Hiking & walking holidays to the Paestum in Campania, Italy

ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFO

Italy 2008

Paestum and the Cilento National Park

A wonderful walking tour between century old olive trees, crystal clear blue sea, Roman temples and medieval watch towers. This is the coast along which Ulysses and his sailors were lured away from home by the singing of the Sirens and the capes along this coast still bear the lovely Siren names - Tresina, Licosa, Camarota. This walking holiday would be within the capabilities of most people of average fitness, walking 4 to 6 hours per day.

PRICE

Ł475.00 per person

INCLUDED

NOT INCLUDED

Flights and anything not specifically mentioned in the programme

Departure dates 2008:

It is possible to do this holiday all year round.

To book email: walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival at Paestum. Visit the temples area, which are amongst the best preserved in Europe. Overnight in a hotel a short distance from the temples. Overnight in Hotel*** in Paestum.

Day 2: Today you first take a short train ride to Agropoli, from where you start a wonderful walk along the headland of Punta Tresino, one of the last remaining stretches of pristine coastline. Walk through a genuine Mediterranean landscapem through forest and heathland, along wonderful beaches and an ancient Roman harbour, with beautiful views across the sea. Reach the abandoned village of San Giovanni, where excellent white wine is produced (optional tasting possible); then descend to the large sandy beach of Castellabate, continuing to the fishing harbour of Santa Maria, from where you are collected and taken to the fortified village of Rocca Cilento. Accommodation in B&B in Rocca Cilento (for 2 nights)

Day 3: From Rocca Cilento you walk directly from your accommodation to discover some of the most interesting villages in the area, among them Lustra, which has one of the best preserved old town centres in the area. Part of the path goes along the old route that once connected this valley with the Greek cities of Paestum and Velia. There are wonderful views on both sides of the ridge. Climb to the charming hamlet of Valle Cilento, with its beautiful bell-towers. Pass the abandoned village of Massacanina, then the monastery of Mercato Cilento and follow a panoramic trail back to Rocca. Circular walk. Accomodation in B&B in Rocca Cilento.

Day 4: Today you will do a panoramic walk along the ridge of Monte Stella, surrounded by a number of charming villages. A short transfer brings you to Perdifumo, where you start the walk in chestnut forest. You walk along a ridge with views to Capri and the Amalfi Coast and even sometimes to Stromboli, near Sicily. Pass an abandoned fortress amd descend towards the coast, passing through several historic villages, including Galso and Pollica. Walk down to Acciaroli, a characteristic fishing village much loved by Ernest Hemingway, and perhaps enjoy a swim before you take the public bus to San Marco di Castellabate, where you stay in a comfortable family-run hotel.
Accommodation on half board in hotel*** in San Marco di Castellabate
(2 nights)

Day 5: Walk directly from the hotel to do a circular walk passing through typical Mediterranean maquis into the area of Monte Licosa. The headland of Licosa is the point where Cilento reaches out to the sea. It is full of marine charm, a place where the sea-breeze makes the trees ‘dance’ and closely connected with the legend of Ulysses. You walk along a ridge where there are several watchtowers, from where you can see the whole area. With a bit of luck you might be able to have superb views over the whole bay of Salerno and even Calabria and have time for a swim. Continue along the coast back to San Marco.
Accommodation on half board in hotel*** in San Marco di Castellabate

Day 6: From San Marco a short transfer brings you to Agropoli railway station, where you take the train to Pisciotta (1 hour journey). There you are met by your taxi for a short transfer to Palinuro, where the walk takes you to a headland names after one of the friends of Aeneas. From Palinuro climb gently into the hills above the coastline and walk among the ruins of of Sant'Iconio Chapel before descending to the charming village of Marina di Camerota. Stay in a hotel with swimming pool and also close to the sea. Accommodation in Marina di Camerota for 2 nights

Day 7: Enjoy a coastal walk along one of the most unspoilt stretches of coastline in southern Italy, with beautifully clean water. This is the Costa degli Infreschi, named after Roman harbour of Porto degli Infreschi, where there is a freshwater spring in a grotto. Walk directly from the hotel along the harbour until you reach the first medieval watchtower. Climb through olive groves and descend to an inlet, with its pretty beach. Another hour along a lovely trail brings you to Porto degli Infreschi. Return either on foot or by optional boat to Marina di Camerota. Accommodation in Marina di Camerota.

Day 8 : Departure after breakfast with transfer to railway station. Trains available to Naples.

DIFFICULTY OF WALK

Easy to moderate

GROUP SIZE

For 2 or more people

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HIGHLIGHTS

Gorgeous scenery in an undiscovered area. Magnificent temples.

If you have done this walk previously we would be delighted to hear of your personal highlights. Mail Us

WEATHER

Click here to view the weather forecast
Link courtesy of uk met office

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ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ACCOMMODATION

7 nights accommodation to include 6 nights half-board (breakfast and dinner) in comfortable 3* hotels (3 nights), B & B/guest house (2 nights), Agriturismo (country bed and breakfast accommodation, 2 nights). 1 night on bed and breakfast basis only.

GETTING THERE

Naples is the nearest airport. There is a shuttle-bus every 30 minutes between the airport and the railway station and direct trains from Naples to Paestum. Return trains run back to Naples.

WHAT TO TAKE:

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, swimming costume, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, rainproof, fleece, compass, torch and a first-aid kit.

WHEN TO GO

The ideal time is May or June or September and October. However, it is possible to do this walk at any time.

INSURANCE

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.

To book, contact worldwalks at:
email:walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353