On arrival make your way to your first hotel in Assisi or nearby. Assisi is a medieval town built on a hilltop. It is a place where history, tradition, art and natural beauty combine in perfect harmony. There is a lot to see, such as the Basilica of St. Francis and Basilica of St. Clair, but it’s also pleasant to wander the narrow, winding streets or just to sit in a terrace cafe on the main square and soak up the atmosphere sipping a glass of something nice.

If you opted for the shorter, 6 night trip then you will cycle all the way to Spoleto today, combining day 2 and day 3 of this itinerary. We suggest an early start as there is much to see and enjoy.

After breakfast your cycling adventure begins. We suggest you start early today as you may want to spend a little more time in Assisi before cycling through the varied countryside and towns and villages along the route. Perhaps take a break in the pretty walled town of Spello, dating back to Roman times. Stroll around its quaint alleyways admiring the colourful flowers that are framed so nicely against the sandstone walls. Descend into the valley and cycle to Foligno a bustling town with a lovely old centre that can be explored on foot or by bike. After a short ride further along the valley you reach your remote and quite lovely country house situated in the village of Casco dell’Acqua.

Today’s route leads you along the Umbrian Valley to the gorgeous, hilltop town of Spoleto. You’ll be able spot the town’s castle, which sits above the medieval town, while you are still some distance away. You can visit the cathedral with its beautiful frescoes, the Roman house, the museum and the Chiesa di Sant’Ansano where you can see a wonderful Renaissance fresco of the Madonna and Child. The ancient, winding streets are a delight to explore and it’s not that a big a place so feel free to lose and find yourself again.

More wonderful Umbrian countryside awaits you today as you continue your ride across the Valley of Umbria. You have a choice of routes today with the easiest being a direct, flat route straight to Bevagna. At the foot of Montefalco you have a choice to make. Do you take on the quite challenging climb up to the beautiful medieval village at the top of the hill, Montefalco is also known as the ‘Balcony of Umbria’ because of the amazing views of the surrounding countryside, or do you pass and continue along the valley straight to Bevagna? Whichever you choose, you’ll love spending the night in Bevagna, a picturesque town with a maze of flag-stoned streets to explore.

Today’s ride leads you past olive groves and vineyards along the western flank of the Umbrian Valley. Your destination today is Torgiano a beautiful, quiet, medieval town at the confluence of the rivers Tiber and Chiascio. Some of the original fortifications remain to this day but the town is most well known for its wonderful wines and you may wish to visit the town’s impressive wine museum where traditions and techniques of the local viticulture are described and displayed. We also highly recommend sampling some of this wonderful local product in a cosy bar or restaurant.

You’ll spend a second night in Torgiano tonight so today you can choose between two circular rides. The first option is a visit to the provincial capital, Perugia with its delightful Piazzas and impressive renaissance churches, palaces and museums. If you go for this option you can either cycle 24 km to Ponte San Giovanni, at the foot of Perugia, and from here take a local train (return trip, payable locally) to the old town itself or you can cycle 32 km and make the climb by bike. Alternatively, you cycle a loop in the surroundings of Torgiano, visiting Deruta, famous throughout the world for producing high quality ceramics. Then it’s onwards to the sanctuary of Madonna dei Bagni, which was built after a miracle is said to have taken place there in 1657 and where there are some 600 votive tiles showcasing the Deruta ceramics. Continue on past some idyllic little Umbrian hamlets before returning to Torgiano in the evening.

Your last day’s ride leads you back along quiet lanes across the valley to Assisi. The hilltop town is visible for most of the ride and just before arriving we suggest a stop at the Franciscan basilica in S.Maria degli Angeli with its impressive dome and humble little chapel Porziuncola, where St. Francis once came to pray. Take your time with the last climb up to the town and then it’s time to relax. Maybe enjoy an afternoon’s sightseeing, possibly a spot of shopping or maybe settle down with a fine Italian wine in a shady spot on the square.

After breakfast it’s time to check-out and head for home or your next adventure.