Apennine Splendor: Le Marche, Umbria & Abruzzo
This is a corner of Italy most don’t get to see!
We start off in Italy’s Green Heart: Umbria. With dazzling, artful Spoleto as our launch pad, we explore this fascinating, history-rich corner of Umbria that naturally spills into her neighboring region of Abruzzo adjoined by Italy’s “spine” – the Apennine mountain range.
Sprinkled into this already thrilling trip, you will embark on a series of exclusive visits with local pasta grannies, as well as local chefs, farmers, artisans and producers who are still creating and making things as they’ve been done for centuries in the remote villages of Umbria and Abruzzo. The way we see it is: visiting these folks and seeing them in action is just one small way we can contribute to keeping these traditions alive!
We’ll challenge ourselves to face hilly climbs and zig zagging descents of these verdant mountains. Get energized by the unspoiled ruggedness of Abruzzo; the varied scenery, amazing foodie highlights and outstanding regional cultures that blend together to make for the most inspiring, unforgettable trip of the year.
Tour Essence
- Cycle the Italian Appennini in Umbria and Abruzzo: the most beautiful mountainous areas of Central Italy.
- Learn about the history and culture of butchery and truffle hunting in Norcia
- Visit pasta grannies and other exclusive visits with authentic farmers and producers
- See the cultural centers of Spoleto, Ascoli Piceno and Norcia.
- Stay at the base of the Gran Sasso, the highest Apennine peak
- Unsurpassable. authentic, gastronomic experiences
- See the home of De Cecco pasta
- Ride through several National park areas: Monti Sibilini, Gran Sasso and Maiella
What to Expect
Terrain
Hilly with Epic ClimbsStart Location
SpoletoEnd Location
SulmonaMileage
Average Daily: 54 Total: 381
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.
- All van assistance and transfers including the final transfer to Sulmona at end of the tour
- Leadership of your expert, bilingual Guide(s)
- Cycling clinics
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 Included
- Helmet
- Optional: clipless/SPD pedals with shoes
- Optional: your own saddle
- All accommodations
- All breakfasts
- 2 picnic lunches
- 5 dinners
- Wine tastings
- Guided tour of Spoleto and Ascoli
Start Location
SpoletoFly Into
Rome (FCO)End Location
SulmonaFly Out Of
Rome (FCO)Spoleto
Average Mileage
20Riding Terrain
Gentle, rolling climbsAccommodations
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.
Spoleto to Norcia
Average Mileage
40 milesElevation Gain
5,761 ft.Riding Terrain
Many Short ClimbsAccommodations
Agriturismo Casale nel Parco
Tonight we stay at a wonderful farm-stay just outside the Sibillini park. Here they organically cultivate and grow lentils, spelt, and chickpeas. Tonight we dine at the farm restaurant, managed by the Gregori family, owner of the Taverna de ‘Massari, a restaurant of great prestige in Norcia. Emiliano, the chef, creates traditional Umbrian specialities, cooked on the premises and only using organic products.
Norcia to Ascoli Piceno
Average Mileage
49 milesElevation Gain
5,577 ftRiding Terrain
Hills and climbingAccommodations
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.
Ascoli Piceno to Fonte Cerreto
Average Mileage
68 milesElevation Gain
9,321 ft.Riding Terrain
Very challenging ride with several long climbsAccommodations
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.
Sulmona
Average Mileage
72 milesElevation Gain
6,811 ft.Riding Terrain
Rolling with some great climbsAccommodations
Hotel Rojan
This wonderful hotel is located right in the center of Sulmona. Rooms offers modern amenities.
Pescocostanzo
Average Mileage
62 milesElevation Gain
6,673 ft.Riding Terrain
Several climbs and descentsAccommodations
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.
Pescocostanzo to Caramanico
Average Mileage
70/75 miles with extra loop to top of BlockhausElevation Gain
6,562/8,202 ft. with extra loop to top of BlockhausRiding Terrain
Coastal riding; RollingAccommodations
Hotel La Reserve
5 stars SPA hotel in the heart of the Parco Nazionale della Maiella, Comfortable and functional rooms, specifically designed for the guest and thermal baths top it all off!
