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Bicycle Tours — Italy

Umbria, Cycling The Green Heart of Italy - 10day tour

Classic Self-Guided - Perugia to Orvieto - 10 days

Umbria is the birthplace of St. Francis, the heart of Roman Italy and home to some of Italy's best preserved medieval towns. Bicycle past vineyards, chestnut and oak forests, and across rolling hills to monasteries, castles, and hilltop villages unchanged since the Middle Ages. Our Umbria itinerary includes plenty of highlights, starting in Perugia, the ancient and modern capital of Umbria, continuing to Assisi, the home of Saint Francis, through enchanting towns such as Spello, Montefalco, Spoleto, Todi and Orvieto. This 10-day version also includes Deruta, a lovely town famous for its pottery, and the wine town of Torgiano.

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  • Day 1

    Welcome to Perugia and Umbria

    Highlights: The well-known artistic centre of Italy: Perugia

    Arrive in Perugia today, the ancient and modern capital of Umbria. Perugia is famous for Perugina chocolate and its vibrant old town! Take time to explore it today or tomorrow morning. We'll meet you for bike fitting and briefing in the afternoon.

    Daily distance: 0-12 km (0-7.5 miles)

    Accommodation: Hotel La Rosetta, or similar.

  • Day 2

    Bicycle from Perugia to Assisi

    Highlights: Assisi, the town of Saint Francis

    Leave Perugia to enter the Umbrian Basin and arrive to Assisi. You'll want to explore the church of Saint Francis, the second most important pilgrimage destination in Italy after St. Peter's in Rome. If you arrive early you might enjoy an extra ride to the hermitage just outside the village where Francis often retreated for meditation.

    Long option: 38 km (23.5 miles), with + 721 m (2365 ft) elevation gain.
    Short option: 31 km (19 miles), with + 394 m (1292 ft) elevation gain.
    Extra ride from Assisi to the hermitage: 14 km (9 miles), with + 515m (1690 ft) elevation gain.

    Accommodation: Hotel Giotto, or similar.

  • Day 3

    Assisi - Loop ride to Deruta and Torgiano

    Highlights: Ceramics in Deruta and wine in Torgiano

    Your ride today takes you to Deruta where you can enjoy scores of ceramic studios. Deruta is one of the most important ceramics towns in all of Italy. Your route continues on to Torgiano, a major wine producer. The famous Lungarotti winery has a wine museum in the centre of the town. The route back to Assisi takes you through the hamlet of Brufa.

    Daily distance: 57 km (35 miles).
    Elevation gain: + 551m (1808 ft).

    Accommodation: Hotel Giotto, or similar.

  • Day 4

    Bicycle from Assisi to Bevagna

    Highlights: Roman ruins in Spello, medieval wall and Renaissance buildings

    You leave Assisi behind you this morning and head south to Spello, a puzzle made of Roman, Medieval and Renaissance pieces. 13th century town walls connect Roman gateways dating to the 1st century BC and AD. Take time to explore and you'll find the 13th century town hall dominating the Renaissance town square. From Spello you pedal to Foligno, another Roman town but with fewer Roman ruins. Enjoy lunch in the square and then head across the Umbria valley to Bevagna. Bevagna is the picture of a well-preserved Medieval village. It, too, dates from Roman times and is centered on the 13th century square and town hall. Unlike most Medieval towns, Bevagna is located on the plains of the Umbrian Basin.

    Daily distance: 35 km (22 miles)
    Elevation gain: +324 m (1063 ft)

    Accommodation: Hotel Resort Porta Guelfa, or similar.

  • Day 5

    Loop ride from Bevagna to Montefalco

    Highlights: The Roman Via Flaminia, Trevi, and Montefalco

    Yesterday and today you will parallel the historic Via Flaminia, a Roman road, built in 220 BC by Consul Gaius Faminius. The road allowed Roman soldiers and their families access to the region around Rimini where they settled. With the road came all the Roman settlements and military garrisons in the area. Foligno and Spello were Roman towns while Trevi and Montefalco, our lunch destination, were Medieval towns that developed on nearby hills hundreds of years later. Take time to explore these hill towns as they capture the essence of Italy. A variety of routes allow access to the hills south of Montefalco. Plan on a picnic or restaurant lunch in the village, though as it affords a spectacular view across the entire Umbrian basin where you just spent two days cycling. (And plan to pick up a bottle of Sagrantino in Montefalco, one of Italy's most famous wines, for your dinner tonight.)

