Bike Across Italy
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Bike Across Italy
Trip Leaders
Upcoming Dates
- July 11, 2009 Sold Out
- August 30, 2009
- September 12, 2009 Sold Out
- September 25, 2009 Sold Out
- October 13, 2009
Accommodations
Premier
Ability Level
Intermediate
Terrain
Rolling to hilly
Distance
Total Mileage: 420 Daily Average: 40
Arriving
Fano
Departing
Porto Ercole
Price
- 4,795- 6/14
- $4,895-6/28, Jul & Aug
- $4,995-May, Sep, Oct
Single Supplement
$850
Bike Rental
Included!
Named our "Signature Trip" by National Geographic Adventure Magazine! Be sure to check out a first hand account of Bike Across Italy by Lynette Chiang, cycling enthusiast and Customer Evangelist for Bike Friday.
Highlights
- Exclusive four-star hotels and family-fun B&Bs
- Medieval hilltowns, castles and ancient abbeys
- Visits to a Roman spa, underground Etruscan tunnels and Italy’s largest known cave
- Walking tours of Assisi and Urbino with local guides
- Chairlift ride to Monte Ingino above Gubbio
Pedal Coast-to-Coast through Italy’s Cultural Soul! This coast-to-coast tour passes through four of Italy’s most beautiful regions: Le Marche, Umbria, Lazio and Tuscany, each known for its charming hilltowns, lush landscapes and unique cuisines. We begin in Fano, a small resort town on the Adriatic Coast, just north of Ancona. We then pedal inland to Urbino, where we cycle along rivers, which have carved deep ravines through the lush mountains. We stop at the spectacular Grotte di Frasassi, Italy’s largest known caves. We then enter the gentle landscape of Umbria, which has inspired poets and painters from Dante to Raphael. The peaceful rhythm of this region envelops us in Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis, where friars wander the narrow streets and birds cast playful shadows on the pink stone. We pedal south through Umbrian meadows to the Etruscan settlement of Todi and on to Orvieto, a delightful city atop a volcanic plateau known for its magnificent cathedral and crisp white wine. We wind through fields of poppies, wild broom and orchids to Italy’s picturesque Costa D’Argento (Silver Coast). We conclude our journey across Italy on the Monte Argentario promontory, known for its captivating beauty and excellent seafood.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Fano
We begin in Fano, a small resort town on the Adriatic Coast, just north of Ancona. Explore this ancient city and take a dip in the Adriatic before our warm-up ride.
Day 2 – Urbino
Enjoy a relaxing roll to the hometown of Renaissance painter Raphael. We'll ride through tiny villages with views of gorgeous foothills and distant mountains.
Day 3 – Genga
After a morning tour of Urbino's Palazzo, we set out for the roughly hewn Le Marche region. Oddly patched with farmland and forests, t has a rather wild feel to it. We'll ride past a spectacular gorge and through lovely mountain farmland.
Day 4 – Gubbio
Following a visit to the largest grottoes in Europe, pedal through Umbria toward medieval Gubbio, dramatically perched on a mountainside.
Day 5 – Spello
This morning, descend from Gubbio through lush landscape. Stop at the Roman Amphitheater for a great photo op! The gracious beauty of Assisi will unfold in front of you as you approach it from the north. This evening we'll have a cooking demonstration, followed by a dining delight.
Day 6 – Assisi
Today is free. Perhaps you’ll visit the hermitage of St. Francis, enjoy our guided walking tour in Assisi, and/or walk up via Belvedere for a magnificent view of the town.
Day 7 – Todi
Ride through rolling farmland to medieval Bevagna, followed by a visit to Montefalco. We'll climb through vineyards, sunflower and wheat fields to the Medieval town of Todi.
Day 8 – Orvieto
Spin through vast wheat and sunflower fields to Orvieto, famous for its cathedral and white wine. This afternoon we'll tour underground Etruscan ruins.
Day 9 – Sorano
Cycle the northern shores of Lago di Bolsena to Sorano, a medieval village built on the remains of Etruscan civilization. Stop along the way to take a refreshing dip!
Day 10 – Porto Ercole
After our visit to Pitigliano, a former Jewish settlement, we’ll spin down the Silver Coast to Saturnia, Italy’s oldest city, and soak in its hot springs. Our finale: a downhill ride to the Mediterranean.
Day 11 – Arrivederci!
This morning we'll say a fond farewell, and shuttle you to Orbetello to make your connections. Why not spend a few nights on the Costa di Argento exploring footpaths or relaxing on the beach? We will assist you in creating your own dream vacation!