Located just east of Tuscany, Umbria is the birthplace of St. Francis and home to some of Italy's best preserved medieval towns. Join us as we pedal through vineyards, past chestnut and oak forests, and over rolling hills to monasteries, castles, and hilltop villages virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages. Along the way, you'll enjoy two-night stays in Orvieto and Assisi, plus a visit to central Italy's best known ceramics town, Deruta. While enjoying all of the sights and scenery of its better known neighbor to the west, Umbria remains unspoiled by the tourists who flock to Tuscany each year - which makes it one of our favorite destinations.
Day 1: Tour begins in Orvieto, Italy
Highlights: Introductions, bike fitting, inaugural dinner
Arrive today in the Renaissance town of Orvieto with its famous 14th-century cathedral. We'll fit bicycles this afternoon, and suggest a ride if you wish, before gathering for introductions and a special inaugural dinner together this evening.Day 2: Loop ride around Lake Bolsena
Highlights: Bolsena Lake, Civita di Bagnoregio
We'll be back in Orvieto again tonight so don't bother packing this morning! We suggest a long or short loop ride today to one of several volcanic lakes in this part of Italy, the Lago di Bolsena. Both options will take us to the "ghost town" of Civita di Bagnoregio. Those taking the short ride will have time to explore this interesting village while those on the longer ride can take a break, have a cappuccino and get on with the pedalling. Dinner is on your own this evening. Distance: 75-93 km (46-58) milesDay 3: Bicycle Orvieto to Todi
Highlights: hilltop village of Todi
We pedal to Todi today, another of Umbria's classic hilltop villages. Our ride is hilly so take your time and enjoy the scenery! We'll suggest a place for a hillside picnic before continuing on to Todi. Once in Todi we'll offer a shuttle up the hill to our hotel, or if you have energy to burn you can pedal! Before dinner on your own we'll enjoy a special wine tasting. Distance: 45 km (28 miles).Day 4: Bicycle Todi to Assisi
Highlights: Medieval Assisi, home of St. Francis
Our ride today takes us north and east to Assisi, the town of Saint Francis. Although certainly not "undiscovered", there are still many parts of Assisi that the tour bus crowds never see. We cross the Martani Mountains early in the day on our way to Montefalco and Bevagna, two more hilltop towns. The last part of our ride takes us across the flat Umbrian basin, an ancient lake basin now rich in agriculture. Assisi sits on the hill overlooking the plain. Dinner together. Distance: 62-66 km (39-41 miles).Day 5: Rest day in Assisi
Highlights: The towns of Spello and Torgiano
While today is a rest day, we'll mark a ride to Spello, which borders the Mount Subasio regional park, and cut across the valley to Torgiano. Back in Assisi this afternoon, explore the church of Saint Francis, the second most important pilgrimage destination in Italy after St. Peter's in Rome. Take a hike to the hermitage just outside the village where Francis often retreated for meditation. We'll recommend a hill ride for those wanting to pedal more today. Dinner is your own tonight. Distance: 57 km (36 miles).Day 6: Bicycle Assisi to Perugia
Highlights: Deruta ceramics, Perugia
We turn west and pedal through the heart of Umbria today. Perugia, the ancient and modern capital of Umbria, looms large on its hilltop plateau to the north. Our first stop is Deruta, one of best ceramics towns in Italy. Take time to explore the village (the support wagon will be available to carry your giant ceramic umbrella holder if you buy one!) From Deruta we pedal on to Perugia. We'll have a special farewell dinner together. Distance: 64 km (40 miles).Day 7: End in Perugia, Italy
Highlights:
After breakfast together, we'll say good-bye to Umbria, but we hope to see you on tour again soon. Ciao!-
HighlightsAssisi and Todi, Extraordinary landscapes, Gourmet food, Perugia, Deruta's ceramics
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Includes7 days, 6 nights accommodation, 3 dinners with wine, a wine tasting, all breakfasts
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CountriesItaly
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Begin/EndOrvieto/Perugia
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Arrive/DepartFlorence, Rome / Florence, Rome
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Total Distance298 - 331 km (186- 207 miles)
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Daily Distance45 - 103 km (28 - 64 miles)
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What to ExpectHilly, rolling terrain with uphill finishes most days through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe.
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Rating
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Notes
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Terms
Please call 1-800-685-4565 or e-mail us for the dates for this tour.
Click on the "pins" for details about each day's highlights.
Map Key
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City (on route)
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City (not part of route, provided for reference)The Umbria cycling tour was fabulous--worth every Euro!
Carolyn L., Arcata, CA
