Italy Coast to Coast by E-bike: Puglia to Amalfi Coast

Begin your journey in the historic coastal city of Monopoli. Depending on your arrival time, take a leisurely walk through the city's quaint alleys and along the Adriatic shore. We recommend arriving a day or two early to explore the regional highlights, including the UNESCO-listed town of Alberobello, known for its traditional stone huts with conical roofs, and Ostuni, the 'White City' famed for its whitewashed old town.

Today, we cycle from the coast into the heart of southern Italy, heading for Matera, one of the region's most captivating cities. Traverse through fennel fields and ancient olive groves, stopping at several Apulian villages along the way. As we enter the Basilicata region, we follow the historic Appian Way, arriving in Matera in the afternoon. Explore the UNESCO-listed Sassi district, home to ancient cave dwellings, and unwind with an aperitivo in one of the city's charming squares.

Prepare for our longest ride today, but the destination is well worth the effort. We start with a downhill ride towards the Lake of St Giuliano, passing through several historic villages, including Tricarico. The highlight of the day is the steep climb to Castelmezzano, a stunning village nestled on a sandstone mountain. Rated as one of Italy's prettiest villages, Castelmezzano offers breathtaking mountain views, making it a perfect reward for our long ride. Explore the village and the Norman steps before enjoying dinner at the hotel.

Today, we venture west into the Campania region, crossing the National Park of the Basilicata Apennines, a wilderness area boasting stunning mountain scenery and historic villages. After a challenging climb, we reach the ridge between Basilicata and Campania, descending into the Vallo di Diano, a fertile high plain dotted with beautiful medieval towns. We end the day in Padula, a charming village where we will spend the night.

Today's ride is shorter, allowing us time for sightseeing. We start with a visit to the Padula Charterhouse, Italy's largest monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage site. We then cycle into the heart of Cilento National Park, following a route that takes us through the Vallo di Diano and up the Sentinella pass. We settle into our homely agriturismo in the park, where we enjoy a lunch of local specialties prepared with organic produce.

Today, we cycle in the shadow of the Alburni Mountains, making our way to the Tyrrhenian Sea. By early afternoon, we arrive at the well-preserved Greek temples of Paestum. Our hotel is nearby, so there's ample time to explore this impressive archaeological site or relax by the pool. The sea is just a short bike ride away, offering the chance for a refreshing swim in the late afternoon.

We start the day with a train ride to Salerno, where we begin our final cycle along the stunning Amalfi Coast. After a short climb to Vietri, we follow the coastal route to Cetara and continue uphill to the dramatic viewpoint of Capo d'Orso. We then head towards Amalfi for a short stop before riding past Positano and crossing the ridge to Sorrento. Here, we celebrate our accomplishment with a dip in the Bay of Naples and a leisurely stroll in the historic centre.

Our journey ends today in Sorrento. If you wish to extend your stay and explore more of this beautiful region, please speak to your sales representative about adding extra nights in Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast.