Epic Italy

World’s most-comprehensive pedaling portrait of la bella Italia

Pedal Seven Italian Regions, North to South, in One Tour!

Destination

Italy, Tuscany, Umbria

Activity

Biking

Level

Advanced

Duration

15 days / 14 nights

Want to experience the best regions of Italy by bike but can't decide which tour to take? This trip is perfect for the avid cyclist's first time to Italy or the ultimate Italophile who cannot get enough of la bella Italia.

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A stunning portrait of Italy awaits you on this six-region bike tour exploration. Pass sleepy fishing villages along the canals of the Po Delta. Face hilly climbs and zigzagging descents in the verdant Apennine Mountains. Explore Florence, the jewel of the Renaissance, and delight in the vibrant palazzi. Pedal through the cypress groves of magical Tuscany to the melting blues and golds of Umbria. Allow the mystical moonscape of the Sibillini to astound you. Be energized by the rustic ruggedness of le Marche and Abruzzo. Italy’s varied scenery, gastronomy, and cultures combine in this inspiring and unforgettable trip.

Tour Essence

An excellent package with high value: more miles, more sights, more regions of Italy: Emilia-Romagna, Toscana, Umbria, Marche, Abruzzo, Lazio… each with its own culture, art, food and wine!
Visit a local bike shop and traditional bike craftsman
Travel to the ceramic capital of Faenza
Ride along Italy’s fourth largest lake
Overnight sojourns at cultural centers Ferrara, Ravenna, Firenze, Arezzo, Cortona, Spoleto, Ascoli Piceno and Gaeta
A stay at the base of Gran Sasso, the highest Apennine peak

What to Expect

Terrain

Rolling with several climbs

Start Location

Ferrara

End Location

Gaeta

Mileage

Average Daily: 51 miles Total: 715 miles

Elevation

Average Daily: 3,282 ft Total: 45,952 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.

What’s Included

Van support
2 wine tastings
Guided walking tour of Florence
Expert, bilingual guides
Shuttle train station at the end of the tour

What’s Included

Use of our exclusive carbon road bike, La Classica Ribelle (or Equivalent Carbon Road Bike)
Garmin Edge Touring 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 Included

Helmet
Optional: clipless/SPD pedals with shoes
Optional: your own saddle

All accommodations
All breakfasts
2 picnics, 1 welcome lunch
11 dinners

An excellent package with high value: more miles, more sights, more regions of Italy: Emilia-Romagna, Toscana, Umbria, Marche, Abruzzo, Lazio… each with its own culture, art, food and wine!
Visit a local bike shop
Travel to the ceramic capital of Faenza
Ride along Italy’s fourth largest lake
Overnight sojourns at cultural centers Ferrara, Ravenna, Firenze, Arezzo, Cortona, Spoleto, Ascoli Piceno and Gaeta
A stay at the base of Gran Sasso, the highest Apennine peak

Itinerary

Start Location

Ferrara

Fly Into

Rome (FCO), Florence Peretola, Bologna (BLQ), or Venice (VCE)

End Location

Gaeta

Fly Out Of

Rome

Download Itinerary

STYLED MAP

Day1

Ferrara

Today we meet at 1pm at our hotel for a light lunch followed by an introduction talk, bike fitting and a warm-up ride. Ferrara is one of the centers of Italian Renaissance history and an outpost of papal power in the north. Bicycles are the favorite mode of transportation on its streets, which are closed to car traffic! Ferrara, with its uniquely well preserved walls, is home to the stupendous monuments from the 13th-15th century: the Castle of Estensi, the Lion’s tower, della Quercia’s Madonna of the Pomegranate, Rossetti’s Renaissance Palace of Diamonds, the poet Ariosto’s home, and many more!

Average Mileage

15 miles

Riding Terrain

Rolling

Accommodations

Hotel Ferrara

Located within the enchanting framework of the 14th-century Estense Castle, Hotel Ferrara is one of the most prestigious establishments in the city. Each room features a full HD LED TV with international channels and free Wi-Fi. A public shuttle to and from Marconi Airport is provided. Rooms have a classic design with wood floors and elegant furnishings. Suites includes a private wellness area.

