Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
11.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
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Few places can stir emotions quite as intensely as Umbria. To visit here is to embark on a journey into a timeless world of sun-drenched landscapes, ancient hilltop villages and beguiling medieval towns.
This 7-night self-guided cycling holiday combines scenic pedalling through olive groves, sunflower fields and lush vineyards with the chance to explore some of the most fascinating towns and historic villages in the region. You'll pedal along the Valle Umbra accompanied by a backdrop of olive grove clad hills topped by panoramic villages 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, baths and mosaics. 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'd stroll and preach to the birds.
Food of the region is rustic and often called 'cucina povera'. Expect to try strangozzi pasta served with black truffles from nearby Norcia or a spicy tomato sauce, followed by simple grilled local meats and then a slice of pecorino cheese washed down with some of the superb Sagrantino di Montefalco wines. For a picnic lunch why not try the Umbrian staple, the porchetta sandwich - roast pig stuffed with herbs.
The cycling is mainly undulating throughout with ascents and descents to and from the hilltop villages, some of which are steep. There is 5% strada bianca on day 4 and 10% on day 5; all other sections / days are on asphalt.
Discover the town's Roman theatre, 12th century Duomo and impressive 14th century viaduct that bridges the valley with spectacular views.
You stay at Hotel dei Duchi.
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Boasting a prime location in the centre of Spoleto's historic centre, the Hotel dei Duchi panoramocally gazes out over the town's Anacajani Park, the Roman theatre and St Agatha's monastery. Inside, the hotel is stylish and modern, with a lounge and terrace - which benefit from the lovely views - bar and 2 restaurants. Bedrooms at the Hotel dei Duchi are contemporary and comfortable, with views over the valley, the garden or the Roman theatre.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
A gentle ride to start the week's cycling as you pass the idyllic Fonti di Clitunno, a sacred place of worship to both the Pagans and the Romans. Continue through the valley past sunflower fields and vineyards, with a stunning backdrop of the Teverone hills, before continuing to the medieval town of Spello, with its cobbled streets resplendent with colourful flower boxes.
You stay at Albergo il Cacciatore.
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A warm welcome is guaranteed at the Albergo il Cacciatore (the hunter!) as the hotel has been in the same family for over 50 years. Located in Spello's Old Town, there's a lovely terrace with an amazing, far reaching view over the valley. Bedrooms here are airy and spacious with a traditional Italian design.
Pedal along the Topino river to your first stop of the day, the walled town of Bevagna, home to the 13th century Gothic Palazzo dei Consoli, the golden medieval theatre and Roman temple and baths. Then follow the famous wine route, the 'Strada del Sagrantino' uphill to the wine village of Montefalco, known as the balcony of Umbria for its superb panorama. A downhill whizz takes you back on the road to Spello.
Head past olive groves to the medieval, walled village of Cannara, renowned throughout Italy for its red onion festival! There's the option to detour to the medieval hilltop town of Bettona, known as the 'Etruscan balcony' for its superb views and Etruscan origins. End the day in the old wine town of Torgiano, famous for its Lungarotti cellars.
You stay at Hotel Al Grappolo d'Oro.
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Situated in the centre of the medieval town of Torgiano is Al Grappolo d'Oro (The Golden Bunch of Grapes), a recently restored 19th century residence. The hotel has 15 rooms, each individually decorated in a modern style with warm colours and furnished to a high standard, offering a cosy stay. The art filled reception/lounge area gives the hotel character from the start but features such as the pool in the garden to the rear and the downstairs bar make it a lovely place to relax.
Lots of options today. Visit the wine and olive oil museum - with tastings - in Torgiano's centro storico, cycle a circular route to the local ceramics capital of Deruta, or take a taxi to Perugia, capital of Umbria and famous for one of Italy's finest art collections.
Cycle to the sleepy village of Brufa, with its quirky contemporary sculptures perched high on the hilltop, then continue through vineyards, olive groves and wheat fields, before a final climb up to majestic Assisi.
You stay at Hotel Porta Nuova.
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Located a stone's throw from Porta Nuova - one of the main medieval gates into Assisi's Old Town - the family run Hotel Porta Nuova comes with a contemporary design and modern, well appointed bedrooms. There is a lounge and panoramic terrace on the first floor, where you can relax with a drink whilst admiring the rolling, verdant Umbrian hills.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
There's so much to explore in Assisi with its beautiful Piazza del Comune, the 13th century Giotto frescoes and of course, the UNESCO recognised basilica. It's a short ride (elevation profile below) to Sta Maria degli Angeli to visit its impressive 16th century basilica, or walk up through woods to the Eremo delle Carceri - St Francis' hermitage - on the flanks of Monte Subasio. Die hard cyclists can take the challenging climb along the Via degli Ulivi to the hilltop, pink hued village of Collepino, for superb views over the entire valley.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Canada Roma, Rome.
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The 3 star Hotel Canada Roma is centrally located near the main railway station, making it an excellent base from which to explore Rome. Each room is ensuite and has been lovingly decorated in an elegant Italian style complete with vintage furniture. Rooms come with tea and coffee maker as well as air conditioning and safe.
This well appointed hotel also boasts a bar for pre dinner drinks and nibbles, as well as an external courtyard where you can savour a drink under the stars.
Room upgrades: Deluxe and junior suite
Deluxe rooms are larger with a more stately decor.
Junior suites have a separate living room.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £305.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Rome Fiumicino airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
11.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
