Tel : +47 22413030 | Epost :[email protected]| Web :www.reisebazaar.no Karl Johans gt. 23, 0159 Oslo, Norway Italy - Cilento and The Amalfi Coast - Self-Guided Leisure Cycling Holiday Turkode Destinasjoner Turen starter 42540 Italia Naples Turen destinasjon Reisen er levert av 8 dager Sorrento Fra : NOK 0 Oversikt The region of Campania is well known for its archaeological and cultural treasures, featuring, above all, the Roman ruins of Pompeii, the island of Capri and the stunningly beautiful Sorrento and Amalfi Coast. Reiserute Day 1: Arrival into Naples Airport - Transfer to Paestum Day 2: Paestum to Casal Velino Day 3: Casal Velino Loop (through Palinuro) Day 4: Casal Velino to Paestum Day 5: Paestum to Salerno and Amalfi Day 6: Amalfi to Sorrento Day 7: Free Day - Sorrento Day 8: Transfer from Sorrento to Naples Airport During the week you will explore the coastal roads of Cilento, passing through some of its most spectacular scenery, with grand views of the Mediterranean. You will explore sleepy little hamlets that seem not to have changed since medieval times and visit some of its most important archaeological sites, including the imposing Greek temples of Paestum (UNESCO World Heritage). Not forgetting some quality relaxation time sipping a cappuccino or a glass of local wine, or lounging on the beach soaking in the warm Mediterranean sun. The second part of your holiday will be spent cycling along the wildly spectacular Amalfi Coast, where steep vertical cliffs rise up from the shimmering Mediterranean to make way for little hamlets clinging to the rock faces and lemon groves precariously growing on tiny agricultural terraces. Here you will stay both in Amalfi and Sorrento, visiting the traditional Positano along the way and enjoying the very best views of the islands of Capri and Vesuvius looming over Pompeii and Naples. Spectacular views of the coast are guaranteed during the day and local cuisine washed down with the one and only real Limoncello, will be tempting you in the evenings. An extra day in Sorrento will allow you to enjoy visiting the sites, either heading to Naples or taking the ferry to Capri. Day 1: Arrival into Naples Airport - Transfer to Paestum After transferring from Naples airport (approx 2 hours) you will check in at your hotel and in the evening (or occasionally the following morning) your local rep will conduct a welcome meeting and bike fitting. Depending on flight times, you may have time for a quick dip in the Mediterranean and then you can enjoy a nice dinner full of local specialities. Day 2: Paestum to Casal Velino (B, D) On your first day’s cycling you will head out from Paestum through the Sele River Plain in the direction of the Monte Stella foot hills. From the plain you’ll cycle first up to the little villages of Ogliastro Cilento and Prignano Cilento. Your route then leads through the foothills of Monte Stella, offering wide views on the River Alento and its artificial lake, framed by the mountains of inland Cilento. After passing through Rutino you will enjoy the long descent into the Alento Valley. Here the road will take you through cultivated land along the river to your family run accommodation near Casal Velino where in the evening you will enjoy a hearty home cooked meal. Approx. distance: 26 Miles / 43 Kms Day 3: Casal Velino Loop (through Palinuro) (B, D) This morning a short 7 km ride will take you to the local train station from where you’ll board the regional train taking you to San Severino di Centola (a 30 minute train ride), a tiny hamlet located further south in the Cilento. From San Severino you will cycle through the impressive Devil’s Gorge along the Mingardo River to reach the coast near the village of Palinuro. After a short break – and an optional visit by boat to the cave riddled Palinuro Cape, you will cycle back to Casalvelino on the highly panoramic coastal road. The route will take you through the wonderfully preserved medieval hill-top village of Pisciotta, (take some time to wander through the tiny alleys!) The rolling coastal road will then take you to Ascea after which a series of swooping hairpin bends will take you down to the coast near the remains of the ancient Greek town of Elea/Velia. From here it is a short flat ride to the Casalvelino harbour in time for ice cream, before heading back to your agriturismo. Alternatively you can take it easy today and get off the train at the Pisciotta station, thus shortening your days’ riding by 20 Kms. Approx. distance: Long Option: 30 Miles / 48 Kms / Short Option: 21 Miles / 35 Kms Day 4: Casal Velino to Paestum (B) Today you’ll cycle from Casal Velino back to Paestum along the coastal road circling the