfi from the ancient republic’s steps.
Looking back to the mainland from Capri
Looking back up the valley from Pogerola
Lake Como walks a big success!
The first week’s walking around Lake Como has gone down a storm with clients, who awarded the trip and Nigel Lewis, their guide, a resounding ten out of ten!
Buses, ferries, and lots of walking, all wrapped up with gelato, pasta, cake and wine. The team covered plenty of miles and enjoyed great weather with stunning views. Can it get any better than this? We think so…..!
Looking from Brenzio toward the Swiss border
A great week starts off the autumn trekking season
Mountain Experience had a fantastic week trekking in the Argentiere and Chamonix areas. Together with Explore! Nigel Lewis led 12 clients on a series of day walks around the area.
Looking toward the Mer de Glace from Le Chapeau Chalet
With superb views, great company and good food, the week passed way too quickly. Also, the weather was generally very kind, with just one day of rain, all of which left the team wanting more. “I can see me coming all the way back from Melbourne to do the full TMB!” said Lyn C.
Mt Blanc as seen from Le Prarion
Final week in Amalfi brings the season to a close
Mountain Experience have had a fantastic month in Amalfi this year. The fourth week was a great success with the usual fantastic fare of food and drink, calorie free ice cream and cake, and more than enough wine, beer and limoncello!
My favourite spot for elevenses. I’m keeping the location secret!
Amalfi in the distance as seen on the ferry from Positano
This year’s autumn expedition will be in Chamonix and Lake Como areas so we won’t be returning to Amalfi until next year, but of course, that will make the return all the more sweeter!