    Daily distance: 44km (27 miles) - depending on how far you venture into the hills south of Montefalco.
    Elevation gain: +607 m (1991 ft)

    Accommodation: Hotel Resort Porta Guelfa, or similar.

  • Day 6

    Bicycle from Bevagna to Spoleto

    Highlights: The preserved town of Spoleto, its fortress, the Roman aqueduct

    Your ride todays takes you to the well-preserved medieval town of Spoleto, famous throughout the world for the Festival dei due Mondi, a three week dance, music and opera festival. Arrive early to discover the hidden corners of this fabulous town that dates back to Roman times. Don't miss the Cathedral and a walk to the fortress Fortezza Albornoz on top of Colle Sant' Elia.

    Daily distance: 34 km (21 miles)
    Elevation gain: + 211 m (692 ft)
    Extra ride to Monteluco available: 17 km (11 miles), with + 509m (1670 ft) elevation gain

    Accommodation: Hotel dei Duchi, or similar.

  • Day 7

    From Spoleto to Todi

    Highlights: Off the beaten track to medieval Todi

    You're route today takes you away from the busy heartland of Umbria to the beautiful hilltop town of Todi. Todi's history is one of the region's oldest: three thousand years of continual inhabitance by Umbrians, Etruscans, and Romans. Today its main square "Piazza del Popolo" is often described as the most perfect medieval piazza in Italy. Discover why.

    Daily distance: 57 km (35 miles)
    Elevation gain: +787 m (2582 ft)

    Accommodation: Hotel Fonte Cesia, or similar.

  • Day 8

    Todi to Orvieto

    Highlights: Orvieto and its Duomo

    A quiet ride along the shoulders of the Tiber Valley takes you to the spectacular Renaissance city of Orvieto. Perched on the remnant of a volcanic plateau, Orvieto is one of the most beautiful cities in Umbria. Its cathedral, a transition style between Romanesque and Gothic architecture, is richly decorated with a variety of colored marble and bright mosaics. Orvieto is also famous for its white wine.

    Daily distance: 48 km (30 miles)
    Elevation gain: +944 m (3097 ft)

    Accommodation: Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini, or similar.

  • Day 9

    Loop ride to Civita and Bolsena

    Highlights: "Ghost town" of Civita di Bagnoregio and Bolsena Volcanic Lake

    We suggest a loop ride today to one of several volcanic lakes in this part of Italy, the Lago di Bolsena. Before getting to the lake the ride will take you to the "ghost town" of Civita di Bagnoregio. Take time to explore this interesting village.

    Daily distance: 66 km (41 miles)
    Elevation gain: +1292 m (4238 ft)

    Accommodation: Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini, or similar.

  • Day 10

    Tour ends in Orvieto

    Highlights:

    After breakfast your cycling experience in Umbria ends. We hope you have enjoyed cycling with us! Orvieto is conveniently located on the main rail line to Florence or to Rome. It is also beautiful enough to warrant a relaxing rest day if you are so inclined.

    PLEASE NOTE: The final itinerary, including hotels and/or activities described here, are subject to changes according to availability. City hotel taxes are not included.

Includes Includes
9 nights in 3- and 4-star lodging
All breakfasts
Bike fitting and briefing in English by our professional staff at tour start
Access to smartphone app with tracks and digital roadbook
Luggage transfers

Not Included
Travel to and from the tour start and end
Bicycle rental (see Prices tab)
Entrance to museums or other activities not indicated as included
City hotel tax (2 to 5 euro per night per person, to be paid locally by traveler)
Any meals or beverages not indicated as included
Any type of insurance (medical, trip cancellation and interruption, baggage, bike rental)

Solo Traveler and Private Group departures available: please inquire.

Lodging Upgrade: room upgrades are possible in some hotels - please inquire for prices and availability.

Extra nights: If you'd like to add nights before or after the tour, please inquire - we will be happy to provide a quote and add the nights to your tour package.

