Day 1 – Welcome to the Amalfi Coast!

Arrive on your own from Naples to Cava de’ Tirreni. Take your time exploring this charming town, nestled in a landscaped valley known as the “green gate”of the Amalfi Coast. Here you will discover its well-known Abbey of the Holy Trinity, which provided temporal and spiritual influence over southern Italy. The paths, used for centuries, linked the Abbey with the nearby town of Vietri sul Mare and with other villages on Amalfi Coast.

Day 2 – Tour of the Abbey and a gentle walk to Vietri sul Mare (3 hours)

In Cava dei Tirreni, you begin the day visiting the Abbey of the Holy Trinity (la Badia della Santissima Trinità), the Benedictine monastery founded in the 11th century. Enjoy the atmosphere of this captivating place. After the visit you will enjoy an easy walk through chestnut woods, along paved pathways and steps arriving at the first jewel of the Amalfi Coast, Vietri sul Mare, well-known for its pottery and ceramics. Every building here, from the fruit store to the town hall, is decorated with fine painted tiles. This walk gives the perfect introduction to the Amalfi Coast with views of the azure sea and green mountains.

Day 3 – The town of Amalfi (3 hours)

Taking the bus from the city center of Cava dei Tirreni you reach the Abbey and take a different path, an old mule-track used for centuries to carry goods to and from the Amalfi Coast. Following the trail, you arrive at a picturesque viewpoint. Walking along the sea you will pass by terraced lemon groves coming to a fishing village. Arrive in Amalfi by public bus during the afternoon. Enjoy free time to explore this renowned coastal town, famous as an independent republic during Byzantine times and a place of great naval power.

Day 4 – Ancient paper factories and charming villages, including Ravello (5 hours)

A very scenic day starts in Amalfi with a walk that takes you into the valley of the watermills. Here are remains of the oldest paper factories in Europe, some dating from the 11th century. (Optional visit to the mill and the paper museum before continuing on the trail of this valley.) Following the path, you climb up to the tiny village of Pontone and the Torre dello Zirro, a medieval tower perched on a cliff with spectacular views of Amalfi and Atrani. Walking along an ancient flight of stairs, you reach the charming village of Ravello where you can visit the scenic gardens of Villa Cimbrone, with one of the best viewpoints of the Amalfi Coast, including the stunning 13th-century Villa Rufolo.

Then you leave Ravello on foot and reach the village of Atrani with its small narrow streets. Back to Amalfi in the late afternoon.

Day 5 – Free day or an optional walking tour of Capri (3.5 hours)

A free day or an optional walking tour to enjoy the highlights of Capri. You take a boat to the stunning island of Capri. After passing the famous “Piazzetta” of Capri, you walk towards the impressive Roman ruins of the Villa Jovis, once Tiberius’ pleasure palace. You continue along the Arco Naturale on a coastal path until you reach the spectacular Faraglioni, the peculiar rocks jutting out of the sea. In the later part of the afternoon you have several options for exploring Capri at your own pace. You may choose to relax in the island’s chic shops or take a walk to visit the Convent of San Giacomo, dated back to the 14th century, and the Gardens of August. Return to Amalfi.

Day 6 – Churches and Valleys (5 hours)

Leaving Amalfi you take one of the oldest paved mule tracks in the area, the “Via Maestra dei Villaggi” which dates back to the 9th century. Passing the tiny villages of Lone and Vettica, you arrive at the monastery of Santa Rosa. Walking above the rocky shore, you discover some fascinating chapels including the Church of San Pancrazio. Then a descent to the fabulous fjord of Furore, with its clustered houses built into the rock. (Here a public bus can bring you directly to Praiano). Continue along the “Via dell’Amore,” leading into the green Praia Valley, before descending into the quiet village of Praiano with its old harbour.

Day 7 – The Path of the Gods (4.5 hours)

Today’s walk begins among the white washed alleys of Praiano. You ascend along a medieval pilgrim trail to the monastery of San Domenico; here the scenery is stupendous. Continue climbing, briefly you reach one of the Amalfi Coast’s most famous footpaths, the “Path of the Gods”. The views along the coast are unsurpassed. You go through an impressive valley and the mountain hamlets of Nocelle and Montepertuso. Then you descend along stone steps to reach the charming resort of Positano. Return by local bus to Praiano.

Day 8 – Departure Day

End of the tour. Transfer on your own from Praiano to Naples Airport. Ciao!

Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

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

€ 1265 (minimum 8 people) – currency converter

Additional options and fees

• High season surcharge – € 120 (effective July 1 – September 30 and December 18 – January 10)
• Private room – € 265
• Transfer rates per person (2 person minimum)
  • Praiano to Napoli € 120 (3 person maximum)
  • Napoli airport to Cava dei Tirreni € 80 (3 person maximum)

Included

• One English-speaking trip leader
• 2 Nights in Hotel**** in Cava de Tirreni, 3 Nights in Hotel***in Amalfi & 2 Nights in Hotel**** in Praiano, all rooms with en suite bathroom
• Seven breakfasts
• Baggage transportation between hotels
• Transfer Naples Airport – Hotel in Cava de’ Tirreni
• Transfer Praiano – Naples Airport

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

Day 1 – Welcome to Matera!

Arrival to Bari Airport and transfer to Matera is on your own. Check into your hotel and enjoy lunch on your own. In the afternoon, join us for guided tour of the Sassi, ancient cave dwellings inhabited for centuries until the 1950’s. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sassi are being renovated and occupied again. Meet for a welcome drink and overview of the bicycle tour.

Day 2 – Bread, focaccia, and the Park of Rupestrian Churches around Matera (15 miles/25km)

A good beginning to our bicycle tour with a 15 mile loop route where we will visit a wood-burning bakery where you will taste the special bread and focaccia made with local hard grain. You will also stop at the Park of Rupestrian Churches (churches built in the rock). Here we will enjoy a picnic. A free afternoon to explore Matera. Dinner is on your own.

Day 3 – The Bradano Valley (27 miles/45km)

Bike through the Bradano valley, following the road that skirts the Park of Rupestrian Churches. You will come to a typical farm, which has been turned into an agritourism inn. This is where we will stay for the night. Relax in the swimming pool surrounded by orchards and olive groves. Dinner will be here tonight.

Day 4 – Relax in the Magna Graecia (21 miles/35km)

Today, a gentle bike ride to the sea to visit the Archaeological Park of Metaponto. Pythagoras founded one of his schools in this rich and important town. After this visit you will spend the rest of the day at the seaside having a picnic on the beach.

Day 5 – The Bradano River (25miles/42km)

Cycling along the Bradano River you will reach the Montescaglioso and its Benedictine Abbey. Dinner and overnight stay at a holiday farm located in the valley. Relax in the swimming pool, if you would like.

Day 6 – Two cycling options or a rest day

Today you have time to enjoy a circular cycle route in the valley or relax – perhaps at the swimming pool.

1st option: The Ancient Via Appia (21 miles/35km)

Riding along the ancient “Via Appia” (an old Roman road), you will pass through the charming village of Miglionico, with a nice view of the valley. Back to your holiday farm to relax. Dinner is together again at the farm.

2nd option: San Giuliano Lake and the Matera hills (24 miles/40km)

This route will take you along the wonderful, deserted road around the San Giuliano Lake. Optional stop at the Crypt of Original Sin (with the oldest frescoes in the area). Back to your holiday farm to relax. We will be together again for dinner at the farm.

Day 7 – Back to Matera (15 miles/25km)

The route will take you back to Matera again skirting the Park of Rock Churches. After 7 miles, you’ll leave your bike and walk to reach the Gravina Canyon. We will enjoy a picnic in the caves of Cristo La Selva, an amazing rupestrian village, where the homes are carved into the rock in the heart of the Park. Head on to Matera, where dinner will be on your own.

Day 8 – Departure Day

End of tour. You will transfer to the Bari Airport on your own. 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.

• Matera
• Bradano Valley

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: Easy

The Bradano Valley is quite flat. The only ascents you will find are getting in every village, but just for few km. The roads are no more busy. These are old roads only used by local people and peasant. You will find some traffic around Matera only.

Travel Notes

The reference airport for the tour is Bari. Low-cost airlines are offering good deals to Bari.

Group tour price

• 4-5 people € 1570 per person
• 6-7 people € 1460 per person
• 8+ people € 1290 per person

Pricing philosophy

Additional options and fees

• High season surcharge – € 120 (effective July 1 – August 31)
• Private room – € 270
• Bike rental – € 100 (€ 15 each additional day), which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
• GPS – € 35 Garmin E-Trex Venture HC

Included

• One English-speaking trip leader
• Guided tour in Matera in the Sassi district
• Seven nights double rooms
• Seven breakfasts and four dinners
• Baggage transportation between hotels
• Detailed route information and maps
• Van support

Not included

• Admission to museums and archaeological sites
• 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 also available as a self-guided option at a cost of € 1020 per person. This option includes:

• Seven nights in double rooms
• Seven breakfasts and four dinners
• Welcome meeting (tour explanation)
• Baggage transportation between hotels
• Detailed route information and maps
• Telephone assistance

Tour code

BP