Day 1 – Welcome to the Amalfi Coast!
We will begin the tour in Naples, an energetic city on the coast. Discover this place with a guided tour of the city in the afternoon. Naples is considered to have some of the best pizza of Italy. Enjoy!
Dinner is included tonight.

Day 2 – Visit Pompeii for a guided tour of this ancient site
Today we will transport you to Pompeii for a guided tour and time on your own to explore this magnificent site. We will then transfer you to the boat for a light lunch and time to arrange your cabin and adjust your bike. The boat will take us to the port of Sorrento where we will bike the area around Sorrento. There are many café options for dinner. Then back to the boat to relax and rest for tomorrow’s bike ride.
Breakfast and lunch are included today..

Day 3 – Bike from Sorrento to Amalfi
Enjoy this day with routes winding along the Amalfi Coast. We will begin in Sorrento and make our way through the villages of Positano and Praiano where we will end up in the town of Amalfi. Enjoy dinner on your own tonight in Amalfi.
Breakfast is included today.

Day 4 – Hike the Path of the Gods
Explore the Amalfi Coast on foot as we enjoy a walk along the Path of the Gods. This breathtaking walk will give you a panoramic view of the sea, landscape, and villages surrounding the area. This will be a memorable day. We will stop along the way for a picnic lunch.
Breakfast and picnic lunch included today.

Day 5 – Bike from Amalfi to Cetara
We will again bike along the sea as we leave the town of Amalfi and make our way to Cetara. Once we rejoin the boat, enjoy a relaxing transfer toward the Island of Capri. Tonight we will have a gourmet dinner on the boat where fresh seafood will be featured.
Breakfast and dinner will be included today.

Day 6 – Experience the Islands of Capri and Procida
Today we will explore the quieter parts of Capri as we walk along alleys and hiking paths to the Villa Freschen and the Castle of Tiberius. We will also learn to make the famous cake of this Island the Caprese Cake made with dark chocolate and almonds. Unforgettable! We will move onto Procida and get a good night sleep for an early morning excursion.
Breakfast is included.

Day 7 – Enjoy the fishing village of Procida
We will begin with a walk around the charming island of Procida. Refresh with a granita or sandwich from the Il Postino restaurant, where the movie of the same name was filmed. We will share a great dinner on the boat in the Castellammare Port as we remember the experiences of the tour.
Breakfast and dinner included today.

Day 8 – Departure day
Enjoy breakfast on the boat, end the tour, and departure. Ciao!
Breakfast included.

Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

On this trip, the accommodations are all on the boats!

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Tour accommodations will be based on availability and the time of year. Once you have made your final payment for the tour, we will send you a confirmation letter that includes daily accommodations and contact information.

Level of difficulty: MODERATE.

This group trip is suitable for regular bikers who are in good general physical condition. All rides are moderate with steady ups and downs. For this trip we require a cycling experience. The rides have some climbs that need some experience in managing the gears and a reasonable capacity to ride on climb, which means there are also some wonderful downhills. The trip includes very scenic routes and the service of the van support, which allows you time to rest, if needed. Our guide will be there when you need, and will be happy to support you.

Airflight: The beginning airport for the tour is NAPLES.

Naples has an international airport which has flights arriving from throughout Italy. There are a number of low cost airlines flying into Naples including Alitalia, EasyJet, Air One, Air Berlin, Air Italy. Here the links of the airport website where you can get the airlines company internet address most convenient for you: NAPOLI.

Suggested Readings and Famous Writers:

• George Norman Douglas, Siren Land
• Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Italian Journey
• Henry James, Italian Hours

What to taste:

Don’t miss the “limoncello” in the Amalfi Coast. This is an easy and inexpensive to produce requiring only sugar, water, lemon zest, alcohol, and time to mature.

Group tour price

• € 3450 per person 4-5 people
• € 3250 per person 6-7 people
• € 3150 per person 8 people

If guests do both the Amalfi Bike & Boat and the Sicily Bike & Boat (June 8 – 23, 2012 or September 14 – 29, 2012) we will give a 5% discount.

