Bike Across Italy & the Ceri Festival

Pedaling coast to coast through Italy’s Cultural Soul — A Special Edition Celebrating the Festa dei Ceri in Gubbio

Discover Italy’s most scenic and historic sites from the Adriatic to the Mediterranean Sea.

Destination

Le Marche, Italy, Tuscany, Umbria

Activity

Biking

Level

Intermediate

Duration

11 days / 10 nights

You are an intermediate cyclist who is curious about history, culture, and seeking an award-winning bicycle tour that captures the essence of Italy.

From $7,750 PP 11 days / 10 nights

From $7,750 PP 11 days / 10 nights (6 days/5 nights option available)

Book Now

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Download Itinerary

You are an intermediate cyclist who is curious about history, culture, and seeking an award-winning bicycle tour that captures the essence of Italy.

Named one of the “17 Best Bike Tours Around the World” by Active Times, Bike Across Italy is a Ciclismo Classico exclusive — our first coast-to-coast cycling tour and the inspiration for many of our signature cross-country adventures. Starting at the Adriatic and ending at the Tyrrhenian Sea, we journey through the heart of rural Italy, pedaling across the regions of Le Marche, Umbria, and Tuscany. Along the way, we pass through Etruscan and Roman architecture and uncover their influence on modern Italian culture. This special edition takes place during the Festa dei Ceri in Gubbio, one of Italy’s most colorful and ancient festivals, offering an unforgettable glimpse into local tradition and community spirit. The itinerary includes guided visits in the charming towns of Assisi and Urbino and an exploration of the Grotte di Frasassi, Italy’s largest cave system. Throughout the journey, your native Ciclismo guides introduce you to regional dishes, local wines, and the warm hospitality that define the Italian way of life.

Tour Essence

Experience the excitement of a grand journey coast to coast
Cycle through beautiful hilltowns of central Italy
Wander through medieval hill towns, castles, and ancient abbeys
Learn about the Etruscan and Roman civilizations
Discover Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage city of the Renaissance
Learn to go uphill and downhill on the spectacular roads of the Apennines
Visit Italy’s largest cave, the Grotte di Frasassi
Explore the medieval center of Gubbio, the city of stone
Taste distinctive wines and cuisine from three regions
Immerse yourself in the spirituality of Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis and St. Claire
Enjoy the art of Giotto, Piero della Francesca, and Luca Signorelli
Explore the fascinating underground of Orvieto
Ride through the southern part of Tuscany known as Maremma
End the journey on the cliffs of Talamone, protected by its fortress
Experience the Festa dei Ceri (Race of the Candles), considered one of the most unique events in Italy
Browse the Top Photos from our Bike Across Italy tour!

What to Expect

Terrain

Rolling to hilly

Start Location

Pesaro

End Location

Talamone

Mileage

Average Daily: 35 / 40 miles Total: 335 / 405 miles

Elevation

Average Daily: 2,700 / 3,650 ft Total: 27,600 / 36,500 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
Expert, bilingual guides
Wine tasting
Olive oil tasting
Guided walking tours of Assisi, Urbino, and visit to a private underground cave in Orvieto
Visit to the Frasassi grottoes and paper maker in Bevagna
One group shuttle to the train station on the last day of the tour

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
Ciclismo jersey and 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

Ciclismo Classico high-performance road bike for Italy bike tours, designed for cycling enthusiasts exploring scenic Italian landscapes and iconic routes.

One of our most popular bike tours in Italy, this coast-to-coast cycling adventure showcases some of the country’s most important monuments. We’ll have a challenging climb to see the Monastery of Fonte Avellana, discover the medieval town of Gubbio with its outstanding amphitheater, and explore Assisi and Spello, home to the famed Roman Gates, the Temple of Minerva and the Basilica of St. Francis. Along the way, we’ll have a wine tasting at a family winery, observe the medieval art of paper-making, and learn the culinary secrets behind the incredible regional cooking you’ll enjoy throughout the trip. Each day highlights Italy’s best and most scenic bicycling routes, from the incredible ascent to Orvieto to the grand finale of the Tombolo di Feniglia.

Dates

2026

May 11-21

CERI Festival!

From $7,750 PP 11 days / 10 nights

From $7,750 PP 11 days / 10 nights (6 days/5 nights option available)

$1,550 Single Supplement

Book Now

Schedule A Call

Download Itinerary

Any of our tours can be made private. Contact us to learn more.