Extra meals & activities: (please inquire for price and availability)

  • Cooking classes available in various tour locations! Organized by Le Cesarine, experts in Italian culinary experiences. You will be hosted by a local at their home - your "Cesarina" - in a class that lasts about three hours, during which you will help the Cesarina prepare three courses. In the fourth and final hour, you will enjoy the meal (lunch or dinner) which you prepared during the class. Water and one bottle of house wine for every 3 people are included.

  • Additional options available (please inquire for prices and availability):
  • Dinner at the hotel in Perugia
    Guided visit of Assisi
    Olive oil tasting in Bevagna
    Dinner at the hotel in Spoleto
    Dinner at the hotel in Todi
    Guided visit of Orvieto

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    Navigation and roadbook:
    On our self-guided tours, detailed tour information and route navigation tracks are provided through the free smartphone app Ride With GPS - our "digital roadbook" - which includes daily routes, maps, elevation profiles, and ride descriptions; schedules and hotel itinerary; cultural and sightseeing information, visit suggestions; emergency numbers and more, all stored in one organized, easy to use app. Downloading the app content also allows for offline mode navigation. Participants can also upload the routes to their own GPS device, and even print the detailed route notes before leaving home

    On our self-guided tours, GPS device rental, as well as a printed roadbook, are available at an optional extra fee:
  • GPS device rental: €95
  • Printed roadbook: €45 (second copy of printed roadbook €15)

  • For more information on our navigation options, as well as the smartphone app, please read our blog: What's it like to navigate on our self-guided tours?.
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    Luggage transfers
    Luggage transfers are included in your package. The luggage is normally collected from 09.30 at the reception of the hotel and is delivered at the following hotel by 15.00 hrs. Please use the luggage tags provided by Cycle Europe on all your luggage being transferred. Please have your luggage ready before the driver comes to collect it, otherwise you may have to pay a local taxi for the service.
    Please consider that the luggage is not insured during the transport. You need to have your own insurance. Do not leave valuables or fragile items in your luggage.
    Normally, the luggage transport service cannot be used by participants to skip the cycling stage. In case you need help to skip the cycling stage, please contact our emergency number and we will arrange it for you.


    PLEASE NOTE : The final itinerary, including hotels and/or activities described here, are subject to changes according to availability. City hotel taxes are not included.

    Tour code: itbs3578
    Countries Italy
    Begin/End Perugia / Orvieto
    Arrive/Depart Starting point: Albergo La Rosetta - Piazza Italia, 19, Perugia
    - We recommend flying into Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Florence Airport (FLR)

  • From Rome Fiumicino Airport:
  • - A private transfer from Rome Airport to your hotel in Perugia is about 2h30min long. Please inquire about the price
    - Near terminals 1-3 and 5 of Fiumicino airport, a taxi service to Rome is available (Pronto Taxi 6645; Taxi Roma). For further information and booking instructions, check this webpage
    - The train takes you from Rome Airport to Stazione Termini, Rome central station
    - "Sit Bus Shuttle" offers the best connection to and from Fiumicino Airport. The bus stop at the airport is located outside Terminal 3.

    For further information about transportation to and from Rome Fiumicino Airport, check the airport website.

  • From the Florence airport to Perugia:
  • - It’s a 30-minute trip from the airport to Florence main train station (Firenze S. Maria Novella). You can catch a shuttle bus or a taxi
    - If you want to go by taxi, agree on a fare before accepting the ride (plus the cost of the luggage). It takes about 30 minutes to reach Florence SMN train station, depending on the traffic
    - There are several trains every day connecting the two cities. The trip is between 2h and 2h30min long

    For further information about transportation to and from Florence Airport, check the airport website.

    The meeting time for our self-guided tours is typically set between 2pm and 4pm. We recommend travelers plan accordingly allowing plenty of time to arrive at the determined meeting place. Please note a late fee may be applied for late arrivals - please see our terms page for details

    Ending point: Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini – Piazza Ranieri, 36, Orvieto
    You can fly out from Rome (FCO) or Florence (FLR) airports that are connected to Orvieto by train.

    Airport transfers: see the starting point section above.

    Private airport transfers available if you prefer to be driven from airport to hotel in a private vehicle transfer, please inquire for cost - we will be happy to include this service in your tour package

    Final arrival and departure instructions along with other detailed pre-travel documents, will be e-mailed prior to your travel, with information specific to your departure (including the actual hotels used on your tour dates, which may vary from the hotels listed above.)

