The Heart of the Cilento National Park – CIL2A

Through the amazing nature and rural landscapes of the authentic southern Italy

The region of Campania marks the real starting point of southern Italy. It has been sought after since Roman times when it was labelled the Campania Felix, or ‘happy land’, which is hardly a surprise considering the fact that it includes the great city of Naples, beautiful countryside, Roman ruins, small islands and stretches of spectacular coast. On the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula the Costiera Amalfitana is probably one of Europe’s most well-known and dramatic stretches of coastline, with its towering cliffs and picturesque coves. But Campania’s real secret is located south of Salerno, and immediately south of the wonderful Greek temples of Paestum. Here the coastline bulges out into an expanse of mountainous landmass known as the Cilento, now one of Italy’s biggest National Parks, with World Heritage listing.

This tour brings you into the real ‘Heart of the Cilento’, the area which perhaps best represents its immense heritage of abundant nature, small hidden treasures, charming medieval villages and of course, ancient footpaths. Inland, the Cilento is largely undisturbed by the 21st century and you will encounter few other tourists along your way. You walk along the Calore River and up into the wild Cervati mountain range, and finally onto the impressive Alburni Mountains. Inland the Cilento is largely undisturbed by the 21st century and you will encounter few other tourists along your way.

From the plain of Paestum you travel up into the first mountain and settle in Monteforte, below the towereing peaks of the Chianello mountain. From here you will walk up along the ridge, with spectacular views over the whole area. You’ll then continue through the canyons of the Calore River, up into the wild Cervati mountain range, and finally onto the impressive Alburni Mountains. You’ll enjoy  pristine natural areas, like beech and oak forests and mountain meadows, beautiful river valleys, impressive canyons and great mountain scenery. But you will also walk through attractive countryside with vineyards and olive groves and many cultural treasures like rural chapels, ancient farmhouses, old watermills and charming medieval villages.

You’ll visit some of the nicest medieval villages in the area, where the traditional way of life is still evident. And you’ll enjoy visiting some of the Cilento’s greatest cultural treasures, like the rock churches of Magliano, St. Michael’s cave church in Sant’Angelo a Fasanella, the ruins of Roscigno Vecchia, the pre-historic ‘stone warrior’ of the Alburni Mountains and the castles of Laurino and Felitto. All connected by a great walking route.

At the beginning or the end of the tour there is also an opportunity to visit Paestum or Pompeii, or spend some time on the beach. The tour can easily be combined with a journey along the coast of the Cilento or with a tour on the Amalfi Coast.

Please note: this is a moderately easy tour which is suitable for those who have some experience of walking and a good general physical condition. Most of the walks are on good paths, some of them just recently restored by the local authorities. Parts of the paths are waymarked. Elsewhere you have to follow the route notes provided together with the maps.

Average walking times:  from approx.. 4 to 6 hours each day.

Tour Highlights

• Discover the unknown Cilento National Park, one of the biggest and most diverse of Italy
• Visit the Calore Canyon and Sammaro Gorges
• Walk through villages where time stands still, and enjoy the warm hospitality and genuine food.

Day-to-Day programme

Day 1 – Arrival in Capaccio-Paestum and transfer to Monteforte

Arrival by train in Paestum (easily reached from Naples). You can visit the amazing Greek temples before being transferred to your accommodation in the quaint village of Monteforte (transfer service included). Those travelling by car can leave it here (a transfer service from the last accommodation back here can be arranged).

Agriturismo/B&B *** – Monteforte

Day 2 –  From Capizzo to Magliano Vetere

Today you make a circular walk, a good introduction of what the area has to offer: ranging from wild nature to hidden cultural treasures. From the small hamlet of Capizzo you first walk up along the medieval stairs to the chapel of San Mauro, just underneath the impressive mountain ridge overlooking the Gulf of Salerno and the Amalfi coast.

After a visit to the chapel, with beautiful frescos – and of course great views! – you make a short climb to the ridge, to have even better views, ranging from Capri & the Amalfi Coast to inland Cilento. Then you follow a very scenic path, first through the forest and then over the ridge to the chapel of Santa Lucia, yet another beautiful medieval church.

From here you follow the old pilgrim’s way down to the town centre of Magliano Vetere (“Old Magliano”), and perhaps have a drink in the local bar, before returning to your accommodation.

Agriturismo/B&B *** – Monteforte
Distance: 7-11 km. Approx. 4-5,5 h. walking. Ascent & descent: + 500 m./- 650 m.

