Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast
Experience 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.
Profile
— Six nights three- and four-star hotels and one night agriturismo — 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 — Mainly undulating with a few steady climbs; 100 percent paved roads —
E-bikes available for an additional cost — Option to travel by train to your adventure
At a Glance
— Six nights three- and four-star hotels and one night agriturismo — 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 — Mainly undulating with a few steady climbs; 100 percent paved roads —
E-bikes available for an additional cost — Option to travel by train to your adventure
Trip For You
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Riding is all on paved roads (some sections may be pot-holed). The route is undulating with a few steady hills and some steeper, more challenging uphill sections of 2.5mi-4.3mi (4km-7km). We cycle mainly on quiet roads, although they get much busier around Amalfi and Positano. A moderately good level of fitness and some training are required prior to the trip.
Group Description
The group will generally be between five and 16 people. There will be a local cycling leader and an assistant leader driving the support vehicle.
Eating Drinking
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.
Transportation
Transfers to and from the airport will be by private vehicle (normally minibus). On Day 5 we take a train from Paestum to Salerno. While cycling, the vehicle will carry your baggage and be on hand to assist. A guide cycles with the group.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time on the first day of this trip. The tour leader will provide a welcome briefing in the morning of Day 2.
Airport: Naples International Airport (NAP)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is in Palinuro, approximately a 2hr 30min drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but we recommend joining the group transfer where possible. However, you can take a bus to Naples train station from the airport and then get the train to Pisciotta-Palinuro. The journey takes about two hours and should cost around €15. Once you arrive at Pisciotta-Palinuro, you can get a taxi to the hotel. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport that's scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
Southern Italy is hot and dry in summer, with cooler but slightly damper spring and autumn periods; expect mild, damp winters at coastal levels. Rainfall is more common in the winter months with an average of one day in three affected. Unseasonable cold spells are possible at any time of year, during which time you will need warm clothes. It is very important to be equipped for cooler weather in early- and late-season departures.
Spending Money
Budget between €10 and €15 for lunches, depending on whether you choose a set menu in a cafe or restaurant. Approximately €20-€30 should be enough for an evening meal including drinks.
Optional trips
— Full-day trip to Vesuvio and Pompeii: Private transfer cost €280-€500 per vehicle depending on group size. — Half-day trip to Vesuvio or Pompeii: Private transfer cost €180-€380 per vehicle depending on group size. — Entrance ticket to Pompeii: €15 per person — Entrance ticket to Vesuvio: €10 per person — Optional two-hour guided tour in Pompeii €100/150
Local taxes: Many Italian cities have introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration oversees the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually between €0.50 and €1.50 per person per night. For this trip, please allow between €5 and €10, depending on the season, for the week.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus, however most of our clients wish to give a tip to their guides and in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the service received. If you feel you would like to leave a tip, as a guide we would suggest approximately €20 for the leader and €10-€15 shared between other staff, such as private bus drivers, where appropriate.
