Cilento Coast and Mountain
5 Days Starting in Paestum, Italy and ending in Agropoli – Castellabate, Italy
Visiting: Paestum, Agropoli, Rocca Cilento, Monte Stella
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JCM
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Italy's hidden gem, the Cilento Coast and Mountain tour. Discover the untouched beauty of Cilento National Park, marvel at the ancient Greek ruins of Paestum, and wander along the pristine headland of Punta Tresino. Explore the charming fishing harbor of Santa Maria and the medieval watermills in the Valle dei Mulini. Enjoy panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast and Capri from the 'Alta Via' of Monte Stella, and visit historical villages like Galdo, Celso, Pollica, and Cannicchio. Stay in a quaint hotel in Paestum and an ancient convent in Rocca Cilento, savoring local cuisine and stunning landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival, Optional Visit To Paestum
Location: Paestum
Accommodation Name: small hotel in the countryside
Make your own way to Paestum. We strongly suggest you visit the archaeological site with its World famous Greek temples (UNESCO World Heritage) as well as the museum, which preserves the unique Diver’s Tomb, a prime example of Greek funerary painting. You will need at least two hours to do the site justice.
Accommodation: Stay one night in an attractive small hotel in the countryside just outside the walls of Paestum, on a property of two hectares. It's an ideal, tranquil setting. The hotel has its own restaurant and for those who love the sun and swimming, their pool is situated in an oasis of trees and lawn area with an outdoor bar, tables, umbrellas and deck-chairs. The hotel is also 900m from the beach and just 1.5km from the railway station.
*Paestum can be easily accessed by train from Salerno taking around 40 mins, which means that it is handy coming from the Amalfi Coast or travelling from Naples. The site with museum is huge and closes around one hour before sunset, so opening and closing times are dependent on the time of year.
Day 2 : Train To Agropoli, Walk Via Punta Tresino To Santa Maria, Transfer To Rocca Cilento 14.2Km/8.8 Miles, 4 Hours
Location: Agropoli
Accommodation Name: ancient convent
Meals Included: Dinner
You will be transferred to Paestum train station (included) to take the train to Agropoli. Today you start your walk from the train station at Agropoli. First you walk to the charming harbour with its wonderful view towards the fortified medieval town centre. You then continue to Trentova Bay from where you commence a beautiful walk along and around the headland of Punta Tresino, one of the last remaining stretches of pristine coast in this area. The coastal route passes along an inlet called ‘Vallone,’ an ancient Roman harbour. This is not far from the ruins of the tower of Punta Tresino, and near some beautiful vineyards dropping sheer to the sea. Punta Tresino is a headland with a real Mediterranean flavour and great views over the Gulf of Salerno as far as Capri. The area is also famous for its high quality wines. You walk through an unspoilt Mediterranean landscape, through forests and scrubland, beside beaches with beautiful views over the sea. Eventually you descend to the large sandy beach of Castellabate. It's worth continuing the walk along the beach until you reach the charming little fishing harbour of Santa Maria maybe for a swim and a nice gelato on the beach. You will be collected from here and taken to Rocca Cilento and your next hotel (included).
Accommodation: For the next three nights in Rocca Cilento you will stay in an ancient convent. The nuns may have disappeared years ago, but the place is hardly lacking in charm. Many of the peaceful rooms have panoramic views out over the countryside. The place is centred around the dining room and lounge, a great big stone chamber. Paulo, his wife and friends provide the most sumptuous banquets for you sourced from local ingredients. The wines and cheeses are all locally sourced including Parmesans and Mozerellas. Pasta is homemade, the wines tend to be from the very amenable and quite unusual Aglianico Grape. They also love to use a lot of local olive oil. Paulo speaks very little English, although his stepson Cosimo may be there to help.
Day 3 : Rocca Cilento: Valle Dei Mulini Circular Walk 13.5 Km/8.3 Miles, 4–5 Hours
Location: Rocca Cilento
Accommodation Name: ancient convent
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today’s circular walk from your accommodation in Rocca Cilento takes you through some of the most interesting villages in the area and into the so-called ‘Valle dei Mulini’ (Valley of the Mills, named after the many medieval watermills in this valley). Part of the path runs along the old mule track that used to connect this valley to the Greek cities of Paestum and Velia. Walk to the tiny little village of Lustra, then start to descend into the Valley of the Mills along a restored but rough footpath. Here there are remains of around 17 mills, although you won’t notice that many. The ruins are spread along the course of the stream which, though being short, had enough water to supply all these mills before flowing into the Fiumara River, which you will cross further on. Then you will climb up to the charming little hamlet of Valle Cilento, with its beautiful bell tower. The path then descends into the valley again, fords the stream and ascends steeply to the intriguing abandoned village of Massacanina. Another short but steep climb leads you onto the ridge and past the monastery of Mercato Cilento. From here a quiet panoramic road will lead you back to Rocca Cilento, dominated by its fine castle, from where views over the area are unrivalled. In the evening, you may take some time to relax on your panoramic terrace before your dinner based on local specialties.
