Aspects Of Assisi Cycling

Day 1
A transfer has been arranged to pick you up from Foligno station and take you (25 mins) to picturesque Spello in time for dinner in your hotel's atmospheric restaurant. Please see the joining information for more details.

Day 2
Today is level cycling most of the way along the Teverone Valley with some of the best views of the week. We strongly recommend the short uphill detour to Trevi, a beautiful hilltop village dating back to Roman times and capital of the Umbrian olive oil industry. The ride then takes you through ancient San Giacomo and on to one of the friendliest hotels of the region, just outside of Spoleto. It is a truly Italian affair and you will be greeted with a very warm welcome. The hotel is small, with each room named rather than numbered. There is a bar, a reading room, a courtyard and a swimming pool, so you will be able to unwind in whichever way suits you. Ride Approx. 36km.

Day 3
Our hotel here is just 3km from the fascinating historic city of Spoleto. Apart from being a great city of art, Spoleto has buildings seemingly reflecting every major architectural style in history, including a Roman arch, a 10th Century church, 12th Century Duomo and a 80m high 14th Century aqueduct. The castle here was a former prison and now houses an impressive art museum. The archaeological museum houses many treasures and sculptures found in the Roman theatre as well as artefacts dating back to the Etruscans. The tourist office in Piazza Liberta can provide you with lots of useful information in English so it may be worth planning your day from here with what interests you. Of course, there are many lovely cafes and trattorie for lunch.

Day 4
This morning we will climb up to Montefalco, the 'balcony of Umbria', it is a fair climb but well worth the effort! The town occupies a marvellously scenic position and on a clear day you can see as far as Perugia in the north. The town has retained its mediaeval atmosphere and structure. The church of San Francesco, now a museum, houses a fabulous 15th Century art collection. The town is perhaps most famous for its wine. The Rosso di Montefalco is a popular choice, but by far the most intriguing vintage is that of the sagrantino. This is made using the sagrantino grape which is only found in Europe. It is well worth a taste while you admire the spectacular view. From here the route is all down hill past lush green fields, poppies and buttercups with splendid views over Bevagna, Monte Cucco and the Marche Apennines beyond. Your hotel boasts a fabulous panoramic terrace for pre-dinner drinks with views across the entire valley. Ride Approx. 36km.

Day 5
Today is a free day to explore the small walled town of Bevagna. The town has been an important settlement since well before the Romans named it Mevania. There is a path that leads from the hotel all the way to the town walls. We recommend making your way to the main square, the Piazza Silvestri, to soak up the wonderful atmosphere of this town. There is plenty to explore including the 13th Century Gothic Palazzo dei Consoli, the golden mediaeval theatre, the 2nd Century Roman temple and baths that include a spectacular lobster mosaic. Once you have had a good look around it will then be time for a relaxing afternoon by the pool with sleepy views over the 'green heart of Italy', the dreamy Umbrian countryside.

Day 6
Not long after leaving Bevagna you will find yourself freewheeling down into the tiny, circular walled village of Torre del Colle with its photogenic little streets. Then it will be flat cycling across the plain into the old wine town of Torgiano with its famous Lungarotti cellars. The local tipple, Rubesco Riserva, is now considered one of the best wines in the country. There is a museum dedicated to the history of wine making in the town and also one that is dedicated to the production of olive oil. There will be some time to look around and maybe have a tasting before cycling on the 'Wine and Art Road' to Brufa. Ride Approx. 39km.

Day 7
Your luxury hotel here has a wonderful panoramic pool and terrace overlooking the stunning Chiona Valley, perfect if you just fancy a lazy day. Alternatively, you can take the local bus or taxi (approx. 25 mins) to the university town of Perugia, famous for one of Italy's finest art collections. The town is picturesquely located on top of a commanding hill, high over the Tiber. Alternatively, you can cycle to Assisi. We will pass through Assisi tomorrow but there is a lot to see, so if you want to have more of a look around then today is the day to do it. Assisi was founded by the Umbrians and later taken over by the Romans to become Assium, from where its modern name derives. The most famous monument of the town is St Francis' Basilica, which ranks second only to St Peter's Basilica in Rome as a place of Catholic pilgrimage. The historic centre of the city is compact so it is easy to cover the main sites in an afternoon. The beautiful Piazza del Comune, the 13th Century Giotto frescoes and the well-preserved temple of Minerva are all well worth the short cycle. Optional Ride.

Day 8
Your last day's cycling takes you through the Chiasco Valley, on country lanes passing sunflower fields, ochre-coloured farmhouses and meadows redolent with wild apricots and figs. You will enjoy spectacular views of Saint Francis' Basilica as you approach Assisi, where you can stop for lunch and explore the centre if you didn't come here yesterday. You will then cycle on along the lovely traffic-free Via degli Ulivi and through olive groves back to Spello. Ride Approx. 26km.

Day 9
Leave Spello after breakfast. We have arranged for a transfer back to Foligno leaving at 09.15.