Compare Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast by Exodus Travels vs A Week In... Naples, Capri & Amalfi 2022 by Tauck
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 2,490 | $ 7,290 |
| Price Per Day | $ 311 | $ 911 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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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. | N/A |
| 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 |
Rediscover the luxuries of Naples, Capri and the Amalfi Coast with an authentic look at la dolce vita... inviting you to experience life in southern Italy and Campania as a local, with stays at accommodations in the Leading Hotels in the World. |
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 Arrive Naples
Tour Begins: 6:00 PM, Grand Hotel Vesuvio. A transfer is included upon arrival from Naples International Airport or Naples train station to the Grand Hotel Vesuvio, ideally located in Naple's pedestrian area of Santa Lucia, overlooking the enchanting Bay of Naples, the island of Capri and Mount Vesuvius. Enjoy views of the sea during your three-night stay at this celebrated hotel, boasting a legacy of service and setting that made it a favorite for such famous guests as opera singer Enrico Caruso, who called it his "Neapolitan" home. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner.
MEALS : D
LODGING : Grand Hotel Vesuvio
PORTOFCALL : Naples, Italy
Day 2 Neapolitan Delights
Culturally rich with historic treasures that date back millennia to the days of the Greeks and Romans, Naples invites discovery at every turn. Begin the day with a guided visit to the Naples Archaeological Museum, whose exhibits include ancient mosaics found under the ashes of Mt. Vesuvius. Then a late-morning walking tour leads you through the "Spaccanapoli" – the narrow, "split" backstreets that cut Naples in two – where the character of the Old Town comes alive in alleyways lined with artisan workshops, cafés, squares, ancient churches, merchants' shops and balconied apartments where neighbors greet passersby. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant renowned for its pizza – a dish which is said to have been invented in Naples. The rest of the day is free to explore as you wish, with many restaurants conveniently located steps from your hotel, for dinner as you please.
MEALS : B, L
LODGING : Grand Hotel Vesuvio
PORTOFCALL : Naples, Italy
Day 3 The island of Ischia
Board a high-speed ferry bound for the island of Ischia across the Gulf of Naples today, where a locally guided sightseeing tour includes a visit to the medieval Aragonese Castle. Dating back to 474 BC, the castle sits atop a rocky island peninsula and reigns over the sea in a mix of ancient watchtowers, churches and monasteries steeped in romance and regal lore. Next, enjoy a lovely coastal drive en route to a farmhouse lunch at a local agriturismo near Forio. Continue on to the picturesque fishing village of Sant'Angelo for some free time to explore as you wish. From Forio, head back via high-speed ferry to Naples; spend the remainder of the day and evening just as you please in Napoli.
MEALS : B, L
LODGING : Grand Hotel Vesuvio
PORTOFCALL : Naples, Italy
Day 4 Herculaneum & A Ferry to Capri
Visit the ash-covered city of Herculaneum today, learning firsthand about this ancient Roman town that was frozen in time when nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. A city of some 4,000+ inhabitants, well-preserved Herculaneum was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for providing "an authentic picture of society and daily life at a specific moment in the past that is without parallel anywhere in the world." See multi-storied homes, complete with doors, staircases and furnishings, vivid frescoes and mosaics, as you explore the archaeological site with an expert guide. Drive back to Naples, viewing iconic piazzas and historic buildings representing the former Kingdom of Naples. Ride a high-speed ferry to the island of Capri. Private convertible cars will be waiting to chauffeur you to your historic villa hotel, your elegant home for the next two nights.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Grand Hotel Quisisana
PORTOFCALL : Capri, Italy
Day 5 Charms of Capri and Anacapri
A private convertible car will drive you like a VIP today up to Anacapri for a guided walking tour of the town, highlighting the local specialties of the island, from perfume to colorful ceramics and sandals. Visit Villa San Michele, built by Swedish doctor Axel Munthe at the turn of the 20th century atop the ruins of Roman Emperor Tiberius' ancient villa; the elegant villa itself, its beautiful gardens decorated with ancient artifacts, and its incredible views of Capri and its harbor are stunning – you'll also have an opportunity to enjoy them from the water on a cruise around the island. Spend the remainder of the day experiencing the charms of Capri at your leisure.
MEALS : B
LODGING : Grand Hotel Quisisana
PORTOFCALL : Capri, Italy
Day 6 Via Sorrento to the Amalfi Coast
Ferry back to the mainland today en route to a two-night stay in Amalfi. After lunch at a restaurant in Sorrento, drive along the incomparable Amalfi Coast to the 19th-century cliffside Hotel Santa Caterina, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, built on a rock overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Spend the afternoon and evening luxuriating in the setting and views of your hotel; with a private beach club, heated saltwater pool and two seaside restaurants, it is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a true taste of la dolce vita.
MEALS : B, L
LODGING : Hotel Santa Caterina
PORTOFCALL : Amalfi, Italy, Sorrento, Italy
Day 7 Breathtaking Sights of Amalfi & Ravello
Prepare to be awed today with scenic beauty that takes your breath away as you explore the lemon-scented towns of the Amalfi Coast. Enjoy time to soak in Amalfi, a maritime powerhouse in the 11th century, and the Piazza Duomo, taking the opportunity to ascend the 62-step stairway to the cathedral if you're game. Drive along a narrow winding road, past olive and lemon trees, up to the glamorous 5th-century village of Ravello; founded as a sanctuary for barbarian invaders, today it is a haven of sophistication and style. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before strolling through the gardens at 13th-century Villa Rufolo, overlooking the sea, that inspired Richard Wagner's dream garden in his opera, Parsifal. Return to Amalfi for a relaxing late afternoon, followed by a farewell reception and dinner at your hotel.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Hotel Santa Caterina
PORTOFCALL : Amalfi, Italy
Day 8 Journey Home
Tour ends: Naples. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Hotel Santa Caterina in Amalfi to Naples International Airport or the Naples train station. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check in at the airport.
MEALS : B
PORTOFCALL : Amalfi, Italy
