Umbria and Marche ~ May 20-30, 2010 ~ $4495

Umbria and Marche are 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.

May 20 - Departure for overnight flights to Rome.

May 21 - 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.

May 22 - Follow Estruscan 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.

May 23 - 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.

May 24 - 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.

May 25 - 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.

May 26 - 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.

May 27 - 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.

May 28 - 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.

May 29 - 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.

May 30 - Take a morning shuttle to the airport for your flight home, or extend your stay to sightsee Rome.

Reserve Your Space!

Elevation Profile