promontory of the Monte Stella foot hills. Great views of the Mediterranean greet you all the way to the fishermen’s villages of Pioppi and Acciaroli. It is said that in the latter village Ernest Hemingway found the inspiration for The Old Man and the Sea! After pausing in Acciaroli you will climb up to the panoramic viewpoint of the Ripe Rosse from where you’ll whizz down to the coast again. You will pass underneath the spectacular hill top village of Castellabate after which, a long exhilarating downhill will take you to Agropoli where you can spend some time visiting the medieval castle towering over the town. The last short stretch to Paestum is flat again. Approx. distance: 42 Miles / 68 Kms Day 5: Paestum to Salerno and Amalfi (B) If you didn’t already visit the Greek temples of Paestum, you may consider doing so this morning, before transferring (either by van or by train) to the Amalfi Coast immediately after lunch. Alternatively you could just lay on the beach in the morning and soak up some sun. After transferring to the region’s main town of Salerno, you’ll get back on your bike and head off towards Vietri sul Mare, well known for its colourful painted ceramics. From Vietri you will be cycling along the Amalfi Coast and the views will become ever more spectacular. Soaring high limestone cliffs around every corner, dotted with terraced lemon groves, all of it mirrored in the shiny blue Mediterranean. Do stop off at Maiori for a well deserved cappuccino or gelato to let it all sink in! From Maiori it is only a short way to Amalfi, where you can check into your hotel and prepare for an aperitivo with a view of the splendid medieval Duomo. Tonight we recommend going out for dinner in one of the many little restaurants in the town. Approx. distance: 16 Miles / 25 Kms Day 6: Amalfi to Sorrento (B) Your last cycling day will take you from Amalfi up to the very end of the Amalfi Coast and then down again into the wonderful town of Sorrento. From Amalfi you’ll first cycle to Positano which seems to cling to the steep rock cliffs rising out of the sea. This picturesque little village has been the scene for many a celeb’s holiday! After passing through, you’ll start climbing up towards the plateau marking the border between the Amalfi and Sorrentine Coast. You will cycle to the village of Termini at the very end of the peninsula, from where you can enjoy unparalleled views of the island of Capri, a mere 2 km away! From this village a long and fast descent takes you down towards Sorrento where you will roll into your hotel ready to enjoy your evening. Approx. distance: 32 Miles / 52 Kms Day 7: Free Day - Sorrento (B) On your free day in Sorrento you’ll be spoilt for choices of things to do. You can spend the day relaxing and exploring the town, or you can hop on the ferry in the morning to the delightful island of Capri for a grand day out. The Roman town of Pompeii, possibly the world’s most famous archaeological site and definitely worth a visit is just a short train ride away as well. You can catch a shuttle bus up the Vesuvius volcano from there! Also bustling Naples with its many cultural sites and museums is easily reached by train. Day 8: Transfer from Sorrento to Naples Airport (B) After breakfast we will transfer you to Naples airport (NAP) (approx 1 hour) or Naples Central Station (Napoli Centrale) from where you can start your journey home. Arrivederci! Viktig Informasjon What's Included: Hotel accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms) Meals as per the itinerary (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner) Local representative (with welcome meeting) Detailed route notes and maps Luggage transfers Transfer as mentioned in itinerary (Day 5) Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Naples airport (NAP) Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Naples airport (NAP) What's Not Included: Bike hire (available if required, from GBP 115 - Electric bike from GBP 250) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike Single room (available if required, on request from GBP 210) Travel insurance Meals not stated in the itinerary Personal clothing and equipment Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions Local taxes (approx. 10-15 € in total) – payable locally in cash Train ticket; Pisciotta/Centola-Palinuro – Casal Velino (Day 3) – Approx €8 for 30min journey Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days Hotel upgrade from GBP 120 - Single room upgrade from GBP 285 Other useful travel information: Vaccinations: We recommend you have a dental and medical check-up before the holiday Passport: A full passport is required for visiting this destination.