Pricing philosophy

Additional options and fees

• Road bike rental €175.00
• Single Room supplement: € 1950

Services included in the tour:

• 7 nights accommodations: one night in a hotel in Naples, six nights with double occupancy on the boat
• 7 breakfasts
• 2 picnic lunches
• 3 dinners
• Daily Happy hour cocktail on the boat
• Overnight transfer to Milazzo/Lipari for the optional second week of the Aeolian Islands Bike and Boat Tour
• Entrance fee and guided tour of Pompeii
• Guided tour of Naples
• An Italian English-speaking guide

Not included

• Airfare
• Transfers from Naples to Castellammare port

Self-guided option

This tour is not available as a self-guided option.

Tour code

ABB

Day 1 – Welcome to Naples, Italy!

Arrive on your own in Naples. Enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating city in the afternoon (3:00 p.m.).

Day 2 – Guided visit of Pompeii and private shuttle to Maratea

Today, we will explore the archeological site of Pompeii with our guide. This city was devastated by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. This day will offer a glimpse into the culture 2,000 years ago. A unique opportunity.

We will coordinate your transport to Maratea, where we will begin the biking portion of the tour.

Day 3 – Biking to Palinuro (33.12 miles/55.2 kilometers)

A mostly gentle ride, with some climbs along the coast at first and then later inland. Our bike route will take you to Palinuro. This first section of the ride will give you a beautiful view of the Gulf of Policastro. Then we cycle inland, around the eastern part of Mount Bulgheria, an impressive block of limestone. We’ll pass a number of charming villages and will have time to enjoy an Italian coffee or cappuccino. Then we’ll reach the entrance of the Mingardo Canyon, dominated by the abandoned village of San Severino. Soon after we’ll ride downhill to Palinuro, nestled in a dramatic and beautiful seaside setting.

Day 4 – Boat excursion and bike ride to the farm (19.95 miles/33.25 kilometers)

This day starts with a boat excursion to enjoy some of the grottoes and perhaps… a swim.

After the boat trip you will bike to Pisciotta and Ascea.

Some stretches include a climb that will take you in land. Here we will be stay in a comfortable agriturismo inn with an olive field (olive oil and wine are produced here).

Day 5 – Two options: Bike loop rides of Cilento National Park or the Campania countryside – (12.69 miles/21.25 kilometers for the short loop or 49.08 miles/81.8 kilometers for the long loop)

Today you have a choice of a bike loops.

The longer one will allow you to enjoy some little towns inside of the Cilento National Park. Along the loop you’ll bike along one of the finest coasts of Italy with alternating views of the charming seaside and medieval villages. We’ll have some superb views overlooking both the southern coast, towards Palinuro, as well as the Gulf of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast. As we get to Acciaroli, we can stop for a coffee in this little sea village where Earnest Hemingway spent so much time.

The shorter bike loop will take you along a quiet secondary road close to the farm. You’ll pass through some small villages and will enjoy large views of the valleys. This is the perfect choice if you want to ride a bit and enjoy some time at the farm too.

Day 6 – Bike the ‘heart of the Cilento’ and visit ancient Paestum (43.25 miles/72.1 kilometers)

The bike ride today will take us to Paestum. We’ll begin with a climb and will pass through small villages such as Moio della Civitella, Stio, Magliano, Monteforte Cilento. The route then continues, without much climbing, through the heart of the Cilento National Park, with beautiful mountainous scenery and thick forests. Along the way we’ll have some opportunities to stop for a rest and discovery. Then the route continues along the west side of an impressive mountain chain. The next section of cycling becomes easy, almost all downhill, taking us easily to the fertile plain of Paestum.

Day 7 – Tour Paestum and the Amalfi Coast (optional 5.4 miles/9 kilometers)

We will begin the day with a guided visit to the archeological sites of Paestum. We will take a break from biking and transfer by van along the Amalfi Coast to Praiano where the next hotel is located. Along the way we will stop for lunch in Salerno, gateway to the Amalfi Coast. After lunch enjoy a tour of the Amalfi Coast by boat. If you would like to bike from Amalfi to the hotel, you may – it is approximately 5.4 miles or 9 kilometers.

Day 8: Cycling Amalfi Coast and Punta Campanella (31.7 miles/52.85 kilometers)

Today we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the dramatic ‘Strada Amalfitana’, along the Amalfi Coast. A short ride will take us to Positano, the most scenic of the villages on the coast. After Positano the coast becomes wilder and more rugged, some stretches we will climb and then take a break. We will continue onto Colli di San Pietro, a ridge that separates the Amalfi Coast from the rest of the Sorrentine Peninsula. Our loop will continue to Sorrento and towards the very end of the peninsula: Punta Campanella. Lunch will be enjoyed in Sorrento, a popular tourist area. On the way back to our hotel we’ll enjoy the sunset along the Amalfi Coast — a wonderful experience!