Highlights
— Discover the two faces of Campania by bike: peaceful Cilento and the lively Amalfi Coast — Explore Cilento National Park, riding along South Italy’s best-preserved coastline — Hop back 2,500 years with a stay near the ancient Greek city of Paestum — Cycle to Minori past sheer cliffs and lemon terraces: one of the world’s most scenic coastal roads — Visit classic Amalfi Coast towns and villages, including Positano and Amalfi itself
Trip Details
Product Code: 4398
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: he group.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: MWO
Starts: Palinuro, Amalfi
Finishes: Palinuro, Amalfi
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
— All breakfasts and one dinner — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Local bike hire — Group arrival and departure transfers availableAccommodation
Hotels and agriturismoStay 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) 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.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,610 ($451 /day)
Itinerary
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Alan Chandler - Traveled, March 2014
The holiday I didn't know I needed A lovely itinerary, brilliant leader, really nice group, trip well paced and everything was so thoughtfully organised. Most Inspirational Moment There wasn't just one - the whole thing was great, riding without my sunglasses so I could enjoy the colour of the hills and think how lucky I am that I can do trips like this. Thoughts on Group Leader - Paolo is an excellent leader - He was calm and clear throughout - Our safety was paramount in his mind and he was always looking out for us - The organisation was excellent, always lovely lunches and dinners - a lot of that seemed down to the relationships Paolo in his network - Not only was he accomplished in the area of cycling, he is also clearly passionate about the history of the region and its impact on society - He also had great support staff such as Emilio and Raphaello Advice for Potential Travellers Some people ponder over the 3 / moderate rating - I think it's accurate as we took plenty of (needed) breaks to recharge. However there are plenty of hills and so inevitably there will be challenging moments. It was a really friendly group - ranging in age from 49 to 82 - and a mix of standard and e-bikes, so there was something for everyone. Suggestions The route was beautiful and we enjoyed fantastic food. By the time we finished the trip there was no one under 50 left. :) That might have involved a big birthday!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2024
Kate Alexander - Traveled, September 2023
Variety, stunning cycling and a great group leader This was a truly lovely trip with a range of experiences and highlights. Starting in the quieter and underrated region to the south and finishing in the much more touristy area of Amalfi, the scenery is – of course – beautiful throughout, the hotels are good and the food delicious. Paulo is a superb guide. He and his assistant Emilio (and other members of the local team when needed) worked tirelessly to make sure we had the best possible holiday – nothing was too much trouble. Everything was super-organised and well-communicated with a briefing each evening about what to expect the next day. And we learned lots about Italy – from its ancient past to the issues it faces today, with insight about plants, agriculture and tourism – and anything we wanted to know or discuss – along the way. It’s an undulating route and there are some long hills – but the gradient is steady and (mostly) reasonable and there’s no shortage of rewarding views. The final day from Minori to Sorrento and back comes in at around 1,500m elevation (according to Strava), although there’s the option to go in the van for the long steep climb out of Sorrento. However, this trip is not for the faint-hearted – the Amalfi Coast road is stunning, but very busy with traffic (even for someone that cycles in London); cars, buses, lorries, scooters, etc pass constantly and often pretty close. In some ways it’s all part of the vibe, but it’s potentially unnerving for less experienced riders. Most Inspirational Moment Hard to pick just one… Thoughts on Group Leader Echoing everything said in previous reviews and noted above, Paulo is an exceptional group leader - highly-experienced, confidence-inspiring, knowledgeable, calm and affable , he makes the tour the success that it is. Advice for Potential Travellers Definitely worth doing some hill practice beforehand! Suggestions The Exodus customer experience between booking the trip and setting off could be improved. For example, it would be nice to have more options – or at least some practical information - about getting to and from the start and end points of the tour for people not using the (fairly restrictive) group transfer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/03/2023
Janet Wells - Traveled, May 2023
