There are few areas in the world that have a high number of centenarians, the most famous being the Japanese island of Okinawa. The least famous, yet second on the list is Cilento in Italy. Yet this area is so unique that it has been studied by many Italian and foreign universities.

This geographic region is situated in the central and southern part of the Salerno province. The name Cilento derives from the Latin 'cis-alentum' and means 'on this side of the Alento river', probably indicating the territories north of the Alento river. This is where I’m going to take you with this four-day, 192-kilometre (120 mi) Collection.

From the Vallo della Lucania-Castelnuovo station, easily reached by train, you'll set off on a journey to discover unique landscapes, extraordinary flavours and the hospitality of a population still deeply attached to its land. Prepare to break a sweat with plenty of climbing followed by breathtaking views of the blue sea, the green and grey mountains and the red roofs of villages perched on panoramic slopes.

During the first few days of this itinerary, you’ll get to know the area at the foot of Mount Stella, often called Cilento Antico (Ancient Cilento) and best known as the birthplace of the Mediterranean diet. Considered one of the fundamental elements for a long and healthy life, the Mediterranean diet has been recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO and the town of Pollica is its guardian. It was in Pioppi, a hamlet of Pollica, that nutritionists Ancel and Margaret Keys settled in the 1960s. From the United States, they moved here to understand why people living in Cilento enjoyed excellent health in old age. And perhaps it’s no coincidence that Ancel lived to be 100!

The variety of the area makes this itinerary surprising and never boring, but also challenging. I’ve divided the stages in such a way that you can cope with the daily altitude, even with little training. However, I recommend coming prepared before you set off.

You’ll ride entirely on asphalt along secondary roads with little traffic. Enjoy cycling among terraces made of dry stone walls that are still cultivated, century-old olive trees, fig trees, caper bushes and many scents of the Mediterranean maquis.

You can take this journey at any time of year. Spring and autumn are best, when temperatures are mild and the coastal area is not overcrowded by holidaymakers. These are areas where life still flows at a slow pace, which is perhaps also why people live longer here. On Sundays and in the middle of the day, the grocery stores and supermarkets in the small villages are closed, so you should plan ahead with food. It’s easy to find B and B’s or family-run guesthouses for overnight stays. Always check availability in advance.

Remember that this is an itinerary for your senses. I recommend trying the local food and stopping in the small village squares to talk to the local elders. These are experiences for the soul that will help you live a long and healthy life.