Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast

Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast

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8 Days From

$2850

Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast

8 Days Starting in Palinuro and ending in Minori

Visiting: Italy

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

MWO

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

5 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Cycling

From: $2850

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Cycling is a great way to explore the stunning natural and cultural treasures of Campania. This tour takes us through the best routes and contrasts of the region, from the relatively unknown and unspoiled Cilento to the lively Amalfi Coast. The Cilento National Park is largely undisturbed by modern life and as we cycle through quaint fishing villages, the traditions of the area are still evident. We also visit the Greco-Roman city of Paestum, with its three major doric temples, before heading to the lovely town of Minori on the Amalfi Coast. Here, we cycle on some of the most scenic routes in the world, while visiting beautiful towns including Positano and, of course, Amalfi itself. All the cycling will help to build our appetite for the fine food for which the area is renowned.

Highlights

  • Discover the two faces of Campania by bike: peaceful Cilento and the lively Amalfi Coast

  • Explore Cilento National Park, riding along South Italy’s best-preserved coastline

  • Hop back 2,500 years with a stay near the ancient Greek city of Paestum

  • Cycle to Minori past sheer cliffs and lemon terraces: one of the world’s most scenic coastal roads

  • Visit classic Amalfi Coast towns and villages, including Positano and Amalfi itself

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Start In Palinuro, On The Southern Coast Of Cilento National Park

Welcome to Palinuro, a lively and picturesque village on the southern coast of Cilento (approximately three hours’ drive from Naples). Capo Palinuro is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and impressive underwater caves. We gather at the hotel today for our first meeting; a great chance to get to know the group and tour leader.



Accommodation: Hotel Santa Caterina (or similar)

Day 2 : Cycle Along The Most Unspoilt Stretch Of Coastline In Southern Italy, Then Inland To The Mingardo Canyon And Abandoned Village Of San Severino

Meals Included: Breakfast

We start early in the morning with a scenic circular ride along the southern coast of Cilento National Park, the most unspoilt stretch of coastline in southern Italy, offering spectacular views of the Gulf of Policastro. We arrive in the lovely coastal town of Marina di Camerota for a short break and then climb inland to the village of San Giovanni a Piro. We cycle around the impressive Mount Bulgheria and to the Mingardo Canyon before making our way back to Palinuro.

Day 3 : Ride To Capo Palinuro Then To The Medieval Village Of Pisciotta; Descend To The Coast And Casalvelino

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

From Marina di Camerota, we follow the beautiful coastline to the peninsula of Capo Palinuro to the medieval village of Pisciotta, known for producing delicious olive oil, which we will taste. From here we climb gently to the town of Ascea. En route back to the coast, we cycle past the ancient Greek settlement of Velia, which has an impressive arch from the fourth century BCE, before heading to the plain of Casalvelino, where we stay in a lovely agriturismo.

Day 4 : Undulating Ride Through Coastal Villages; Stop For Lunch And Optional Swim; Continue To Paestum With Its Ancient Greek Ruins

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we enjoy one of the finest rides in Italy as we leave the Casalvelino plain behind and cycle through picturesque coastal villages to Acciaroli, a favourite of Ernest Hemingway. We stop for lunch in Santa Maria di Castellabate, where there is the opportunity for a swim in the sea. In the afternoon we enjoy the final section of our route to Agropoli, a charming town overlooking the sea, and ride to our hotel, just a stone’s throw from the ancient Greek temples of Paestum.

Day 5 : Train To Salerno; Scenic Ride To Minori, Our Base For The Next Three Nights

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we have time to visit the well-preserved temples and amphitheatre of Paestum. We will also taste the celebrated buffalo mozzarella at lunch, before taking a train to Salerno, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. In the afternoon, we ride to Minori, one the most scenic coastal roads in the world. Along the way we stop in the fishing village of Cetara, known for delicious tuna and anchovies. We then continue to Capo d'Orso, offering breathtaking views over the Amalfi Coast and Capri. From here it's mainly downhill as we cycle past dramatic cliffs and lemon terraces to the coastal villages of Maiori and finally Minori, our base for the last three nights.