Day 4 : Rocca Cilento: Walk Along The ‘Alta Via’ Of Monte Stella 18 Km/11.2 Miles, 5.5 Hours
Location: Monte Stella
Accommodation Name: ancient convent
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This is a beautiful panoramic walk along the Monte Stella ridge, the geographical and cultural centre of this part of the Cilento. The 'Alta Via' ('High Way') is the main mountain path of the area. It follows the whole ridge of the mountain, passing through chestnut woods to the historical site of Castelluccio, an abandoned fortress that probably dates back to the pre-Roman period, and past the Chapel of Monte Stella. If it is a clear day, the walk offers you superb views of the Amalfi Coast and Capri as far as the peninsular of Palinuro and sometimes even Sicily and the inland areas of Alburni and Monte Cervati.
The long descent towards the coast will bring you through several beautiful historical villages. The first one is the tiny medieval village of Galdo, overlooking the valley. Then come Celso, Pollica and Cannicchio with their charming medieval centres, all beautifully located on the hills. At the end of the walk you reach Acciaroli, a characteristic fishing village, where Ernest Hemingway once spent a holiday. You will be collected and taken back to your accommodation (included).
Day 5 : Breakfast & Transfer To Train Station
Location: Agropoli
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer from Rocca Cilento to Agropoli Train Station (included) for your onward travel.
What's Included
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4 breakfasts, 4 dinners
Enjoy 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners during your stay.
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4 nights twin share accommodation in a good standard hotel and a village albergo
Stay in comfortable twin share accommodation for 4 nights in a good standard hotel and a village albergo.
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Luggage transfer between Paestum and Rocca de Cilento
Your luggage will be transferred between Paestum and Rocca de Cilento.
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Transfers back to the hotel from two of the walks
Enjoy transfers back to the hotel from two of the walks.
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Transfer from Rocca Cilento to Agropolis train station on the last morning
A transfer from Rocca Cilento to Agropolis train station is provided on the last morning.
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Information pack including route notes, maps
Receive an information pack that includes route notes and maps.
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Emergency contact
Emergency contact is available during your trip.
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GPX files for the main walks
GPX files for the main walks are provided.
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Transfers include luggage transfer between Paestum and Rocca de Cilento
Transfers include luggage transfer between Paestum and Rocca de Cilento, transfers back to the hotel from two walks, and a transfer from Rocca Cilento to Agropolis train station.
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Accommodation in Paestum
Stay in a charming small hotel in Paestum with a pool and restaurant.
What's Not Included
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Lunch and beverages
Lunch and beverages are not included.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to attractions are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Travel to the start point and from the end point of the trip
Travel to the start point and from the end point of the trip is not included.
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Unscheduled transfers during the trip
Unscheduled transfers during the trip are not included.
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A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room.
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Guide - this is a self guided holiday
This is a self-guided holiday, so a guide is not included.
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City tax - payable locally at the accommodations
City tax is payable locally at the accommodations.
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City Tax 2-4 Euros per day, per person locally payable to the accommodations
City tax of 2-4 Euros per day, per person is payable locally to the accommodations.
Mode of Transport
Transfers include luggage transfer between Paestum and Rocca de Cilento, transfers back to the hotel from two walks, and a transfer from Rocca Cilento to Agropolis train station.
Accommodation
Stay in a charming small hotel in Paestum with a pool and restaurant, and an ancient convent in Rocca Cilento with panoramic views and sumptuous local dinners.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
You will stay in a charming small hotel in Paestum with a pool and restaurant for one night, and in an ancient convent in Rocca Cilento with panoramic views and sumptuous local dinners for the remaining three nights.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided between Paestum and Rocca de Cilento.
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What kind of support is available during the walks?
You will receive an information pack including route notes and maps, GPX files for the main walks, and emergency contact is available during your trip.
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Are there any transfers included in the tour?
Yes, transfers include luggage transfer between Paestum and Rocca de Cilento, transfers back to the hotel from two walks, and a transfer from Rocca Cilento to Agropolis train station on the last morning.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks?
The tour does not specify a difficulty level, but the walks range from 4 to 5.5 hours and cover distances between 13.5 km to 18 km.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided holiday, so a guide is not included.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Highlights include visiting the Greek ruins of Paestum, walking along the headland of Punta Tresino, exploring the Valley of the Mills with its medieval watermills, and walking along the 'Alta Via' of Monte Stella with views of the Amalfi Coast and Capri.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts in Paestum, Italy, and ends at Agropoli – Castellabate, Italy.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, additional costs not included are lunch and beverages, entrance fees, travel insurance, travel to the start point and from the end point of the trip, unscheduled transfers during the trip, a supplement for solo travelers or single rooms, and city tax of 2-4 Euros per day, per person payable locally at the accommodations.
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Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
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Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
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Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
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How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
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Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.