A gentle ride in gentle Umbria.
A more relaxed cycling option to the Umbria Hill Town tour. Fewer miles and some optional rest or hiking days make this tour active, but at a slower pace. Enjoy biking laced with the gentle spirit and artistry of Umbria. Quiet, rolling bike rides are punctuated with stays in Assisi, home of Saint Francis and 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
- € 1265 – € 1620 ($) see PRICING details below
- Duration
- 8 days/7 nights
- Start/End
- Cortona/Assisi
- 2010 Start Dates
- April 24, May 15, May 29, June 12, September 18, October 2, October 16
Highlights of the tour
- Giotto’s frescoes in the St Francis Basilica in Assisi
- Deruta pottery makers elaborately painted pieces (optional)
- 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
Day 1 – Welcome in Umbria, Cortona
Arrival at Terontola railway station and transfer to Cortona.
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 loop ride (27 miles/45 km)
Two options for this day. A short cycling loop will take you to Panicale and back with a cooking class in the afternoon (not included in the price). The second option is a longer loop (50 km) to visit Deruta, famous for its elaborate ceramics developed over centuries. (A cooking class is possible here.)
Day 4 – La Corte del Poggio to Perugia (19 miles/32 km)
Your destination today is Perugia, the main town in Umbria, with its fine square and communal palace, 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.
Day 5 – Perugia to Assisi (21 miles/35 km)
We are now in the heart of Umbria. Here we will visit the home towns of Torgiano and Lungarotti wineries where you may enjoy a taste of the region’s unique red wine, Montefalco, or a visit to the wine museum. We will make our way to Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis, and one of the most famous towns of Umbria. Spend the night here in a lovely country inn within walking distance of the town’s basilica.
Day 6 – Free day in Assisi
Assisi deserves an entire day to enjoy. Relax at the lovely swimming pool of your inn, explore the village, or join in a half-day hike to reach the Eremo delle Carceri the peaceful retreat of Saint Francis just above Assisi.
Day 7 – Loop ride Assisi and Spello (30 miles/50 km)
Enjoy a lovely ride among olive groves that will take you to Spello one of the best preserved medieval towns in Umbria. You will enjoy the narrow alleys and nice boutiques.
Day 8 – Departure Day
End of our services and departure. Ciao!
Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Level of difficulty: Easy
- This is certainly the easiest of our tours, most of the long days are mainly downhill or on flat land and the one which have some climbs are short. The only exception is the second day, which however can be shortened on request.
- 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 € 1620 per person
- 6-7 people € 1450 per person
- 8+ people € 1265 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
- GPS rental – € 35 Garmin E-Trex Venture HC
- Included
-
- One English-speaking trip leader
- Seven nights in three-star hotels, all rooms with en suite bathroom
- Seven breakfasts and three dinners
- 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 € 1125 per person. This option includes:
- Seven nights in three-star hotels, all rooms with en suite bathroom
- Seven breakfasts and three dinners
- Welcome meeting (tour explanation)
- Baggage transportation from between hotels
- Detailed route information and maps
- Telephone assistance
- Tour code
- UE
