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.
Activity Areas
Cycling
E-Bike
Road Cycling
Region & Country & City
Europe: Amalfi, Italy, Positano
Included in the Price
— All breakfasts and one dinner
— All accommodation
— All transport and listed activities
— Tour leader throughout
— Group arrival and departure transfers available
— Local bike hire
Not Included In The Price
— Travel insurance
— Single accommodation (available on request)
— Visas or vaccinations
— Local city taxes (approx. €10)
— E-bike hire (available for an additional cost)
Accommodation Information
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (6 hotel, 1 agriturismo/farmhouse)
— Five days cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)
— Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Map
Itinerary
Day 1 Adventure starts 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.
Accommodation: Hotel Santa Caterina (or similar)
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.
Accommodation: Agriturismo Zio Cristoforo (or similar)
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Rita (or similar)
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Santa Lucia/Hotel 7 Bello (or similar)
Day 6 Cycle to Amalfi and Positano; climb to the Colli di San Pietro; sunset in Minori
Ride the scenic coastal road to Amalfi this morning, 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.
We then continue to Furore, Praiano and Positano, a route with views of the whole peninsula, including Capri. Then take a beautiful climb to the Colli di San Pietro, on the ridge between the Bay of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno. Finally, we return to Positano, a near-vertical town of colourful buildings, where we enjoy free time to explore, before riding back to Amalfi and then Minori in time for the sunset.
Please note: Today's exact route is decided by the tour leader, based on local conditions. This may mean the distances, ascents and descents are different to those stated below.
Accommodation: Hotel Santa Lucia/Hotel 7 Bello (or similar)
Day 7 Free day to relax or go sightseeing
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 World Heritage sites of Pompeii and Vesuvius.
Accommodation: Hotel Santa Lucia/Hotel 7 Bello (or similar)
Day 8 Adventure ends in 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.