Exodus Travels Holiday Feedback What a Wonderful Cycling Holiday We have just returned from the “Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast” trip and have had a wonderful time throughout. We made our own way from Manchester early before the Cycling part of our holiday and met “Paolo” our most excellent Tour Guide at Napoli Airport to join the party to get the transfer to our 1st Base. Paolo is a most excellent guide and we have enjoyed his expertise and knowledge throughout the trip. He put us all at ease straight away and always explained what was going to happen and we thoroughly enjoyed his daily briefings for the next stages of the trip. The Support Staff and Vehicle throughout the Cycling Days was fantastic for water top ups, Bananas and Nuts for extra energy was most welcome especially on the 3 Long cycling days. Paolo was fully supportive throughout the whole Holiday experience and catered for the varied cycling experience. The Accommodation at each location was excellent and there were a number of Group Meals (we pay for) arranged although you could opt out of a couple we did not as we enjoyed the company of the other holiday riders. The Local Foods were amazing to try and see for the 1st time. The Final Hotel and Location in Minori was most excellent. Although some of the days riding was tough in parts (remember it hilly here) it was a thoroughly enjoyable holiday and thankfully we had put some longer ride practice in at home before hand. I am not ashamed to say the Gel Seat I brought with me meant no pains for the whole holiday. There were some new additions to the itinerary which needs updating on the schedule info and the addition to the last day to Sorento was excellent – Well worth that final big 4k hill out of Sorento. If you like Cycling you will thoroughly enjoy this trip and experiences. Most Inspirational Moment There were many but being able to complete the famous 4k hill out of Sorento on the last day without stopping was one of the best highlights and gave you the energy to complete the rest of the day along the Amalfi Coast Road. Thoughts on Group Leader Paolo is a most excellent guide and we have enjoyed his expertise and knowledge throughout the trip. He put us all at ease straight away and always explained what was going to happen and we thoroughly enjoyed his daily briefings for the next stages of the trip. He always doubled back to check on the riders especially those at the back. Paolo was a Skilled communicator and always dealt with issues professionally and calmly. Also a special shout out for the Support Staff and Vehicle throughout the Cycling Days was fantastic for water top ups, Bananas and Nuts for extra energy was most welcome especially on the 3 Long cycling days. Paolo was fully supportive throughout the whole Holiday experience and catered for the varied cycling experience. Advice for Potential Travellers Yes I would advise to consider Gel seat Cover as there are varied seat types, although they can change seats if required. The Gel seat cover ensured I never suffered throughout the long rides. Small Phone / Item Bag is provided on front of bike so you do not need to bring your own. Make sure you practice some long days riding using any new cycling shorts equipment etc to test it out for your liking.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/04/2023
Paul Green - Traveled, September 2022
What a great week! Everything about this holiday I found very enjoyable. It was October and the holiday season was drawing to a close but the sea was warm and inviting. The cycling was manageable and took us to interesting and historical locations. The week was varied, beginning in the little known Cilento region, which was quiet and pretty, with picturesque stopping off places, including beautiful villages. From the amazing historic town of Paestum we caught a train to Salerno and continued our tour cycling along the dramatic and busy Amalfi coast. Our leader, Paulo and his assistant Emilio did an excellent job and they had their work cut out as there were 17 of us. The day it rained heavily we took a bus and walked around Amalfi and Ravello. The food was really delicious. I even developed a taste for Lemoncello! The hotels were very good, my favourites were the ones with pools. The agritourismo we stayed in was in a lovely location and their meals were delicious. I particularly liked the bruchetta they served for breakfast made with local oil and tomatoes. Most Inspirational Moment Our last and longest cycle was from Minori to Sorrento, which was 77km. Dropping down the incline along quiet, windy lane into Sorrento was great after the ride along the coast. Thoughts on Group Leader Paolo, our group leader was outstanding. He's well organised and calm. He has excellent communication skills, masses of local knowledge and loads of Italian charm. Advice for Potential Travellers Take lots of layers as the weather in October can be changeable. I was pleased I took waterproof footwear. Suggestions Cycle Cilento & Amalfi is the most enjoyable Exodus cycling trip I've been on. I would recommend it. The combination of great scenery, history, culture, food and weather are hard to beat.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/03/2022
Dona Wallace - Traveled, September 2018
