Italy: Umbria, Spello, Montefalco & Assisi

Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.

Upon arrival at the Rome Fiumicino Airport, you are greeted by a VBT representative in the arrival terminal.  A complimentary car service will whisk you to Orvieto and your elegant and centrally located hotel. Today you’ll take it easy and have the rest of the day free to explore, using VBT’s city information as your guide.

Perched atop a 500-foot-high tufa cliff, Orvieto is easily explored on foot. Its most striking monument is the cathedral, with a distinctive striped façade of white and green stone and remarkable sculptures. Inside, don’t miss the Chapel of San Brizio, adorned with Luca Signorelli’s masterful Last Judgment fresco—an inspiration for Michelangelo’s later work. You may also wish to visit the ingenious Saint Patrick’s Well or join an optional guided tour of the city’s underground caves.

You’ll find many opportunities to shop for fine pottery and crafts, and to enjoy delicious local cuisine—especially dishes featuring regional truffles—at traditional trattorias.

Use VBT’s included city information to enhance your discoveries.

After an included breakfast, meet your driver in the lobby and be ready to depart by private motorcoach at 10:30 a.m. You will arrive in Spello at approximately 12:30 p.m., where your VBT trip leaders will welcome you at your hotel.

Perched at the highest point in Spello, Hotel La Bastiglia offers panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside. After a brief introduction, follow your trip leaders’ recommendations for lunch on your own in town, or dine at the hotel’s restaurant. Hotel check-in begins at 2:00 p.m. Once settled in, change into your biking clothes and be ready at 3:00 p.m. for a safety briefing and a warm-up ride through the scenic countryside surrounding Spello.

As the sun sets, gather with your fellow travelers on the hotel terrace for a welcome reception. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening, featuring strangozzi spoletini—a traditional handmade pasta—and other Umbrian specialties.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-Up Ride — 11 km (7 miles)

What to Expect:

Your warm-up ride is a scenic loop from your hotel, following quiet country roads south of Spello. The route begins with a steady downhill and finishes with a gradual climb back to the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 11 km (7 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today’s longer and easier bike route, partly along bike paths, takes you into the heart of the Valle Umbra—an expansive valley cultivated with vineyards, grains, and olive trees. First the Romans, and later Benedictine monks, drained the plain, which in antiquity was covered by shallow lakes.

From the bike path, you’ll admire the hilltop towns of Trevi and Pissignano before beginning a gradual climb to the arched gate of the walled city of Montefalco. Completely encircled by 13th- and 14th-century walls, the city retains much of its medieval character. Worth a visit is the Church of Sant’Agostino, which you’ll pass as you walk up to the Piazza del Comune—the highest point in town and once the center of civic life. Continue along the main street to its end and you may discover why Montefalco is known as the “balcony of Umbria.” Wine bars, cafés, and restaurants line the way—take your pick for lunch on your own, perhaps accompanied by a glass of the excellent Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG red wine.

A scenic country road leads downhill to the next highlight of the day: Bevagna, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Located along the ancient Via Flaminia, it was once a major Roman trading settlement. Crossing the spectacular bridge into town, you’ll first see the ancient city wash house with its scenic waterfall. As you enter the city walls, you’re welcomed by Filippo Silvestri Square, the medieval heart of the city. Admire the 1889 fountain, designed to complement the surrounding Romanesque architecture, including the Basilica of St. Sylvester, the collegiate church of St. Michael Archangel with its beautiful portal and spired bell tower, and the Palazzo dei Consoli.

For dinner in Spello tonight, your host Luca and his family draw on eight generations of tradition to present a degustazione menu of truffles, bruschettas, and local specialties, paired with carefully curated wines for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Spello to Montefalco — 38 km (24 miles)

Afternoon: Montefalco to Spello — 33 km (20 miles)

What to Expect:

Leaving Spello, you may encounter some traffic, but you’ll soon transition to quiet, green country roads. Continue past small villages popular with cyclists, then prepare for an uphill climb into Montefalco. In the afternoon, enjoy a long downhill coast followed by gently rolling country roads leading to Bevagna. As you leave this medieval city, the route follows a peaceful road and a mostly unpaved bike path to Cannara. From there, return to Spello via country roads.

Cumulative Distance Range: 71 km (44 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning, then take a short ride to Assisi—one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, if not the most. The birthplace of Saint Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order and Italy’s patron saint, as well as of Santa Chiara, one of his earliest followers, Assisi is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guided by our local expert, Maura, you’ll walk along cobbled alleyways and picturesque squares, learning about Francis’s life and exploring key city landmarks. Among these is the Basilica of San Francesco, renowned for its paintings by Cimabue and Giotto, along with other artworks and lesser-known highlights such as the ancient Roman arena.

Afterward, return to Spello, where you may choose to relax by the hotel pool or hop back on your bike to ride along the flanks of Monte Subasio and take in the beautiful countryside.

Lunch and dinner are on your own today. In Spello, you’ll find plenty of cozy restaurants serving delightful Umbrian specialties.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Spello to Assisi — 13 km (8 miles)

Afternoon: Assisi to Spello — 12 km (7 miles) | Assisi Walk — 3 km (2 miles)

What to Expect:

Your ride today is a scenic loop from your hotel, tracing the foothills of Mount Subasio along quiet country roads lined with olive trees. It begins with a steady but manageable 0.62-mile (1 km) uphill climb—easily handled with an e-bike—followed by a long, scenic downhill glide on paved terrain (watch for occasional rough patches of tar). The route loops back on peaceful, traffic-free roads and concludes with another gentle uphill stretch before a smooth coast back to the hotel. Part of the day is dedicated to visiting Assisi, including a guided walking tour through cobbled streets with some hills, so we recommend packing comfortable shoes. Later in the afternoon, you may opt for a more challenging independent ride from the hotel up Mount Subasio along a well-paved, panoramic road. It’s a steady climb, and you can ride as far as you like—perhaps to the hilltop hamlet of Collepino—before turning around and returning the same way.