Luxury Level

Day2

Ferrara to Ravenna

Today’s ride crosses into Emilia Romagna following a gorgeous ride that snakes its way through orchards of fruit trees and lagoons. We’ll cross the Reno River via a boat bridge. Match grass, vast rice paddies and wheat fields line the road. In the afternoon we make our way to Ravenna, a quiet city with a sparkling history. Heir to the Roman Empire, the port of Classis (later Ravenna) was one of the only European cities to prosper during the Dark Ages. Ravenna’s churches host some of the finest mosaics from this time, and as Dante’s city of refuge during Florentine exile, Ravenna also hosts his tomb and museum. We recommend that you try to keep a steady pace in order to arrive in Ravenna in time to enjoy the incredible mosaics, museum and piazzas close to the hotel.

Average Mileage

55 miles

Elevation Gain

209 ft

Riding Terrain

Rolling

Accommodations

Diana Hotel

The hotel is close to the church of San Giovanni Battista and a few blocks away from the Basilica di San Vitale, Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, and from the tomb of Dante Alighieri. Rooms at Diana Hotel are all uniquily designed and furnished. Satellite TV, air conditioning, room service and free Wi-Fi available.

Luxury Level

Day3

Ravenna to Florence

Today’s ride is the longest ride of the trip with our first real climb. We ride from the Emilia Romagna region to Toscana. Beginning in Ravenna, the gorgeous ride spins through endless fruit orchards along tiny farm roads all the way to Faenza, a charming village internationally known for its ceramics. From Faenza, the elevation gain begins but so do the beautiful views of the Tuscan hills! The farmland turns to mountain landscape as we zig zag our way to Marradi. The descent to Borgo San Lorenzo is exhilarating but twisting- so take it slowly! After Borgo, climb #2 begins gradually and becomes steeper through Polcanto. The descent down from Vetta La Croce is called La Panoramica, a perfect nickname as it looks out over Monte Morello.

Average Mileage

87 miles

Elevation Gain

4,245 ft

Accommodations

Villa Fiesole

On the side of an ancient Etruscan Hill in Fiesole (a suburb of Florence), surrounded by centuries old woods, is the Villa Fiesole. In a beautiful restored 19th century villa, this 32-room hotel features a frescoed ceiling and an old but recently restored greenhouse.

Luxury Level

Day4

Firenze!

A free day to see the smaller back roads of Florence. We start the day with a guided tour of this magical city. Wander through the labyrinthine streets that painters, philosophers, and princes once called home. Meander around Signora Square and stand next to the statue of David, admire the Duomo of Florence, and go in search of the city’s best gelato! Our Florentine guide will show us the best- kept secrets of this marvelous town. After lunch you’ll have a free afternoon to continue exploring this jewel of the Renaissance.

Accommodations

Villa Fiesole

Luxury Level

Day5

Florence to Arezzo

Today’s ride offers a lovely sample of picture-perfect Tuscan landscape. We will drop down into the Arno valley with smooth roads lined by olive groves. The climb to Reggello is shaded, steady, lovely and never too steep. This area is known for its delicious olive oil. From Reggello, the ride is heavenly, curving in and out of the foothills of the Aretina. Notice the vineyards and olive groves to your right and lush forests to your left. In the distance to your right, you’ll see a long mountain range - the Chianti hills. We slowly lose elevation as we spin through tiny villages. Loro Ciuffena is the most picturesque. Make sure to stop and take lots of photos today!

Average Mileage

53/62 miles

Elevation Gain

1,975 ft; extra loop: 3,740 ft

Riding Terrain

Steady gain in elevation with some plateaus

Accommodations

Vogue Hotel Arezzo

Located in the city’s heart, 4-star Hotel Vogue’s high-impact design and service dedication create a unique experience. The hotel offers exceptional rooms, each with a unique style and layout.

