Taste of Abruzzo and Molise
From the Splendor of the Apennine Hills to the Adriatic Sea
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- A thorough daily itinerary
- Details for exact accommodations
- What to expect
- Travel planning tips
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This unique itinerary begins at the foothills of Gran Sasso, the highest peak in Central Italy, and ends by the Adriatic Sea in the charming fishing town of Termoli. Along the way, it crosses three national parks, where open landscapes, high-altitude prairies, dramatic mountain cliffs, and fascinating wildlife are lovingly protected and admired by locals and visitors alike. The hillsides cradle ancient villages—some nearly abandoned, others vibrant with traditions and cultural treasures. The cuisine celebrates fresh local ingredients: golden olive oil, garden vegetables, artisanal pastas crafted from the finest wheat, and flavorful local cheeses. To accompany these delights, the region’s robust red wines, primarily based on the Aglianico grape, offer the perfect pairing. Join us for an unforgettable journey where cycling, culture, and cuisine come together in Italy’s most unspoiled landscapes.
Tour Essence
- Experience the spectacular beauty and ancient culture of two Italian regions: Abruzzo and Molise
- Pedal car-free roads through pristine Apennine landscapes and valleys
- Conquer mountain passes that rival the beauty and drama of the Alps
- Ride through three stunning national parks in just six unforgettable days
- Descend from rugged peaks to rolling hills and the Adriatic Sea at Termoli
- Marvel at Rocca Calascio, a fortress perched high at over 4,000 feet
- Discover hilltop villages rich in culture, history, and timeless traditions
- Stay in Santo Stefano, a medieval village turned albergo diffuso hotel
- Visit Agnone’s Marinelli Bell Foundry, crafting bells for over 1,000 years
- Relax in Caramanico Terme, a charming spa town near Maiella National Park
- Explore Capracotta, Italy’s snow capital with record-breaking snowfall
- Savor hearty Abruzzese and Molisan cuisine with fresh, local ingredients
- Indulge in artisan pasta, olive oil, and flavorful Aglianico red wines
- End your journey in vibrant Termoli, with its historic walls and fishing port
Make It a Grand Journey Tour
This tour can be combined with another Ciclismo Classico itinerary for a unique extended adventure. Receive 5% off your second tour when both tours are booked and paid in full. Let us help you craft a seamless, custom cycling experience across multiple regions! Learn More
What to Expect
Terrain
Mountains and HillsStart Location
RomeEnd Location
TermoliMileage
Average Daily: 45 / 50 miles Total: 260 / 295 milesElevation
Average Daily: 4,500 / 6,000 ft Total: 25,400 / 31,700 ft
Once you have a trip confirmed, we will feed you a steady diet of additional pre-departure information that includes: How to train, prepare, pack and all the wonderful, inspirational and practical things you want and need to know before you go! Our Travel Advisors will be available to help plan your pre- and post-tour travel.
- Expert, bilingual guides
- Van support
- Ciclismo Classico jersey and water bottles
- Pre- and post-tour group shuttles
- Cooking class
- Cultural activities
What’s Included
- Use of our exclusive carbon road bike, La Classica Ribelle (or Equivalent Carbon Road Bike)
- Garmin Edge Explore GPS loaded with the GPX tracks of your rides
- Two water bottles
- Saddle bag with repair kit
- Optional: map holder on handlebar
Pedal Options
- Flat pedals
- Half-toe pedals (without straps)
What’s Not Included
-
Helmet
-
Optional: clipless/SPD pedals with shoes
-
Optional: your own saddle
- All accommodations
- All breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
- Local products tasting
- Cooking class
- Cultural activities
2025
2026
Start Location
RomeFly Into
Rome (FCO)End Location
TermoliFly Out Of
Rome (FCO)L'Aquila
Meals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
17 milesElevation Gain
2,080 feetRiding Terrain
UndulatingMeals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Magione Papale
The 3-star Magione Papale Relais is a historic building beautifully renovated with avant-garde architecture, set amid lush greenery and featuring an inviting outdoor pool. Tastefully furnished and well-equipped, its rooms offer spacious relaxation areas, striking wooden ceilings, and splendid views. Each space is thoughtfully curated to evoke a sense of refined simplicity and modern comfort.
Gran Sasso
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
46 / 53 milesElevation Gain
5,780 / 7,075 feetRiding Terrain
MountainsMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Sextantio Albergo Diffuso
The 4-star Sextantio Albergo Diffuso offers a one-of-a-kind stay in the fortified medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, nestled in the Abruzzo hills at 4,100 feet. This perfectly preserved hilltop gem in Gran Sasso National Park is truly spectacular. Rooms and junior suites, scattered throughout original period buildings, feature simple yet elegant decor with locally woven linens, 17th-century wooden ceilings, and ancient fireplaces. Modern comforts like underfloor heating and remote-controlled lighting blend seamlessly with the historic charm.
Maiella
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
48 / 56 milesElevation Gain
4,670 / 6,200 ftRiding Terrain
MountainsMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Arimannia
The 3-star Arimannia Hotel blends the experience and passion of its owner, Ms. Anna, a chef renowned for her traditional cuisine. With its spacious rooms, warm hospitality, and inviting atmosphere, the hotel offers an authentic and comfortable retreat in the heart of the region.
Pescocostanzo
Meals Provided
BreakfastAverage Mileage
41 / 54 milesElevation Gain
4,815 / 7,075 ftRiding Terrain
MountainsMeals Provided
BreakfastAccommodations
Hotel Le Torri
The 4-star Hotel Le Torri, set on the slopes of Mount Calvario in Pescocostanzo, offers a historic charm and a cozy atmosphere. It’s ideally located within walking distance of landmarks like the Basilica di Santa Maria del Colle, Palazzo Fanzago, and Fontana di Piazza Municipio, as well as excellent local restaurants.
Agnone
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
44,6 / 51,4 milesElevation Gain
3,780 / 5,050 ftRiding Terrain
HillyMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Locanda la Campana
The Guest House sits in the heart of Agnone, an ancient Alto Molise village famed for its millenary bells and listed among Italy’s 100 Most Beautiful Ancient Villages since 2005. It features country-style rooms with stone walls and private bathrooms complete with soft bathrobes.
Termoli
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
66 milesElevation Gain
4,170 ftRiding Terrain
HillyMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Residenza Sveva
Albergo Diffuso Residenza Sveva is a charming collection of quaint rooms scattered throughout the historic city center, offering guests the unique opportunity to integrate with the local community. This innovative hotel concept pays homage to the Sveva dynasty, which flourished in the 13th century.
