Art & Culture
Genius Loci Travel
Heart of Cilento National Park
A loop tour through the heart of Cilento National Park, exploring Paestum’s ruins, scenic valleys, charming medieval villages and the sparkling Mount Sella coastline.
South
April – October
7 days / 6 nights
Difficult: 3.0

ABSTRACT

Explore the wonders of the Cilento region on this loop tour from the coast to the interior of the Cilento National Park. Begin by passing through the remarkable archaeological site of Paestum, then ascend to scenic viewpoints overlooking the breathtaking coastal plain. Pedal through the picturesque Calore Valley, where you’ll discover some of the area’s most charming medieval villages. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural treasures of Cilento, and ride along the stunning coast of Mount Stella, a landscape adorned with quaint medieval hamlets and tiny fishing villages. This journey blends history, culture, and natural beauty into an unforgettable adventure.
Genius Loci Travel is based in Salerno, in the southern region of Campania. Considered one of the most spectacular areas on Earth with a tremendous wealth of natural and cultural treasures, it’s the perfect destination…

Tour Start 

Paestum

Tour End

Paestum

Best start day

Every day

Tot. distance

180 mi / 290 km

DETAILS

DAILY PROGRAM

  • Day 1: Arrival in Paestum (Capaccio)

    After arriving at Paestum train station, you can walk or take a taxi to your hotel, where bicycles will be ready for you for a bike fitting and briefing. If you arrive early, you can visit the ancient temples and city walls or ride your bike to the beach for a quick swim before returning to the hotel.

    Daily Distance: 4 mi / 6.5 km
    Elevation Gain: +/- 100 ft
    Accommodations: Hotel*** in Paestum
    Meals: Dinner

  • Day 2: From Paestum to Felitto

    Before leaving Paestum, take time to visit the archaeological site and museum, especially the unique "Tomba del Tuffatore" (Diver's Tomb). Then, cycle east towards Capaccio, passing mozzarella farms and grazing buffaloes. After a climb to Capaccio, continue to Trentinara for stunning views. After a coffee break, ride through peaceful roads to the medieval villages of Monteforte Cilento and Magliano Vetere. Climb to Magliano Nuovo for breathtaking views of the Calore River canyon. Descend into the valley, pass Felitto, and arrive at your agriturismo for a dinner of local specialties.

    Distance: 41 mi / 66 km
    Elevation Gain: + 1968 ft /- 1640 ft
    Accommodations: Agriturismo in Felitto
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 3: Calore Valley roundtrip

    Today, you can choose from several roundtrips in the Calore River valley. Options include visiting the limestone caves of Castelcività, the church of St. Michael in a cave at Sant’Angelo a Fasanella, or exploring the abandoned village of Roscigno Vecchia. You can also cycle to Sacco, explore Sammaro Canyon, or stop by the Calore River to spot otters. The peaceful roads take you through fragrant maquis, chestnut and beech woods, olive groves, and vineyards. In the evening, return to your agriturismo to enjoy local cuisine and a glass of red wine.

    Distance: 35 mi / 56 km
    Ascent & descent: +/- 1969 ft
    Accommodations: Agriturismo in Felitto
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 4: Felitto to Ceraso

    Today, you'll cycle from the Calore Valley to an agriturismo in the hills above the Alento plain in central Cilento. Starting from Felitto, you can detour to Laurino to explore its historical center. A quiet road through woods leads you to Stio and then to Gioi, located on a hilltop. Continue to Moio della Civitella to visit the ruins of a pre-Greek town and enjoy panoramic views. After passing through Vallo della Lucania and Ceraso, a medieval village worth a visit, you'll descend to your agriturismo for the night, ending the day with a local produce dinner.

    Distance: 40 mi / 65 km
    Ascent & descent: +1,969 ft / -2,461 ft / +2,625 ft / -3,117 ft
    Accommodations: Agriturismo in Ceraso
    Meals: Breakfast, Light lunch, Dinner

  • Day 5: Ceraso to San Marco di Castellabate

    Today, you will reach the fishing village of San Marco di Castellabate while enjoying stunning views of the Cilento coastline. Visit the archaeological site of Velia, where you can see the old port, baths, temples, and the famous 'Porta Rosa.' Afterward, cycle through the Alento River plain to Marina di Casalvelino, then follow the coastal road through charming fishing villages like Pioppi, and Acciaroli, associated with Ernest Hemingway. Enjoy a swim and lunch on the beach before continuing to Agnone and Ogliastra Marina, where you can explore Punta Licosa before returning to your hotel in San Marco di Castellabate.

    Distance: 35 mi / 57 km
    Elevation Gain: +1,148 ft / -1,312 ft
    Accommodations: Hotel *** in San Marco di Castellabate
    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 6: San Marco di Castellabate to Paestum

    Today, a short ride takes you back to Paestum. If you missed it, you can cycle to Punta Licosa to visit the lighthouse. Next, climb to the medieval village of Castellabate for stunning coastal views and explore its well-preserved historical center. Continue to San Pietro and take a quiet road to the beautiful Bay of Trentova near Agropoli, where you can walk through fragrant maquis above the clear sea. Visit Agropoli to see the acropolis and ancient castle, then enjoy a coffee before cycling back to Paestum. After a refreshing shower, relax with an aperitivo overlooking the Greek temples, and choose a nearby restaurant for dinner.

    Distance: 31 mi / 50 km
    Elevation Gain: +1,640 ft / -1,804 ft
    Accommodation: Hotel *** in Paestum
    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 7: End of the tour

    Your tour ends after breakfast at the hotel in Paestum. Train connection or private transfer available for departure flight from Naples (additional costs apply).

    Meals: Breakfast

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Highlights

● Pass through the archaeological site of Paestum on your way to a genuine mozzarella farm, and climb up to some nice view points on the coastal plain.
● Cycle on through the Calore Valley, visit some of the nicest medieval villages of the area, where the traditional way of life is still evident. Enjoy visiting some of the Cilento’s greatest cultural treasures
● Ride along the coast of Mount Stella, dotted by several typical medieval hamlets and tiny fisherman’s villages such as Acciaroli and Pioppi, on your way to San Marco di Castellabate. Here you have the time to explore the peninsula of Punta Licosa, and you can climb up to the medieval village of Castellabate with its imposing castle, offering wonderful views over the coast.

Includes

• 6 nights (3 star), double occupancy, with breakfast
• Baggage transfer
• Briefing and bike fitting
• GPS tracks and navigation app
• Support line / assistance (8 am – 8 pm)
• E-bike rental & helmet (additional cost may apply for bike upgrade)

Signature Experiences:
• 1 olive oil tasting
• 1 light lunch & mozzarella tasting

Excludes

• Local hotel taxes (2 to 5 euro per night per person, to be paid locally by traveler)
• Cycle guide and van support
• Beverages and meals not specified as included
• Entrance to museums/sites or other activities not specified as included
• Insurance (medical, trip cancellation and interruption, baggage, bike rental)

Pricing

Starting at €1,150 per person, double occupancy.

Single supplement: starting from €190
Solo Traveller supplement: starting from €300
Superior room supplement: on request

High season supplement: seasonal rate increase may apply, inquire for quote

Bike Options

• E-bike included in package
• Other bike options available on request

Extra Costs

• Single room supplement
• Solo traveller supplement
• Room upgrade
• Cycle Guide
• Van Support
• Meals (if available)
• Medical or luggage insurance
• Transfers
• Additional experiences