- Stroll through the Unesco-listed Sassi district of Matera, home to ancient cave dwellings
- Visit the well-preserved Greek temples of Paestum
- Stay in mountainside Castelmezzano, one of the prettiest villages in Italy
- Cycle the Amalfi Coast, one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world
Italy Coast to Coast by E-bike: Puglia to Amalfi Coast
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8 Days
from
8 Days
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Incl. taxes
Excl. flights
Cycling
Itinerary
Monopoli Sorrento
Fly to Bari and transfer to the coastal city of Monopoli
Fly to Bari and transfer to the coastal city of Monopoli. Depending on the group arrival, there might be time for a relaxing stroll along the sea shore. We strongly recommend arriving a day or two early to visit some of the region’s other jewels including the Unesco Alberobello or Ostuni.
Start in the coastal city of Monopoli
We start in the historic coastal city of Monopoli. Depending on when the group arrives, we might have time for a relaxing stroll through the town’s narrow alleys and along the Adriatic shore. We strongly recommend arriving a day or two early to visit some of the other regional highlights, including the Unesco-listed town of Alberobello, home to trulli (traditional stone huts with conical roofs), or Ostuni, known as the White City for its whitewashed old town. Speak to your sales representative to book pre-tour accommodation.
Ride through fields and ancient olive groves to the UNESCO city of Matera
Today we start cycling from the coast and go inland, heading for Matera, one of the most fascinating cities in southern Italy. A warm-up climb brings us onto a large rolling plateau, where we pedal through fennel fields and ancient olive groves. We pass several Apulian villages, where we stop to regroup, take a coffee or rest. As we cross into the Basilicata region for the last part of the route, we cycle through open fields and partly along the the Appian Way, an ancient Roman road that was strategically vital to the empire. We should reach the UNESCO-listed town of Matera in the afternoon with time for a relaxing stroll in the Sassi district, home to ancient cave dwellings, and for an aperitivo in one of the beautiful squares.
Challenging ride into the heart of Basilicata to the mountainside village of Castelmezzano
Today will be our longest ride but the destination will be more than worth the effort. We start with an easy downhill through fields towards the Lake of St Giuliano. We then follow an old road along a ridge, encountering several historic villages, including the old Byzantine capital of Tricarico, before arriving in sight of the Lucan Dolomites, known as the Dolomites of the South.
We have a downhill ride and gather strength for the challenging but rewarding steep climb to Castelmezzano, a beautiful village clinging to a sandstone mountain. The support vehicle is available if you would prefer to skip this last ascent. Castelmezzano, rated as one of the prettiest villages in Italy, is very remote and set in a breath-taking location with mountain views – a perfect reward for our long ride today. A short walk through the village and up to the Norman steps is a must before dinner at the hotel restaurant. Overnight in Castelmezzano.
Cross the border into Campania by bike and reach Padula
Today we head west into the Campania region. In the morning, we cross the National Park of the Basilicata Apennines, a sparsely populated wilderness area of mountain scenery and historic villages. Towards the end of the afternoon, after a last challenging climb, we reach the top of the ridge between Basilicata and the Campania region. From here, we cycle down into the Vallo di Diano, a fertile high plain with several beautiful medieval towns. We settle into Padula, a beautiful village.
Ride to Corleto Sant'Angelo and spend a night in a family-run agriturismo
Today’s ride is relatively short, allowing us time to sightsee. We first cycle down to Padula, where we recommend paying a morning visit to the Padula Charterhouse, the largest monastery in Italy and Unesco World Heritage site. After the visit, we get on our bikes again and cycle into the heart of Cilento National Park. First, we follow a mainly flat route through the Vallo di Diano and continue with a climb up the Sentinella pass (3,058ft/932m), which winds high above the plain. The last part of the route descends into Cilento National Park, where we settle into our homely agriturismo with a pool. We have lunch (if we arrive on time), after which we can relax or go for a short optional ride to the nearby ghost town of Roscigno, which was abandoned in the early 20th century after a landslide. Tonight, we dine at the agriturismo on local specialties prepared with organic produce.
Cycle to the coastal town of Paestum; visit the excellently preserved Greek temples
Today we ride in the shadow of the Alburni Mountains making our way down to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Early in the afternoon, we arrive at the excellently preserved Greek temples of Paestum. Our hotel is close, so we have time to visit this impressive archaeological site, home to three columned temples dedicated to the Greek gods Hera and Athena. Alternatively, you could opt to relax at the swimming pool. The sea is only a few minutes’ away by bike, so you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the late afternoon. Tonight, we eat at the hotel.
Train ride to Salerno; cycle one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world to Sorrento via Amalfi
We start the day with an early train ride to Salerno. Here we get on our bikes and begin our final cycle along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world: the Amalfi Coast. After a short climb up to Vietri, we follow the undulating coastal route to Cetara and continue uphill to the dramatic viewpoint of Capo d’Orso. We then head towards Amalfi itself, where we have time for a short stop and stroll. In the afternoon, we ride past Positano and cross the ridge to then wind down to the resort town of Sorrento. Here we can toast our accomplishment with a drink or two at the beach and a dive into the Bay of Naples in sight of Mount Vesuvius. Those who wish can opt for a stroll in the historic centre, or perhaps just a few hours of relaxation. In the evening, we gather together for a last evening meal (optional).
Transfer to Naples and fly to London
End Sorrento
The trip ends this morning, but if want to explore more of this stunning part of Italy speak to your sales representative about adding extra nights in Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast.
