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 hill villages and some of the friendliest people we've ever met.
This 10-night self-guided cycling holiday combines scenic 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 a stunningly restored ancient hamlet, set in its own manicured gardens, to a panoramic 4 star hotel in Spello with a gourmet restaurant and one of the most prestigious wine cellars we've ever stumbled upon!
We meet you at Foligno station and take you (15 mins) to picturesque Spello in time for dinner in your hotel's atmospheric restaurant.
You stay at La Bastiglia Hotel (breakfast and evening meal)
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 your hotel is situated in the centre of Spoleto near to all the museums and restaurants.
You stay at the Hotel Charleston (breakfast included)
Pretty hilltop Spoleto and the surrounding area offer a wealth of things for you to do on your 4 night stay here. The city of Spoleto has a wonderful history reflected in its Architecture dating back to the Etruscans, and including a Roman Amphitheatre, 10th century Church, 12th century Duomo and a 80m high 14th century 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. You can also take the train to the Emerald City of Rome. For those wanting to be more active why not walk the well signed trail up Spoleto's Monteluco. As you climb the views of the Vale of Spoleto are certainly impressive. Or walk along the famous Spoleto - Norcia railway now a peaceful Via Verde taking you on a journey through the magical Valnerina. For cyclists take a ride passing pretty villages, olive groves and flowering meadows. In July you can also attend the Two Worlds Festival - a celebration of Classic and Opera music.
You stay at the Hotel Charleston (breakfast included)
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 wine-tasting, magnificent views and beautiful medieval streets. Continue from here past lush green fields, poppies and buttercups before your last climb up to the medieval village of Marcellano. Your 4 star hotel is set within its own lovely gardens - fabulous panoramic views across the entire valley.
You stay at the Grand Relais Laurenti (breakfast and evening meal)
It's tempting to spend the day relaxing by the pool in the hotel's tranquil grounds, but it would be a shame to miss the Roman walled town of Bevagna (10 mins by taxi; or you can cycle) - Umbria's hidden gem. Visit the 13th century Gothic Palazzo dei Consoli, the golden medieval theatre, or the 2th century Roman temple and baths that include a spectacular lobster mosaic. Alternatively, you can opt for a circular cycle to Ceralto Castle.
You stay at the Grand Relais Laurenti (breakfast and evening meal)
It's picture perfect views all the way this morning as you arrive at the impossibly photogenic medieval village of Gualdo Cattaneo with its imposing 15th century castle and 13th century crypt. There's a downhill whizz before gentle, flat cycling across the plain and a final short ascent into the old wine town of Torgiano, famous for its Lungarotti cellars.
You stay at the Hotel Al Grappolo d'Oro (breakfast at the hotel, evening meal at a local restaurant)
There is a dedicated wine and olive oil museum - with tastings - in Torgiano's pretty centro storico. Alternatively it's a short bus or taxi ride (approx 15 mins) to the university town of Perugia, famous for one of Italy's finest art collections and home to the renowned Baci chocolates. For the more energetic we provide route notes for optional cycle rides to the panoramic town of Bettona, which dates back to Etruscan times, or the capital of painted ceramics, Deruta.
You stay at the Hotel Al Grappolo d'Oro (breakfast at the hotel, evening meal at a local restaurant)
Your last day's cycling takes you along the 'Wine and Art Road' to Brufa - lovely views of Perugia and Assisi - and on through the Chiascio Valley, on country lanes passing sunflower fields, ochre coloured farmhouses and meadows redolent with wild apricots and figs. There's time to visit spectacular Assisi - the beautiful Piazza del Comune, the 13th century Giotto frescoes and of course, the UNESCO recognised Saint Francis' Basilica - before cycling on along the lovely traffic free Via degli Ulivi and through olive groves back to Spello.
You stay at La Bastiglia Hotel (breakfast and evening meal)
Leave Spello after breakfast for your flight home. Alternatively, perhaps spend extra nights in Rome - we can easily arrange these for you.
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
The La Bastiglia Hotel boasts a beautiful setting at the foot of Mount Subasio, the enchanted mountain of Saint Francis. Originally an ancient mill the hotel has been lovingly restored and transformed into an unforgettable place to stay. There are 33 rooms divided into three categories, many overlooking the typical Umbrian landscape of cypress trees and olive groves. The restaurant serves a mix of ancient recipes and modern creations using the freshest ingredients. On display inside the hotel there is a collection of ceramics, antique furniture and important paintings from the private collection of Schifano and Norberto.
Room upgrades: Deluxe Room or Junior Suite
Deluxe rooms are larger with a balcony and bathroom with a bath. The Junior Suite includes a Jacuzzi in the bedroom and a panoramic terrace with solarium.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Completely renovated in 2011, Hotel Charleston is set in a 17th century building in Spoleto's historical centre, next to the Modern and Contemporary Arts Museum. Its elegant, individually-decorated rooms feature a modern design. Wi-Fi is free in all public areas. Rooms are individually decorated, and come with exposed wooden beams on the ceilings. Each is equipped with a minibar, and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. A buffet breakfast is available each morning, and is served out on the terrace in warm weather.
Room upgrades: Junior Suite.
Junior suites are spacious and elegant with seating area, parquet floors and exposed wood beams.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Just outside the walls of the pretty hilltop village of Marcellano lies the supremely welcoming Grand Relais Laurenti, where nothing seems to be too much trouble. A recently restored former convent (formerly known as the Palazzo Gradoli), parts of the hotel date to as far back as 1516. Opened in 2006, the owner Laurenti Torrello spent thirteen years restoring the premises in order to ensure that all work was done to a suitably high standard. The well put together rooms have a distinctly cosy feel to them and retain original features such as the wooden beams on the ceilings.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
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, welcoming 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 (along with the well-stocked breakfast buffet) mean that despite the B&B nature of the hotel, there is still the possibility to spend time relaxing here during the day.
Room upgrades: Junior Suite.
Junior Suites are more spacious with ample and bright, classic furniture and wooden floors.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend the following hotels.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
The traditional 3 star Hotel Fortuna is set right in the heart of the historic city. The building itself dates to the 14th century and was tastefully renovated in the early 1990's. There are still some original features - look out for the arched windows downstairs. All rooms are en suite with satellite TV, telephone, minibar and radio. There is a roof garden terrace - great views over the city and a bar/ lounge area. The hotel has also recently added a gym
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
The 3 star Hotel Astoria Garden has a most unusual feature: an internal garden complete with banana and orange trees! Centrally located near the main railway station, but in a quiet residential street, this is a really good base from which to explore. There are 34 rooms, all air-conditioned and recently refurbished. They have telephone, television, and ensuite bathrooms.Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Foligno train station at 17:15, and back to Foligno train station at 10:15.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback and pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. Below is a small selection of reviews we've received from our satisfied customers.
Prompt, efficient and courteous
Very helpful and patient
Helpful, friendly, efficient
very good service from all concerned in Croatia.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 10 night self-guided cycling holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of and hotels
Continental breakfast and 6 evening meals
Bike fitting at the start of your holiday
Headwater Wine Collection Service
Headwater navigation app for your smartphone
Bike hire
Standard transfers at the start/end of the trip (if booking inclusive flights)
Luggage transfers between hotels
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website. Please contact us for further details.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided cycling Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.
Departures
Meals
Continental breakfast and 6 evening meals
Electric bikes
It is possible to hire electric bikes for this holiday at a supplement of £190 per person. As these are available on a first come first served basis, we recommend early booking to avoid disappointment.
Tour only
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Foligno train station at 17:15, and back to Foligno train station at 10:15.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.