Italy’s Ancient Roads: Lucca to the Adriatic
An Exclusive Route along the Via Francigena crossing National Parks to the Sea
Embark on “Italy’s Ancient Roads: Lucca to the Adriatic,” a 16-day cycling odyssey from Lucca to Termoli that winds through some of the country’s most storied landscapes and ancient pathways. This two-part Level 4 adventure begins with a 10-day ride from Lucca to Rome, tracing sections of the Via Francigena — the legendary pilgrimage route — and passing through olive groves, hilltop towns, and Medieval cities steeped in history. Seamlessly continuing from Rome, the journey flows into the second leg: “Taste of Abruzzo,” a 6-day exploration into one of Italy’s most rugged and authentic regions. Here, cyclists ascend majestic mountain passes, traverse high-altitude plateaus dotted with wildflowers, and weave through deep gorges and remote stone villages. Abruzzo’s riding terrain offers a mix of challenging climbs and exhilarating descents, with sweeping views of untouched national parks. Though united by their historical roots, each region along the route offers a distinct flavor — from Tuscany’s elegance to Abruzzo’s wild heart — making this a profound and physically rewarding journey through the soul of Italy.
This epic ride is part of our new Grand Journey Tours Series, and unfolds in two chapters: Lucca to Rome on the Via Francigena and Taste of Abruzzo & Molise. Click on each itinerary to learn more about the tour—we have combined them into one seamless cycling adventure.
Lucca to Rome + Taste of Abruzzo and Molise
Tour Logistics: on the morning of day 10, we’ll transfer to L’Aquila in approximately 1.5 hours to begin the second part of the tour.
Date: June 15 to June 30, 2026
Duration: 16 days/15 nights
Level: Intermediate
Price: $10,900 (Receive 5% off your second tour, applied to its final payment, when both tours are paid in full. Discounts are not cumulative with other offers, including alumni discounts.)
Single Supplement: $2,180
Tour Essence:
- Ride the 1,000-year-old Via Francigena, Italy’s iconic pilgrimage route
- Pedal quiet gravel and paved roads through Tuscany and Lazio’s hidden gems
- Conquer thrilling mountain passes and breathe crisp Apennine air
- Traverse three stunning national parks filled with untouched natural beauty
- Marvel at Rocca Calascio, a fortress perched high in the Apennines
- Relax in ancient thermal baths and rejuvenate in Italian spa towns
- Explore San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and Siena’s medieval splendor
- Spin along 2,000-year-old Roman roads and sunken Etruscan trails
- Savor authentic Italian cuisine and a special dinner at Maggese
- Ride triumphantly into St. Peter’s Square in the heart of Rome
Day 1: Lucca (15 miles – 360 ft)
Begin in the walled Medieval jewel of Lucca. After a warm-up ride, wander its cobbled streets and visit the Cathedral, home to a relic said to show Christ’s true face.
Day 2: San Miniato (30 miles – 1,300 ft)
Pedal quiet lanes to San Miniato, a hilltop village rising above the Arno Valley, where medieval towers and sweeping views await.
Day 3: San Gimignano (30 miles – 2,900 ft)
Descend into lush valleys, passing Romanesque churches, then climb into iconic San Gimignano, the “medieval Manhattan” of Tuscany.
Day 4: Siena (30 miles – 2,300 ft)
Roll through hilltop towns and Monteriggioni’s fortress walls before entering Siena, a city of Gothic splendor and timeless tradition.
Day 5: Bagno Vignoni (35 miles – 2,800 ft)
Follow winding roads to golden Val d’Orcia and end in Bagno Vignoni, where thermal waters have soothed travelers since medieval times.
Day 6: Proceno (35 miles – 2,800 ft)
Climb to Radicofani’s fortress, then enjoy a thrilling descent through rolling farmland to quiet Proceno.
Day 7: Viterbo (40 miles – 2,700 ft)
Cross sunken Etruscan roads and arrive in Viterbo, a medieval gem with Renaissance piazzas and storied palaces.
Day 8: Formello (50 miles – 3,500 ft)
Ride past ancient amphitheaters and gentle waterfalls to Formello, a village where history and rustic charm meet.
Day 9: Rome (20 miles – 800 ft)
Spin through tranquil forests into Rome, where your journey culminates at St. Peter’s Basilica—an unforgettable arrival.
Day 10: Transfer Day – L’Aquila (15 miles – 2,100 ft). Start of the second tour!
Today marks the start of the second tour as we transfer to L’Aquila, a resilient city reborn. Ride through its proud streets framed by stunning mountain vistas.
Day 11: Gran Sasso (45/55 miles – 5,800/7,100 ft)
Climb through cinematic landscapes below Gran Sasso, then descend to Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a medieval village frozen in time.
Day 12: Maiella (50/55 miles – 4,700/6,200 ft)
Pass Rocca Calascio’s towering fortress and ride into Maiella’s wild beauty, ending in a spa town beneath rugged peaks.
Day 13: Pescocostanzo (40/55 miles – 4,800/7,100 ft)
Traverse gorges and orchards before a final climb to Pescocostanzo, one of Abruzzo’s most authentic hilltop villages.
Day 14: Agnone (45/50 miles – 3,800/5,000 ft)
Enter Molise, Italy’s hidden gem, and descend to Agnone, where bells have rung from Marinelli’s foundry for a thousand years.
Day 15: Termoli (65 miles – 4,200 ft)
Glide down to the Adriatic as mountains give way to wheat fields and vineyards. Arrive in Termoli, a coastal treasure perched above the sea.
Day 16: Arrivederci!
Savor your final breakfast before a group shuttle takes you to Rome or beyond.