Day 3 – From Magliano Nuovo into the Calore Canyon

First you walk up to Magliano Nuovo, an old fortified town, towering high above the green canyon of the river Calore. From here you have one of the most amazing views over one of the highlights of the Cilento National Park: the canyon of the Calore River. An old path leads down to the river from here.

First you walk through the maquis, then through the forest, into one of the most unspoilt areas of the Cilento National Park. Vegetation is abundant and in the crystal clear water there are still otters and trout. Along the route there are several nice swimming spots. Then you arrive at a natural bridge over the river, which you cross (it is possible to descend into the canyon here, all the way down to the river bed).

From the bridge an easy path leads to a little artificial lake (with picnic spot & the opportunity for a swim). Then along an ancient aqueduct you walk into another gorge, below the little medieval town of Felitto. After crossing a little bridge a path leads up to the town square. From here you can either be picked up, or choose to walk the last stretch to your great agriturismo.

Agriturismo *** – Felitto
Distance: 6 km. Approx. 4 h. walking. Ascent & descent: + 250 m./- 400 m.

Day 4 – Roundwalk Felitto & the Calore Canyon

Today you descend into the amazing gorge of the Calore River again, straight from the town square of Felitto. The beautiful path along the old aqueduct first brings you to a picnic area at a small artificial lake, and then penetrates into the wildest part of the canyon. The path has several amazing viewpoints overlooking the canyon. You come across caves (one of which a hermit used to live in) and the ruins of watermills. Underneath the towering coloured rocks you arrive at the famous medieval bridge, one of the best-preserved in the area, at the other very scenic entrance to the canyon.

From here, you have several options to walk back to the village of Felitto, through forest and pretty countryside. If you still have the energy, you can walk back all the way to your agriturismo, along the aqueduct and passing another medieval bridge.

Agriturismo *** – Felitto
Distance: 12 km. Approx. 4-5 h. walking. Ascent & descent: +/- 350 m.

Day 5 –  Grava di Vesalo: From Laurino to Piaggine

Today you start the day with a short journey from Felitto to Laurino. You can already see this town from a distance, towering high above the river. Just below the town you start your walk, following the canyon beneath Laurino. After about 30 minutes walking you arrive at a small medieval bridge which leads to the little church of Sant’Elena. From here a good mule track leads into the ‘real’ mountains, following the spectacular green Soprana Valley. Through thick forests you arrive at a beautiful mountain meadow, with some extensive grazing and ruins of houses. A little further on you can discover one of the most interesting karst phenomena in the area: a whole river disappearing into the ground. The way back – again along ancient mule tracks – takes you past some of the most amazing viewpoints in the area. An optional visit brings you to the cave of St. Michael, with a statue of the Archangel at the entrance. From here it’s an easy route down to the pretty little village of Valle dell’Angelo, where you can have a drink in the charming village square. You either sleep here, in a ‘locanda’, just above the village square, or in nearby Piaggine. In the evening you have the chance to eat in a renowned ‘Slow Food’ restaurant in Valle dell’Angelo – or you could opt for a pizza or trattoria in Piaggine.

Accommodation: Valle dell’Angelo / Piaggine – Locanda / Agriturismo ***
Total walking distance: 15 km. Approx. walking time: 5-6 h. Ascent & descent: + 800 m./- 550 m.

Optional extra day: Gole del Festolaro

You might opt for this extra day in Valle dell’Angelo to recover from the harder walk yesterday and do a short but beautiful walk west of the village. This short walk first takes you from Valle dell’Angelo to the towering village of Laurino, now allowing you some more time to visit. After a visit of this nice little town, you walk  into the spectacular gorge of the Festolaro River, a great spot for a relaxed picnic. Then you retrace your steps to the little village of Valle dell’ Angelo, and allow some time to relax

Accommodation: Valle dell’Angelo / Piaggine
Total walking distance: 10 km. Approx. walking time: 4 h. Ascent & descent: + 800 m./- 550 m.

Day 6 –From the Sammaro Gorge to the ‘ghost town’ Roscigno Vecchia

You start your walk from Valle dell’Angelo in the direction of Piaggine again.

