Day 1: Arrival in Assisi
The start of your cycling-tour is close to Assisi, the pilgrims town built against the slope of the mountain 'Monte Subasio'. Its mighty stature of ramparts, towers and roofs can be seen from far. Assisi has a strong unbreakable bond with the saints Frances and Clare. On the day of your arrival you will be able to explore the town with its little alleys and squares. On the 'Piazza del Comune' is the famous Roman temple of Minerva. Your overnight stay is in an hotel between Assisi and Spello, another beautiful old fortified town with gates and an amphitheatre. After your sightseeing cool off in the hotel pool.
Day 2: Assisi to Spoleto, 31 miles (50km)
This morning, you leave Assisi and ride to Spello where you can wander around and explore the alleyways. You will journey through the valley of Spoleto, passing Foligno, as the route goes up to Spoleto. This town is situated on a sunny hillside, surrounded by green countryside. The ancient town centre, for the most part surrounded by old town walls, is very alive. Famous is the cultural festival of two worlds held in the June and July. Your hotel is situated in a quiet village only three km from the centre of Spoleto and has a pool in which to relax.
Day 3: Spoleto to Torgiano, 38 miles (62km)
Today you cycle through a slightly undulating landscape until you arrive in Montefalco; also named 'the Balcony of Umbria' because of its fantastic panorama. The sober Franciscan church was decorated with magnificent frescoes, by artists like Benozzo Gozzoli and Perugino, in the 15th and 16th century. The next town you will visit is Bevagna with its two Romanesque churches in the mediaeval square. Your overnight stay is in Torgiano, in mediaeval times a fortified village. It is situated on a hill above the confluence of the Rivers Cascio and Tiber. There is a 'palazzo' with a wine museum and the ‘osteria’ of the Lungarotti family, where you can taste their excellent wines. After your cycling you may like to relax around the pool and take a refreshing dip.
Day 4: Via Perugia back to Torgiano, 22 miles (35km)
This day is either a rest day or you can tour to the neighbouring county-town Perugia. Its mediaeval centre with little alleys is situated higher than the rest of the town. The aristocratic renaissance palaces, churches, museums and many galleries make a big impression. Again you will pass the night in the peaceful, hospitable town Torgiano.
Day 5: Torgiano to Lake Trasimeno, 27 miles (43km)
Although the distance is only 30 miles the cycling is through a strong hilly landscape to arrive finally with a magnificent view on the Lake Trasimero and its islands at the little fishing village S.Feliciano where you will find your hotel. Your hotel has a pool for your end of day dip.
Day 6: A Tour around Lake Trasimeno, 38 miles (60km)
Today is either a day of rest or a cycle tour around the lake passing the little towns like Passignano e Castiglione del Lago. Also worthwhile is to visit one of the islands by boat.
Day 7: Lake Trasimeno to Umbertide, 29 miles (47km)
During this stage you cycle through unspoilt scenery to the quiet little town Umbertide. The majestic tower is all that remains of the castle of 1385 that dominates the centre. The hotel in Umbertide is a Country Hotel 5km outside Umbertide.
Day 8: Umbertide to Gubbio, 34 miles (55km)
Today you will reach the medieval village of Gubbio. Worthwhile visiting on the way are the palaces, the Roman theatre and the monastery S.Ubaldo, which is built on a mountain 827m.high and can be reached by cablecar. Your overnight stay will be close to the historical centre.
Day 9: Gubbio to Assisi, 34 miles (55km)
You still have a hard climb ahead of you through a rolling landscape, but after that follows a well deserved descent to Assisi, where you will stay another night.
Day 10: Departure from Assisi
Today is departure from Assisi to start your homeward journey |