Aspects of Assisi Cycling

Location: Umbria, Italy. Holiday type: Independent cycling, hotel-to-hotel. Managed locally by Headwater employed rep. Activity level: Lower 2 bikes Duration: 9 days (8 nights) Hotels: Mid range/good value. Meals: Continental breakfast and evening meals. Prices from: Please call. Departs: Every two days from 3 May '12 to 14 Oct '12   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights This 8-night holiday combines gentle pedalling through olive groves, sunflower fields and vineyards with time in gorgeous historic towns and sun-drenched villages. Highlights include mediaeval Bevagna, Etruscan Perugia, picture-postcard Spello and ancient Assisi.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive at Spello

We meet you at Foligno station and take you (25 mins) to picturesque Spello in time for dinner in your hotel's atmospheric restaurant.

Day 2 - Spello to Spoleto 36km/22mi

Today is level cycling most of the way along the Teverone Valley with some of the best views of the week. We strongly recommend the short uphill detour to Trevi, a beautiful hilltop village dating back to Roman times and capital of the Umbrian olive oil industry. Finally through ancient San Giacomo and on to one of the friendliest hotels we've ever stayed in just outside of Spoleto.

Day 3 - At Spoleto

Our hotel here is just 3km from the fascinating historic city of Spoleto. Apart from being a great art city, Spoleto has buildings seemingly reflecting every major architectural style in history, including a Roman arch, a C10 church, C12 Duomo and a 80m high C14 aqueduct. The castle here was a former prison and now houses an impressive art museum. Lots of lovely cobbled squares crammed with traditional trattorie for lunch.

Day 4 - Spoleto to Bevagna 36km/22mi

The wines of Montefalco are known throughout the world, in particular the fine red Sagrantino. There is a climb up to the old village itself, 'the Balcony of Umbria', but you are well rewarded with winetasting, magnificent views and beautiful mediaeval streets. All downhill from here past lush green fields, poppies and buttercups with splendid views over Bevagna, Monte Cucco and the Marche Apennines beyond. Your hotel boasts a fabulous panoramic terrace for pre-dinner drinks - views across the entire valley.

Day 5 - At Bevagna

This morning maybe wander into the mediaeval walled town of Bevagna, our absolute favourite in Umbria. Visit the C13 Gothic Palazzo dei Consoli, the golden mediaeval theatre, or the C2 Roman temple and baths that include a spectacular lobster mosaic. And then enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the pool with sleepy views over the 'green heart of Italy', the dreamy Umbrian countryside.

Day 6 - Bevagna/Ripa 39km/25mi or 52km/33mi

Not long after leaving Bevagna this morning you find yourself freewheeling down into the tiny, circular walled village of Torre del Colle with its photogenic little streets. Then flat cycling across the plain into the old wine town of Torgiano with its famous Lungarotti cellars. Time for a visit and some tasting before cycling on the 'Wine and Art Road' to Brufa, perhaps stopping to try some of the local olive oil.

Day 7 - At Ripa

Your luxury hotel here has a wonderful panoramic pool and terrace overlooking the stunning Chiona Valley if you just fancy a lazy day. Alternatively you can take the local bus or taxi (approx 25 mins) to the university town of Perugia, famous for one of Italy's finest art collections. Or cycle to Assisi - you will pass through tomorrow, however there's a great deal to see (the beautiful Piazza del Comune, the 13C Giotto frescoes and well-preserved temple of Minerva) so the short ride is well worth while.

Day 8 - Ripa/Spello 26km/16mi

Your last day's cycling takes you through the Chiasco Valley, on country lanes passing sunflower fields, ochrecoloured farmhouses and meadows redolent with wild apricots and figs. Enjoy spectacular views of Saint Francis' Basilica as you approach Assisi, your lunch spot for today, before cycling on along the lovely traffic-free Via degli Ulivi and through olive groves back to Spello.

Day 9 - Leave Spello

Leave Spello after breakfast for your flight home. Alternatively, perhaps spend extra nights in Rome - we can easily arrange these for you.

NB: Please note that, from spring 2011, cycling helmets are compulsory in Italy for under 16's. As we cannot provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own.