But today, just before reaching the village, you descend into a pretty green valley with maquis, olive groves and orchards, a timeless rural landscape. An age-old footpath brings you to the pretty little town of Sacco, where the cathedral simply must be visited! You then descend along a medieval mule track to the ‘sources’ of the Sammaro River, which surfaces here after running underground for several kilometres. An ideal spot for a picnic lunch! The path then continues on the other side of the river and brings you to the ‘ghost town’ of Roscigno Vecchia, also called the ‘Pompeii of the 19^th century’. This little village remains exactly as it was at the start of the 20^th century when it was abandoned. A beautiful setting, especially at sunset! From Roscigno Vecchia you then walk up to the ‘new’ village of Roscigno, where you spend the next night. In alternative you walk on through the olive groves to your agriturismo just outside Roscigno.

Accommodation: Roscigno – Agriturismo/B&B ***
Distance: 14 km. Approx. walking time: 5 h. Ascent & descent: +/- 500 m.

Day 7 – To Sant’Angelo a Fasanella

You continue your walk straight from your country inn. From your accomodation you climb up to Monte Pruno, an archaeological site where you can admire the impressive stone walls from the 4th century BC and a number of tombs, as well as find a beautiful viewpoint over the whole area. From here you descend to the quaint little village of Corleto Monforte, a fortified mountain, as the name suggests, with a pretty medieval town centre built on the promontory, overlooking the valley. You then walk along a beautiful ancient mule track, past old watermills and through the olive groves, to Sant’Angelo a Fasanella, one of the most interesting little towns in the area. Take the time to stroll through the medieval town, down to the impressive church in St. Michael’s cave, certainly one of the most beautiful churches you’ll ever see! In case you still have the time you can continue the walk down to the waterfalls at the Auso River (see below).Then walk back to the town square. Here you have time for a drink in the square, before being picked up by your host to return to your accommodation in Roscigno for a last nice evening meal and the last night in the Cilento.

Accommodation: Roscigno – Country Inn /B&B ***
Distance: 14 km. Approx. walking time: 5 h. Ascent & descent: + 500 m./- 550 m.

Day 8 – Departure

Unless you booked an extension, the tour finishes after breakfast. By bus – or private transfer – you travel back to Paestum, or on to your next destination

Optional Extra Days – The southern slopes of the Alburni Mountains

In case you want to spend some more time we recommend a longer stay in Sant’Angelo a Fasanella, from where you can make two beautiful roundwalks. The first in western direction, through the medieval streets to the River Fasanella. You follow the river valley along a medieval mule track containing ruins of the old Roman road, and soon reach one of the most picturesque sites of the National Park: the so-called Risorgenza dell’Auso, where the River Auso surfaces, having run underground for several kilometres. The ruins of the medieval watermills and the bridge make the picture complete. From here you walk up to the church of Cardoneto and then along the ancient flight of steps to the nice little village of Ottati. Another extra walk through the mountains brings you onto the high plain of the Alburni Mountains, a wild calcareous mountain chain with many caves, huge beech forests and bare rocks, an area where wolves still wander around. You are brought to the beginning of the path which leads to the so-called ‘Antece’, a prehistoric stone warrior, sculpted into the bare rock. From here you walk along easy mule tracks through the high plains, past several sinkholes. You reach the edge of the mountain plateau at one of the most impressive viewpoints in the area: ‘Il Figliolo’, a sheer drop of several hundreds of metres and a marvellous site overlooking the plain of Salerno, the sea and the mountains. You’ll enjoy another night and another dinner in your beautiful agriturismo. Accommodation: Sant’Angelo a Fasanella – Agriturismo ***

TOUR DETAILS

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

All nights are spent in beautiful, welcoming farm houses (“agriturismo”), or in so-called “locanda” (the French “Auberge”, or British “Inn”), all small characteristic family-run accommodations.

All rooms have en-suite facilities.

All accommodations are on a half board basis, with all evening meals included, either on the premises of the hotel or ‘agriturismo’ or in a nearby restaurant.

No picnic lunches are included in the tour price, but these can be prepared for you by the accommodation holders, or materials for picnics can be purchased in the villages where you’ll be staying. On some occasions you have the option of having your lunch in a restaurant along the way.

Nights 1 & 2: The first nights are spent in Monteforte, either in a beautiful agriturismo or at ‘family houses’, which have comfortable rooms with en-suite facilities, and genuine local food.

Nights 3 & 4: These are spent in Felitto in a very good ‘agriturismo’, just outside the medieval village, in a beautiful green valley. Food is known to be very good and the farm produces its own full-bodied red wine.

Night 5: The next accommodation is a welcoming ‘guesthouse’, right in the Valle d’Angelo village square, overlooking the mountains. Dinner will be in a renowned ‘Slow Food’ restaurant in the same square.

