Premiere Biking through Umbria's Beautiful and Varied Southern Landscapes

Discover the enchanted landscapes of undiscovered Umbria from the vineyards surrounding Orvieto to the flat fertile valleys and celestial forested hills that inspired Saint Francis of Assisi. Umbria, considered Italy's "green heart" for its extensive agricultural plain and its scenic forest-covered slopes combined with a history of Roman, Medieval and Papal influences have fashioned a provincial culture of quiet hilltop stone villages, delicious cuisine based on local garden produce blended with the fruits of the forest, and a deep fascination for the teachings of Saint Francis. Take spectacular rides along old Roman roads and quiet byways, enjoy the hospitality of untouristed towns and raise a glass of Umbria's crisp Sagrantino wine to the sacred landscapes of Saint Francis.

Day 1- Orvieto - Meet in Orvieto just north or Rome.Ride into the rolling landscapes north of Orvieto through the Monte Rufeno Natural Reserve for stunning views from a quiet ridgetop road.Dine tonight on Umbrian specialties with the evening lights of Orvieto illuminating the sky.

Day 2- Lake Bolsena - Ride a panoramic route with sweeping views of Orvieto to Lago di Bosena.Follow along the lake past lake side villages, castles and ancient ruins.Drop in on an ancient olive oil mill located in the isolated crag-top village of Bagnoregio Civita, an almost abandoned village gradually sliding into the valley below.Follow a meandering route along ancient roads cut through the area's soft rock passing by "Orvieto Classico" white wine vineyards.Enjoy a wine tasting at a local wine producer.

Day 3 - Todi - Bike quiet roads overlooking the Tiber River valley and Lake Corbara to the small hilltop castle village of Prodo for a Club Toscana picnic of regional specialties.Arrive in Todi, considered one of Italy's most quaint towns with beautiful views of the Umbrian countryside from its Romanesque-Gothic central piazza.Continue into the open countryside to Collevalenza and our lodging for the next two evenings.

Day 4 - The Tiber River Highlands - Follow the fertile slopes of southern Umbria through a rolling landscape of small untouristed villages perched above the Tiber River Valley.Today's route is filled with up and down rides, and the panoramic bliss and picture post card views are well worth it.

Day 5 - Deruta and Assisi - Follow the fertile slopes of the Tiber Valley, past a patchwork of olive groves, vineyards and small farms to Deruta, home to Italy's finest ceramic shops and a visit to one of its most illustrious producers to see ceramic production from raw clay to finished product.Spin to Assisi. This ancient town of pink and white stone, flowing up the base of Mount Subasio has something for everyone. Visit the Basilica of Saint Francis with its festival of Renaissance frescoes.Ride to charming Bevagna, a quiet town resting at the base of the Martani hills and once a vibrant Roman settlement still with vestiges of its illustrious Roman and Renaissance past.Continue up to Montefalco, bordering some of the most beautiful countryside in Umbria with its Sagrantino vineyards and silvery olive groves.

Day 6 - Homeward Bound - Bid a final farewell to the green landscapes of Umbria and take a private transfer to the local (Foligno) train station or your hotel in Rome; or if you have extended plans, we will transport your bike back to your post-trip Rome hotel.As always, we would be more than pleased to help you with any of your post-trip travel planning.
Arrivederci and Buon Viaggio !