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Self-Guided
Umbria Bike Tour
Umbria is located right in the center of Italy. To the north lies Tuscany and beautiful Florence, to the south is Lazio home of bustling Rome. High speed trains zip tourists between Florence and Rome leaving many Umbrian towns delightfully off the beaten trail. Umbria offers a collection of misty green valleys and picture-perfect hill towns laden with centuries of history. The region has a rich culture strongly linked with the past that centers around food, wine, and art. This bike tour highlights the best of Umbria. In Assisi tour the Basilica of Saint Francis. The Basilica is a powerful place, attracting art-lovers and pilgrims alike. Pedal to Montefalco and savor their Sagrantino red wine. Wander the medieval streets of Todi. At 1,300 feet Todi offers a splendid vantage point for viewing the surrounding hills. Explore underground Orvieto, a labyrinth of ancient caves carved beneath the town. Visit scenic Civita', an ancient village precariously perched on a crumbling hilltop. Discover the best of Umbria at your own pace on this six-day bike tour.
​Highlights
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Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
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Optional winery visit with tastings
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Enchanting hill towns including Assisi, Todi and Orvieto
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Underground Orvieto caves
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Civita', a fairy tale village
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Beautiful Umbrian scenery and peaceful country roads
Price
US$ 1,400 per person, double occupancy
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Dates
Any date, Mar 1 to Dec 1
Single Supplement
+ US$ 250 for single room occupancy
Length
6 Days, 5 Nights
Meet / Finish
Florence / Orvieto
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Route Rating
Moderate: 15-29 miles (24-47 km) per day over hilly terrain. Extra miles available.
Bikes and Gear >
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Terms and Conditions >
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Assisi
We meet in Florence and shuttle to Assisi. Lunch in Assisi with your tour coordinator who reviews the tour and provides route notes and maps. Marvel at the frescoes in the Basilica of Saint Francis. Cycle to nearby Spello for a warm-up ride.
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Day 2: Bevagna
A flat ride along quiet farm roads takes you through vineyards and fertile farmland. Ride to Bevagna, a small village where you can find Roman mosaics and the remains of a Roman theater. For a longer ride, pedal to Montefalco, also known as the "the balcony of Umbria" due to its lofty position and views over the vine covered plains below. Umbria's flagship wine, the Sagrantino di Montefalco, is produced here. To learn more about the local wines an optional tour is available at the Arnaldo Caprai winery.
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Day 3: Todi
Cycle into the Umbrian countryside past silvery olive groves and endless acres of vineyards. You ride to Todi, a timeless hilltop village founded in the 8th Century BC. Umbrians, Etruscans, and Romans embellished Todi with unassailable walls, crenelated palaces, and magnificent piazzas. Todi's main square, the "Piazza del Popolo" is often described as the most beautiful medieval piazza in Italy.
Day 4: Orvieto
A rolling ride takes you from the Tiber Valley to magnificent Orvieto. Orvieto rests atop an enormous plateau of volcanic rock high above a green valley. The location is one of the most dramatic in Europe. Ancient people carved deep into the soft volcanic "tufo" stone below the town. Today you can tour underground Orvieto and see the remains of an olive press, a cement quarry, and a massive well.
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Day 5 and 6: Cività
An optional loop ride takes you to the quirky village of Cività. The population of this town swells from a dozen people in the winter to 100 in the summer. The village is precariously perched atop a plateau of friable volcanic stone, in constant danger of destruction as its edges fall off. The access road collapsed years ago. Today the town is reached via a steep pedestrian path. Orvieto sits on a main north-south train line making for an easy departure at the end of your bike tour.
Daily Distance
Lodging
Sorella Luna Gallery Hotel
Assisi (1 night)
Just 100 meters from the Basilica of Saint Francis, the Sorella Luna Gallery Hotel has been lovingly created inside a building dating from the 1400s.
hotel website >
Hotel Brunamonti
Bevagna (1 night)
The hotel is located in a medieval building in the center of beautiful Bevagna. The hotel is clean and quiet. The rooms are large and the staff is friendly.
hotel website >
Fonte Cesia Hotel
Todi (1 night)
The Fonte Cesia is located in the center of town. The hotel is the result of a careful renovation of a 17th Century noble palace. This is a boutique hotel.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
Hotel Duomo
Orvieto (2 nights)
This small family-run hotel is just steps from Orvieto's main piazza. The hotel is in an Art Nouveau building which has been completely renovated.
hotel website >
What's Included
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All lodging (three and four star hotels)
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All breakfasts
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One lunch
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Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
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Private van transfer from Florence on Day 1
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Four beautiful rides (extra miles available)
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Use of a high-end bicycle (hybrid, road bike or e-bike)
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Use of a helmet
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Souvenir water bottle to keep
Departure from Orvieto, End of Tour
Orvieto is on a main north-south train line. Direct trains to Rome take 1.5 hours while direct trains to Florence take 2.5 hours. We will be happy to assist you with your post tour travel plans.
Use our Bike Bags (Panniers) and Save
Save US$ 50 per person. Pack what you need in our bike bags (panniers) and leave the rest of your luggage with us. We will deliver your remaining luggage to the last hotel.
Can I really start any date I want?
Yes! You can start your tour any day of the week, March 1 through December 1. We have complete flexibility with the starting dates.
What If It Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.