Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival Day - Castiglione

We'll meet you at hotel miralago (you will arrive by the train to Chiusi-Chianciano station, a major stop on all the Rome-Florence lines). After the orientation and delivery of bikes you're free to explore this delightful hill town, which gazes down on tranquil Lake Trasimeno's fishing boats and beaches. Castiglione boasts a 16th-century Town Hall and a ruined medieval castle. Dinner on your own.

Day 2 | Ride Day - to Perugia

Your first tour skirts this very large lake, winding past cornflower fields and isolated farmhouses, then into a series of gently rolling hills studded with minuscule towns that you'll want to stop and visit. Your destination is Perugia, one of Italy's most fascinating medieval cities. Take the strangely out-of-place escalator up to the ruined castle, pay a visit to the National Gallery to see many of local hero Perugino's works, stroll the quiet lanes and back alleys, pop into a few silent churches. After sundown, this university city livens up considerably, first with the traditional passeggiata (evening stroll) and then with music and fun at many local night clubs and bars. Level: Moderate with steep climb at the end. Distance: 45 km. (Breakfast included)

Day 3 | Ride Day - to Assisi and Spello

Today is an easy day, expressly designed to give you plenty of time to visit Assisi. You begin with a nice downhill ride into Torgiano, followed by a short climb up to the hometown of Saint Francis, perched on an outcrop overlooking the valley, gleaming soft pink against the dark-green backdrop of wild Mount Subasio. You'll want to explore the city's revered and very beautiful churches, its romantic castle and impossibly narrow streets. visit Saint Mary of the Angels, one of the largest Christian basilicas in Umbria. Last stop is Spello and arrive in Bevagna a picturesque hamlet with one of the most authentic Romanesque town squares in Italy. It is also home to some of Pinturicchio's most glorious frescoes.Lodging in Bevagna and dinner on your own. Level: Moderate. Distance: 46 km. (B)

Day 4 | Ride Day - to Montefalco and Trevi

Today is dedicated to the quintessential Umbrian delicacy: the medieval hill town. After bidding farewell to Assisi, you're off to visit "The Balcony of Umbria," Montefalco. Extremely tiny, it sits on a hilltop placed so strategically that splendid views are available at the end of every street. Along the way, you breeze past a few isolated rural churches and through a couple of towns too small to even make it onto the map Level: Moderate to challenging! Return to lodging in Bevagna. Distance: 30-50 km. (B)

Day 5 | Ride Day - to Todi

Back roads are the main roads today, as you wend your way over hill and dale, past the tail end of mountain streams, silent forests and wild mushroom stands. You'll see fewer people today, hear fewer 20th-century sounds and see fewer modern sights than any other day. At the end of this unique excursion you'll take the customary uphill incline leading into Todi, whose proximity is heralded by the wonderful Santa Maria della Consolazione, a magnificent Renaissance church set amidst shrubs and treetops on the outskirts of town. Todi still has almost all of its medieval walls, and its pristine charm has made it a favorite country home of wealthy Romans and artists, as well as a host of artisans who have enlivened its streets with their shops. Dinner on your own. Level: Moderate to strenuous. Distance: 45 km. (B)

Day 6 | Ride Day - to Orvieto

Yet another - perhaps the most glorious - church awaits you at the end of this day, your reward for mastering some pretty steep inclines. Along the way you'll pass several ruined castles which provide a perfect backdrop for a picnic, perhaps based on local salamis, cheeses and breads purchased in the morning. By late afternoon you'll see Orvieto, looming ahead on its strange plateau, crowned by the cathedral of Santa Maria, considered by one and all to be among the very finest churches in all of Europe. Dinner on your own. Level: Strenuous Distance: 46 km. (B)

Day 7 | Departure Day

Departure after breakfast, at your leisure. If you want to go on to Florence or Rome, we can arrange transportation and hotels. Trains, car rentals can be arranged as well additional stays throughout Italy. Orvieto is on the Rome-Milan train line and offers easy return to Rome. (B)

Details

Duration: 7 days / 6 nights; note that we cannot offer either a 4 night option in this region, nor can we take solo travelers.

Dates: March 15-November 15, excluding July/August. This is self-guided touring and offers total freedom of dates - you can choose whatever dates you wish. We can accomodate small parties of 2 persons up to large groups.

Accommodation: [Virtual Hotel Tour] 6 nights in deluxe hotels: Castiglione - Miralago Hotel, Perugia - Hotel Fortuna or Dei Pirori, Palazzo Brunamonti in Bevagna  , Todi - Fonte Cesia or Villa Luisa , Orvieto - Duomo or Palazzo. These properties are all excellent hotels offering views, and charming typical ambiance. They are also in demand, so last minute requests can be difficult. In case of no availability; we will check equivalent alternative hotels that may require a change in price. We can upgrade to very deluxe hotels.

Bike [Click for image] Included; Custom hybrid; aluminum frame with carbon fork, Shimano Ultegra or Deore; 3x9. Bikes come equipped with handlebar bag, lock, water bottle, gel saddle, tire repair kit, cycle computer. Hybrids are fitted with thin tires for better road performance. Racing models also available. Hilly terrain, rated as intermediate to advanced. All towns where lodging is located are perched hilltop villages. A Cannondale tandem is also available for experienced tandem riders. Persons from 5 ft to 6-5 can be accommodated. Bike quality is top; averaging $1500 each retail. A reduction in tour price is not available for customers who bring their own bikes.

Trip includes: deluxe lodging, breakfast daily, luggage transfers, local emergency support, orientation, riding routes with maps and cue sheets, suggestions for visitation and dining, bike delivery, bike pickup, bike fitting, and fully equipped rental for the duration.