Italy's Cilento Coast

Your itinerary

Day 1: UK/Castellabate

Meet your travelling companions at the airport for your flight to Naples. On arrival transfer to your hotel in San Marco Castellabate for a seven-night stay. Enjoy a welcome drink before dinner this evening.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: San Marco Castellabate

South of historic Paestum, the Cilento coast is one of Campania’s remotest corners and much less well-known than its famous neighbour, the Amalfi coast. This is a region that is simply swamped in history, the whole Cilento area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its importance on the trade route in the Middle Ages. Our base for the week, San Marco Castellabate, is ideally located for exploration of this little-known gem. Join our half-day included tour of Santa Maria Castellabate today, which will introduce you to the best of this charming coastal resort and its hilltop counterpart, Castellabate. This medieval town boasts fantastic views across the countryside and the stunning turquoise sea. You’ll wander through its arches and passageways to the enclosed square at the heart, before heading down the hill to the lively fishing town below. With a magnificent crescentshaped beach, you’ll be amazed by the lack of high-rise hotels that grace so many other resorts. Here, you’ll find only red roofed whitewashed houses and a traditional fishing community.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 3: Paestum

Join us today for our three-quarter day excursion to the spectacular remains at Paestum, the Cilento’s most famous historic site. Founded in the 7th century BC by the Greeks, Paestum expressed its power in the building of three massive Doric temples, dedicated to Hera, Apollo and Athena. Our visit in the company of a local guide gives us the opportunity to wander around their graceful ruins. Excavations at Paestum have also revealed other parts of the city, and the fascinating museum displays many of the finds including sculptures and tomb paintings. Following our visit to Paestum, we’ll enjoy a tasting of some of Cilento’s locally produced delicious mozzarella.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 4: Coastal Cruise

Step aboard a private boat this morning at the resort of Casalvelino for a full-day exploration of the spectacular Cilento Coast. You’ll see caves carved out by the movement of the sea, the Baia del Buon Domire (Bay of Good Sleep), Isola del Coniglio (Rabbit Island) and more. We stop in Marina di Camerota, where there will be free time to explore and enjoy a little lunch, before cruising back to Casalvelino. (weather permitting).

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 5: Amalfi & Ravello

Today’s superb optional full-day tour features a drive along the stunning coastline to Amalfi, which seemingly clings to the cliffs that tower from the sea. You then continue on to Ravello - the jewel of the Amalfi coast, renowned for its stunning position. Here you’ll find the wonderful gardens of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, and an impressive cathedral, along with magnificent views of the coast below.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 6: Elia Velia

Our half-day included excursion today takes us to the incredible ancient Greek ruined city of Elia Velia. Our Local Guide will give us a tour of this city, founded in around 540BC, where we will see the Porta Rosa, one of the earliest Greek arches ever found, and an acropolis with theatre temple and a tower built by the Normans from stone found on the site. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the beach and pool at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 7: Castellabate

Today you are free to explore charming San Marco di Castellabate for yourself. Perhaps head up the hill to spend a little time wandering around the historic medieval streets of Castellabate, or head to Santa Maria di Castellabate to do a little people watching in a beachfront café. Alternatively, we offer an optional full-day excursion to the Pertosa Caves and the Certosa di Padula. The underground caves of the Grotta del’Angelo are a fascinating natural wonder, and on your underground boat trip through the caverns you’ll be able to admire the spectacular, colourfully-lit stalactites hanging from the cave ceilings. The Certosa di Padula is the second largest Carthusian monastery in Italy and was founded by the nobleman Tommaso San Severino at the start of the 14th century. Tonight we have a farewell get-together (weather permitting).

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 8: Naples/UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Meals: Breakfast