South of Amalfi and Pompeii, just past the Gulf of Salerno the coast of Italy projects out into the sea in a series of dramatic headlands and broad sweeping bays.

This is the area of Cilento, most of which is protected as a National Park. Your base for the week is I Moresani, a delightful hilltop farm with views over the park. Each day you ride out to explore the surrounding parkland, with a rest day in the middle of the week. The routes have been carefully researched with names that reflect the Greek, Roman and more recent heritage of the area; The Crest of the Gods, Between Middle Age and Renaissance, the Salt Trail and the Route of the Monks.

On some days you ride high up into the mountains with tremendous views of the surrounding countryside, on others you may head onto the shore. (Please note that due to the crowds it is not possible to ride on the beach at all between 21 May and 17 September). Farm trails lead you through fruit orchards in the valley floor, onto terraced olive groves and to wilderness areas of wild broom, rosemary and fennel. Other routes pass through ancient villages clinging to the steep valley sides where you may stop for a coffee in a local bar.

Accommodation at I Moresani is in beautifully restored cottages, simply decorated and furnished in keeping with the local style. The ensuite bedrooms have tiled floors and high ceilings with fans. It is possible to pay a little more to have your own private veranda. There is also a large swimming pool which is open from mid May to early October.

The food prepared at I Moresani will be an important part of your holiday. Meals are based around the seasons so vegetables and fruits are eaten when they are at their best. At lunch, the support crew meet the riders for a picnic, prepared freshly from the farm kitchen. There is time to stop, relax and find some shade before saddling up for the afternoon ride. At dinner enjoy Italian cooking at its best. Most of the food you eat has been grown and prepared on the farm, from the vegetables and meat to pasta, bread and cured hams. The farm even makes its own cheese and wine. Imoresani is part of the Slow Food movement which started in Italy but is now an international organisation that aims to counteract fast food and fast life.

On the rest day you may choose to relax by the pool, walk into the nearby village or with prior notice we can arrange for you to visit Pompeii or to have a cookery lesson and learn more about the Mediterranean cooking of the area (minimum three people).