This is definitely one of the nicest bike rides in the world and certainly the best way to end a terrific Siciclando Bike Tour of the Amalfi Coast and Cilento National Park in Italy!

Day 9 – Departure Day

End of our services after breakfast. Ciao!

Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.

Siciclando carefully chooses every aspect of a tour, including the accommodations.

Our choices are based on comfort and quality. We often choose hotels that are family-owned and operated because they provide a richer experience and because it is important to us to support the efforts of these individuals. We have developed relationships with many wonderful hotel operators. Here is a sample of the hotels on this tour.

• Maratea
• Ascea
• Praiano

Tour accommodations will be based on availability and the time of year. Once you have made your final payment for the tour, we will send you a confirmation letter that includes daily accommodations and contact information.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

 

 

 

Level of difficulty: MODERATE

This group trip is suitable for regular bikers who are in good general physical condition. All rides are easy to moderate. For this trip we require a cycling experience. The climb to Mt.Vesuvius, at the beginning of the trip, is about 200 m uphill on a steep path. The rides have some stretches in climb that need a good experience in managing the gears and a reasonable capacity to ride on climb.The trip anyway includes several enjoyable bike rides on downhill and includes the service of the van support, which allows you to avoid the most difficult climbs. Our guide will be there when you need, and will be happy to support you.

Airflight

The reference airport for the tour is NAPLES.
Naples has an international airport which has flights arriving from throughout Italy. There are a number of low cost airlines flying into Naples including EasyJet, Air One, Air Berlin, Air Italy. Here the links of the airport website where you can get the airlines company internet address most convenient for you: NAPOLI.

Suggested Readings and Famous Writers:

• George Norman Douglas, Siren Land
• Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Italian Journey
• Henry James, Italian Hours

What to taste:

Don’t miss the “limoncello” in the Amalfi Coast. This is an easy and inexpensive to produce requiring only sugar, water, lemon zest, alcohol, and time to mature.

Movies:

A Good Woman film directed by Mike Barker. The screenplay by Howard Himelstein is based on the 1892 play Lady Windermere’s Fan by Oscar Wilde. It is the third screen version of the work, following a 1925 Ernst Lubitsch silent film and Otto Preminger’s 1949 adaptation entitled The Fan.It Started in Naples, film directed by Melville Shavelson and produced by Jack Rose from a screenplay by Suso Cecchi d’Amico based on the story by Michael Pertwee and Jack Davies. The film stars Clark Gable, Sophia Loren, Vittorio De Sicaand an Italian cast.Peperoni ripieni e pesci in faccia, film directed by Lina Wertmüller. The film stars F. Murray Abraham, Sophia Loren.The Talented Mr. Ripley, film directed by Anthony Minghella. It is an adaptation of the 1955 novel by Patricia Highsmith, which was also filmed in 1960 as Plein Soleil. The Talented Mr. Ripley starred Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Cate Blanchett.Ciao, Professore! (original title Io speriamo che me la cavo, or “Me, Let’s Hope I Make It”), film directed by Lina Wertmuller. Comedy film about an elementary-school teacher from northern Italy who is sent by mistake to an impoverished town in the Naples region of southern Italy, where he must deal with vast cultural differences and teach chronically truant children who only respect violence and power.

Group tour price

• 4-5 people € 2450 per person
• 6-7 people € 2265 per person
• 8+ people € 2150 per person

Pricing philosophy

Additional options and fees

• Private room – € 230 (not available for self-guided trips)
• Hybrid Bike rental – € 100 (€ 18 each additional day), which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
• Road Bike rental – € 175 (€ 27 each additional day), which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.