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is classified as Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
- Average daily distance: 47mi (76km)
- Number of days cycling: Six
This trip crosses the mountainous Basilicata and Campania regions; however, the use of e-bikes makes the climbs much easier to manage. There will be some sections with sustained climbing, particularly on days 3, 4 and 7, which are considered Activity Level 5 (Challenging) without e-bikes. The difficulty and distances of other rides (days 2, 5 and 6) are similar to those you would find on a standard Activity Level 3 (Moderate) cycling trip. The reward for the ascents will be stunning views and an amazing sense of achievement. Daily distances vary from 31mi to 60mi (50km to 97km).
E-bikes provide battery-powered assistance that is triggered by pedalling. It is still necessary to push the pedals yourself, but less effort is required when setting off and climbing hills.
If you are an experienced cyclist who uses a road bike regularly, you may request to join this trip with a road bike. The trip is graded Activity Level 5 (Challenging) when completing it with a road bike.
Daily rides will start from our accommodation and the terrain and route will be mainly on quiet asphalt roads. The more remote roads are often not maintained as well as those nearer towns, so on these we may encounter a few potholes and less-than-perfect surfaces. The support vehicle will follow the group for the vast majority of the time (with seats for two or three people at a time).
Day 7 (cycling the Amalfi Coast from Salerno to Sorrento) is a classic ride and a highlight for many customers. The spectacular road is narrow in many places and traffic can be heavy, but our leaders and support crew are experts at keeping the group safe and together to experience this highlight. The support vehicle will be available if two or three people in the group prefer not to cycle. We do not run this trip in the month of August when the roads are at their most congested.
A good level of fitness is essential for this trip.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Palazzo Indelli, Monopoli, Largo Giuseppe Garibaldi, 27, 70043 Monopoli BA, Italy
Phone: +39 080 930 3050
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Bari Airport (BRI)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Naples Airport (NAP) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Monopoli
Location end: Sorrento
Hotels and Agriturismo
We spend six nights in different three- and four-star hotels and one night in a traditional agriturismo – a beautifully converted farmhouse in Cilento National Park. The hotels have been chosen for their warm hospitality and their typical Italian character. Some have a swimming pool or beach nearby, which will be greatly appreciated in summer. Most of the hotels have restaurants serving typical regional cuisine and delicious local produce.
List of hotels normally used:
- Monopoli: Palazzo Indelli
- Matera: Hotel Italia
- Castelmezzano: Becco Della Civetta
- Padula: Grand Hotel Certosa
- Bellosguardo: Agriturismo Villa Vea
- Paestum: Hotel Villa Rita
- Sorrento: Hotel Ulisse
Reviews
Add your own reviewFantastic cycling trip from Coast to Coast
I had the most amazing time cycling from coast to coast in Italy with Exodus. The scenery was stunning, the rides were very enjoyable, we had the chance to try lots of tasty local food and the group were lovely.
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling the Amalfi Coast felt pretty surreal! It was absolutely surreal and a pinch-me moment.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Paolo was fabulous - he was very attentive, friendly and gave us a great insight into the local culture.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The e-bikes are great - there’s no need to worry about the range of the battery! If needed, the bikes were charged on lunch breaks too so you need not to fear of running out of charge.
Puglia to Sorrento by e- bike
Great trip.Fantastic staff- leader Paulo, mechanic/driver Raffael and soon to be leader Matteo.Great organisation, good route choice, comfortable hotels and great group of guests( as is usual with Exodus!!)
Most Inspirational Moment
Amalfi coast- stunning scenery
Thoughts on Group Leader
Paulo was brilliant - calm, knowledgeable, loved his country, couldn’t fault him or his team
Advice for Potential Travellers
E- bikes are great so opens up tour to anyone healthy.Road bikes fine on the flat but some longish hills were hard unless very rdgjlar cyclist used to hills!!
A challenging ride made easy - sail up those hills like a pro!
This was the first time that this trip had been run using E-bikes, so everyone was keen to see how the trip would unfold. We were introduced to our bikes on the first evening, and because of a change of hotel we had the opportunity to cycle into Monopoli, and return in the dark after an amazing first meal. When I checked the itinerary I could see that the first two rides were going to be the most challenging in terms of ascent and distance, but I quickly realised that E-bikes are a great leveller. There are four levels of assistance, with turbo being the most powerful. The motor rewards effort, the faster you peddle, the more assistance it gives you, up to its maximum speed – these bikes are not chipped like the delivery cycles that whizz around around our streets bringing takeaways to the masses. Each person in the group decided how much effort to put in, getting up the many hills, but hats off to the one person in the group who rode the whole way on an ordinary bike . . . . and he was not at the back. Respect!! With uphills come downhills, and there were plenty of those. Long sweeping downhills that went on and on. Great fun. We were well fed and watered on this trip, both at lunchtime and in the evenings, and for the most part the weather behaved itself.
Most Inspirational Moment
In terms of inspiring moments - there were many. I'd already been to Matera before, but it is breathtaking. And of course cycling the Amalfi Coast on the last day was stunning, but just a bit too busy for my liking. I preferred the relative tranquility of the towns and villages we cycled through in the heart of the country. I particularly liked the village of Castelmezzano, where you could have a pint in the local bar and watch the world go by, at a snail's pace.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Paolo was our group leader, and his passion for the area stood out. He guided us, with care, through the ever changing landscape, and organised some really nice places to eat in the middle of the rides, and in the evenings too. He looked after us all admirably from start to finish. Grazie mille Paolo.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Providing you have a reasonable level of fitness this should be a very achievable ride. Do not be put off by the ascent and distances involved. Let the E-bike take the strain, so that you can take in all the beautiful scenery. You don't even have to suffer from 'range anxiety', as the batteries are given a top up whilst you nosh at lunchtime. If you're not a regular cyclist then please be advised that some sort of padding for your more delicate areas is a must, particularly during the first few days.
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Italy Coast to Coast by E-bike: Puglia to Amalfi Coast
8 Days
from
8 Days
from
Incl. taxes
Excl. flights