Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast
Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast
8 Days Starting in Palinuro and ending in Minori
Visiting: Amalfi Coast, Italy
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MWO
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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 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
Itinerary
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
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
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
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 away
from the 6th Century BC Greek temples of Paestum. Cycle approx. 60km (ascent
+650m; descent -675m).
Day 5
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
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
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
The trip finishes in Minori after breakfast.
**
What's Included
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All breakfasts 1 dinner
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Local bike hire
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All accommodation
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All transport and listed activities
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Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
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Airport transfers for group flights
What's Not Included
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Visas or vaccinations
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Local city taxes (approx. €10)
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
Food
All breakfasts and 1 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.
Lunches usually consist of a light meal such as a sandwich or a mix of
delicious appetizers taken 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 and ingredients such as
aubergines, tomatoes, olives, peppers and cheese in all forms (smoked, mature
or soft like mozzarella!). The Amalfi Coast also boasts some of the world's
finest fish cuisine and 'scialatielli ai frutti di mare' (fresh ribbon-shaped
pasta with seafood) is one of the staple dishes worth trying! The a-la-carte
menus available in most restaurants recommended by your local leader will
give you an opportunity to sample a great range of local specialities which
suit your taste.
Accommodation
We stay at comfortable three- and four-star hotels with en suite facilities plus one night in a charming agriturismo – a beautifully converted farmhouse. The hotels have been chosen for their warm hospitality and typical Italian character. All hotels have either a swimming pool or a beach nearby, which will be greatly appreciated in summer. Most of the hotels have restaurants serving regional cuisine and delicious local produce.
List of hotels normally used:
Palinuro: Albergo Santa Caterina or Hotel La Conchiglia
Casal Velino: Agriturismo Zio Cristoforo
Paestum: Hotel Villa Rita
Minori: Hotel Santa Lucia
Check out our Q&As
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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.
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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.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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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.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Cancellation Policy
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