Great Cycling, Food and Sights in Southern Italy - Cilento & Amalfi Coast Fantastic trip. This was our first guided group cycling trip and our first trip to Italy. Loved the mix of cycling and culture. We enjoyed interacting with our fellow travelers very much as we shared the journey. There is a great variety of cycling with beautiful views throughout: from steady climbs, fun descents, undulating rolling and winding roads, long stretches in the quiet countryside, and exciting sections of busy but good flowing coastal traffic, Besides cycling, we also got to do some swimming and to boat into a lovely blue grotto. The food and scenery on this trip is really wonderful. We had amazing lunches in beautiful spots every day. Our bikes worked very well and were well cared for. On our final free day, Paulo led a (steep) hike up to Ravello and down to Amalfi. This hike into the orchards and quiet areas above the tourist-heavy centers was a beautiful trek that deepened our appreciation for the region’s culture and history. Others in our group enjoyed their free day in Pompeii or Capri. Most Inspirational Moment Riding up to the temples in Pasteum at sunset was a wonderful moment after a ~60km day. It capped a day filled with rolling on quiet roads, through small towns, swimming in the Mediterranean, and enjoying lovely food and drink. Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader, Paulo, made the trip a pleasure with well-thought out routing and pacing of the day. Paulo was very knowledgeable and passionate about the region. We also very much appreciated Raffaele, who followed the group with the van, provided water and the bike mechanic support, and gave a lift on the few occassions someone in the group needed it. Often he helped guide us through busy intersections. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for some climbing and descending. The trip notes are very accurate regarding the elevation gain/loss, distance and type of terrain for each day. Be ready to encounter the heavier scooter and car traffic on Amalfi coast so you are comfortable in this busier section.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2018
Alison Jones - Traveled, September 2018
Cilento and amalfi Coast cycling A lovely ride, some challenges but never daunting. Suitable for all levels..e bikes, leisure riders and more competitive people. Stunning scenery but also great places of interest to visit…eg paestum, mozzarella farm, . Great food. Excellent, caring staff. Good to see cliento…less known than the amalfi Coast so less crowded but a beautiful bit of Italy. Good to have time on the last day to see the amalfi Coast by boat…very different view of the landscape. Most Inspirational Moment Lots...paestum was surprising. Maybe also the gorge....where was it? Thoughts on Group Leader Brilliant. Knowledgable, friendly, caring, kept the group together...not always easy. Went beyond his duties. Dealt well with a group member who needed to be hospitalised.....good feedback to group. Advice for Potential Travellers Go for it...whatever your age. And if you are worried...E bikes are an option. ....though not for everyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/10/2018
Kate Ferguson - Traveled, September 2022
Memorable trip with amazing scenery and great guide There is lots of variety in this trip – some lighter days but also some quite challenging days of cycling, but you will be rewarded with some spectacular scenery. (Several people had e-bikes which made cycling together as a group much easier as variety of different levels of fitness).We were lucky to have a great group of people which made all the activities more enjoyable including breaks for swimming and beaching, visits to historical ruins, walking in beautiful Amalfi towns centres, visits to cathedrals and churches and hill top villages. Don’t expect to lose weight on this holiday….lovely Italian food including pizza famous in Southern Italy. The trip was as successful as it was because of our wonderful guide Paolo. Most Inspirational Moment Standing at the top of a challenging climb looking at the sparkling sea and gazing at the beautiful Positano on Amalfi coast in the warm Autumn sunshine! There is a huge sense of achievement and camaraderie when you bond together with new friends while taking on new challenges together. Thoughts on Group Leader Paolo was a fantastic leader - his warm calm demeanour was just what was required and he was friendly, organised and inspired confidence. Throughout the tour he was able to give lots of information about the local area and history. He kept control of 17 cyclists on some difficult roads and was although allowed cyclists of different abilities to challenge themselves, he took safety seriously and made sure everyone obeyed the sensible rules he set to keep us all safe. Advice for Potential Travellers If you are a nervous cyclist this is not the trip for you - particularly on the Amalfi coast there is a narrow coastal road with lots of traffic and coaches and you have to keep your wits about you. Also if you like lounging about and being solitary, like many of these cycling trips the itinerary is quite "full on" with lots of activities, socialising, moving to different areas with not too much down time. But we has so much fun, saw so much of this beautiful area and the lesser known spectacular Cilento National Park and had the chance to really explore a beautiful part of Italy. Suggestions Accommodation was generally of a high standard (Exodus I would consider trying to seek an alternative hotel at Paestum, having to choose food on arrival, poor overpriced meal and strange breakfast arrangement but perhaps this was due to post Covid staff shortages)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2022
