CILENTO RACE BIKE TOUR


General description

Our Cilento Race Bike Tour will take us on a 7 day discovery trip of the Cilento's splendid nature and culture. The tour is disegned to be sporty but not exhausting, with daily distances between 118 and 145 km for a total of 830 km, making the tour a realistic goal also for moderately trained cyclists. The presence of a back up van always offers a way out - or rather up - any steep climbs at the end of the day. The quiet and well cared for secondary roads travelled present very little traffic, and take us to tipical little hidden villages surrounded by uncontaminated nature. From our starting point at Paestum in the Sele plain, we cycle through the hilly country of the Upper Cilento towards the Alburni Mountains. Here we turn south and start following the courses of the Calore and Alento rivers towards the seaside resort of Palinuro. After having explored the extreme south of the Lower Cilento we turn back north towards Mount Stella and our starting point at Paestum.

During the tour you will be accompagnied by a certified cycling guide as well as a back up van that also transports your luggage from one hotel to the next. Breakfast and dinner are served in the hotel, lunch generally consists of outdoor picnics.



Tour Schedule

Day 1 :
After arriving at Paestum you are given the time to settle in and prepare for dinner with your cycling buddies. After dinner you will attend a short briefing.

Day 2 :: Paestum - Corleto Monforte (118 km) map
Our first day on the road takes us into the hilly country of the Upper Cilento offering ample opportunity to get acquainted with its dreamy landscapes and warming up for the days to come. While getting closer to the Alburni Mountains we pass through several small medieval villages.

Day 3 : Corleto Monforte - Corleto Monforte (145 km) map
Today we circle the ample slopes and steep rocky crags of the Alburni Mountains. From the olive groves of the Calore valley we climb up to the chestnut groves on the Alburnis' steep north slopes, before zipping down again towards the sweet hills situated between the mountains and the Mediterranean.

Day 4 : Corleto Monforte - Palinuro (135 km) map
From Corleto Monforte the road takes us into the Diano Valley and to the museum city of Teggiano. We climb the steep Sella del Corticato pass to arrive at the village of Sacco. From Sacco we cycle along the slopes of Mount Cervati towards Vallo della Lucania and Mount Gelbison. From here few hilly kilometers take us to Palinuro

Day 5 : : Palinuro - Palinuro (134 km) map
This morning we take off climbing the slopes of Mount Bulgheria on the way to the Gulf of Policastro. At Sapri we turn inland to take off on a thrilling series of steep ascents and descents taking us to Torre Orsaia. Following the course of the Mingardo river we arrive back at Palinuro.

Day 6 : Palinuro - Casalvelino (125 km) map
From Palinuro we explore the hills of the Lower Cilento, cycling between olive and chestnut groves. After stopping briefly in the medieval hamlet of Ceraso we reach Catona from where a seemingly endless string of turns takes us down to Ascea and to the ruins of the greek city of Elea, famous for its ancient philosophers school.

Day 7 : Casalvelino - Casalvelino (120 km) map
Today we explore Mount Stella, visiting its many small hamlets. Towards the east the mountain leans into the ample valley of the Alento river, while to the west splendid views of the Mediterranean and the Punta Licosa promontory open up to us.

Day 8 : Casalvelino -Paestum (55 km) map
Our last day takes us on a short trip following the Upper Cilento's coastline towards Paestum. In the afternoon we can either relax on the beach or visit the famous greek temples.

Day 9 :
Breakfast and transfer to Naples International Airport or Central Station.



TOUR DETAILS

Start: Paestum, Salerno
End: Paestum, Salerno
Lenght: 830 km, daily distances between 118 and 145 km
Duration: 9 days/8 nights (including transfers), 7 cycling days
Nr of participants: min. 8, max. 16
Price:prices start from 550 euro/person in double rooms, depending on season and number of participants. Please contact us for an exact price quote
2007 starting dates: March 31st, May 12th, June 23rd, September 22nd, September 29th (for groups of over 10 participants starting dates may be changed on demand)
Our services include
-overnight stays in 3 star hotels or equivalent agriturismo, breakfast and dinner served in hotel (drinks not included), picnic lunch
-cycle guide for the duration of the tour
-back up van and tecnical assistance for the duration of the tour
-luggage transport
Our service does not include
-transfers from and to Napels International Airport or Central Train Station (can be organized on demand)
-bicycle rent (100 euro for the duration of the tour)
-various entrance fees and local guides
-drinks and snacks not included during meals
-travel and medical insurance
-tips