Cumulative Distance Range: 12 – 25 km (7 – 15 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you leave the hotel to cycle along easy country roads that quietly cross the Valle Umbra. Pedal through the small medieval village of San Giacomo, located along an ancient pilgrim route to Rome, before reaching a local agriturismo. Pause here for a tour of the historic olive mill, followed by a lunch of homemade bruschetta and frittata with fresh vegetables from the garden.

Just outside the town of Spoleto—easily recognized by the massive Albornoz Fortress rising high above it—you join an easy, scenic bike path leading into the Nera Valley. See for yourself why this region is renowned for its breathtaking gorges.

Leave the bike path at a mountain pass reaching 2,100 feet in elevation and enjoy an exhilarating descent into Sant’Anatolia di Narco, where another Umbrian treasure awaits: the Abbey of Saints Felice and Mauro. Tucked into a tranquil hamlet, this 12th-century former monastery is built on the legendary site where a Syrian refugee is said to have slain a dragon. Admire its beautiful rose window, ancient frescoes, and dramatic views.

Back in the saddle, continue the final miles into Scheggino, a quiet and picturesque village perched above the Nera River. You’ll have time to stroll this picture-postcard town before visiting the Truffle Museum. Umbria—particularly the Nera Valley—is famous for its truffles, and here you can learn all about this prized delicacy.

Later, shuttle to your hotel, Relais Borgo Campello, nestled in the tiny hilltop village of Campello Alto and composed of a medieval castle and a convent. These two iconic buildings once served as beacons and places of rest for pilgrims walking the Via Francigena to Rome. Campello Alto, perched high on a hill, has retained its medieval charm. Our gracious hosts will guide you on a short walking tour of the convent, where you’ll see frescoes restored in part thanks to the VBT Travelers Fund. From the bar terrace, gaze out across thousands of olive trees and spot the trails once walked by ancient pilgrims. Later, enjoy your included dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Spello to Lunch Stop — 36 km (20 miles)

Afternoon: Borgo del Rio to Scheggino — 31 km (19 miles)

What to Expect:

Leaving Spello, you may encounter some traffic but soon transition to an easy and safe bike path. Continue on mostly flat or gently rolling country roads until your lunch stop. In the afternoon, the route follows a gradually climbing, well-worn unpaved bike path. If you prefer, you can bypass the path and ride the parallel paved road. Around the halfway point, the group shifts to a well-paved, traffic-free main road. From there, enjoy a descent nearly all the way to the hamlet of Sant’Anatolia di Narco. The final stretch follows the Nera River for a couple of miles along a state road with minimal traffic—especially at the time of our ride. A 20-minute shuttle completes the trip to your hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 31 – 67 km (19 – 39 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A short shuttle takes you to the start of your route. From there, follow a shaded, rolling path into Rasiglia, a hamlet of medieval stone homes set in a lush, green valley. Sometimes called the “Little Venice of Umbria” for its waterways and bridges, Rasiglia was renowned for wool production during the 16th century, when heavy looms were powered by mills fed by the rushing waters. Delight in the town’s picturesque network of waterfalls, brooks, and ponds.

Continue to a higher plateau near the border of Le Marche. Here, at 2,000 feet, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the Apennines, where the rolling hills and fertile soil are ideal for growing regional staples like barley, spelt, lentils, and chickpeas. Roll through this protected regional park to a local merenderia—a combination restaurant and grocery shop—where the owner, Gemma, serves a hearty soup and tagliere di salumi.

Afterward, your route follows the flat plateau before descending gently into Le Marche, an unspoiled rural region where you can cycle through rolling hills for miles without seeing a single car.

Continue on to your countryside retreat, where you can bask in the revitalizing energy of the resort’s award-winning spa, take a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool, or enjoy an evening passeggiata through the lush grounds. Dinner tonight is at the hotel restaurant, where your hosts have prepared a tasting of locally produced, zero-kilometer olive oils to accompany your meal.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Vene to Colfiortio — 30 km (19 miles)

Afternoon: Colfiorito to Borgo Lanciano — 36 km (20 miles)

What to Expect:

A short shuttle takes you to the start of the route in Vene. The morning ride features gently rolling terrain with minimal traffic, followed by a steady two-mile ascent to Colfiorito, reaching an altitude of 2,500 feet. After taking in the views across the wide-open plateau, descend a winding road into Serravalle di Chienti—a route favored by local cyclists. A short climb then leads through the charming hamlets of Gelagna and Raggiano before descending into Castelraimondo, where light traffic increases as you approach the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 30 – 66 km (19 – 39 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up to a hearty breakfast before setting off on a stunning loop through the rolling hills of Le Marche. Often called the “New Tuscany,” this region remains blissfully undiscovered, with quiet roads where you’ll share the route with little more than a few local cyclists.

Your first stop is Pioraco, a small town nestled between dramatic limestone gorges. Though the 2016 earthquake left its mark on some historic buildings, the town retains its charm, with winding paths alongside a rushing river that has powered local paper mills for centuries.

Back on your bike, continue toward Il Casato Agriturismo, a family-run farmhouse where Andrea, the charismatic owner, will welcome you warmly. The scent of freshly baked bread and warm focaccia drifts from the kitchen, setting the stage for a leisurely, rustic lunch.

After your meal, the ride continues along a panoramic route with sweeping views of the Sibillini mountain peaks in the distance. Coast downhill to your countryside retreat, where you’ll have time to unwind.

This evening, trade your cycling gear for an apron during a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn to make handmade pasta and meatballs—a beloved regional specialty.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Borgo Lanciano to Il Casato — 34 km (21 miles)

Afternoon: Il Casato to Hotel — 7 km (4 miles)

What to Expect:

Start the day on smooth country roads with a gentle ascent into the historic village of Pioraco. From there, the route flattens briefly before leading to the day’s main challenge—a two-mile climb with a steady six percent gradient. After reaching the summit, enjoy a long, relaxing descent, followed by a final scenic climb to Il Casato, where stunning views of the Sibillini Mountains await. The afternoon ride is short and rewarding, following rolling, traffic-free country roads straight to the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 7 – 41 km (4 – 25 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an included breakfast, complimentary transportation is provided to Bologna, where you will arrive at approximately 11:30 a.m. Your room may not be ready upon arrival, but you can store your luggage at the hotel reception. Located in the lively city center, your hotel offers easy access to a wide variety of lunch options on your own. Back at the hotel, meet your local guide at 3:00 p.m. to begin discovering this medieval town—its pedestrian alleyways and piazzas, mouthwatering food shops, and covered markets that have made Bologna famous around the world.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After an included breakfast* this morning, complimentary transportation to the Bologna Airport will be provided (approximately a 20-minute drive, depending on traffic) for your departing flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.

