Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
13.0Kg CO2e
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, vineyards and poppy strewn meadows with the chance to explore some of the most fascinating towns and historic villages in the region. You'll freewheel 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.
The hotels we've selected for this holiday are pretty special too, ranging from an elegant villa set in its own manicured gardens and parkland, to a 4 star hotel in Spello with a spa and sweeping panorama of the Umbrian Valley.
The cycling is mainly undulating throughout with ascents and descents to and from the hilltop villages. 93% of the routes is on tarmac; 7% is on strada bianca
See more of this trip on our Youtube channel - click here watch.
Explore this medieval town, with its cobbled streets resplendent with colourful flower boxes, before dinner.
You stay at Albergo La Bastiglia.
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La Bastiglia Hotel boasts a beautiful setting in the centre of Spoleto's historical centre, overlooking the Umbrian valley. Originally an ancient mill, the hotel has been lovingly restored and transformed, with facilities including a wellness centre, panoramic swimming pool and excellent restaurant which 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 rooms
Deluxe rooms are larger with a terrace
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
There are lovely views as you cycle along the Teverone Valley to the lively market town of Foligno, with its Romanesque cathedral, evocative Trinci Palace and many museums. Pass the idyllic Fonti di Clitunno, a sacred place of worship to both the Pagans and the Romans, before continuing to stunning Spoleto.
You stay at Hotel San Luca.
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In spite of its villa feel, the beautiful Hotel San Luca is actually a former tannery dating back to the 19th century. Family run, with great attention to detail, there is a homely lounge to relax in along with gardens to soak up the Umbrian sun. Rooms here are well appointed with all the modern comforts, and ensuite marble bathrooms. Breakfast is served in the shady courtyard over the summer months.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
There's time this morning to discover Spoleto's magnificent architecture, including a Roman arch, 12th century Duomo and 14th century viaduct. It's a short onward ride via hilltop Colle San Filippo through an undulating landscape of olive groves and vineyards to the tiny hamlet of San Luca at the foot of Montefalco.
You stay at Hotel Villa Santa Barbara.
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This gorgeous, family run 16th century villa is surrounded by 40,000 square metres of parkland and perfectly manicured gardens with rosemary scented hedges, roses, oleander, magnolia, palm and cypress trees. Bedrooms are airy and spacious, with either a small terrace or, if on the first floor, a view of the village of San Luca. Admire the hotel's grand sitting room with its painted terracotta tile ceiling and the elegant restaurant with its quirky collection of antique soup tureens. The hotel also boasts an Art Nouveau style bar and an outdoor swimming pool.
Room upgrades: Superior room
Superior rooms are larger and come with balcony and view towards San Luca, Trevi and the Umbrian hills.
San Luca is ideally placed to discover hilltop Montefalco, the 'Balcony of Umbria'. Wander round its medieval streets, admire the superb views and enjoy wine tasting in one of the many Sagrantino wineries.
First stop today is the walled town of Bevagna, home to the 13th century Gothic Palazzo dei Consoli, the golden medieval theatre and Roman temple and baths. Then head past vineyards and the village of Cannara - renowned throughout Italy for its red onion festival! - to 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, pedal along the 'Wine and Art Road' to Perugia, capital of Umbria and famous for one of Italy's finest art collections or cycle a circular route to the local ceramics capital, Deruta.
Ride along quiet country roads past sunflower and wheat fields, ochre-coloured farmhouses and meadows bordered by fig trees through the Chiasco Valley to Sta Maria degli Angeli. Visit the tiny chapel within the Franciscan basilica, where St Francis used to pray, before continuing to Assisi. There's plenty of time to explore and visit the beautiful Piazza del Comune, the 13th century Giotto frescoes and of course, the UNESCO recognised basilica.
You stay at Hotel la Terrazza.
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Located just a short walk from the main city gate into Assisi's historical centre, the *** Hotel La Terrazza boasts beautiful views over the Assisi Valley. The hotel itself is built from the local pastel coloured stone from Monte Subasio and comes with some excellent facilities, including a spa and wellness centre and panoramic swimming pool. The rooms here are comfortable and well-appointed, with each room featuring a replica of the paintings that can be seen in the town's famous basilica.
Headwater customers are allocated the superior rooms here.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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.
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 our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
13.0Kg CO2e
