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Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast

Resort:Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast
Operator: Exodus
Destination: Europe, Italy
Price From: £1649.00

Overview


Cycle from the unspoilt and quiet Cilento to the UNESCO Amalfi Coast

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 unspoilt Cilento to the popular
lively Amalfi Coast. The Cilento National Park is largely undisturbed by the
21st Century and as we cycle through quaint fishing villages we realise that
the traditional way of life is still very evident. We also visit the
Greco-Roman city of Paestum, with its three major Doric style 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 that the area is famous for!

Highlights

* Discover the rugged nature of Cilento National Park
* Cycle along the stunning Amalfi Coast
* Enjoy the Italian warm hospitality and succulent cuisine
* Explore the beautiful towns of Amalfi and Ravello

Itinerary

Day 1
Fly to Naples and transfer in Palinuro, on the southern coast of Cilento N.P.

The trip starts at our hotel in Palinuro, a lively picturesque village on the
southern coast of Cilento (approx.3 hours from Naples) named after the
mythical Palinuros, Aeneas’ helmsman, who is supposedly buried here. Capo
Palinuro is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and impressive
underwater caves.The trip starts at our hotel in Palinuro, a lively
picturesque village on the southern coast of Cilento (approx. 3 hours drive
from Naples). The cycling route on Day 2 of these departures will be very
similar to the standard followed on the other departures, only slightly
shorter (50km, rather than 55km).

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.

We start early in the morning with a scenic circular ride along the Southern
Coast of the 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 amazingly located village of San Giovanni a Piro. We
cycle around the impressive Mt Bulgheria and to the Mingardo canyon before
making our way back to Palinuro. Cycle approx. 60km (ascent +1100m, descent
-1100m).

Day 3
Ride to Capo Palinuro then to the mediaeval village of Pisciotta; descend to
the coast and Casalvelino.

From Marina di Camerota we follow the beautiful coastline to the peninsula of
Capo Palinuro to the mediaeval village of Pisciotta, famous for its 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 with its Pink gate, dating back to the 4th Century BC, before
heading to the plain of Casalvelino, where we stay in a lovely agriturismo.
Cycle approx. 40km (ascent +550m, descent -500m).

Day 4
Undulating ride through coastal villages; stop for lunch and optional swim ;
continue on to Paestum with its 6th Century BC Greek ruins.

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 stones throw away
from the 6th Century BC Greek temples of Paestum. Cycle approx. 60km (ascent
+650m; descent -675m).

Day 5
Train to Salerno; scenic ride to Minori, our base for the next three nights.

This morning we have time to visit Paestum’s well-preserved temples and
amphitheatre. We will also have the opportunity to taste the famous local
fresh buffalo mozzarella at lunch, before taking a train to Salerno, the
gateaway to the Amalfi Coast. In the afternoon we ride one the most scenic
coastal roads in the world to the Minori. Along the way we stop in the
fishing village of Cetara, famous for its 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 scented lemon terraces to the coastal villages of Maiori and
finally Minori, our base for the last three nights. Cycle approx. 22km
(ascent +250m; descent -250m).

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.

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 Duomo 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. Cycle approx. 56km (ascent +1000m; descent -1000m).

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.

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 iconic UNESCO sights of Pompeii and Vesuvius.
**

Day 8 Transfer to Naples; fly to London.

The trip finishes in Minori after breakfast.
**