Your first day in Florence starts off right, as a VBT representative greets you at the airport. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

After an included breakfast, meet your VBT representative in the hotel lobby at 10:00 a.m.

After brief introductions, travel approximately two hours by private motorcoach to Campello sul Clitunno in Umbria, with a short stop along the way to purchase lunch. Upon arrival, your VBT trip leaders will welcome you to the hotel and conduct a safety session. VBT’s main hotel for this tour is Relais Borgo Campello, nestled within the tiny hilltop village of Campello Alto. This remarkable accommodation—comprising a medieval castle and a former convent—once welcomed pilgrims traveling the Via Francigena to Rome. Today, the charm and historical significance of Campello Alto remain beautifully preserved atop its scenic hilltop setting.

Following the safety talk, your room will be ready, and you’ll have time to settle in and change into your cycling gear. Then it’s time for your first exhilarating spin through the verdant valley below, where hundreds of olive trees line the landscape. The nearby Clitunno River, immortalized in verse by poet Giosuè Carducci, inspired the phrase “the Green Heart of Italy”—now synonymous with Umbria.

Back at the hotel, unwind on the shaded pometo, a peaceful terrace offering sweeping views of the valley. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail on the panoramic restaurant terrace, followed by a dinner of local Umbrian specialties—including strangozzi spoletini—prepared with seasonal flair.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-Up Ride — 21 km (13 miles)

What to Expect:

Your warm-up ride begins with a steady 0.62-mile (1-km) uphill climb that is very manageable—especially with an e-bike. From there, enjoy a long, scenic downhill glide on paved terrain; be mindful of a few stretches with rough tar. The route then loops back along traffic-free country roads. You’ll finish with another gentle uphill climb—again, quite manageable—before coasting back to your hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 21 km (13 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, depart the hotel for a ride along easy country roads that meander quietly past tiny fortified villages.

Just outside the town of Spoleto—easily recognized by the massive Albornoz Fortress perched above—you join a scenic bike path that leads into the Nera Valley, renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful gorges.

At the pass, at an elevation of 2,100 feet, leave the bike path and begin an exhilarating descent into Sant’Anatolia di Narco, where another Umbrian treasure awaits: the Abbey of Saints Felice and Mauro. Nestled in a tranquil hamlet, this 12th-century former monastery is built on the site where, according to legend, a Syrian refugee slew a dragon. Admire its striking rose window, ancient frescoes, and stunning views.

Back in the saddle, pedal the final stretch into Scheggino, a peaceful and picturesque village perched on a hill above the Nera River. Here, enjoy lunch on your own and take time to stroll the charming streets before visiting the town’s Truffle Museum. Umbria—especially the Nera Valley—is famous for truffles, and you’ll learn all about this prized delicacy, including a tasting, of course!

Back at the hotel, your gracious hosts will lead you on a short walking tour of the property’s historic castle and convent. The tour concludes on the terrace, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of Umbria’s celebrated olive oil. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Hotel to Scheggino — 38 km (24 miles)

Afternoon: Walking tour — 1 km (0.8 miles)

What to Expect:

The first part of today’s ride follows paved country roads. After about 10 miles, the route continues on a gradually climbing, well-traveled unpaved bike path. Midway through, you transition to a main road that is smoothly paved and largely traffic-free. Enjoy a scenic descent nearly all the way to the hamlet of Sant’Anatolia di Narco. From there, follow the Nera River for a few miles along a quiet state road—typically with very little traffic, especially at the time of our ride. A 30-minute shuttle returns you to the hotel. Later in the afternoon, join your host for a walk that begins at the convent-hotel. The route includes cobblestone paths and a short uphill and downhill stretch leading to the castle of Campello Alto.

Cumulative Distance Range: 38 km (24 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Follow a shaded, rolling route into Rasiglia, a hamlet of medieval stone homes set in a green valley. Sometimes called the “Little Venice of Umbria” for its waterways and bridges, Rasiglia was famous for wool production during the 16th century, as the heavy looms could be powered by mills fed by the rushing waters. Discover more of this history and view a huge jacquard loom at the Museo dell’Acqua, housed in a former mill, and delight in the town’s picturesque network of waterfalls, brooks, and ponds. You visit on a Sunday, when the town comes alive with visitors, cafés, and street vendors selling local specialties such as lentils and chickpeas.

Continue to a higher plateau near the border of the Marche region. Here at 2,000 feet and surrounded by the sweet hills of the Appennines, the fertile soil is ideal for the production of a kaleidoscope of cereals and pulses: barley, spelt, lentils, chickpeas, red potatoes, and much more. Roll through this protected regional park all the way to the marshland as your tour leaders prepare a delicious picnic lunch.

Afterward, your route takes you all the way to your hotel for the next three nights. Located at the highest elevation in Spello, the Hotel La Bastiglia offers views that are unsurpassed. Admire the view at sunset, as you gather with your travel mates on the hotel terrace for a welcome reception. Our local guide Maura will join you and lead you on a walk along the cobbled streets of this pretty town, pointing out its medieval architecture and regaling you with fascinating stories of the  historic towns you will visit over the next few days.

Dinner tonight is on your own in Spello.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Vene to Colfiorito — 31 km (19 miles)

Afternoon: Colfiorito to Spello — 34 km (21 miles) | Spello walking tour — 2 km (1.5 miles)

What to Expect:

Apart from some stretches where the tar is uneven and scarred, and cyclists need to ride carefully, the entire route is on paved terrain. The morning route features some rolling miles and a 2-mile (3.2-km) ascent. In the afternoon, you follow a descending route, with downhills and rolling stretches.

