Quaint villages. Quiet landscapes. Unforgettable Umbria.
Great biking laced with the gentle spirit and artistry of Umbria. Quiet, rolling bike rides are punctuated with stays in quaint villages such as Assisi, home of Saint Francis, where you will see the beautiful basilica that honors him. Visit the potters and lace-makers of this region, still using patterns and techniques developed centuries ago. You won’t want the tour to end.
- Cost
- € 1295 – € 1640 ($) see PRICING details below
- Duration
- 8 days/7 nights (group)
9 days/8 nights (self-guided) - Start/End
- Cortona/Todi (or Orvieto)
- 2010 Start Dates
- April 24, May 15, May 29, June 12, June 19, September 11, September 25, October 9, October 23
Highlights of the tour
- Giotto’s frescoes in the St Francis Basilica in Assisi
- Cortona, the town of “Under the Tuscan Sun“
- Deruta pottery makers elaborately painted pieces
- Take a boat to Isola Maggiore where old ladies weave their age-old laces
- The hills surrounding Trasimeno Lake are covered with silvery-green olive trees which produce one of the best olive oils of Italy
- Montefalco and Bevagna Sagrantino wine
- Orvieto, perched on a Tufo cliff with its Famous Duomo and the Signorelli frescoes
Day 1 – Welcome to Umbria, Cortona
Arrival at Terontola railway station where we will transfer you to Cortona. Enjoy free time discovering the beauties and simple lifestyle in this little town.
Day 2 – Cortona to la Corte del Poggio (27 miles/45 km)
In the morning, our representative will meet you at your hotel and bring you the bikes and information kit. He will be ready to answer your questions about the tour. Today, our ride will take us by Trasimeno Lake. This area is known for its surrounding hills covered by olive trees, lovely villages and bamboo ridden shores which is a resting place for migrating birds. We will take a boat to Isola Maggiore where old ladies weave their age-old laces and where you can taste a delicious fish at Sauro’s. Discover Montecorognola view point over the lake, Monte del Lago, and San Feliciano fishing village. Spend the night in a lovely country inn.
Day 3 – La Corte del Poggio to Perugia (19 miles/32 km)
Today your destination is Perugia, the main town in Umbria, with its fine square and communal palace, its renaissance painting collection, and the Rocca Paolina, a subterranean fortress. We will spend the night in Perugia, a lively town with shops and fashionable boutiques.
*extra day for cooking class possible here
Day 4 – Perugia to Assisi (21 miles/35 km)
We are now in the heart of Umbria where today we will visit Deruta a famous ceramic makers’ place. We will also make stops at Torgiano and Lungarotti winery towns for a taste of the regions unique Montefalco red wine or a visit to the wine museum. Spend the night in Assisi in a lovely country inn within walking distance of the Basilica of Saint Francis.
Day 5 – Assisi and Spello (30 miles/50 km)
Today continue exploring the beautiful town of Assisi then ride to Spello a very nice and less touristy small town on the Subasio slopes. Coming back you may want to stop in Bevagna for another taste of the Sagrantino di Montefalco wine. You will spend another night at the same Assisi inn.
Day 6 – Assisi to Spoleto (32 miles/53 km)
Biking down the central valley along the wine road, visit the town of Montefalco, with nice buildings and beautiful frescoes from Benozzo Gozzoli. Then have a lovely ride along the river banks before arriving in Spoleto, famous for its world known Drama Festival. Spend the night in town.
Day 7 – Spoleto to Todi and Orvieto (25 miles/42 km)
Now that you have grown familiar with Umbrian hills you will get in a bit more of them; the last two days are slightly harder than the rest of the tour. There is some up and down on the way between Spoleto and Todi. Todi main square is said to be the most beautiful square in Italy and there are a couple of very fine churches to visit. Once you visit this little pretty town, you’ll be transfered to Orvieto, an Etruscan town, which dominates the valley with its brown-red cliffs of soft tufo stone, which in ancient times was carved to make tombs or cellars.
Day 8 – Departure Day
End of the tour with departure from Orvieto railway station to your next destination. Ciao!
Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.
Siciclando carefully chooses every aspect of a tour, including the accommodations.
Our choices are based on comfort and quality. We often choose hotels that are family-owned and operated because they provide a richer experience and because it is important to us to support the efforts of these individuals. We have developed relationships with many wonderful hotel operators. Here is a sample of the hotels on this tour.
Tour accommodations will be based on availability and the time of year. Once you have made your final payment for the tour, we will send you a confirmation letter that includes daily accommodations and contact information.
- Level of difficulty: Moderate
- This tour is moderate. In Umbria most of the point of interest are on hilltops. However the mileage is not too long and the only day that goes beyond 50 km is very flat. The first six days are easy with only a few climbs to reach il Poggiolo, and Assisi. The last two days are tougher with plenty of ups and downs, however, if you choose the seven nights option you avoid the most difficult day.
- Travel notes
- The reference airports for the tour are Perugia, Pisa, or Rome.
You can also find information about travel by train.
- Group tour price
-
- 4-5 people € 1640 per person
- 6-7 people € 1465 per person
- 8+ people € 1295 per person
- Additional options
-
- Private room – € 235 (not available for self-guided trips)
- Hybrid Bike rental – € 100 (€ 18 each additional day), which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
- Road Bike rental – € 175 (€ 27 each additional day), which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
- Cooking class – € 80 per person
- Included
-
- One English-speaking trip leader
- Seven nights in three-star hotels, all rooms with en suite bathroom
- Seven breakfasts and three dinners
- Private transfer from Todi to Orvieto on Day 7
- Baggage transportation from hotel to hotel
- Detailed route information and maps
- Van support
- Not included
-
- Admission to museums and archaeological sites
- Tickets for trains or any public transportation
- Wine or beverages
- Airfare
- Transfers to the starting point or from the finishing point unless specified; we can assist you in planning and arranging for any necessary shuttles
- Transport of bike case (for guests who bring their own bike)
- Personal expenses (laundry, personal supplies, phone calls, etc.)
- Gratuity
- Self-guided option
- This tour is also available as a self-guided option at a cost of € 1145 per person. This option includes:
- Eight nights in three-star hotels, all rooms with en suite bathroom
- Eight breakfasts and three dinners
- Welcome meeting (tour explanation)
- Private transfer from Todi to Orvieto on Day 7
- Baggage transportation from between hotels
- Detailed route information and maps
- Telephone assistance
- Tour code
- UM
