Luxury Level4 stars

Day6

Arezzo to Cortona

We begin with flat and rolling terrain through corn, wheat and sunflower fields, and the route dips up and down through several small villages. It’s a favorite route for local cyclists so be sure to say: “SALVE” (greetings), ALE’ ALE’ (go, go), or FORZA, FORZA (push, push). The hills are not too long although there are a couple of steep sections. In the distance are many tiny hill towns. The extra loop to Pienza is challenging but absolutely gorgeous with golden hills framed by cypress trees. The descent from Montepulciano is fantastic! Reserve some energy and time to stroll through Cortona, the gorgeous hilltown where time has stopped.

Average Mileage

60/72 miles

Elevation Gain

1,558 ft; extra loop: 2,687 ft

Riding Terrain

Several climbs, not too long or difficult

Accommodations

Hotel San Luca Palace

Situated in the beautiful historic center, the 4-star San Luca Palace Hotel has set the standard among luxury hotels in the town of Lucca. Set in a historic building dating back to 1540, the hotel boasts 26 luxurious and beautifully furnished rooms.

Luxury Level4 stars

Day7

Cortona to Spoleto

Today is a long ride into Spoleto. We ride through the heart of Umbria with several hills around Lago Trasimeno and then along flat road to Bevagna. About 10km after passing Torgiano admire the mountains to your left. On a clear day you can see Assisi on the hillside. In July these fields are covered with glowing sunflower fields. There’s a bit of traffic near Torgiano where many roads go to Perugia--where Baci Perugina are made! Try to keep on a steady pace with short stops in Bevagna and Montefalco so you’ll have time to see Spoleto. But DO stop in Bevagna and Montefalco, for they are wonderfully charming and historic towns. Bevagana boasts Roman baths covered in elaborate marine mosaics, and Montefalco’s frescoes by Gozzoli depict the life of St Francis.

Average Mileage

75 miles

Elevation Gain

2,542 ft

Riding Terrain

Several climbs up to the hill towns, especially Montefalco

Accommodations

Hotel San Luca

This recently restored 4-star hotel has a soothing sitting room done in soft gold and white marble. Antiques & books about the area surround the bar. Gorgeous, spacious rooms with all the amenities plus bathrooms with whirlpool.

Luxury Level4 stars

Day8

Spoleto to Norcia

Great ride in this peaceful side of Umbria. We start with a 5.5 mile climb immediately outside Spoleto, which is gradual and will immerse you in this amazing Umbrian landscape, the Valnerina. As you ride, observe all the little ghost villages, is there anybody up there? Well go check it out! After the 1st pass we descend a bit till we reach Borgo Cerreto, a rolling road until Preci. This is where we enter the Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini, the first of many National Parks we’ll ride through on the tour. Recommended detour to visit the Abbazia di Sant’Eutizio VI-XIII century. After Preci, continue to the last 9 km. climb of the day and final descend to Norcia. Famous as the birth place of San Benedetto, Norcia is also very famous for black truffles and norcinerie. Today is the first day of a week in the mountains so pace yourself it’s only the beginning.

Average Mileage

40 miles

Elevation Gain

4,704 ft; extra loop: 5,980 ft

Riding Terrain

Lots of short climbs

Accommodations

Casale Nel Parco

Beautiful farmhouse (Casale, in Italian) found deep in the countryside, along a road that leads to the highest mountains in Umbria. The landscape around it is a series of valleys, rivers and ancient roads that crossed the Apennine mountains between Umbria and the Marche region. The land is rich in art, history, culture and traditions that make a visit here a unique experience.