Your guided walking tour of Spello will follow cobbled city alleyways. Stone stairs, archways, and picturesque glimpses of the countryside will make the walk pleasant and worth the little effort. Wear comfortable shoes.

Cumulative Distance Range: 31 km – 65 km (19 – 40 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today’s longer and easier bike route, partly along bike paths, takes you right into the heart of the Valle Umbra, an ample valley cultivated with vineyards, cereals, and olive trees. First the Romans, and later Benedictine monks, drained the plain that in antiquity was covered by shallow lakes. From the bike path, you admire the hilltop towns of Trevi and Pissignano, before starting a gradual hill that takes you to the arched gate of the walled city of Montefalco. Completely surrounded by 13th- and 14th-century walls, the city retains much of its medieval past. Worthy of a visit is the Church of Sant’Agostino, which you encounter as you walk up to the Piazza del Comune, the highest point in town and once the center of the town life. If you continue on the main street to its end, you may discover why Montefalco is called the balcony of Umbria. Wine bars, cafés, and restaurants are abundant along the way. Take your pick for lunch on own — perhaps accompanied by the excellent Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG red wine.

A scenic country road takes you downhill to the next highlight of the day: Bevagna, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Located along the ancient Via Flaminia, it was once a very important Roman trading settlement. Crossing the spectacular bridge into town, you first see the ancient city wash house with its scenic waterfall. Entering the city walls, you are greeted by Filippo Silvestri Square, the medieval heart of the city. Admire the 1889 fountain designed to blend with the surrounding Romanesque architecture, including the Basilica of St. Sylvester, the collegiate church of St. Michael Archangel with its beautiful portal and spired bell tower, and the Palazzo dei Consoli.

For dinner in Spello tonight, your host Luca and his family rely on eight generations of family tradition to present a degustazione menu of truffles, bruschettas, and local specialties with wines that have been carefully curated for perfect pairings.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Spello to Montefalco — 39 km (24 miles)

Afternoon: Montefalco to Bevagna to Spello — 33 km (21 miles)

What to Expect:

Leaving Spello, you encounter some traffic but soon enter an easy and safe bike path. Continue on country roads, popular with cyclists, and prepare for an uphill climb into Montefalco. In the afternoon, coast down a long downhill and then ride slightly rolling country roads to Bevagna. Out of this medieval city, you follow a very quiet road and a bike path to Cannara. Travel country roads with increasing traffic as you approach Spello.

Cumulative Distance Range: 33 – 72 km (21 – 45 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning, then spin along a short route flanked by olive groves to Assisi — one of, if not the, most beautiful city in Italy. The birthplace of Saint Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order and Italy’s saint patron, and of Santa Chiara, one of his early followers, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guided by our local expert Maura, you will walk along cobbled alleyways and picturesque squares, learning about Francis’ life and viewing important city landmarks. Among these is the Basilica of San Francesco, renowned for its paintings by Cimabue and Giotto and other artwork, and lesser-known highlights, such as the ancient Roman arena.

Afterward, return to Spello, where you might relax by the hotel pool. Or take a longer bicycling option on the flanks of Monte Subasio to admire the beautiful countryside.

Lunch and dinner are on your own today. In Spello, you can find plenty of cozy restaurants featuring delightful Umbrian specialties.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Spello to Assisi — 13 km (8 miles)

Afternoon: Assisi to Spello — 12 km (7 miles) | Assisi walk — 3 km (2 miles)

What to Expect:

Leave Spello on a country road popular with cyclists. Flanked by olive trees, it is known as the olive road. It is safe and free from traffic, but be on the lookout for potholes. There is very little car traffic all the way to the outskirts of Assisi. In town, a short climb takes you to the parking area.

Most of the day is dedicated to the visit of Assisi and includes a walking tour on cobbled streets with some hills. We suggest that you pack comfortable shoes.

In the afternoon, you follow the same route back to the hotel. An optional moderate independent ride is offered later in the afternoon from Spello. Ask your trip leaders for details.

Cumulative Distance Range: 12 – 25 km (7 – 15 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Say goodbye to Spello this morning as your small group sets out for Perugia, the capital of Umbria. Retrace yesterday’s ride to the outskirts of Assisi, then begin an uphill climb accompanied by beautiful views. En route, pause to visit San Gregorio and see why this small, fortified hamlet was a source of contention between Perugia and Assisi in the past.

Around noon, your scenic morning spin culminates at a picturesque agriturismo, whose owners — Elisa, Giusy, and Angela — welcome you and prepare a delicious home-hosted lunch. Using a fireplace fed exclusively with farm wood and a cast-iron pot, they cook the local specialty, torta al testo, using a traditional recipe. Savor this unique type of focaccia with local cold meats and crispy vegetables from their garden. On chilly days, they also offer imbrecciata di legumi, a soup that mixes check peas, wild peas, and lentils with fragrant, fresh olive oil.

Early this afternoon, re-mount your bike for the ride to your next hotel. Roll along a very relaxing, unpaved bike path that follows the Tiber River past fields of tobacco and big trees that shade your way.

A final, gradual hill takes you to your last hotel, the majestic Castello di Monterone. Located on the outskirts of Perugia, it is  a true castle, whose meticulous conversion into a hotel maintains its medieval ambiance. Its  manicured rose garden and panoramic outdoor pool also contribute to making your last day in Umbria a memorable one. Gather with your travel mates for a welcome drink in the castle garden and a farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Spello to lunch stop — 33 km (21 miles)

Afternoon: Agriturismo to hotel — 27 km (17 miles)

What to Expect:

Retrace  yesterday’s route to Assisi, then continue on paved rolling roads to your home-hosted lunch, admiring spectacular vistas as you leave Assisi behind.

In the afternoon, spin a few more miles on paved roads, then enter a very relaxing, unpaved bike path along the Tiber River, past fields of tobacco and shaded by big trees. The last stretch is uphill almost all the way to your castle hotel — a steady and gradual ascent on a large city road, very manageable with an E-bike.

