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Umbrian Poppies |
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Umbria & Marche
as the
best Italian cycling regions you never heard of. Our sea
- to sea adventure begins in the ancient Etruscan kingdom near Tarquinia,
just north of Rome and finishes atop
Monteconero, highest point on Italy's eastern coast, near
Ancona. In-between we'll encounter classic Italian
countryside: vineyard-covered hills, medieval hilltop
towns, imposing gothic cathedrals, and humble mom &
pop groceries. Umbria and Marche are little-touristed by
foreigners, but they contain some of Italy's greatest treasures. |
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| May 29 - Departure for overnight
flights to Rome. |
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| May 30 -
Welcome to Italy! A quick shuttle from Rome's
Leonardo da Vinci airport lands you at our nearby hotel
where you can prepare your bike and relax after your
flight. Spend the afternoon downtown or visit with fellow
guests before we toast the upcoming trip at our welcome
dinner party. |
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near Assisi |
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May 31 - Follow Etruscan footsteps as
we begin our journey with a short van transfer to their ancient
kingdom. From here we pedal inland across rolling farmland then along
the shores of Lago di Bolsena. Pause
to enjoy a plate of strangozzi alla gorgonzola at a small trattoria
overlooking the lake in Montefiascone.
Then prepare for the final climb up tufa-rock cliffs to our
charming hotel in Orvieto -- renowned for its magnificent duomo and
classico wine. Tonight
we’ll visit an authentic Umbrian osteria for our group
dinner.
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June
1
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Roll
through cobbled Medieval lanes
to begin today’s ride through the
Orvieto Classico wine country. Choose
from loops of 65, 45, or 20 miles that feature roller-coaster hills
and sweeping vistas, including magnificent views of two ancient
clifftop towns: thriving Orvieto and dying Cività di Bagnoregio.
Spend the afternoon, or why not the whole day, exploring
Orvieto’s spectacular duomo, mysterious Etruscan caves,
stimulating museums, and unique shops.
Open night for dinner on the town, followed by a quiet stroll
through Piazza Duomo with some of Italy’s best gelato.
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| Orvieto's
magnificent duomo |
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June 2
- Enter the "green heart
of Italy" as
you ascend to the scenic crest of Poggio Torrone then plunge down the
twisting descent before climbing to enchanting Todi, famous for its
14th century castle and breathtaking vistas.
Stop at a roadside stand to sample authentic porchetta - fire
roasted pork flavored with fresh herbs.
Continue on scenic hillcrest roads to our lodgings in charming
Spello. Relax
with a drink on the terrazzo
and take in the
spectacular view before we gather to sample the chef's creative spin
on traditional Umbrian cuisine at our hotel's renowned restaurant.
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The flowers were
thriving on Colfiorito in the Appennines between
Umbria & Marche. |
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| June 3 - Ride
along panoramic hilltops toward
Deruta, known for its ceramics, or head straight for Assisi, home of
St. Francis and Santa Clara.
Continue on a peaceful loop around scenic Monte Subasio and
descend through olive groves back to scenic Spello.
Return to Assisi for dinner and more sightseeing or opt to stay
and explore Spello.
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cena |
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| June 4 - The
rugged slopes of Monte Serano
lead
us out of the historic Tiber river valley and up into the Appennines.
Today's ride winds through sparsely populated mountains then
descends to Le Marche. At San Severino, we'll indulge in a luxury hotel, artfully
carved into one of the town's many historic palazzi. An open night for dinner allows you to explore the local
cuisine featuring Rosso Piceno wine and authentic Marchegian
specialties such as lasagne in truffle sauce.
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Marche countryside |
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June 5 - The
famed castles of Jesi were
once fortified border towns, now they are peaceful
villages ideal for wine country cycling. Take
time to taste the Verdicchio, try culinary delights such as olive
ascolane and drink in the vista from Cingoli.
Return to San Severino at your leisure to explore the hilltop
cathedral and towers before a quiet cena off the romantic town
square.
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| June 6 - Catch
glimpses of the sea as you wind your way from
the foothills to the coast before a steep 3k climb to our
hilltop hotel - a converted medieval abbey. Take in the
ocean view or enjoy a dip in the pool before a group
dinner of fresh Adriatic seafood and Rosso Conero wine. |
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Monteconero view |
June 7 - Enjoy
the panoramic ocean view during
a morning hike or ride around the Monteconero nature
reserve before our farewell pranzo. We'll toast
the completion of our trip and enjoy a cornucopia of
local specialties before our afternoon van transfer back
to the airport hotel. |
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| June 8 - Take
a morning shuttle to the airport for your flight home, or extend your
stay to sightsee Rome.
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