Aspects of Assisi Cycling

• Gentle mostly flat pedalling: olives, sunflowers, vineyards and apricot orchards
• Gorgeous summer climate, soft terracotta colours, sun-drenched landscapes, panoramic views
• Wonderfully friendly, high quality hotels, each with private swimming pool; superb cuisine, amazing value wines
• Beautiful hilltop villages and hamlets, each with its own hidden treasures
• Ancient Assisi - jewel in the Umbrian crown; gorgeous Spello, Etruscan Perugia, mediaeval Bevagna

Few places can stir emotions quite as intensely as Umbria and, to visit here is to embark on a journey into a timeless world of sun-drenched landscapes, ancient hill villages and some of the friendliest people we've ever met.

This 8-night independent cycling holiday combines gentle pedalling through olive groves, sunflower fields, vineyards and apricot orchards with the chance to explore some of the most fascinating towns and historic villages in the country. You'll freewheel along the stately Roman Via degli Ulivi and follow in the footsteps of emperors at the sacred springs of Campello sul Clitunno.

Highlights include the lovely hilltop wine village of Montefalco, 'the balcony of Umbria', and the fascinating historic city of Spoleto crammed with exciting Roman remains including Emperor Vespasian's mother's house, and fascinating original atrium, baths and mosaics. And, of course, no trip here would be complete without spending time in magical Assisi - be sure to visit St Francis' Basilica with its beautifully ornate frescoes and his peaceful forest retreat on Monte Subasio where he used to stroll and preach to the birds.

The hotels we've selected for this holiday are pretty special too, ranging from an elegantly restored, antique-filled farmhouse in the heart of the Umbrian countryside, to a panoramic **** hotel in Spello with a gourmet restaurant and one of the most prestigious wine cellars we've ever stumbled upon!