Luxury Level

Day9

Norcia to Ascoli Piceno

From Norcia, it’s all up for about 13 miles, most of the climb is a steady and predictable grade. Witness incredible views of Norcia and the surrounding valley the entire way. The secret to a long climb like this is to find a pace that you could keep all day long and stick with it. Be patient with the hill and yourself – expect the climb to take 1-2 hours to complete (there’s no hurry). At the very top is a magnificent, unforgettable view of the Piano Grande and the surrounding peak softly molded by time and the elements Your efforts will surely be rewarded. From Piano Grande another climb that starts gradually and gets steeper as you approach the summit, offering more gorgeous views and photo ops. The descent is fabulous. A bit of an up to Balzo then zigzag through a peaceful green forest. The last hill to Venarotta goes by quickly compared to your morning efforts. Descend into Ascoli. Make sure to check out Ascoli, especially the Piazza del Popolo at around 7:00 pm when the piazza is filled with Italians of all ages all dressed up for their evening stroll, a delightful people-watching experience. Welcome to the Appenines!!! Pack your wind jacket!! Weather permitting, this ride is one of the most spectacular of the trip.

Average Mileage

49 miles

Elevation Gain

4,304 ft

Riding Terrain

Hills and climbing

Accommodations

Hotel Palazzo Guiderocchi

Palazzo Guiderocchi is situated in one of the oldest parts of town, steps away from one of the most beautiful Italian town parlors: Piazza del Popolo. A recently renovated hotel with beautifully refined features.

Luxury Level

Day10

Ascoli Piceno Rest Day

Explore the region on a loop ride to Offida, world famous for its bobbin lace works. Ascoli Piceno is an almost perfectly preserved medieval town. The buildings are ancient, and many roads are narrow, winding, cobblestone paths. This sets the theme for most of the towns and villages we visit for the rest of the tour – all are charmingly ancient, authentic, and unspoiled by tourism.

Average Mileage

39 miles

Elevation Gain

1,699 ft

Riding Terrain

Hilly

Accommodations

Hotel Palazzo Guiderocchi

Luxury Level

Day11

Ascoli Piceno to Fonte Cerreto

Before departing, take a quick spin to see the market behind the main square of Ascoli. Grab some fruit for the road while making friends with the locals. A spin through Ascoli’s sparkling main piazza in the morning is a special treat. The marble surface of the piazza looks practically polished. Our ride starts out with some traffic but as we climb through the valley, the traffic subsides. As we near the summit, you see the peaks of the imposing Grand Sasso, the highest peaks of the Apennines. Teramo is a bustling city that has several fine monuments including a Roman theatre, a stunning cathedral, and an observatory. We will enter the National Park of Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga. The beautiful landscape will serve as a great reward for the long climb. We end in Fonte Cerreto, a small sky resort town in the Apennines.

Average Mileage

75 miles

Elevation Gain

7,011 ft

Riding Terrain

Four great climbs, before and after Teramo, up to Valico delle Capannelle and 2 miles before the hotel

Accommodations

Hotel Nido Dell’Aquila

In the beautiful surroundings of two national parks, the Nido Dell’Aquila Hotel is a typical mountain chalet dedicated to those who love nature, sports, and traditions. The refined internal architecture along with the warmth of the wood, create a romantic atmosphere.

Luxury Level

Day12

Fonte Cerreto to Caramanico

Today’s ride is truly glorious with cascading descents and plenty of crisp mountain air. We start out climbing towards Campo Imperatore from Fonte Cerreto. A soft light molds this spectacular moonscape -- a panoramic camera can’t even do this landscape justice. We have a fast and fun descent through a lush plain -- don’t forget to look behind you to see the views! We climb again just before Castel Monte and then the Abruzzo curtain goes up. We continue with a descent and then a short climb to Calascio, an ancient abandoned village at 4625 ft that seems to be at the top of the world. From Calascio the descent seems to go on forever! We have a short climb to Capestrano, a wonderful village with its Tuscan Piccolomini castle that is used as the town hall today. We also offer an optional shuttle to Caramanico Terme. We finish with five hills bringing us all the way to Caramanico Terme.

Average Mileage

67 miles

Elevation Gain

4,547 ft

Riding Terrain

Climbing followed by some incredible downhills

Accommodations

La Reserve

La Réserve is a refined, exclusive Wellness centre and a spa resort. A unique location, placed in the middle of a protected area, the Orfento Valley nature reserve, in the heart of the Majella national park.

