Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast
8 Days Starting in Palinuro and ending in Minori
Visiting: Palinuro, Cilento National Park, Cape Palinuro, Paestum, Minori, Amalfi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MWO
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
5 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishActivities:
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 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start in Palinuro, on the southern coast of Cilento National Park
Location: Palinuro
Accommodation Name: Hotel Santa Caterina (or similar)
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
Location: Cilento National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Location: Cape Palinuro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Location: Paestum
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Location: Minori
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 to Amalfi and Positano; climb to the Colli di San Pietro; sunset in Minori
Location: Amalfi
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
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.
Location: Amalfi
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Location: Minori
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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All breakfasts and one dinner
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All accommodation
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All transport and listed activities
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Tour leader throughout
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Local bike hire
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Group arrival and departure transfers available
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Visas or vaccinations
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Local city taxes (approximately €10)
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E-bike hire
Food
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.
Accommodation
Stay in three- and four-star hotels and spend one night in an agriturismo – a beautifully converted farmhouse. All have either a swimming pool or beach nearby, which will be greatly appreciated in summer.
Palinuro: Hotel Santa Caterina or Hotel La Conchiglia (nights 1-2)
Our first two nights are spent in either Santa Caterina (Above) or La Conchiglia. The former is a family-owned hotel that’s home to the oldest ice cream shop in Palinuro. There’s also a restaurant serving regional dishes with fresh produce. The latter has a Mediterranean restaurant with a terrace offering sea and cliff views. Head there for drinks from the lounge bar – sunset is the ideal time to enjoy a national cocktail while gazing over Capo Palinuro.
Casal Velino: Agriturismo Zio Cristoforo (night 3)
Within Cilento National Park, this farmstay is a peaceful retreat in the Italian countryside. Take a dip in the palm-shaded swimming pool, which is built from local stone, or pull up a lounger to soak in the sun. In the evening, head to the restaurant for typical local produce and perhaps try the red or white wine made on site.
Paestum: Hotel Villa Rita (night 4)
The family-run Villa Rita occupies a converted farm, with the manor house, stables and barns all enjoying a new life in hospitality. Now the property has pine-scented gardens with a sun lounger-lined pool. There’s also a traditional bistro where dishes are created with local ingredients from local producers.
Minori: Hotel Santa Lucia (nights 5-7)
In Minori, we normally stay at the Santa Lucia. The Sammarco family has owned this 25-room, Mediterranean-style hotel for more than 50 years. It has an ideal location, just moments from a sandy beach, plus a seasonal solarium with a bar. Elsewhere, there’s the Garum restaurant, which serves traditional dishes from the Amalfi Coast. We also use alternative hotels in Minori on some departures, including Hotel Panorama.
Check out our Q&As
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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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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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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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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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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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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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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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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.
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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.
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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.
