Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Italy's southern coast on this multi-day tour. Starting from the picturesque village of Palinuro, you will explore the stunning natural beauty of Cilento, cycle along the unspoilt coastline, and visit charming coastal towns and medieval villages. The tour includes a visit to the ancient Greek settlement of Velia, a ride through the most scenic coastal roads in the world, and a visit to the well-preserved temples of Paestum. You will also have the opportunity to taste the region's delicious cuisine, including olive oil, buffalo mozzarella, and seafood. The tour concludes with a relaxing day in Minori and a return journey home.
Included
All breakfasts and one dinner included.
Breakfast is normally continental style with a choice of cereal, bread, pastries, yoghurt, orange juice and milk with an array of teas/coffee. Lunch usually consists of a light meal, such as a sandwich or a mix of delicious appetisers, in small traditional cafes along the route. The evening meals will be taken in a variety of local restaurants or at the hotels, where the standard is excellent. Most of the regional specialities in this area are prepared with delicious fresh produce such as tomatoes, olives, peppers and cheese. The Amalfi Coast also has some of the finest fish in the world; scialatielli ai frutti di mare (fresh ribbon-shaped pasta with seafood) is one of the staple dishes worth trying. The a la carte menus in most restaurants recommended by your local leader will give you an opportunity to sample a great range of local specialities.
vegetarian, vegan, meat
Transfers to and from the airport will be by private vehicle (normally minibus). On Day 5 we take a train from Paestum to Salerno. While cycling, the vehicle will carry your baggage and be on hand to assist. A guide cycles with the group.
Stay in comfortable three- and four-star hotels and spend one night in an agriturismo – a beautifully converted farmhouse. All have either a swimming pool or beach nearby, which will be greatly appreciated in summer.
Palinuro: Hotel Santa Caterina or Hotel La Conchiglia (nights 1-2)
Our first two nights are spent in either Santa Caterina (Above) or La Conchiglia. The former is a family-owned hotel that’s home to the oldest ice cream shop in Palinuro. There’s also a restaurant serving regional dishes with fresh produce. The latter has a Mediterranean restaurant with a terrace offering sea and cliff views. Head there for drinks from the lounge bar – sunset is the ideal time to enjoy a national cocktail while gazing over Capo Palinuro.
Casal Velino: Agriturismo Zio Cristoforo (night 3)
Within Cilento National Park, this farmstay is a peaceful retreat in the Italian countryside. Take a dip in the palm-shaded swimming pool, which is built from local stone, or pull up a lounger to soak in the sun. In the evening, head to the restaurant for typical local produce and perhaps try the red or white wine made on site.
Paestum: Hotel Villa Rita (night 4)
The family-run Villa Rita occupies a converted farm, with the manor house, stables and barns all enjoying a new life in hospitality. Now the property has pine-scented gardens with a sun lounger-lined pool. There’s also a traditional bistro where dishes are created with local ingredients from local producers.
Minori: Hotel Santa Lucia (nights 5-7)
The Sammarco family has owned this 25-room, Mediterranean-style hotel for more than 50 years. It has an ideal location, just moments from a sandy beach, plus a seasonal solarium with a bar. Elsewhere, there’s the Garum restaurant, which serves traditional dishes from the Amalfi Coast.
The group will generally be between five and 16 people. There will be a local cycling leader and an assistant leader driving the support vehicle.
Flight inclusive
International flights are not included
All listed activities
Local bike hire
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Naples to Palinuro
- Naples - Arrival day
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Welcome to the charming village of Palinuro, located on the southern coast of Cilento. After a three-hour drive from Naples, you'll arrive at the hotel for a meet-and-greet with the group and tour leader. The day is dedicated to exploring the natural beauty of Capo Palinuro, famous for its underwater caves. Accommodation: Hotel Santa Caterina (or similar).
Day 2 – Day 2: Palinuro to Marina di Camerota and San Giovanni a Piro
Day 2: Palinuro to Marina di Camerota and San Giovanni a Piro
Start your day with a scenic bike ride along the southern coast of Cilento National Park, offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Policastro. Take a short break in the coastal town of Marina di Camerota before heading inland to the village of San Giovanni a Piro. Cycle around the impressive Mount Bulgheria and the Mingardo Canyon before returning to Palinuro.
Day 3 – Day 3: Marina di Camerota to Pisciotta, Ascea, and Casalvelino
Day 3: Marina di Camerota to Pisciotta, Ascea, and Casalvelino
From Marina di Camerota, cycle along the beautiful coastline to the peninsula of Capo Palinuro and the medieval village of Pisciotta, known for its delicious olive oil. Continue to the town of Ascea, passing by the ancient Greek settlement of Velia. End the day in the plain of Casalvelino, where you'll stay in a lovely agriturismo.
Day 4 – Day 4: Casalvelino to Acciaroli, Santa Maria di Castellabate, Agropoli, and Paestum
- Santa Maria di Castellabate
- Agropoli
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- Archaeological Park of Paestum
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Leave the Casalvelino plain and cycle through picturesque coastal villages to Acciaroli, a favourite of Ernest Hemingway. Stop for lunch in Santa Maria di Castellabate and enjoy a swim in the sea. In the afternoon, ride to Agropoli, a charming town overlooking the sea, and visit the ancient Greek temples of Paestum. Accommodation: Hotel in Paestum (or similar).
Day 5 – Day 5: Paestum to Salerno, Cetara, Maiori, and Minori
- Atrani
- Cetara
- Maiori
- Minori
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- Temple of Athena
- Amalfi Coast
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Spend the morning exploring the well-preserved temples of Paestum and tasting the celebrated buffalo mozzarella. Take a train to Salerno, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, and ride to Minori, one of the most scenic coastal roads in the world. Along the way, stop in the fishing village of Cetara, known for its delicious tuna and anchovies. Continue to Capo d'Orso, offering breathtaking views over the Amalfi Coast and Capri. Cycle past dramatic cliffs and lemon terraces to the coastal villages of Maiori and finally Minori, where you'll stay for the next three nights.
Day 6 – Day 6: Minori to Amalfi, Furore, Praiano, Positano, and Sorrento
- Minori
- Furore
- Praiano
- Sorrento
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- Amalfi Coast
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Ride along the scenic coastal road to Amalfi, a popular destination since Edwardian times. Continue to Furore, Praiano, and Positano, a near-vertical town of colourful buildings. The route offers fantastic views of the whole peninsula, including the island of Capri. Make a beautiful climb to the Colli di San Pietro, on the ridge between the Bay of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno. Depending on time, your leader may extend this ride to Sorrento. After lunch, cycle back to Positano, Amalfi, and finally Minori in time for the sunset.
Day 7 – Day 7: Free Day in Minori
- Minori
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- Mount Vesuvius
- Amphitheatre of Pompeii
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Enjoy a day off the bike in Minori. You can choose to relax or take a guided walk to the glorious town of Ravello, enjoy a boat trip to the island of Capri, or visit the Unesco World Heritage sites of Pompeii and Vesuvius.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Minori
- Minori - Departure day
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After an unforgettable journey through the Amalfi Coast and tasting delicious regional cuisine, it's time to say goodbye. Enjoy a final breakfast before starting your return journey home.
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