    Total Distance 366-390 km (228-245 miles)
    Daily Distance 0 - 64 km (0 - 40 miles)

    Rating 201 to 301
    About Tour Ratings »
    Notes Difficulty description: The tour starts easy then it gets hilly, but distances are moderate so take your time! For an easy option you can end in Spoleto.
    Terms Terms & Conditions
    Dates Prices Single Supplement
    Dates Available from March 1 to October 31

    *2024 price, per person based on double occupancy; minimum 2 participants per departure.

    Starts every Monday. Other start days available by request (extra fee applies). Please note that starting on certain days of the week will make some visits (such as museums or tastings) impossible.

    Solo traveler departures are also available (only one person on the departure), with a supplemental fee of €945. This fee includes the cost of the single/double room supplement, as well as a GPS unit with the pre-loaded routes.

    Group Discounts for participants booking together on the same departure! Please inquire for details through our contact form below.

    For more ways to save, see our Discounts and Promotions page

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    High-Season surcharge (May, June, September and early October): a €100 per person surcharge is applied on high-season departures. If joining an existing, confirmed departure date, the fee may be waived - please inquire.

    2024 Confirmed departure dates:

    April 29
    October 2
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    Bike Rental options:
    We offer quality bikes in different styles, all great options for this bike tour. Our bikes are maintained and delivered in optimal working condition.

    The prices below are per bike for the duration of the tour, including delivery to starting point in Perugia and collection from ending point in Orvieto.

    Bike rental rates

    Aluminum hybrid: €160
    Premium Titanium road or hybrid: €210
    E-bike (hybrid with straight handlebar): €320
    Tandem: €370 (price per bike, for 2 cyclists)
    Tag-along or kid trailer: €100

    Bike rental insurance is available for purchase with all our rental bikes – see details in the Bike Rental Insurance section of our Terms and Conditions page.

    For detailed specs and photos of our bikes, see our website - Bike Rentals Italy.

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    If you don't have 10 days available, please see our 8-day itinerary, still offering great cycling and all the highlights: Bicycling Umbria 8-day tour
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    Additional useful information:

    • Do you have any questions about how our bike tours work? Check out our FAQs page!

    • Curious about the difference between our Casual and Classic self-guided tours? Check out our introduction blog on Casual Self-Guided Tours.

    • We offer various tools for navigation - this page details what it's like to navigate on our self-guided tours.

    • If the self-guided formula isn't right for you, check out this blog introducing the differences between Guided and Self-Guided Tours.
    Prices €1495 per person * Single Supplement €455 (in double room for single use)
    Next Step Request space on this Bicycle Tour »
    • We loved every aspect of this trip! The accommodations were all great and we really enjoyed the riding. There lots of fun things to see and great places to stop along the way. Loved the quiet back roads. Also really liked the additional activities we signed up for. Can’t wait to take another trip with you!!!

      Tracy H.
      USA
      2023

    • Our 6th self guided tour with Cycle Europe and once again had an amazing experience. They consistently pick great hotels in the best possible locations and the cycling routes try to stay on the back roads so you really get off the beaten track and experience the area. Highly recommended the self guided tours

      Peter D.
      USA
      2023

    • 10 out of 10: Beautiful routes through Italian countryside

      Annie G., USA, 2022

    • 10 ouf of 10: This is a beautiful and relaxing tour combining world class natural beauty, safe cycling, and amazing towns with some of the most beautiful art and cathedrals in the world. Thank you to everyone, especially Sara, Michele, and Igor! You guys are the best!!

      John B., USA, 2022

    • 10 ouf of 10: Sara was very helpful in answering initial questions and helping decide which tour to select. All hotel reservations and bag transfers went smoothly. We greatly appreciated the fact that most hotels allowed an early check in, especially considering that due to the hot weather we started and finished early every day.

      Jerry T., Canada, 2022

    • We appreciate the detail and attentiveness that your staff gave to our trip. we received good phone and text support by several of your staff including Igor, Monica, Marco and Giovanni. good briefing and fitting at the beginning. the road books were well put together. We appreciated having the maps of each of the towns provided and recommended restaurants. the hotel selection were in good locations for biking and were accommodating for bicycles. the routes, GPS and GPS tracks were easy to follow. communication/ customer service by Stefania prior to the trip was excellent.

      Andrea C.
      USA
      May, 2019