Cumulative Distance Range: 27 – 60 km (17 – 38 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, board the shuttle for a short ride into Perugia. Here, you are reunited with our guide Maura, who will reveal the many stories and treasures of the city. The highlight is the Rocca Paolina, originally a Renaissance defensive fortress built as a result of the salt trade. Destroyed, rebuilt, and destroyed again in 1861, this mighty edifice was carefully restored in the mid-1900s. Entering on a series of escalators, you see its massive walls from the inside, as you admire the ancient streets, courtyards and towers that are now on view.

You are free to find a restaurant for lunch, perhaps guided by Maura or by the city information provided by VBT. Perugia is the place to indulge your sweet tooth for dessert. The city is the home of the Eurochocolate Festival—the largest chocolate festival in Europe—and also of Bacio Perugina, the famed chocolatier renowned for its candies and gelato.

Explore at your own pace this afternoon. Perhaps you’ll stroll the Piazza IV Novembre, the city’s historic heart, and view the Fontana Maggiore, its magnificent medieval fountain. Here, you can also visit the Gothic San Lorenzo Cathedral, with its Renaissance paintings and frescoes, and the Palazzo dei Priori, once the seat of government and now an art museum.

Or hop the shuttle back to your hotel, where you can relax at the pool and enjoy wide-open views of the countryside and the distant city. For dinner on your own, you may dine at the hotel restaurant or take a taxi back to Perugia, only 10 minutes away.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After an included breakfast this morning, complimentary transportation to the Rome airport will be provided (an approximately two-hour drive, depending on traffic) for your departing flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast

At 12:00 p.m., meet your trip leaders at your first hotel in Spello, Hotel La Bastiglia.

Perched at the highest point in Spello, Hotel La Bastiglia offers panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside. After a brief introduction, follow your trip leaders’ recommendations for lunch on your own in town, or dine at the hotel’s restaurant. Hotel check-in begins at 2:00 p.m. Once settled in, change into your biking clothes and be ready at 3:00 p.m. for a safety briefing and a warm-up ride through the scenic countryside surrounding Spello.

As the sun sets, gather with your fellow travelers on the hotel terrace for a welcome reception. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening, featuring strangozzi spoletini—a traditional handmade pasta—and other Umbrian specialties.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-Up Ride — 11 km (7 miles)

What to Expect:

Your warm-up ride is a scenic loop from your hotel, following quiet country roads south of Spello. The route begins with a steady downhill and finishes with a gradual climb back to the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 11 km (7 miles)

Included Meals: Dinner

Today’s longer and easier bike route, partly along bike paths, takes you into the heart of the Valle Umbra—an expansive valley cultivated with vineyards, grains, and olive trees. First the Romans, and later Benedictine monks, drained the plain, which in antiquity was covered by shallow lakes.

From the bike path, you’ll admire the hilltop towns of Trevi and Pissignano before beginning a gradual climb to the arched gate of the walled city of Montefalco. Completely encircled by 13th- and 14th-century walls, the city retains much of its medieval character. Worth a visit is the Church of Sant’Agostino, which you’ll pass as you walk up to the Piazza del Comune—the highest point in town and once the center of civic life. Continue along the main street to its end and you may discover why Montefalco is known as the “balcony of Umbria.” Wine bars, cafés, and restaurants line the way—take your pick for lunch on your own, perhaps accompanied by a glass of the excellent Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG red wine.

A scenic country road leads downhill to the next highlight of the day: Bevagna, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Located along the ancient Via Flaminia, it was once a major Roman trading settlement. Crossing the spectacular bridge into town, you’ll first see the ancient city wash house with its scenic waterfall. As you enter the city walls, you’re welcomed by Filippo Silvestri Square, the medieval heart of the city. Admire the 1889 fountain, designed to complement the surrounding Romanesque architecture, including the Basilica of St. Sylvester, the collegiate church of St. Michael Archangel with its beautiful portal and spired bell tower, and the Palazzo dei Consoli.

For dinner in Spello tonight, your host Luca and his family draw on eight generations of tradition to present a degustazione menu of truffles, bruschettas, and local specialties, paired with carefully curated wines for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Spello to Montefalco — 38 km (24 miles)

Afternoon: Montefalco to Spello — 33 km (20 miles)

What to Expect:

Leaving Spello, you may encounter some traffic, but you’ll soon transition to quiet, green country roads. Continue past small villages popular with cyclists, then prepare for an uphill climb into Montefalco. In the afternoon, enjoy a long downhill coast followed by gently rolling country roads leading to Bevagna. As you leave this medieval city, the route follows a peaceful road and a mostly unpaved bike path to Cannara. From there, return to Spello via country roads.

Cumulative Distance Range: 71 km (44 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning, then take a short ride to Assisi—one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, if not the most. The birthplace of Saint Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order and Italy’s patron saint, as well as of Santa Chiara, one of his earliest followers, Assisi is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guided by our local expert, Maura, you’ll walk along cobbled alleyways and picturesque squares, learning about Francis’s life and exploring key city landmarks. Among these is the Basilica of San Francesco, renowned for its paintings by Cimabue and Giotto, along with other artworks and lesser-known highlights such as the ancient Roman arena.

Afterward, return to Spello, where you may choose to relax by the hotel pool or hop back on your bike to ride along the flanks of Monte Subasio and take in the beautiful countryside.

Lunch and dinner are on your own today. In Spello, you’ll find plenty of cozy restaurants serving delightful Umbrian specialties.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Spello to Assisi — 13 km (8 miles)

Afternoon: Assisi to Spello — 12 km (7 miles) | Assisi Walk — 3 km (2 miles)

What to Expect:

Your ride today is a scenic loop from your hotel, tracing the foothills of Mount Subasio along quiet country roads lined with olive trees. It begins with a steady but manageable 0.62-mile (1 km) uphill climb—easily handled with an e-bike—followed by a long, scenic downhill glide on paved terrain (watch for occasional rough patches of tar). The route loops back on peaceful, traffic-free roads and concludes with another gentle uphill stretch before a smooth coast back to the hotel. Part of the day is dedicated to visiting Assisi, including a guided walking tour through cobbled streets with some hills, so we recommend packing comfortable shoes. Later in the afternoon, you may opt for a more challenging independent ride from the hotel up Mount Subasio along a well-paved, panoramic road. It’s a steady climb, and you can ride as far as you like—perhaps to the hilltop hamlet of Collepino—before turning around and returning the same way.

