Bike Across Abruzzo and Molise
From the Splendor of the Apennine Hills to the Adriatic Sea
Download a Detailed Itinerary
Our comprehensive itineraries are a one-stop-shop for all the delightful details of our carefully crafted tours, including:
- A thorough daily itinerary
- Details for exact accommodations
- What to expect
- Travel planning tips
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This extraordinary cycling adventure begins at the foothills of Gran Sasso, the highest peak of the Apennines, and ends at the Adriatic Sea in the historic fishing town of Termoli. Along the way, we ride through some of Italy’s most untouched landscapes, crossing three spectacular 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’ medieval villages—some nearly abandoned, others vibrant with traditions and cultural treasures- are connected by quiet roads that seem made for cyclists alone. 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.
Tour Essence
- Ride from the peaks of the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea through Italy’s wildest and least-traveled regions
- Cycle quiet mountain roads across three spectacular national parks beneath Gran Sasso and the Maiella range
- Conquer dramatic climbs, sweeping descents, and high-altitude plateaus rivaling the beauty of the Alps
- Stay in Santo Stefano di Sessanio, the iconic medieval village transformed into Italy’s first albergo diffuso
- Discover timeless hill towns, ancient traditions, and the remarkable 1,000-year-old Marinelli Bell Foundry in Agnone
- Savor the authentic cuisine of Abruzzo and Molise, from arrosticini and maccheroni alla chitarra to mountain pecorino cheeses and robust Montepulciano and Tintilia wines
What to Expect
Terrain
Mountains and HillsStart Location
RomeEnd Location
TermoliMileage
Average Daily: 45/50 miles Total: 260/ 345 milesElevation
Average Daily: 4,500/6,000 ft Total: 25,400/36,700 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
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, 6 dinners
- Nutritious snacks including local products tasting
- Stay in Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Italy’s pioneering albergo diffuso village
- Visit the spectacular fortress of Rocca Calascio, one of Italy’s most iconic medieval castles
- Explore the beautifully restored historic center of L’Aquila
- Discover Pescocostanzo, one of Abruzzo’s most authentic mountain villages
- Visit the Marinelli Bell Foundry in Agnone, crafting bells for over 1,000 years
- Hands-on bakery experience at historic Biscottificio Donatelli
- Explore Sulmona, renowned for its Renaissance architecture and traditional confetti almonds
- Experience the historic fishing town of Termoli and its Adriatic old town
- Ride through villages preserving centuries-old shepherd and mountain traditions
- Stay in locally owned hotels and historic properties deeply connected to regional culture
2027
Start Location
RomeFly Into
Rome (FCO)End Location
TermoliFly Out Of
Rome (FCO)L'Aquila
Meals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
15 milesElevation Gain
2,100 feetRiding Terrain
UndulatingMeals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel L’Aquila
Set in a beautifully restored 18th-century building in the heart of L’Aquila’s historic center, the 4-star Hotel L’Aquila blends classic elegance with a strong sense of place. Individually styled rooms feature traditional details and modern comforts, while the location—just steps from Piazza del Duomo—makes it ideal for exploring the city on foot.
Gran Sasso
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
45/55 milesElevation Gain
5,800/7,100 ftRiding 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
50/55 milesElevation Gain
4,700/6,200 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
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
40/55 milesElevation Gain
4,800/7,100 ftRiding Terrain
MountainsMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
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.
Pescocostanzo Loop: hiking or cycling the heart of Abruzzo
Meals Provided
BreakfastAverage Mileage
Hike: 5 mile – Ride: 40/50 milesElevation Gain
Hike: 1,300 ft – Ride: 3,500/5,000 ftRiding Terrain
Mountains and high plateausMeals 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
45/50 milesElevation Gain
3,800/5,000 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
65 milesElevation Gain
4,200 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.
