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

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

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8 Days From

$4350

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

8 Days Starting in Monopoli and ending in Sorrento

Visiting: Italy

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

MEI3

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Cycling

From: $4350

NB: Prices correct on 08-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Combining highlights from two of our most popular Italian cycling trips, this itinerary offers the challenge of riding right across southern Italy, with the added support of an e-bike. Starting from the coastal city of Monopoli, we take quiet routes through the mountainous Basilicata and Campania regions, finishing at Sorrento on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The trip includes time in Matera, home to ancient cave dwellings, plus lesser-known (but no less beautiful) attractions, including Castelmezzano, a postcard-ready mountainside village where we stay for a night. Our journey ends with a memorable ride along the scenic Amalfi Coast all the way to Sorrento.



For those seeking a challenge, it is possible to join this trip with a road bike rather than an e-bike. Please see our 'Is this trip for you?' section under Essential Info for more information.

Highlights

  • E-bike from Puglia to the Amalfi Coast, two of our most popular destinations

  • Wander the winding alleys of Matera, a UNESCO-listed cave town on the edge of a ravine

  • Hop back 2,500 years, visiting the ancient Greek city of Paestum

  • Stay in mountainside Castelmezzano, one of the prettiest villages in Italy

  • Cycle along the Amalfi Coast, enjoying views across one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Start In The Coastal City Of Monopoli

We start in the historic coastal city of Monopoli. Depending on when the group arrives, we might have time for a relaxing stroll through the town’s narrow alleys and along the Adriatic shore. We strongly recommend arriving a day or two early to visit some of the other regional highlights, including the Unesco-listed town of Alberobello, home to trulli (traditional stone huts with conical roofs), or Ostuni, known as the White City for its whitewashed old town. Speak to your sales representative to book pre-tour accommodation.

Day 2 : Ride Through Fields And Ancient Olive Groves To The Unesco City Of Matera

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we start cycling from the coast and go inland, heading for Matera, one of the most fascinating cities in southern Italy. A warm-up climb brings us onto a large rolling plateau, where we pedal through fennel fields and ancient olive groves. We pass several Apulian villages, where we stop to regroup, take a coffee or rest. As we cross into the Basilicata region for the last part of the route, we cycle through open fields and partly along the the Appian Way, an ancient Roman road that was strategically vital to the empire. We should reach the UNESCO-listed town of Matera in the afternoon with time for a relaxing stroll in the Sassi district, home to ancient cave dwellings, and for an aperitivo in one of the beautiful squares.

Day 3 : Challenging Ride Into The Heart Of Basilicata To The Mountainside Village Of Castelmezzano

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today will be our longest ride but the destination will be more than worth the effort. We start with an easy downhill through fields towards the Lake of St Giuliano. We then follow an old road along a ridge, encountering several historic villages, including the old Byzantine capital of Tricarico, before arriving in sight of the Lucan Dolomites, known as the Dolomites of the South.



We have a downhill ride and gather strength for the challenging but rewarding steep climb to Castelmezzano, a beautiful village clinging to a sandstone mountain. The support vehicle is available if you would prefer to skip this last ascent. Castelmezzano, rated as one of the prettiest villages in Italy, is very remote and set in a breath-taking location with mountain views – a perfect reward for our long ride today. A short walk through the village and up to the Norman steps is a must before dinner at the hotel restaurant. Overnight in Castelmezzano.

Day 4 : Cross The Border Into Campania By Bike And Reach Padula

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we head west into the Campania region. In the morning, we cross the National Park of the Basilicata Apennines, a sparsely populated wilderness area of mountain scenery and historic villages. Towards the end of the afternoon, after a last challenging climb, we reach the top of the ridge between Basilicata and the Campania region. From here, we cycle down into the Vallo di Diano, a fertile high plain with several beautiful medieval towns. We settle into Padula, a beautiful village.

Day 5 : Ride To Corleto Sant'angelo And Spend A Night In A Family-Run Agriturismo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today's ride is relatively short, allowing us time to sightsee. We first cycle down to Padula, where we recommend paying a morning visit to the Padula Charterhouse, the largest monastery in Italy and Unesco World Heritage site. After the visit, we get on our bikes again and cycle into the heart of Cilento National Park. First, we follow a mainly flat route through the Vallo di Diano and continue with a climb up the Sentinella pass (3,058ft/932m), which winds high above the plain. The last part of the route descends into Cilento National Park, where we settle into our homely agriturismo with a pool. We have lunch (if we arrive on time), after which we can relax or go for a short optional ride to the nearby ghost town of Roscigno, which was abandoned in the early 20th century after a landslide. Tonight, we dine at the agriturismo on local specialties prepared with organic produce.