Services Included

• 1 English-speaking trip leader
• 8 nights in double rooms: 4 nights in 4 star hotel; 1 night in 3 star hotel; 3 nights in 4 star agriturismo inn
• 8 breakfasts
• 5 dinners
• Boat trip on day 4
• Guides for Naples on day 1, Pompeii on day 2, and Paestum on day 4
• Admission to Pompeii
• Baggage transportation between hotels
• Detailed route information and maps
• Van support

Services Not included

• Admission to museums and archaeological sites (unless specified above)
• Tickets for trains or any public transportation
• Wine or beverages
• Airfare
• Transfers to the starting point or from the finishing point unless specified; we can assist you in planning and arranging for any necessary shuttles
• Transport of bike case (for guests who bring their own bike)
• Personal expenses (laundry, personal supplies, phone calls, etc.)
• Gratuity

Self-guided option

This tour is not available as a self-guided option.

Tour code

AB

Day 1 – Welcome to the green gate of the Amalfi Coast!

 

Arrival on your own to Cava de’ Tirreni. Explore the captivating historical center, enjoying the pleasure of the Italian dolce vita. Discover the distinctive arched arcades of the Borgo Scacciaventi and experience what the atmosphere must have been like in the 15th century. At 6:00 p.m., we meet our tour leader in the hotel for a welcome meeting and we will review what lies ahead. This evening we enjoy a welcome group dinner in the Hotel.

Day 2 – Cava de’ Tirreni – Vietri sul Mare (2,5 hours)

 

We start our day visiting the attractive Benedictine Abbey of the Holy Trinity. Experience the intangible atmosphere of a glorious past while visiting the true symbol of the religious and cultural prestige of Cava de’ Tirreni. After a pleasant and peaceful guided visit of the Abbey’s treasures, directly from the church square, we start a lovely walk along chestnut woods. Strolling along the pathways we experience an amazing view of the Amalfi Coast, with its tiny villages located on the hillsides and stunning coastline views of the Bay of Salerno. Descending stairs lined with sheer stone walls and pastel homes, we pass villages of the Divine Coast before arriving at our goal. The decorated village of Vietri sul Mare is the home of the hand painted ceramic art. There is time to leisurely explore at this colorful town, with the option to visit local workshops where we can see the hands of a craftsman create exclusive works of art.

A short and panoramic train journey takes us back to Cava de’ Tirreni.

Day 3 – From Cava de’ Tirreni to Amalfi (4 hours)

 

We begin our walk through a path placed in a green valley with chestnut and oak trees. This rewarding hike leads to the coast through a shadowed mule-path once used by pilgrims and traders to reach the coast. We enjoy the superb coastal scenery starting with our descent to the fishermen’s village of Cetara. The pleasing village is settled in a valley and its landscape is characterized by the Tower, built to prevent the Saracen attacks during the 16th century. Cetara is bound to tradition and fishing. It is famous for its cuisine based on lemons, tuna and anchovies, products exported all over the world. From here we continue toward the renowned town Amalfi, once an important maritime republic. Here we take our time to explore and enjoy the panoramic view from the terrace of our hotel.

Day 4 – The valley of the mills (4,5 hours)

 

Today we enjoy an easy gradual ascent along the valley of the ancient mills towards the celebrated village of Ravello. Starting from our hotel, we pass the vibrant streets of the historical center before going into a green area, walking along a river and passing the ruins of several abandoned mills.

The pathway climbs out of the valley and softly takes us, through lemon groves and narrow alleys surrounded by dry stone walls, into the hilltop village of Pontone, with its panoramic tiny square: a perfect spot for a picnic lunch. Before reaching Ravello, we enjoy some dramatic views of Amalfi and Atrani from the ruins of Torre dello Zirro: an ancient lookout tower of the powerful Maritime Amalfi Republic. Stairs bring us to the well-known Ravello, a town of a rich and noble traditions, exemplified in the magnificent historical villas with their incomparable gardens. The afternoon is free to explore the town. We strongly recommend you visit the Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo. We return to Amalfi by public bus, or following ancient stairways down to the admirable village of Atrani, a maze of narrow white washed alleys.

Day 5 – The path of the Gods (4.5 hours)

 

Today’s journey is along one of the most spectacular trails overlooking the Amalfi Coast, as well as one of the main highlights of our adventure. By public bus we climb up the zigzag coastal road enjoying impressive views on the land terraces built over centuries and preserved by local communities. Our walk begins in Bomerano and offers terrific coastline landscapes looking out towards the famous Isle of Capri and Sorrento Peninsula. (or with the famous cliffs of Capri marking lands end). Along the pathway we can admire the full splendor of the Divine Coast. Arrived at Nocelle, a tiny mountain village, we descend through lush terraces and olive groves to the vertical charming resort of Positano. There is time to explore the labyrinth of alleyways surrounded by scarlet bougainvillea and elegant boutiques, before taking our bus to our next destination. We leave the Divine Coast and we experience the glamour and enchantment of the Sirens’ Land indulging ourselves with a glass of wine while enjoying the sensational landscapes overlooking the Sorrento Peninsula and Vesuvius.