Diane Ross - Traveled, May 2019
Amazing Trip- The Cilento/Amalfi cycling trip was wonderful. Alessandro our guide went above and beyond to make it a great experience. He was outstanding.The countryside was beautiful and the rides were great! Most Inspirational Moment Conversations with some of the other members of the group. Thoughts on Group Leader He was simply the best-always making sure we were taken care of in every respect. He was enthusiastic and a really wonderful person to connect with. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you are in good shape otherwise get an ebike! Make sure you bring some cash as some places will not take card for drinks etc. Suggestions I did not love the agritourismo on the 3rd night. IT was kind of dumpy and the people were not very friendly. I think this was a consensus among the group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2019
Fiona Winter - Traveled, April 2019
Scenic cycling A lovely tour through beautiful countryside. Challenging climbs rewarded by stunning views and downhills. Pity that both the olive oil tasting and the visit to the museum of the Mediterranean diet (film crew took precedence apparently) did not happen and the bad sea conditions cancelled the boat trip. The visit to the buffalo mozzarella farm was a bit of a disappointment for us as farmers. I had hoped a worker would show us round rather than Paolo who knew less than I did. Also we were not allowed to see any cheese being made or see inside the dairy, all rather frustrating. Amalfi itself is just one big tourist trap but Ravello is really worth the climb and an enchanting place, the garden there is magical. All together a great holiday, but a bit more attention could be paid to the attractions en route. Most Inspirational Moment The town of Ravello and the stunning walk up and down to it. Thoughts on Group Leader Paolo kept us well looked after and safe, especially when riding in traffic. Nobody got left behind or stressed by the pace and he was always there when we needed him. Advice for Potential Travellers If you fancy the trip but don’t think you can manage the cycling use an electric bike, they are great!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/19/2019
Dominic Rennie - Traveled, May 2018
Superb Cycle Trip This trip offers the chance to experience both a quiet rural part of Italy (Cilento) and then the hustle and excitement of the Amalfi coast. The trip was very well planned and executed throughout. It is physically tough in places with some long climbs and could be classed as a ‘4’ rather than ‘3’ but this makes it all the more rewarding. The scenery is breathtaking – especially in Amalfi. This, along with the exceptional Italian cuisine, and a couple of espressos keeps motivation and morale high and the miles effortlessly tick away. Most Inspirational Moment Reaching the highest point along the Amalfi Coastal road and stopping to look back along the coast where we had cycled from. Thoughts on Group Leader Alessandro was extremely attentive, a fountain of knowledge and had a great sense of humour. He had some unique insights into Cilento - his local region where he also farms. He effortlessly managed to knit together a group with mixed levels of fittness. Advice for Potential Travellers The support van is never that far away and there is a small bag on the bike so there is no need to take a rucksack, pump tools etc. Just a water bottle (refilled from the van whenever required), small camera and wallet. I took SPDs and shoes which are great if you use them.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2018
Peter Vogel - Traveled, May 2018
Another fantastic holiday. A superb opportunity to cycle through the Albanian mountains. Great food, cheap beer and lovely weather. Tremendous. Most Inspirational Moment The last day was a fantastic challenge. Thoughts on Group Leader A lovely person, helpful and kind. A real gent. Advice for Potential Travellers Tale a small towel to wipe away the sweat!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/03/2018
Wendy Pillar - Traveled, March 2018
One of the best cycling trips This trip exceeded my expectations. The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful everywhere. The food was amazing, and the cycling was varied and fun. Most Inspirational Moment Visiting the home of the Mediterranean diet was inspirational. Not only was it interesting information, but Pioppi is pretty much paradise, and we had some of the most delicious food I have ever eaten for lunch with one of the best views on the entire planet. The picnic on the beach of fresh bread, mozzarella, tomatoes and strawberries was pretty special too. Thoughts on Group Leader Paolo was an excellent leader, so well organized he made it look easy. He managed the different abilities of the group well, picked the perfect places to eat and was always full of local knowledge. Advice for Potential Travellers As long as you can ride 30 miles or so and go up a decent hill, the cycling is fine. Going in April is lovely as it is much quieter (although the Amalfi coast was still very busy) and there are wildflowers everywhere. However, it's a bit cold for swimming, and you need clothing for variable weather. Most days were warm and sunny though.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2018