Day 6 : Cycle Along The Strada Amalfitana To Amalfi, Praiano And Positano; Climb Inland To The Colli Di San Pietro For Great Views Over The Bay Of Naples; Return To Minori Via Amalfi

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we ride along the scenic coastal road to Amalfi, where we have time for a short stroll. The town has been popular with the British since Edwardian times, when the upper classes viewed the town as a pleasant place to spend their winters. The large cathedral dominates the town with its bright coloured tiles so typical of the region. We then continue to Furore, Praiano and on to Positano, a near-vertical town of colourful buildings. The route offers fantastic views of the whole peninsula, including the island of Capri. We then make a beautiful climb to the Colli di San Pietro, on the ridge between the Bay of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno. Time permitting, your leader may decide to extend this ride to Sorrento. There are several options for lunch, before we cycle back to Positano, Amalfi and finally Minori in time for the sunset.

Day 7 : Free Day To Relax On The Beach At Minori, Visit Ravello And Amalfi, Take A Boat Trip To Capri Or Visit Pompeii And Vesuvius.

Meals Included: Breakfast

A day off the bike to relax in Minori. Alternatively, you could take a guided walk to glorious Ravello, enjoy a boat trip to the island of Capri or visit the Unesco World Heritage sites of Pompeii and Vesuvius.

Day 8 : End Minori

Meals Included: Breakfast

You’ve cycled the Amalfi Coast, tasted delicious regional cuisine and clocked an impressive number of miles on the saddle. This morning, however, there’s time for a final breakfast of the holiday before beginning your return journey home.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts and one dinner

  • All accommodation

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Tour leader throughout

  • Local bike hire

  • Group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Local city taxes (approximately €10)

  • E-bike hire

Food

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.

Accommodation

Stay in 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. 

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Check out our Q&As

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Cycling In Amalfi, Italy

A fantastic adventure with a superb guide, delightful scenery, meeting new friends all in on a hybrid bike! Fuelled by wonderful local produce, coffees and wines.

CYCLING on the Amalfi....a great challenge

11 of us arrived on Day 1 for what would be an amazing cycling tour, not easy for all, especially me...but lots of fun, and pinch me moments as we travelled through such a beautiful part of the world. Together with the scenery came the food....ITALIANs do food so well, and this Exodus trip did not fail to disappoint! We enjoyed a wonderful mix of traditional foods from a variety of restaurants with the most amazing views and people. Both Paulo and Raphael led our trip with professionalism and with humour and friendliness. Nothing was too much trouble. History lessons on the go interspersed with swimming in the ocean( which when the temps soared were much loved), Macciato coffees, and Saints days all added to the colour of Southern Italy. Yes the cycling was hard...but it was well worth it. Grazie to everybody concerned.

Fantastic Tour

Great week of cycling. Our guide was excellent - his knowledge of the area was extensive and it was interesting to hear the history of sites we were visiting. The scenery was unbelievable.

The holiday I didn't know I needed

A lovely itinerary, brilliant leader, really nice group, trip well paced and everything was so thoughtfully organised.

MWO Amalfi Coast

Excellent trip ; the food and the scenery were the highlights !

Taste of Campagnia

This was the first cycling trip I've ever taken and while it was tough (I did zero training which was my own fault), I really enjoyed it. It made me want to explore more of southern Italy. I thought the itinerary was nicely laid out with the first, third and last days featuring long (but stunning) rides and the days in between featuring more sight-seeing (which I hadn't expected based on the trip notes). Cilento was lovely and a nice counterpoint to the craziness of the Amalfi coast. Paolo was an excellent guide and we had a great group of people who were a lot of fun to hang out with.

Amalfi Cycle Ride 10th-17th October 2015

Outstanding for both my wife and I. This is Italy's equivalent to the French Riviere. A must for all to do. And by being on a bike you take in so much more of what is around you.

CILENTO & AMALFI COAST

EXCELLENT FOOD.............EXCELLENT ACCOMMODATION..............EXCELLENT COMPANY.............PAULO, THE TEAM LEADER & SARAH, HIS NON-PAID HELPER, WERE ALSO EXCELLENT...............THE REASON MY ASSESSMENT IS "VERY GOOD" RATHER THAN EXCELLENT OVERALL, IS BECAUSE THE CYCLING HOLIDAY WAS BILLED AS " MODERATE"........... IT NEEDS RECLASSIFICATION AS " CHALLENGING"

CYCLE CILENTO & AMALFI

Although I had previously visited this area I had never cycled here. This was a fabulous experience through some lovely countryside and dramatic coastal scenery. It was made even more enjoyable by the superb enthusiastic group!

Another fantastic holiday.

A superb opportunity to cycle through the Albanian mountains. Great food, cheap beer and lovely weather. Tremendous.

Read all 66 reviews

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  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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