Cumulative Distance Range: 12 – 25 km (7 – 15 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you leave the hotel to cycle along easy country roads that quietly cross the Valle Umbra. Pedal through the small medieval village of San Giacomo, located along an ancient pilgrim route to Rome, before reaching a local agriturismo. Pause here for a tour of the historic olive mill, followed by a lunch of homemade bruschetta and frittata with fresh vegetables from the garden.

Just outside the town of Spoleto—easily recognized by the massive Albornoz Fortress rising high above it—you join an easy, scenic bike path leading into the Nera Valley. See for yourself why this region is renowned for its breathtaking gorges.

Leave the bike path at a mountain pass reaching 2,100 feet in elevation and enjoy an exhilarating descent into Sant’Anatolia di Narco, where another Umbrian treasure awaits: the Abbey of Saints Felice and Mauro. Tucked into a tranquil hamlet, this 12th-century former monastery is built on the legendary site where a Syrian refugee is said to have slain a dragon. Admire its beautiful rose window, ancient frescoes, and dramatic views.

Back in the saddle, continue the final miles into Scheggino, a quiet and picturesque village perched above the Nera River. You’ll have time to stroll this picture-postcard town before visiting the Truffle Museum. Umbria—particularly the Nera Valley—is famous for its truffles, and here you can learn all about this prized delicacy.

Later, shuttle to your hotel, Relais Borgo Campello, nestled in the tiny hilltop village of Campello Alto and composed of a medieval castle and a convent. These two iconic buildings once served as beacons and places of rest for pilgrims walking the Via Francigena to Rome. Campello Alto, perched high on a hill, has retained its medieval charm. Our gracious hosts will guide you on a short walking tour of the convent, where you’ll see frescoes restored in part thanks to the VBT Travelers Fund. From the bar terrace, gaze out across thousands of olive trees and spot the trails once walked by ancient pilgrims. Later, enjoy your included dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Spello to Lunch Stop — 36 km (20 miles)

Afternoon: Borgo del Rio to Scheggino — 31 km (19 miles)

What to Expect:

Leaving Spello, you may encounter some traffic but soon transition to an easy and safe bike path. Continue on mostly flat or gently rolling country roads until your lunch stop. In the afternoon, the route follows a gradually climbing, well-worn unpaved bike path. If you prefer, you can bypass the path and ride the parallel paved road. Around the halfway point, the group shifts to a well-paved, traffic-free main road. From there, enjoy a descent nearly all the way to the hamlet of Sant’Anatolia di Narco. The final stretch follows the Nera River for a couple of miles along a state road with minimal traffic—especially at the time of our ride. A 20-minute shuttle completes the trip to your hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 31 – 67 km (19 – 39 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A short shuttle takes you to the start of your route. From there, follow a shaded, rolling path into Rasiglia, a hamlet of medieval stone homes set in a lush, green valley. Sometimes called the “Little Venice of Umbria” for its waterways and bridges, Rasiglia was renowned for wool production during the 16th century, when heavy looms were powered by mills fed by the rushing waters. Delight in the town’s picturesque network of waterfalls, brooks, and ponds.

Continue to a higher plateau near the border of Le Marche. Here, at 2,000 feet, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the Apennines, where the rolling hills and fertile soil are ideal for growing regional staples like barley, spelt, lentils, and chickpeas. Roll through this protected regional park to a local merenderia—a combination restaurant and grocery shop—where the owner, Gemma, serves a hearty soup and tagliere di salumi.

Afterward, your route follows the flat plateau before descending gently into Le Marche, an unspoiled rural region where you can cycle through rolling hills for miles without seeing a single car.

Continue on to your countryside retreat, where you can bask in the revitalizing energy of the resort’s award-winning spa, take a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool, or enjoy an evening passeggiata through the lush grounds. Dinner tonight is at the hotel restaurant, where your hosts have prepared a tasting of locally produced, zero-kilometer olive oils to accompany your meal.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Vene to Colfiortio — 30 km (19 miles)

Afternoon: Colfiorito to Borgo Lanciano — 36 km (20 miles)

What to Expect:

A short shuttle takes you to the start of the route in Vene. The morning ride features gently rolling terrain with minimal traffic, followed by a steady two-mile ascent to Colfiorito, reaching an altitude of 2,500 feet. After taking in the views across the wide-open plateau, descend a winding road into Serravalle di Chienti—a route favored by local cyclists. A short climb then leads through the charming hamlets of Gelagna and Raggiano before descending into Castelraimondo, where light traffic increases as you approach the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 30 – 66 km (19 – 39 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up to a hearty breakfast before setting off on a stunning loop through the rolling hills of Le Marche. Often called the “New Tuscany,” this region remains blissfully undiscovered, with quiet roads where you’ll share the route with little more than a few local cyclists.

Your first stop is Pioraco, a small town nestled between dramatic limestone gorges. Though the 2016 earthquake left its mark on some historic buildings, the town retains its charm, with winding paths alongside a rushing river that has powered local paper mills for centuries.

Back on your bike, continue toward Il Casato Agriturismo, a family-run farmhouse where Andrea, the charismatic owner, will welcome you warmly. The scent of freshly baked bread and warm focaccia drifts from the kitchen, setting the stage for a leisurely, rustic lunch.

After your meal, the ride continues along a panoramic route with sweeping views of the Sibillini mountain peaks in the distance. Coast downhill to your countryside retreat, where you’ll have time to unwind.

This evening, trade your cycling gear for an apron during a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn to make handmade pasta and meatballs—a beloved regional specialty.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Borgo Lanciano to Il Casato — 34 km (21 miles)

Afternoon: Il Casato to Hotel — 7 km (4 miles)

What to Expect:

Start the day on smooth country roads with a gentle ascent into the historic village of Pioraco. From there, the route flattens briefly before leading to the day’s main challenge—a two-mile climb with a steady six percent gradient. After reaching the summit, enjoy a long, relaxing descent, followed by a final scenic climb to Il Casato, where stunning views of the Sibillini Mountains await. The afternoon ride is short and rewarding, following rolling, traffic-free country roads straight to the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 7 – 41 km (4 – 25 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an included breakfast, complimentary transportation is provided to either the Foligno train station (approximately a 50-minute ride) or to Bologna, where your tour will conclude upon arrival at approximately 11:30 a.m. From Bologna, you can catch a flight from the airport, take a train back to Rome, or continue on to other destinations.