Luxury Level

Day13

Caramanico to Pescostanza

Unlike yesterday’s barren, dramatic landscape, today’s ride offers a taste of the lush yet rugged Maiella, a mountain range that was more recently made into a national park. Our ride takes us through several charming villages in the morning each one conveniently placed on top of a hill with valleys separating them. We wind our way through two mountain chains via beautiful gorges and orchards. From San Eufemia all the way to the top of the pass, the road gently climbs along the edge of this spectacular chain. From Passo San Leonardo, it’s a roller coaster descent towards Pacentro and down to Sulmona. The capital of confetti (the almond candies given away at Italian weddings), Sulmona is easily visited in 2 hours and it’s quite a lively little town. From Sulmona we have a long climb to Pescocostanzo with some flat parts. Pescocostanzo is considered one of Abruzzo’s most authentic villages and this area is very famous in the Apennines for winter sports.

Average Mileage

47/61 miles

Elevation Gain

5,603 ft

Riding Terrain

A long gentle climb from Caramanico to Passo San Leonardo (1263 ft - 4068 ft), then a long descent to Sulmona and a gradual climb from Sulmona to Pescocostanzo with some stretches of flat roads

Accommodations

Hotel Archi del Sole

Another albergo diffuso: the family run Hotel Archi del Sole offers an unforgettable welcome in rooms spread in three historical buildings located in the center of Pescocostanzo.

Luxury Level

Day14

Pescostanza to Gaeta

From Pescocostanzo we ride through the Abruzzo National Park, Italy’s second largest park. The oldest in the Apennines, this park plays an important role in the preservation of many species such as the Italian Wolf, Chamois and Brown Bear. Keep a look out for these rare animals, among the park’s plentiful array of flora and fauna. Roughly two- thirds of the area consists of Beech Trees, although many other trees grow here, including the Silver Birch, Black and Mountain Pines. We end our ride along the coast in the town of Gaeta, a historic city with beautiful vistas of the sea. Check out the city’s famous Anjou-Aragon castle. Purportedly built in the 10th century, it was recently reconstructed due to substantial damages sustained during WWII. Tonight we’ll celebrate our remarkable Italian journey with a succulent seafood feast and abundant toasts

Average Mileage

53 miles

Elevation Gain

3,385 ft

Riding Terrain

Rolling hills with an incredible final downhill

Accommodations

Le Rocce

The 4-star hotel is nestled in a secluded inlet surrounded by lush vegetation. A delightful hotel on the sea with rambling gardens and a private beach. All rooms have a view of the Mediterranean. Sitting rooms and bar are large and graciously decorated. Veranda restaurant offers fine seafood specialties. Rooms are large, each uniquely decorated and designed.

Luxury Level4 stars

Day15

Arrivederci

At around 9am after breakfast we provide one 15 minute group shuttle to the closest train station in Formia. If you like to extend your stay in the area we highly recommend an excursion to the sleepy volcanic island of Ponza.

Accommodations

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Epic Italy

World’s most-comprehensive pedaling portrait of la bella Italia

Destination

Activity

Level

Duration

Tour Essence

What to Expect

Terrain

Start Location

End Location

Mileage

Elevation

What's Included

What’s Included

What’s Included

Bianchi C-Sport 2.5

Cannondale MT 800

Cannondale Road Tandem 2

Co-Motion Periscope Torpedo Tandem

Honey Bikes Tandem

Itinerary

Start Location

Fly Into

End Location

Fly Out Of

Ferrara

Average Mileage

Riding Terrain

Accommodations

Ferrara to Ravenna

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Riding Terrain

Accommodations

Ravenna to Florence

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Accommodations

Firenze!

Accommodations

Florence to Arezzo

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Riding Terrain

Accommodations

Arezzo to Cortona

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Riding Terrain

Accommodations

Cortona to Spoleto

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Riding Terrain

Accommodations

Spoleto to Norcia

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Riding Terrain

Accommodations

Norcia to Ascoli Piceno

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain