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There’s a time of year when Cilento takes on a whole new look. The beaches empty out, the villages fall silent and invite you to take it easy, the sea seems even bigger, and the winter light brings out colors that are hard to see in the summer.
This is exactly the place we’ve chosen for a New Year’s celebration unlike any other: easy, scenic hikes, seaside villages, nature, good food, and the company of a group with whom to share every day. We’ll be staying in Sapri, overlooking the Gulf of Policastro, and from there we’ll explore the Cilento and Maratea regions, discovering coastal trails, forests, canyons, ancient villages, and spots that seem tailor-made for photography.
We’ll walk with the sea always close by, stop at the most beautiful scenic spots, wait for a sunset, immerse ourselves in nature, and even treat ourselves to a few moments to savor.
And then there’s New Year’s Eve: a seafood dinner in the port of Maratea, music, toasts, and the sea right before our eyes.
Because starting the new year with hiking boots on, a delicious meal, new people to meet, and the sea on the horizon is always a great idea.
WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Program
First day
Toward Cilento: Paestum at Sunset
Our journey through Cilento begins with a delicious first stop to sample one of this region’s most iconic products— Campania buffalo mozzarella—along with other local specialties.
And this is just a taste of what awaits us in the days ahead! In the afternoon, we’ll head to Paestum, where we’ll visit the archaeological site and its extraordinary temples of Greek origin. Seeing them in the late afternoon light, far from the hustle and bustle of summer, is a completely different experience.
After the visit, we’ll head to Sapri, on the Gulf of Policastro, where we’ll be staying for the entire vacation.
Second day
Maratea and the Christ the Redeemer
Our first real hike takes us to Maratea, one of the most picturesque places in this part of Italy. After a stroll through the historic center, we begin our loop trail, winding through holm oak forests, along scenic paths, and offering spectacular views of the sea. Our destination is Mount San Biagio, where we’ll encounter the great Christ the Redeemer of Maratea.
The route is an easy, scenic hike, ideal for those who want to walk and enjoy the scenery without turning their vacation into a race against elevation gain.
Third day
Bussento Oasis
We head to Morigerati for a hike in the WWF Bussento Caves Oasis, one of the most stunning natural environments in the Cilento. The trail descends into the river gorge, winding through forests, canyons, rocky cliffs, and water, all the way to the spectacular Bussento resurgence.
A setting that seems much farther from the sea than it actually is. After the hike, we return to Sapri and have the whole afternoon to relax and get ready for the evening.
Then comes the most eagerly awaited moment.
We leave the year’s last sunset behind us: the New Year’s Eve dinner awaits us at a restaurant overlooking the picturesque harbor of Maratea.
Seafood, local specialties, music, and a long table to share with the group: no formalities, just the desire to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the arrival of the new year in a special place.
And when midnight strikes, we step outside to toast by the sea.
This is how the new year begins: in Maratea, with the sea before us and a group of new friends to toast with.
Fourth day
The Sentiero degli Infreschi
We start the first day of the year the way we like best: walking along the coast. We head to Scario, the gateway to one of the most beautiful areas of the Cilento coast. From here, we hike a section of the Sentiero degli Infreschi, winding through Mediterranean scrub, cliffs, and small coves overlooking a sea that’s surprisingly blue even in winter. At the end of the hike, we stop at a local pastry shop to enjoy something delicious—perhaps a local specialty, a freshly baked dessert, or simply a good cup of coffee. After a few hours on the trails, a slice of cake suddenly seems to taste completely different.
We return to Sapri and have the afternoon free to take a stroll along the waterfront or relax at the hotel.
Fifth day
The Certosa di Padula and the Return Trip
One last breakfast with a view of the sea.
Before leaving Cilento, we take one more detour: we head to Padula to visit the Certosa di San Lorenzo, one of Italy’s most important monastic complexes. After the seaside trails, the woods, and the villages, one last big surprise before heading home.
We then set off again toward Rome, with an estimated arrival time around 5:00 p.m.
And so our New Year’s in Cilento comes to an end: five days of easy hikes, the winter sea, nature, culture, good food, and new people.
And perhaps that’s precisely the beauty of group vacations: there are some places you could have seen on your own. But certain emotions, when shared, become memories.
accommodation in double/triple rooms
transfer Rome-Sapri-Rome and local transportation by minibus
Half-board accommodation with dinners at a restaurant, New Year's Eve dinner
chauffeur/driver
buffalo mozzarella tasting in San Vittore (extra)
health and baggage insuranceTravel to and from Rome, beverages, tourist tax where applicable, any museum and/or park admission fees, fuel and tolls (covered by a shared fund), and anything not specified under “Includes.”
Single occupancy accommodation starting at €150.
3-star hotel in Villammare - SA. Directly on the sea, in the Cilento National Park, a few steps from the Villammare and Sapri seafront. Comfortable rooms, private beach, well-kept garden, and full restaurant service, with staff always on hand. A simple and relaxing oasis where you can enjoy the sea without a care in the world.
All you need to do is arrive at Roma Tiburtina on the morning of the first day, where your tour guide will be waiting for you to begin your road trip. We’ll provide the meeting details once you’ve registered. Transportation from Sapri to Rome will also be provided at the end of the trip. Local transportation will also be provided by minibus with a driver. Fuel and toll costs will be covered by a shared fund among the participants.
Do you need more information?
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