Day 6 : Cycle To The Coastal Town Of Paestum; Visit The Excellently Preserved Greek Temples

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we ride in the shadow of the Alburni Mountains making our way down to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Early in the afternoon, we arrive at the excellently preserved Greek temples of Paestum. Our hotel is close, so we have time to visit this impressive archaeological site, home to three columned temples dedicated to the Greek gods Hera and Athena. Alternatively, you could opt to relax at the swimming pool. The sea is only a few minutes’ away by bike, so you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the late afternoon. Tonight, we eat at the hotel.

Day 7 : Train Ride To Salerno; Cycle One Of The Most Spectacular Coastal Roads In The World To Sorrento Via Amalfi

Meals Included: Breakfast

We start the day with an early train ride to Salerno. Here we get on our bikes and begin our final cycle along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world: the Amalfi Coast. After a short climb up to Vietri, we follow the undulating coastal route to Cetara and continue uphill to the dramatic viewpoint of Capo d’Orso. We then head towards Amalfi itself, where we have time for a short stop and stroll. In the afternoon, we ride past Positano and cross the ridge to then wind down to the resort town of Sorrento. Here we can toast our accomplishment with a drink or two at the beach and a dive into the Bay of Naples in sight of Mount Vesuvius. Those who wish can opt for a stroll in the historic centre, or perhaps just a few hours of relaxation. In the evening, we gather together for a last evening meal (optional).

Day 8 : End Sorrento

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip ends this morning, but if want to explore more of this stunning part of Italy speak to your sales representative about adding extra nights in Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts and four dinners

  • All accommodation

  • Arrival and departure transfers available

  • E-bike hire (or road bike on request)

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas and vaccinations

  • Local city taxes (approximately €15)

Food

All breakfasts and four dinners are included.



A typical hotel breakfast consists of toast/bread with jam or honey, cereal, cheese and ham, served with coffee, tea, milk, orange juice, fruit, cake and yoghurt. Lunches are normally arranged as picnics or taken in small cafes along the route. Four dinners are included on this trip and they normally consist of a three-course menu with a choice of regional specialities. Vegetarians and people with special dietary requirements can be catered for but please inform us prior to travel.

Accommodation

We spend six nights in different three- and four-star hotels and one night in a traditional agriturismo – a beautifully converted farmhouse in Cilento National Park. The hotels have been chosen for their warm hospitality and their typical Italian character. Some have a swimming pool or beach nearby, which will be greatly appreciated in summer. Most of the hotels have restaurants serving typical regional cuisine and delicious local produce.



List of hotels normally used:



Monopoli: Palazzo Indelli

Matera: Hotel Italia

Castelmezzano: Becco Della Civetta

Padula: Grand Hotel Certosa

Bellosguardo: Agriturismo Villa Vea

Paestum: Hotel Villa Rita

Sorrento: Hotel Ulisse or Hotel Crisitina

Check out our Q&As

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Puglia to Sorrento by e- bike

Great trip.Fantastic staff- leader Paulo, mechanic/driver Raffael and soon to be leader Matteo.Great organisation, good route choice, comfortable hotels and great group of guests( as is usual with Exodus!!)

A Outstanding Trip

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this trip, that said the first three days are quite challenging in both range and climbing, so managing the battery in the e-bike is essential to successfully complete the ride.All of the hotels were to a very good standard and the food at the lunchtime stops was also very good.The majority of the riding was on quiet back roads and only the last day along the Amalfi Coast did things get a little focused.There were 10 people on the ride and I'm pleased to say we all got along very well which is another bonus to the trip,

Fantastic cycling trip from Coast to Coast

I had the most amazing time cycling from coast to coast in Italy with Exodus. The scenery was stunning, the rides were very enjoyable, we had the chance to try lots of tasty local food and the group were lovely.

A challenging ride made easy - sail up those hills like a pro!

This was the first time that this trip had been run using E-bikes, so everyone was keen to see how the trip would unfold. We were introduced to our bikes on the first evening, and because of a change of hotel we had the opportunity to cycle into Monopoli, and return in the dark after an amazing first meal. When I checked the itinerary I could see that the first two rides were going to be the most challenging in terms of ascent and distance, but I quickly realised that E-bikes are a great leveller. There are four levels of assistance, with turbo being the most powerful. The motor rewards effort, the faster you peddle, the more assistance it gives you, up to its maximum speed - these bikes are not chipped like the delivery cycles that whizz around around our streets bringing takeaways to the masses. Each person in the group decided how much effort to put in, getting up the many hills, but hats off to the one person in the group who rode the whole way on an ordinary bike . . . . and he was not at the back. Respect!! With uphills come downhills, and there were plenty of those. Long sweeping downhills that went on and on. Great fun. We were well fed and watered on this trip, both at lunchtime and in the evenings, and for the most part the weather behaved itself.

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Prices last published on 06-Nov-2024

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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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