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From the birthplace of the Renaissance to the Eternal City, this fantastic route takes in some of central Italy’s most beautiful towns and scenery. Enjoy the culture and art of Tuscany’s Florence before heading south to Umbria’s famous hilltop towns of Perugia and Assisi. This classic route ends with a flourish in the Italian Capital.
You’ll cycle in the foothills of the Apennines, stay on the shore of Lake Trasimeno and visit bustling regional cities and quiet little hill towns. The narrow winding streets of Perugia are a delight to explore as is the quaint Umbrian hilltop town of Assisi. Marvel at the ancient aqueduct and fortress at Spoleto and lose yourself in the ancient medieval streets of Narni.
Assisi - Umbria
Finally, in Rome you can bid the bike farewell and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of this vibrant, historic city.
Both Tuscany and Umbria pride themselves on their cuisine so if you enjoy good food and wine with your cycling then this is a definitely a tour for your shortlist.
The route is a mix of rolling hills and longer flat sections, travelling almost all the way on farm tracks and quiet back roads. The only time you might encounter more traffic is on the way in and out of some of the towns along the route.
On arrival make your way to your first hotel in Florence. After check-in you are free to relax or explore the fascinating Tuscan capital. If you’ve got time – and the energy for it – climb the 460 steps to the top of the Duomo – the views from the cathedral stretch right across the city.
The day starts with a one hour train journey with your bike (ticket included in tour price) to the town of Arezzo, a historic city south east of Florence. You then begin to ride along the Val di Chiana, a wide fertile valley punctuated by picturesque hillside towns. Stop in the gorgeous town of Cortona to wander the narrow winding streets – this little place may seem oddly familiar as it was the setting for the film, Under the Tuscan Sun. Shortly after leaving Cortona you cross into Umbria and arrive at Lake Trasimeno. The views here are sublime, and you’ll spend the night in the lakeside town of Passignano sul Trasimeno.
Start the day by cycling along the lakeside to Torricella, then head eastwards into open countryside and gently rolling hills. Your destination today is Perugia, the capital of Umbria and one of Italy’s most appealing cities, full of history and culture. And of course, some fantastic regional cuisine.
It’s a relatively short cycle ride today, but there is plenty to see on the way. After leaving Perugia and crossing the River Tiber – don’t miss the Santa Maria degli Angeli, considered one of Italy’s most beautiful churches. Your destination is Assisi, birthplace of St Francis. As well as the Franciscan monastery that dominates Assisi there’s plenty more to see in this wonderfully atmospheric hilltop town.
Today’s riding takes you by the foot of mighty Mount Subasio and to the fantastically preserved medieval town of Spello. Then it’s onwards through the Valle Umbra to the historic town of Spoleto, where you’ll stop for the night in the foothills of the Apennine Mountains. It’s graced with many Roman ruins including an impressive aqueduct, from which you can enjoy fantastic panoramic views.
Today you leave the plains and head into the forested foothills of the Apennines. Quiet winding lanes lead you through this unspoilt region before emerging close to the town of Terni. Try to ensure you are ready for a snack on arrival in this pretty little town as it is famous for it’s savoury pastries. Visit a Pasticceria and select some delicious rewards for your ride through the hills. A few kilometers further along the road you reach the medieval town of Narni, your home for the night.
Your last day on the bikes is spent riding through the green heart of Umbria. The Sabine Mountains are peaceful and serene – the perfect end to your ride. Say goodbye to your bike in the small village of Poggio Mirteto and board a train for Rome (included in the tour price). Just over an hour later you will be delivered into the centre of the Eternal City where you will spend the last night of your tour.
After breakfast it’s time to check-out and head for home or your next adventure.
On this tour you can choose between a regular bike, a regular Plus bike or an electric bike.
Regular bikes provided are modern alloy framed models with 21 speeds. The bikes come equipped with pannier, lock and a repair kit with pump. Water bottle holders are not provided. Minimum height: 148cm. If you wish to have a male specific bike with crossbar, the minimum height is 165cm.
The regular Plus bike offers a step up in terms of components (hydraulic Magura brakes HS 11, Shimano Deore XT) and the crossbar frame provides a more sporty riding position. High quality, suntour suspension forks ensure a comfortable ride on these bikes. The bikes come equipped with pannier, lock and a repair kit with pump. Water bottle holders are not provided. Minimum height: 155cm.
Electric bikes with unisex frame are also available. Minimum height: 148cm
Adult helmets are available to buy at the time of booking the trip. Sizes: XXS-M (52-57 cm) or S-L (56-60cm) only. However, we do always suggest you bring your own.
Below you will find examples of the types of accommodation typically used on this tour. Please note that the hotels we book for you may differ slightly from those described but they will certainly be of a similar standard.
Superior: Good quality hotels and guesthouses.
Florence: C-Hotels
Passignano: Hotel La Vela
Perguia: La Rosetta
Assisi: Dei Priori
Spoleto: Hotel Charleston
Narni: La Loggia dei Priori
Rome: Hotel President
Local taxes
Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. This fee varies and is ever changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night
Fly to Florence or Rome
Research flights from the UK here
Take a train in Italy
Research trains in Italy here.
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