Included Meals: Breakfast

At 10:00 a.m., meet your VBT representative in the lobby of our Florence hotel.

After brief introductions, travel approximately two hours by private motorcoach to Campello sul Clitunno in Umbria, with a short stop along the way to purchase lunch. Upon arrival, your VBT trip leaders will welcome you to the hotel and conduct a safety session. VBT’s main hotel for this tour is Relais Borgo Campello, nestled within the tiny hilltop village of Campello Alto. This remarkable accommodation—comprising a medieval castle and a former convent—once welcomed pilgrims traveling the Via Francigena to Rome. Today, the charm and historical significance of Campello Alto remain beautifully preserved atop its scenic hilltop setting.

Following the safety talk, your room will be ready, and you’ll have time to settle in and change into your cycling gear. Then it’s time for your first exhilarating spin through the verdant valley below, where hundreds of olive trees line the landscape. The nearby Clitunno River, immortalized in verse by poet Giosuè Carducci, inspired the phrase “the Green Heart of Italy”—now synonymous with Umbria.

Back at the hotel, unwind on the shaded pometo, a peaceful terrace offering sweeping views of the valley. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail on the panoramic restaurant terrace, followed by a dinner of local Umbrian specialties—including strangozzi spoletini—prepared with seasonal flair.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-Up Ride — 12.8 km (8 miles)

What to Expect:

Your warm-up ride begins with a steady 0.62-mile (1-km) uphill climb that is very manageable—especially with an E-bike. From there, enjoy a long, scenic downhill glide on paved terrain; be mindful of a few stretches with rough tar. The route then loops back along traffic-free country roads. You’ll finish with another gentle uphill climb—again, quite manageable—before coasting back to your hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 12.8 km (8 miles)

Included Meals: Dinner

After breakfast, depart the hotel for a ride along easy country roads that meander quietly past tiny fortified villages.

Just outside the town of Spoleto—easily recognized by the massive Albornoz Fortress perched above—you join a scenic bike path that leads into the Nera Valley, renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful gorges.

At the pass, at an elevation of 2,100 feet, leave the bike path and begin an exhilarating descent into Sant’Anatolia di Narco, where another Umbrian treasure awaits: the Abbey of Saints Felice and Mauro. Nestled in a tranquil hamlet, this 12th-century former monastery is built on the site where, according to legend, a Syrian refugee slew a dragon. Admire its striking rose window, ancient frescoes, and stunning views.

Back in the saddle, pedal the final stretch into Scheggino, a peaceful and picturesque village perched on a hill above the Nera River. Here, enjoy lunch on your own and take time to stroll the charming streets before visiting the town’s Truffle Museum. Umbria—especially the Nera Valley—is famous for truffles, and you’ll learn all about this prized delicacy, including a tasting, of course!

Back at the hotel, your gracious hosts will lead you on a short walking tour of the property’s historic castle and convent. The tour concludes on the terrace, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of Umbria’s celebrated olive oil. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Hotel to Scheggino — 38 km (24 miles)

Afternoon: Walking tour — 1 km (0.8 miles)

What to Expect:

The first part of today’s ride follows paved country roads. After about 10 miles, the route continues on a gradually climbing, well-traveled unpaved bike path. Midway through, you transition to a main road that is smoothly paved and largely traffic-free. Enjoy a scenic descent nearly all the way to the hamlet of Sant’Anatolia di Narco. From there, follow the Nera River for a few miles along a quiet state road—typically with very little traffic, especially at the time of our ride. A 30-minute shuttle returns you to the hotel. Later in the afternoon, join your host for a walk that begins at the convent-hotel. The route includes cobblestone paths and a short uphill and downhill stretch leading to the castle of Campello Alto.

Cumulative Distance Range: 38 km (24 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Follow a shaded, rolling route into Rasiglia, a hamlet of medieval stone homes set in a green valley. Sometimes called the “Little Venice of Umbria” for its waterways and bridges, Rasiglia was famous for wool production during the 16th century, as the heavy looms could be powered by mills fed by the rushing waters. Discover more of this history and view a huge jacquard loom at the Museo dell’Acqua, housed in a former mill, and delight in the town’s picturesque network of waterfalls, brooks, and ponds. You visit on a Sunday, when the town comes alive with visitors, cafés, and street vendors selling local specialties such as lentils and chickpeas.

Continue to a higher plateau near the border of the Marche region. Here at 2,000 feet and surrounded by the sweet hills of the Appennines, the fertile soil is ideal for the production of a kaleidoscope of cereals and pulses: barley, spelt, lentils, chickpeas, red potatoes, and much more. Roll through this protected regional park all the way to the marshland as your tour leaders prepare a delicious picnic lunch.

Afterward, your route takes you all the way to your hotel for the next three nights. Located at the highest elevation in Spello, the Hotel La Bastiglia offers views that are unsurpassed. Admire the view at sunset, as you gather with your travel mates on the hotel terrace for a welcome reception. Our local guide Maura will join you and lead you on a walk along the cobbled streets of this pretty town, pointing out its medieval architecture and regaling you with fascinating stories of the  historic towns you will visit over the next few days.

Dinner tonight is on your own in Spello.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Vene to Colfiorito — 31 km (19 miles)

Afternoon: Colfiorito to Spello — 34 km (21 miles) | Spello walking tour — 2 km (1.5 miles)

What to Expect:

Apart from some stretches where the tar is uneven and scarred, and cyclists need to ride carefully, the entire route is on paved terrain. The morning route features some rolling miles and a 2-mile (3.2-km) ascent. In the afternoon, you follow a descending route, with downhills and rolling stretches.

Your guided walking tour of Spello will follow cobbled city alleyways. Stone stairs, archways, and picturesque glimpses of the countryside will make the walk pleasant and worth the little effort. Wear comfortable shoes.

