Compare Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast by Exodus Travels vs Amalfi Coast by Travelsphere
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 2,775 | $ 877 |
| Price Per Day | $ 347 | $ 110 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | 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. |
7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 7 Dinners |
| Description |
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 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.Cycle from unspoilt Cilento to the Unesco-listed Amalfi Coast |
Experience the unspoilt beauty of Italy's breathtaking Amalfi Coast Minori - Amalfi - Ravello - Pompeii - The Amalfi Hills Pastel-coloured villages clinging to cliffs, spine-tingling views from zigzagging coastal roads and scented gardens that sweep down to shimmering seas. Soak up Europe’s most photogenic scenery and visit stunning resorts on the elegant Amalfi Coast. |
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
Day 1: UK/Naples
Depart on your scheduled flight to Naples. On arrival in the Amalfi Coast you’ll transfer to your hotel, which is surrounded by deep blue waters, pretty beaches and lush green hills dotted with lemon and orange groves.
Settle in at your 4-star hotel, your base for the next seven nights, before enjoying dinner this evening.
Day 2: Amalfi and Ravello
To help you get to know this beautiful region of Italy we include a three-quarter-day excursion to the picturesque town of Amalfi, which is beautifully situated between the mountains and the sea.
It is dominated by an impressive marble Romanesque cathedral which is said to hold the remains of St Andrew. You will continue to the cliff-top town of Ravello, perched high above Amalfi overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Here you’ll find the wonderful gardens of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo and an impressive cathedral.
Day 3: Sorrento
Spend time at leisure in Minori today or perhaps you’ll join our optional tour of Sorrento. This lively resort, which is set above the Bay of Naples, has long been the haunt of the rich and famous.
On your full-day visit you’ll see some truly stunning scenery as well as a fantastic variety of elegant restaurants, pavement cafes and shops selling all manner of items from hand-made sandals to bottles of the locally-produced lemon liqueur, limoncello – an ideal souvenir to take back home.
Day 4: Positano
Enjoy a day at leisure in your resort today.
Alternatively, you could choose to join an optional excursion to Positano. The journey will take you along the scenic Amalfi coastline, which offers spectacular views. Poised on towering cliffs, Positano is one of the region’s most exclusive resorts. As you explore you’ll discover many chic designer boutiques or perhaps you’ll choose to relax on the beach. This excursion will operate by boat or by coach depending on the weather conditions.
Please note that winter departures will be to Salerno to see the lights display.
Day 5: Capri
Sail to the enchanting island of Capri – a favoured spot of the international jet-set from the 1950s to the present day and the destination for today’s full-day optional excursion.
From the picturesque port of Marina Grande you will visit the hillside village of Anacapri and the wonderful Gardens of Caesar Augustus. You’ll also see the distinctive Faraglioni rocks in the company of a Local Guide.
You may find yourself lured into the exclusive boutiques of Capri Village or maybe you’ll take the chair lift (payable locally) from Anacapri to the highest point of the island from where you’ll get the chance to admire spectacular views across to the mainland.
Day 6: The Amalfi Hills
If you want to explore a little further, today’s included excursion offers you the chance to soak up the spectacular scenery of the Amalfi coastline as you head to a winery in the hills, where you can sample local wine and enjoy a spot of lunch – the perfect way to round off your Italian holiday.
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish. Why not take some time to relax and soak up the sun by your hotel’s swimming pool or on the nearby beach.
Day 7: Pompeii
Today we include a wonderful half-day excursion which is sure to be one of the highlights of your holiday. You’ll visit Pompeii, the famous Roman town that was frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD.
What remains is a fascinating collection of ruins which offer a remarkable insight into the last days of the people who lived here. In the company of a knowledgeable Local Guide, you’ll have the opportunity to wander around its ancient streets where you can admire villas decorated with brightly coloured mosaics, Roman baths, an impressive amphitheatre and bakeries which still have their bread ovens and flour grinders steadfastly intact.
The rest of the day is free for you to do as you wish.
Day 8: Naples/UK
Today you’ll transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Please note: For winter 2018 departures, the Positano optional excursion will be replaced by Salerno and the winter lights display.
