Day 1: Positano, Hiking You begin the trip overlooking the bay from the terrace of your hotel. Your first hike brings you above Positano to the faction of Li Parlati. On the descent you navigate through the rooftops and tightly stacked homes before stopping for a gelato at a beachfront café. This evening, your hosts Costantino and Angela prepare a delicious homegrown "welcome" feast served family style in the dining room of the charming cliff side hotel. Day 2: Montepertuso, Hiking After breakfast, hike north through olive groves and farmland to the hamlet towns of Montepertuso and Santa Maria di Castello. Following beautiful paths, trek north along a mountain ridge with coastline views. Back down in Positano explore villas and art galleries in the late afternoon. Day 3: Capri and Villa Jovis, Hiking Catch a ferry to this island gem, and walk narrow paths lined with fragrant flowers from the port to Villa Jovis. Here, take the relaxing lunchtime picnic. After you tour these marvelously preserved Roman ruins, you can wander Capri’s elegant lanes, or continue on a panoramic walk to see the famous "Faraglioni". In the late afternoon, return by ferry to Positano. Day 4: Amalfi to Ravello, Hiking After breakfast, walk down to sea level for a boat shuttle to Amalfi. There, enjoy a private guided walking tour of this maritime republic; its glorious cathedral, cloister, and covered pedestrian lanes. On the way to Ravello, walk through Atrani and the Lattari hills through lemon and chestnut groves. Arrive in Ravello in late afternoon to explore the 12th century cathedral and exquisite villas and gardens! Day 5: Ravello, Hiking Visit the Duomo in Ravello in the morning, then set off to the sleepy towns of Scala and Pontone. Lunch in Pontone. After lunch you descend back to Amalfi through the famous “Valle dei Mulini” (valley of the paper mills). End the day with and afternoon visit to a “limoncello” (lemon liqueur) factory. Day 6: Paestum, Cycling Following breakfast, shuttle down to Paestum for a guided tour of the famously preserved fourth century Greek Temples. After lunch, cycle along quiet rolling coastal roads to Agropoli and then to the final destination of San Maria di Castellabate. Day 7: Castellabate, Cycling After breakfast, cycle from S. Maria di Castellabate to Acciaroli, Hemingway's favorite resort town. From Acciaroli, the road follows the Mediterranean coastline all the way to Velia. Take a welcome break for a Ciclismo Classico picnic extravaganza! The picnic leads you into a tour of fascinating Hellenic ruins, including the summer villa of Brutus with its perfectly intact mosaic floors. In the afternoon you can return to S. Maria by bike or shuttle for an arranged olive oil tasting at a local “enoteca”. You then head to La Giacaranda for a cooking lesson and wonderful dinner. Day 8: Velia, Cycling Begin the day by cycling inland along rolling hills filled with chestnut, lemon, and olive trees through the hilltop towns of Perdifumo, Vatolla and Mercato Cilento. After lunch, gear up for your return ride to Castellabate in the afternoon. This evening, you will have a festive farewell dinner at the elegant Giacaranda inn. Day 9: Arrivederci! The last day includes a shuttle to Agropoli’s train station. Ciclismo Classico will gladly assist in your post-tour travels! |