Chris Kelly - Traveled, September 2017
First cycling holiday This was my first cycling holiday and what a way to start. Firstly let me start by talking about the guide & driver/mechanic These guys made the holiday always went above & beyond nothing was too much trouble holiday was amazing disagree with the rating of 3 was hard but you need to push yourself. Thanks again guys great job ???? Most Inspirational Moment Getting to the top of those bloody hills!!! Thoughts on Group Leader Alessandro was amazing he was like one of the group Advice for Potential Travellers Train before you book at least 6 weeks
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2017
Sarah Byrom - Traveled, October 2017
Cycle Cilento, Amalfi Coast This was the first Exodus trip I’ve done and I can honestly say it’s one of the best holidays I’ve ever had. Our tour guide, Alessandro, was EXCELLENT, so helpful, hard working, knowledgable and friendly. Nothing was too much bother, he really did go the extra mile to ensure we all had a great holiday sharing all his local knowledge and taking us to some fantastic places. If you like mountainous national parks, stunning coast lines, amazing food and some golden sun then this is the tour for you! The only thing I would say is that there are definitely some steep ascents involved so if you’re not feeling 100% energetic an e-bike might be a good option for you (as I opted for & highly appreciated – although all the others in my group who opted for a normal bike seemed fine with this option too so just a personal preference at the end of the day). I should also say, Raffaele, our driver was GREAT too. A fantastic trip – highly recommend and a big thank you to Alessandro, Raffaele and all at Exodus!!!! Most Inspirational Moment Cilento national park Amalfi coastline Ravello Amazing food!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2017
Adam Espir - Traveled, May 2017
MWO Amalfi Coast Excellent trip ; the food and the scenery were the highlights ! Most Inspirational Moment cycling along the coast...sea, sunshine, laid back atmosphere. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent. Very calm & quiet, and had everything under control. Advice for Potential Travellers If you enjoy Italy, good food, amazing views of the sea with Italian villages and lemon groves you will enjoy this trip. On the last day do the walk to Revalo, the views from the Villa's are incredible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2017
Judith Weaver - Traveled, May 2017
Cilento to Amalfi bike tour This is a fairly challenging trip though extraordinarily gorgeous country. The hotels were much better than I expected, This was my second week with Exodus as I had just finished the Florence to Luca ride. This tour was a perfect compliment to the former. The food and dining was, squisito! You have not t lived until you have drunk a cappuccino with buffalo milk. Most Inspirational Moment Surviving the Amalfi coast on a bicycle. Thoughts on Group Leader Alessandro was superb. He is organized, informative, helpful. He is also a very strong cyclist and kept constant watch over everyone's safety and abilities. I would do another tour with him in a heartbeat. Advice for Potential Travellers Prepare to eat yourself silly and go through pasta withdrawal when you come home. If you think you might be too challenged by the climbs, feel that it is okay to hire an ebike. Suggestions Make sure you pack a swimsuit.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2017
Laura Mizoue - Traveled, May 2017
Taste of Campagnia This was the first cycling trip I’ve ever taken and while it was tough (I did zero training which was my own fault), I really enjoyed it. It made me want to explore more of southern Italy. I thought the itinerary was nicely laid out with the first, third and last days featuring long (but stunning) rides and the days in between featuring more sight-seeing (which I hadn’t expected based on the trip notes). Cilento was lovely and a nice counterpoint to the craziness of the Amalfi coast. Paolo was an excellent guide and we had a great group of people who were a lot of fun to hang out with. Most Inspirational Moment I was really happy on that final descent into Minori. Thoughts on Group Leader Paolo and the support van driver Rafaele were great--super nice, well organized, patient. Paolo really tried to give us a sense of southern Italy-the history, the people, the places, the food. The food! While you were free to go off on your own, Paolo arranged most of the meals for us and encouraged us to sample the local specialties--olive oil, mozzarella di bufala, various aperitifs and the best antipasti. One person commented that it was like being on a gastronomy tour. Advice for Potential Travellers Prepare for lots of up and down. There's almost no flat terrain. Bring enough cash. We were running low and it took us a while to find an ATM that took our card. The weather could go from hot to cold to windy to rainy all within an afternoon. Bring everything and store it in the van. The trip notes said the last day was 50K, but