Night 6&7: The last two nights are spent in a nice guesthouse, right in the middle of Roscigno’s old village centre.

Extra Nights: These nights can be spent in a comfortable ‘agriturismo’ – a beautiful, recently restored farmhouse with a swimming pool and nice restaurant –located just outside the little town of Sant’Angelo a Fasanella, on the southern side of the Alburni Mts.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

Moderately easy (level 2-3): Mostly moderately easy walks, but with nonetheless some walking uphill, sometimes on paths with rough surfaces. Orientation can be difficult on occasions (but check out our route notes!). On some days extensions or shortcuts are possible.

Fitness: High standard of fitness is not necessary but you should be able to walk for up to 5-6 hours, sometimes also on a day in hot sun on dusty or stony tracks.

FOOTPATHS & WAYMARKING

Footpaths: Most paths are relatively well maintained, but during the season some paths can get overgrown (we are in continuous contact with local authorities to keep the paths clean – please help us by providing you feedback on the quality of the paths).

Waymarking: Only a small part of the route is waymarked (partly by us); elsewhere it is necessary to follow the route descriptions provided together with the maps. With these it is always possible to find your route. In case you don’t feel confident a local guide can be provided for some trails

INCLUSIONS:

• 2 nights Agriturismo in Monteforte ***  – HB
• 2 nights Agriturismo in Felitto *** – HB
• 1 night Hotel in Valle dell’Angelo or Piaggine ***  – BB
• 2 nights in Roscigno *** – HB
• (2 nights Agriturismo in Sant’Angelo a Fasanella *** – HB)
• Extensive route notes, with description of the route & tourist information
• Maps at 1 : 25.000 scale
• GPS tracks for each day
• 24/7 assistance
• Luggage transfer
• Private transfers as specified

NOT INCLUDED:

• Departure taxes
• Visas
• Travel Insurance
• Drinks and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Optional additional tours or activities
• Tips
• Items of personal nature

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE

Arrival: The tour starts in MONTEFORTE; a pick-up service (included) has been arranged from Capaccio train station, which can easily be reached from Naples, the nearest city with an international airport. The train journey takes about an hour. Another possibility is to arrange a pick-up service (included) from Roccadaspide, a nice little town with a beautiful medieval castle, linked to Capaccio train station by a frequent bus service.

Departure: The tour ends after breakfast in ROSCIGNO.  A short transfer brings you to the bus or train station (included), from where you travel back/on to your next destination (Naples, Salerno or Rome can all be easily reached). Several taxi services are available to bring you directly to your next destination.

EXTRA NIGHTS

It is possible to include extra nights in any of the accommodations en route.

8 Days Prices

Please contact us for the latest prices.

Availability
& Conditions

	You can book this tour with a minimum of 1 person.
	There are a very limited number of available places on these dates. Immediate booking is recommended.
	Not available.
	Availability and prices on request.

• Prices are per person and based on the season within which the first night of the tour falls.
• Prices are based on 2 people sharing double or twin accommodation. Single rooms (double rooms – single) are available on most trips however the supplements listed apply.
• If you are travelling alone then on some trips (which include taxi transfers) a ‘Solo Traveller Supplement’ will be applied instead of the normal single supplement.
• Prices are expressed in Euro’s. There will never be a currency surcharge.
• Actual exchange rates: GB £ – US $ – CAN $ – CHF – DKK – SEK – NOK – Other currencies.

TOUR VARIATIONS

EXTRA NIGHTS

It is possible to include extra nights in any of the accommodations en-route. At the beginning or the end of the tour there is also an opportunity to visit Paestum or Pompei, or spend some time on the beach.

The tour can easily be combined with a possible journey along the coast of the Cilento or with a tour on the Amalfi Coast. As well is it possible to extend your tour with a few days along the Amalfi Coast in Salerno or Naples (with the isle of Capri). Many good accommodations are available. Details & prices on request.

It is possible to include extra nights in any of the accommodations en-route.

At the beginning or the end of the tour there is also an opportunity to visit Paestum or Pompeii, or spend some time on the beach. The tour can easily be combined with a possible journey along the coast of the Cilento or with a tour on the Amalfi Coast. The cities of Salerno and Naples (or the isle of Capri) can also be visited as an extension to the tour. Several good accommodations are available. Details & prices on request.

SHORTER & LONGER VERSION

A longer, 10- or even 12-day version of this tour is also available.

Bespoke, shorter or longer tours, suiting your agenda can be organised. Please contact us.