Cumulative Distance Range: 31 km – 65 km (19 – 40 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today’s longer and easier bike route, partly along bike paths, takes you right into the heart of the Valle Umbra, an ample valley cultivated with vineyards, cereals, and olive trees. First the Romans, and later Benedictine monks, drained the plain that in antiquity was covered by shallow lakes. From the bike path, you admire the hilltop towns of Trevi and Pissignano, before starting a gradual hill that takes you to the arched gate of the walled city of Montefalco. Completely surrounded by 13th- and 14th-century walls, the city retains much of its medieval past. Worthy of a visit is the Church of Sant’Agostino, which you encounter as you walk up to the Piazza del Comune, the highest point in town and once the center of the town life. If you continue on the main street to its end, you may discover why Montefalco is called the balcony of Umbria. Wine bars, cafés, and restaurants are abundant along the way. Take your pick for lunch on own — perhaps accompanied by the excellent Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG red wine.

A scenic country road takes you downhill to the next highlight of the day: Bevagna, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Located along the ancient Via Flaminia, it was once a very important Roman trading settlement. Crossing the spectacular bridge into town, you first see the ancient city wash house with its scenic waterfall. Entering the city walls, you are greeted by Filippo Silvestri Square, the medieval heart of the city. Admire the 1889 fountain designed to blend with the surrounding Romanesque architecture, including the Basilica of St. Sylvester, the collegiate church of St. Michael Archangel with its beautiful portal and spired bell tower, and the Palazzo dei Consoli.

For dinner in Spello tonight, your host Luca and his family rely on eight generations of family tradition to present a degustazione menu of truffles, bruschettas, and local specialties with wines that have been carefully curated for perfect pairings.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Spello to Montefalco — 39 km (24 miles)

Afternoon: Montefalco to Bevagna to Spello — 33 km (21 miles)

What to Expect:

Leaving Spello, you encounter some traffic but soon enter an easy and safe bike path. Continue on country roads, popular with cyclists, and prepare for an uphill climb into Montefalco. In the afternoon, coast down a long downhill and then ride slightly rolling country roads to Bevagna. Out of this medieval city, you follow a very quiet road and a bike path to Cannara. Travel country roads with increasing traffic as you approach Spello.

Cumulative Distance Range: 33 – 72 km (21 – 45 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning, then spin along a short route flanked by olive groves to Assisi — one of, if not the, most beautiful city in Italy. The birthplace of Saint Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order and Italy’s saint patron, and of Santa Chiara, one of his early followers, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guided by our local expert Maura, you will walk along cobbled alleyways and picturesque squares, learning about Francis’ life and viewing important city landmarks. Among these is the Basilica of San Francesco, renowned for its paintings by Cimabue and Giotto and other artwork, and lesser-known highlights, such as the ancient Roman arena.

Afterward, return to Spello, where you might relax by the hotel pool. Or take a longer bicycling option on the flanks of Monte Subasio to admire the beautiful countryside.

Lunch and dinner are on your own today. In Spello, you can find plenty of cozy restaurants featuring delightful Umbrian specialties.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Spello to Assisi — 13 km (8 miles)

Afternoon: Assisi to Spello — 12 km (7 miles) | Assisi walk — 3 km (2 miles)

What to Expect:

Leave Spello on a country road popular with cyclists. Flanked by olive trees, it is known as the olive road. It is safe and free from traffic, but be on the lookout for potholes. There is very little car traffic all the way to the outskirts of Assisi. In town, a short climb takes you to the parking area.

Most of the day is dedicated to the visit of Assisi and includes a walking tour on cobbled streets with some hills. We suggest that you pack comfortable shoes.

In the afternoon, you follow the same route back to the hotel. An optional moderate independent ride is offered later in the afternoon from Spello. Ask your trip leaders for details.

Cumulative Distance Range: 12 – 25 km (7 – 15 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Say goodbye to Spello this morning as your small group sets out for Perugia, the capital of Umbria. Retrace yesterday’s ride to the outskirts of Assisi, then begin an uphill climb accompanied by beautiful views. En route, pause to visit San Gregorio and see why this small, fortified hamlet was a source of contention between Perugia and Assisi in the past.

Around noon, your scenic morning spin culminates at a picturesque agriturismo, whose owners — Elisa, Giusy, and Angela — welcome you and prepare a delicious home-hosted lunch. Using a fireplace fed exclusively with farm wood and a cast-iron pot, they cook the local specialty, torta al testo, using a traditional recipe. Savor this unique type of focaccia with local cold meats and crispy vegetables from their garden. On chilly days, they also offer imbrecciata di legumi, a soup that mixes check peas, wild peas, and lentils with fragrant, fresh olive oil.

Early this afternoon, re-mount your bike for the ride to your next hotel. Roll along a very relaxing, unpaved bike path that follows the Tiber River past fields of tobacco and big trees that shade your way.

A final, gradual hill takes you to your last hotel, the majestic Castello di Monterone. Located on the outskirts of Perugia, it is  a true castle, whose meticulous conversion into a hotel maintains its medieval ambiance. Its  manicured rose garden and panoramic outdoor pool also contribute to making your last day in Umbria a memorable one. Gather with your travel mates for a welcome drink in the castle garden and a farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Spello to lunch stop — 33 km (21 miles)

Afternoon: Agriturismo to hotel — 27 km (17 miles)

What to Expect:

Retrace  yesterday’s route to Assisi, then continue on paved rolling roads to your home-hosted lunch, admiring spectacular vistas as you leave Assisi behind.

In the afternoon, spin a few more miles on paved roads, then enter a very relaxing, unpaved bike path along the Tiber River, past fields of tobacco and shaded by big trees. The last stretch is uphill almost all the way to your castle hotel — a steady and gradual ascent on a large city road, very manageable with an E-bike.

Cumulative Distance Range: 27 – 60 km (17 – 38 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an included breakfast, complimentary transportation is provided to the Perugia railway station, where you will arrive by 9:30 a.m. There you can take a train back to Florence or continue to other destinations.

Included Meals: Breakfast