 Pedaling across the countryside means traveling through sun drenched lands. If you are not a heat lover, we suggest taking this tour in the fall when the temperature is a little lower. This exceptional tour allows you to experience the non-touristy country of Italy as we meander through Tuscany, Umbrian and Latium known as the “green heart” of Italy. This area is calm, mystical and largely unexplored. During the trip you will visit cities where it feels as though time has stood still for all these years.
Raging torrents, fascinating ravines and the roaming flocks of sheep shape this part of Italy. We will travel on peaceful country roads that wander through the valleys of the Apennines and through the softly curved hills of the Trasimeno Lake. Exploring this area by bike allows you to breath in the sweet fragrances of the land. You will enjoy an occasional rest in a cafe as we prepare for each stage of our journey, at the end of which the “Eternal City” of Rome awaits. In Rome, we recommend you enjoy the vitality of the city in a sidewalk café with a cappuccino or glass of red wine. Make sure to toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain (Fontana dei Trevi) before leaving Rome. Locals say that if you toss a coin and say, “I will return to Rome!” your wish is sure to come true
Day 1 - Florence
Arrive Italy and transfer to the local hotel. Meet the local tour operator in the early afternoon at the Florence rail station for a guided city tour that lasts approximately one and a half hours. Although this tour cannot begin to cover everything Florence has to offer, it will show you some of the highlights, including Santa Croce, Palazzo Vecchio and the Cathedrals. After the city tour, please join us for a welcome dinner and tour preview in the hotel.
Accommodations: 3 star hotel in Florence
Day 2 - Florence to Passignano sul Trasimeno
Distance: 38 miles.
Today we begin with an easy trip along the lakeside. Wide-open fields, soft landscapes and idyllic villages will surround us as we pedal toward Perugia, the capital of the region of Umbrian. Perugia is known for its galleries, Gothic palaces, jazz cafes, velvety chocolates and ancient medieval alleys of stone that lead into the very cosmopolitan inner city shopping districts. We suggest you spend the afternoon exploring the city – don’t miss the impressive buildings like the San Lorenzo Cathedral, Palazzo dei Priori and the Arco Etrusco. For a special treat enjoy some of “Italy's finest chocolates”.
Accommodations: Local 3-4 star hotel with half board
Distance: 19 miles.
Travel through lush forests that lead to the pink and pale-gray stone Umbrian hilltop village of St. Francis, Assisi. The brilliant green slope of sacred “Monte Subasio” serves as a dramatic backdrop for this city, which is a protected regional park with several marked trails perfect for an easy day hike. In the afternoon, a well-organized sightseeing tour through town is available if you are interested. Some of Italy’s most well known sights can be found in Assisi. The Basilica of St Francis, which is the only sovereign land owned by the Vatican outside Rome's Vatican City, is also in Assisi.
Accommodations: Local 3-4 star hotel with half board
Day 5 - Assisi - Spoleto
Distance: 34 miles.
Today, we will journey through the enormous "Monte Subasio" to Spoleto. Spoteto (a medieval city) is a tourist destination known for its early “Bronze Age” origin. We will take the time to allow everyone to visit at least some of the many important archeological, medieval and renaissance monuments such as the Arch of Druso, the temple of St. Ansano, the theatre (from the Julius-Claudia era), and the Roman House. If you are looking for unusual souvenirs, visit the local market and consider picking up some local wine, olive oil, truffles, honey or chestnuts!
Accommodations: Local 3-4 star hotel with half board
Distance: 28 miles.
We leave Spoleto and follow a country road nestled between 2 mountains as we bike toward Ternion our way to Narni. Founded in 299 BC as a Latin colony, today Narni, can not be found on many maps. The dark houses crowd together across alleyways built with stepped stairways that surround picturesque squares.
Accommodations: Local 3-4 star hotel with half board
 Distance: 41 miles.
We will have to work a little bit harder today than we have so far because the journey to Calvi is rather hilly. Once we reach Calvi, you will have some time to enjoy the calmness and seclusion of this small town at the foot of the Sabine Mountains. After turning our bikes in, we will board the train in Poggio Mirteto and head to Rome. Once in Rome we will share a farewell dinner and overnight stay near the Termini rail station. "All roads lead to Rome", it is said and that's why we are here.
Accommodations: Local 3-4 star hotel with half board
Distance: 0 miles.
Enjoy Rome with your new friends or group by signing up for a walking or van tour with the tourist office. Tonight you can add on additional accommodations for a moderate price or plan to depart for home!
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