Paolo wanted us to see Sorrento which added another ~20K (and the steepest climb of the trip-I joined Rafaele in the van part way up that hill). Word of warning on bus service on the Amalfi coast. On our last day, we took the bus to Vietri to do a little shopping-since Paolo was taking the same bus to Salerno, he made sure that we got there with no problems. Coming back, the buses were so crowded that we either couldn't get on or they didn't bother stopping. We ended up splitting a cab with a German woman who was trying to get back to Maori. Suggestions I don't know if the excursions are at the discretion of the guide, but Paolo took us on a bunch that weren't mentioned in the trip notes. On our second morning out, we took a boat to the Blue Grotto which was a highlight of the trip. In Paestum, we had the option of visiting a buffalo farm where they make mozzarella (and excellent ice cream). Paolo gave us a tour of the cathedral in Salerno. And, on the free day he led a group of us up the 1000 steps to Ravello and on a tour of Villa Cimbrone, which was another highlight.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/09/2017
Linda Hellaby - Traveled, May 2017
Wonderful cycling As the oldest member of our group I was slightly apprehensive about cycling the Amalfi coast before we started but Paolo, our guide, put us all at ease straight away. Every day was hugely enjoyable and Paolo was very informative about the local area and the Mediterranean diet. Breathtaking views around every corner! Most Inspirational Moment Completing the last day's cycling from Minori to Sorrento and back was my longest and hardest day to date - 86km and 1,335m of elevation, but it was so satisfying to complete it. Thoughts on Group Leader Paolo was great! He worked tirelessly to keep us all more or less together, was very knowledgeable about the local area and managed to get some good discounts at various restaurants. Advice for Potential Travellers If I can do it so can you! I am a 'social' rider with my local club riding once or twice a week usually around 30-40 k and a few local hills. Before the holiday I made sure I could ride several consecutive days and upped my distance/elevation a little. Every ride was split into manageable sections with breaks for coffee, lunch, photo opportunities etc. so plenty of recovery time after a challenging climb. Suggestions Our group was a mix of 4 Brits, 4 Aussies and 3 Canadians and the group gelled very well. We spent most of our free time together and all the evening meals which were organised by Paolo.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/14/2017
Angela Wallace - Traveled, September 2016
Good holiday for sea views! Really good trip with just the right mix of cycling & sightseeing. Most Inspirational Moment Cilento region was my favourite for cycling, just as picturesque as Amalfi coast but MUCH less crowded & touristy, with safer roads! Thoughts on Group Leader Paolo was very friendly & efficient, well organised & with good local knowledge. Special mention also to Rafael, our backup driver & mechanic who would magically appear whenever needed, always on hand with water or bike sorting skills. Advice for Potential Travellers Bring good waterproofs! I only had a light jacket with me thinking Italy doesn't get rain like at home, but a couple of downpours convinced me otherwise (although this trip was quite late in the year). Suggestions Cycling Amalfi coast is not for the faint hearted! Was a bit scary even as a fairly confident cyclist. Cilento region was much better for cycling in my opinion, Amalfi coast much better suited to travelling by boat. But still v scenic.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2016
James Chow - Traveled, September 2016
Amalfi Coast Bike Tour My family was a group of 12 that did the Amalfi Coast/Cilento bike tour. We enjoyed the 5 days of biking and saw many sites that we wouldn’t likely have found without the great tour guide Paolo. Our group of 12 was joined by 4 others and they were great group members who were a lot of fun. The bikes were fantastic and definitely helped with the challenging climbs on this tour. It was also great having the support vehicle in the back of the group looking out for the bikers. Most Inspirational Moment Completing the last day of the biking. 270 kilometers over the 5 biking days. Thoughts on Group Leader Paolo was a great tour guide and knew lots about the history of the land and was very knowledgeable about the local culture. He effectively dictated the pace such that both the stronger and weaker riders were accommodated for. Advice for Potential Travellers This tour has quite a few costs in addition to the tour itself. Although breakfast and most dinners are included, lunches are not and also there were quite a few unanticipated costs. Be very cautious of wet tarmac. It was VERY slippery and our group had an incident where two people slipped and fell in a wet downhill turn. Suggestions I have no clue how we were expected to get to the arrival point without a pre-arranged transfer from the Naples airport. Given the cost of the trip we would have expected it included a transfer to and from the airport.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2016
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