Biking Tours of Italy: The Amalfi Coast

Fantastic trip. This was our first guided group cycling trip and our first trip to Italy. Loved the mix of cycling and culture. We enjoyed interacting with our fellow travellers very much as we shared the journey. There is a great variety of cycling with beautiful views throughout: from steady climbs, fun descents, undulating rolling and winding roads, long stretches in the quiet countryside, and exciting sections of busy but good flowing coastal traffic, Besides cycling, we also got to do some swimming and to boat into a lovely blue grotto. The food and scenery on this trip is really wonderful. We had amazing lunches in beautiful spots every day. Our bikes worked very well and were well cared for. On our final free day, Paulo led a (steep) hike up to Ravello and down to Amalfi. This hike into the orchards and quiet areas above the tourist-heavy centers was a beautiful trek that deepened our appreciation for the region's culture and history. Others in our group enjoyed their free day in Pompeii or Capri.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Riding up to the temples in Pasteum at sunset was a wonderful moment after a ~60km day. It capped a day filled with rolling on quiet roads, through small towns, swimming in the Mediterranean, and enjoying lovely food and drink.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader, Paulo, made the trip a pleasure with well-thought out routing and pacing of the day. Paulo was very knowledgeable and passionate about the region. We also very much appreciated Raffaele, who followed the group with the van, provided water and the bike mechanic support, and gave a lift on the few occassions someone in the group needed it. Often he helped guide us through busy intersections.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for some climbing and descending. The trip notes are very accurate regarding the elevation gain/loss, distance and type of terrain for each day. Be ready to encounter the heavier scooter and car traffic on Amalfi coast so you are comfortable in this busier section.

A lovely ride, some challenges but never daunting. Suitable for all levels..e bikes, leisure riders and more competitive people. Stunning scenery but also great places of interest to visit...eg paestum, mozzarella farm, . Great food. Excellent, caring staff. Good to see cliento...less known than the amalfi Coast so less crowded but a beautiful bit of Italy. Good to have time on the last day to see the amalfi Coast by boat...very different view of the landscape.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Lots...paestum was surprising. Maybe also the gorge....where was it?
What did you think of your group leader?
Brilliant. Knowledgable, friendly, caring, kept the group together...not always easy. Went beyond his duties. Dealt well with a group member who needed to be hospitalised.....good feedback to group.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go for it...whatever your age. And if you are worried...E bikes are an option. ....though not for everyone.

This trip offers the chance to experience both a quiet rural part of Italy (Cilento) and then the hustle and excitement of the Amalfi coast. The trip was very well planned and executed throughout. It is physically tough in places with some long climbs and could be classed as a '4' rather than '3' but this makes it all the more rewarding. The scenery is breathtaking - especially in Amalfi. This, along with the exceptional Italian cuisine, and a couple of espressos keeps motivation and morale high and the miles effortlessly tick away.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the highest point along the Amalfi Coastal road and stopping to look back along the coast where we had cycled from.
What did you think of your group leader?
Alessandro was extremely attentive, a fountain of knowledge and had a great sense of humour. He had some unique insights into Cilento - his local region where he also farms. He effortlessly managed to knit together a group with mixed levels of fittness.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The support van is never that far away and there is a small bag on the bike so there is no need to take a rucksack, pump tools etc. Just a water bottle (refilled from the van whenever required), small camera and wallet. I took SPDs and shoes which are great if you use them.