The Amalfi Coast and Cilento
Cycling Level (short route)
Cycling Level (long route)
11 days 10 nights
4 nights Half Board and 6 night B&B
from €2,150 per person (sharing a twin/double room)
Contact
If you wish to enquire about this tour please contact us on +44(0)1225 315787 email: enquiries@vyvigo.co.uk
Guided: minimum 6 people
8 Stages / 1 Rest day
Total distance short route: 691 km Total climb 10500 mts
average mileage: 86 km/day
average climb: 1300 mts/day
Total distance long route: 770 km Total climb 12300 mts
average mileage: 96 km/day
average climb: 1530 mts/day
This glamorous coastline awaits us but not before cycling the quiet roads and breathtaking coastal routes of Basilicata and Parco del Cilento. Our accommodation will be located either on the beach or very close to it but don't be misled: this will be a rather mountainous cycling trip. The cuisine is renowned and rightly so. The ingredients are strictly local: handmade pasta, mouthwatering mozzarella di bufala, precious olive oil, lush vegetables, fresh fish, delicious meats and, dulcis in fundo, the finest pastry with homemade Limoncello.
our price Includes:
4 nights Half Board accommodation in Agriturismo
6 night B&B accommodation in 4 star hotel
Baggage transfers throughout the tour
On-call assistance
Daily maps and cue sheets
Cycling guide (for groups of minimum 6 cyclists)
Full van support throughout the tour (for groups of minimum 6 cyclists)
The itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival Naples
Today we meet you at the airport and transfer to our accommodation. Our cycling trip begins in the magnificent scenery of Paestum Temples and, after your arrival we visit Ciclidea, the best bike shop in the area where it's also possible to rent a good bike for the trip. We then either walk through the Temples (most striking at sunset) or relax beside the pool at the Agriturismo before dinner. Our host produces many of the local delicacies including a superb buffalo mozzarella.
Day 2:
Stage 1: Paestum (loop) 97 km - 1500 mts total climb
We start the day climbing the switchbacks up to Capaccio where we will be greeted by an open highland. The road is cut between the rock and the abyss, giving us the first views of the wild landscapes typical of the Parco Nazionale del Cilento. We stop for a cappuccino break in Monteforte followed by a winding descent in the oak forest and another climb before reaching Cicerale. Here we stop for a picnic lunch in the shade of a chestnut forest, after which a long descent will lead us back to Paestum.
Day 3:
Stage 2: Paestum - Palinuro 88 km - 900 mts total climb
Today we head south on the gently rolling coastal route riding along beaches in the shade of century-old olive tree. Our cappuccino break will take place just before the going gets tough. The old road turns inland to Ascea and Pisciotta, two beautiful villages built when Saracen pirates were a big problem, meaning that both are reachable but only after hard climbs. A seafood lunch in a restaurant hanging over the mighty sea will be a welcome reward for our efforts. The journey resumes on a long descent to our hotel located on the beach in Palinuro.
Day 4:
Stage 3: Palinuro (loop) 102km - 1900 mts total climb
Today we again cycle the the hills of the Parco Nazionale del Cilento. A first tough climb is followed by a long descent after which a second climb follows, long but regular, until we reach Rocccagloriosa for our cappuccino break. Snaking through the greenery, the road is very quiet and after crossing the Mingardo river, we tackle the longest climb to Montano Antilia, the highest pass of the day. After a well deserved lunch we ride on a highland to Cuccaro Vetere where the long and winding descent back to Palinuro begins.
Day 5:
Stage 4:
Long route 81 km - 1550 mts total climb
Short route 70 km - 1200 mts total climb
Today we resume our southbound ride along the breathtaking Cilento coast. The terrain is flat until we reach charming Marina di Camerota where a 10 km climb begins. The views from every hairpin bend offer a welcome distraction from the painful climb. A long descent takes us down to the Gulf of Policastro and after a few flat miles we enter Basilicata. The coast gets rugged again and we keep roller coasting above the mighty sea. The short climb to beautiful Maratea is a suitable conclusion for the ride but if you feel like doing some extra climbing you'll be rewarded with a unique view. Our fine hotel in Marina di Maratea has a private beach and a pool.
Day 6:
Stage 5: Maratea (loo)
Long route 125k - 2600mts total climb
Short route 83k - 1600mts total climb
The next tough stage is entirely set in Basilicata region. A first climb gets us to Trecchina, a charming village surrounded by chestnut woods. After the winding descent down to the Noce river we climb again to Lauria where we stop for a refreshment. Here a detour takes the more fit toward Monte Sirino, the toughest climb of the tour and the set of some memorable Giro stages. It's a 15 km climb with long sections beyond the 10% gradient to get to the Lago Laudemio at 1,530 mts. You will then need to fasten your seat belts for the winding descent to Lagonegro. The two routes join at Lago Sirino where we meet for lunch. After one or two espressos we cycle a mostly descending and very pleasant ride back.
Day 7:
Rest Day
Today we have plenty of time for a swim in the sea or some shopping in the traditional bodegas of Maratea. We will then drive back to the same lovely Agriturismo in Paestum.
Day 8:
Stage 6: Paestum (loop) 103 km - 1400 mts total climb
Today we ride in the foothills of the Monti Alburni. The stage is a long one but the climbs are easy that will always lead to charming villages. We stop at Castelcivita for cappuccino and at Corleto for lunch with a long descent back interrupted by the climb to Roccadaspide. When we arrive back at the Agriturismo we will find our hosts already busy preparing another unforgettable dinner.
Day 9:
Stage 7: Paestum-Amalfi 89 km - 950 mts total climb
Today we move north to the Costiera Amalfitana following an absolutely flat coastal route to Salerno. We cross the town along the lungomare and soon reach Vietri sul Mare where we get our first view of the fabulous Costiera. Over the centuries, both nature and man have here created a miracle of beauty. We leisurely ride the breathtaking coastal route to Maiori where we turn inland for the tough climb to Valico Chiunzi. After the summit we stop in the village of Tramonti and, as it’s aperitif time, we visit a cantina for a wine tasting and a fine lunch. We then visit the small laboratory of one of the finest limoncello producers and after a tasting of this special nectar, we set off for a spectacular seascaped descent stopping for a stroll in splendid Ravello. Our 4 star hotel is in Amalfi, right above the Costiera.
Day 10:
Stage 8: Amalfi (loop) 59 km - 1100 mts total climb
Our final day will be spent in its entirety along the Costiera Amalfitana. A very early start is required in order to fully enjoy this spectacular road that hangs between mountain and sea. Taking our time for photos, we cruise down to the glamorous town centre of Positano. To top a unique and unforgettable ride we gather our residual strength to face the hairpin bends of the Agerola. The 12 km climb, lined with lemon trees and grape terraces, rewards us with incomparable views. Our tour ends right in front of the landmark recalling the memorable climbs of Italy's most beloved cycling champion: Fausto Coppi, Il Campionissimo. Looking down we can view, against the blue background of the sea, the many ribbons of road that we’ve just climbed and that we are about to celebrate with a toast and a pasta specialty. After lunch there will be more thrills and unforgettable views on the long descent to Amalfi. After the farewell dinner we go for a stroll in town and a last chance at the superb local pastry.
Day 11:
Today we transfer you back to the airport in Napoli for your journey back home.
Extras
Flights
Lunches, beverages and one dinner
Single room supplement of €400
Transfers from and to airport
Bike hire: from €220 (includes cycle computer, repair kit, pump, lock)
Gratuities and items of a personal nature
Bicycle case storage
For groups of 4 or more:
All our cycling itineraries can be customised to your specific tastes and requirements.