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The Italian Experience

9.02.10 More insights from Ciclismo's own Patria Lanfranchi in UmbriaAmericans crave the Italian Experience. We come to Italy for real Italian food and wine, to meet real Italians, relax with the…
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Giro d'Italia

Giro d'Italia

Trip Leaders

Upcoming Dates

  • May 21, 2011
  • June 11, 2011
  • August 27, 2011
  • September 12, 2011

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Accommodations

Classic

Ability Level

Expert

Terrain

Flat start, then hilly to incredible descents

Distance

750 miles

Arriving

Ferrara

Departing

Gaeta

Price

  • $5,995

Single Supplement

$1,100

Bike Rental

Included!

A Unique 15-Day Journey from Northern to Southern Italy

Highlights

A stunning portrait of Italy emerges on this seven-region journey. The canals of the Po Delta … the verdant Apennine mountains … Florence—the jewel of the Renaissance … and the moonscape of the Sibillini mountains are only a few of the highlights of this inspiring and unforgettable trip.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Ferrara

Our Grand Tour starts in Ferrara, a Renaissance city with a majestic castle at its center, rich in history and an outpost of papal power to the north, and what else, bicycles!

Day 2 – Ravenna

Zigzag through orchards of fruit trees and around lagoons to Ravenna, once a major Byzantine city. On our way we also enjoy crossing the Reno river via a boat bridge.

   

Day 3—4 – Florence

Farmlands rise with you into the Apennines during today's ride into Tuscany, our longest ride of the trip. Day 4, take the day to relax and immerse yourself in the pleasures of Florence. A must: Venturing to nearby Fiesole to bask in the mellow Florentine sunset.

Day 5 – Arezzo

Cross the panoramic Sette Ponti (Roman "Road of Seven Bridges") en route to medieval Arezzo. Our ride today is picturesque through ancient olive groves and vineyards with a distant view of the Chianti hills.

Day 6 – Cortona

We begin with flat and rolling terrain through corn, wheat and sunflower fields, and the route dips up and down through several small villages. The hills are not too long although there are a couple of steep sections. In the distance are many tiny hill towns.

Day 7 – Spoleto

Today is a long ride into Spoleto. We ride through the heart of Umbria with several hills around Lago Trasimeno and then along flat road to Bevagna. On a clear day you can see Assisi on the hillside.

Day 8 – Norcia

Ride to the mountain town of Norcia. As you ride, observe all the little ghost villages, is there anybody up there? Well go check it out!

   

Day 9—10 – Ascoli Piceno

Our ride through the Apennines is one of the most spectacular of our trip! This beautiful ride will offer incredible views of mountain peaks, valleys, and verdant forests. Make a quick stop along the way to pick up some truffle and/or porcini mushroom sauce from our favorite store! On Day 10, explore the region on a loop ride to Offida, world famous for its bobbin lace works. Ascoli Piceno is an almost perfectly preserved medieval town.

Day 11 – Fonte Cerreto

We push off for Abruzzo’s ceramics center. But first, take some time to ride around Ascoli... enjoy its sparkling piazza and pick up some fruit from the market. The panoramic views on this trip will continue to amaze you!

Day 12 – Caramanico Terme

A wondrous moonscape unfolds during today’s climb. This rolling route takes us through Calascio, an abandoned village, and Capestrano. A series of hills bring us to Caramanico Terme.

Day 13 – Scanno

Today's route will take you through a lush and rugged mountain range, passing several charming villages. Wind along a steep gorge to the authentic village of Scanno.

Day 14 – Gaeta

Climb through the Abruzzo National Park. Our shuttle then takes us to Gaeta, a medieval seaside village. Tucked in a quiet bay, you will enjoy the serentiy of our hotel, as we celebrate the completion of our incredible Italian journey.

Day 15 – Arrivederci!

Enjoy breakfast in Gaeta before departing. An excursion to Ponza is a great idea before heading home!

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