Day 6 – Sorrento (1,5 hours)

Today we discover the secrets and the spirit of a manor house with a glorious past. Following the footsteps of its history, we re-live the atmosphere of a place that has been a monastic complex, a royal site, a silk factory and a noble estate. We experience a captivating stay amidst paintings, ancient books and a 17th century wine and olive oil cellar with original barrels and jars. We visit the vineyard, the orchards and the olive groves of its farm. We will take a break on a panoramic terrace enjoying tasteful food and delicious house-produced wine. There is then time to stroll in the hilly countryside around the property and take a local train to Sorrento. Here we visit the historical center enjoying a captivating atmosphere famous all over the world for its unique sceneries and gastronomic traditions. This evening we are free to dine on our own in Sorrento, before taking our private bus back to our country house.

Day 7 – Isle of Capri (3.5 hours)

Free day. Assisted by the tour leader it is possible to choose to take the local train to Pompeii, visiting the world’s most captivating Roman excavation (a full visit takes at least half a day) or, go by boat to Capri, the island, which has been famous since Roman times when Emperor Tiberius chose to live there to enjoy its gorgeous nature and pleasant climate. Transportation is available to Sorrento and Pompeii or to enjoy a memorable visit to the celebrated Isle of Capri with our tour leader.

We gather to celebrate our Italian week together with a farewell dinner at our excellent farmhouse.

Day 8 – Departure Day

Our trip ends after breakfast with a group transfer to Sorrento where you can easily catch trains for the rest of Italy assisted by our tour leader. Ciao!

Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

 

 

 

Siciclando carefully chooses every aspect of a tour, including the accommodations. Our choices are based on comfort and quality. We often choose hotels that are family-owned and operated because they provide a richer experience and because it is important to us to support the efforts of these individuals. We have developed relationships with many wonderful hotel operators. Here is a sample of the hotels on this tour.

• Cava dei Tirreni
• Amalfi

Tour accommodations will be based on availability and the time of year. Once you have made your final payment for the tour, we will send you a confirmation letter that includes daily accommodations and contact information.

Level of difficulty: Moderate

This moderate self guided trip is suitable for regular hillwalkers who are in good general physical condition. The length of each day varies from three to a maximum of six hours walking.Grading is a somewhat difficult topic as much depends on the individuals own perception of his or her abilities. A good general level of fitness is necessary to get the most out of your trip.The walking is varied and interesting: there are lots of ascents and descents on stepped trails and some people will find this tiring in warm weather

Travel notes

The reference airport for the tour is Naples, which has an international airport which has flights arriving from throughout Italy. There are a number of low cost airlines flying into Naples including EasyJet, Air One, Air Berlin, Air Italy.

Group tour price

• 4-5 people € 2170 per person
• 6-7 people € 1930 per person
• 8+ people € 1780 per person

Pricing philosophy

Additional options and fees

• High season surcharge – € 120 (effective July 1 – September 30 and December 18 – January 10)
• Private room – € 480
• Transfer rates per person (2 person minimum)
  • Sorrento to Napoli € 120 (3 person maximum)
  • Napoli airport to Cava dei Tirreni € 130 (3 person maximum)

Included

• One English-speaking trip leader
• 2 Nights in Hotel**** in Cava de Tirreni, 2 Nights in Hotel***in Amalfi & 3 nights Historical Country accommodation in Sorrento Peninsula, all rooms with en suite bathroom
• Seven breakfasts
• 3 dinners, 4 picnic lunches & 1 light lunch
• Baggage transportation on day 3 and day 5
• Transfers from the accommodation to Sorrento on day 6 & 7
• Transfer from the accommodation to Sorrento train station on day 8

Not included

• Admission to museums and archaeological sites
• Tickets for trains or any public transportation
• Wine or beverages
• Airfare
• Personal expenses (laundry, personal supplies, phone calls, etc.)
• Gratuity

Self-guided option

This tour is not available as a self-guided option.

Tour code

AW