Go Private

Itinerary

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Start Location

Pesaro

Fly Into

Rome

End Location

Talamone

Fly Out Of

Rome, Pisa, Florence

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STYLED MAP

Day1

Pesaro

Benvenuti! Welcome to the very pleasant and lively coastal town of Pesaro! We meet at noon today in our hotel lobby for introductions and a light lunch. Afterward, we change into our biking gear for a quick spin to the promontory of the Regional Park of Monte San Bartolo. You can then enjoy a dip at the beach or unwind at the hotel spa before we walk into town for dinner.

Meals Provided

Lunch, Dinner

Average Mileage

10 / 20 miles

Elevation Gain

800 / 1,600 ft

Riding Terrain

Rolling hills

Meals Provided

Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations

Hotel Excelsior & Spa

The Hotel Excelsior is a luxurious 5-star boutique hotel situated on the seafront in the heart of Pesaro, offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and a private beach. Guests can unwind in the heated indoor pool, complete with hydromassage waterfalls, a sauna, and Turkish baths for ultimate relaxation. Surrounding the pool are comfortable deck chairs and a relaxation lounge with a selection of herbal teas and drinks.

Luxury Level5-star

Day2

Urbino

Our journey begins in Pesaro as we pass through fields and family farms en route to Urbino, a vibrant cultural hub and college town with a picturesque skyline visible from afar. In the evening, the main piazza buzzes with locals, university students, artists, and musicians from all over the world. Tonight, our guide leads us through the renowned Renaissance-era Palazzo Ducale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Average Mileage

30 / 40 miles

Elevation Gain

3,000 / 4,000 ft

Riding Terrain

Flat leaving Pesaro, followed by challenging, short and steep climbs to Colbordolo; rolling ridge ride to Urbino

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Accommodations

Albergo San Domenico

Albergo San Domenico is a charming 4-star hotel located in the heart of Urbino, directly across from the Ducal Palace. Housed within a former Renaissance convent, the hotel beautifully combines historical charm with modern comforts, making it a unique and immersive experience. Guests can relax in the serene monumental courtyard, adorned with sculptures by renowned contemporary artists.

Luxury Level4-star

Day3

Genga

Today, we ride along a section of the ancient Roman Via Flaminia, the historic road that connected Rome to Ariminum (Rimini) over the Apennine Mountains. Our ride ends at the stunning Gola Rossa gorge, offering breathtaking views of mountainous farmlands. The gorge is also home to the impressive Grotte di Frasassi, an expansive cave system carved by underground rivers. If time allows, we take an additional loop with a climb to Collegiglioni, where you can admire the beautiful Sibillini Mountain Range.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Average Mileage

45 / 50 miles

Elevation Gain

2,700 / 3,500 ft

Riding Terrain

Flat and rolling with two main climbs

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

Le Grotte Hotel & Spa

Le Grotte Hotel & Spa is a 4-star establishment located in Genga, within the Parco Naturale Regionale della Gola della Rossa e di Frasassi. The hotel offers 24 spacious and elegantly furnished rooms. The hotel’s wellness center, Ile Spa, features amenities like a Jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, emotional showers, Kneipp path, and a relaxation area. The hotel has been recognized for its environmental policies and has received awards for its commitment to sustainability.

Luxury Level4-star

Day4

Gubbio

Today, we cross the Continental Divide as we ride through the “wild’”territories of the Apennines, transitioning from Le Marche into Umbria. In the morning, we visit the fascinating Grotte di Frasassi, the largest cave in Europe. After exploring the caves, we ride through a beautiful river valley and tackle one of the gentlest mountain passes of the Apennines. An exhilirating descent brings us to the well-preserved medieval town of Gubbio. Along the way, we enjoy a classic Ciclismo Classico feast in Scheggia.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Average Mileage

30 / 40 miles

Elevation Gain

4,600 / 5,500 ft

Riding Terrain

Rolling hills

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations

Park Hotel ai Cappuccini

Our accommodation for the night is the prestigious 4-star Park Hotel ai Cappuccini housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century convent. It offers elegant rooms and suites, an on-site restaurant featuring regional cuisine, and a comprehensive wellness center with a spa, indoor pool, and fitness area. Situated close to Gubbio’s historic center, the hotel provides easy access to the town’s medieval architecture and scenic Umbrian landscapes.

Luxury Level4-star

Day5

Gubbio Rest Day: Festa dei Ceri

On our rest day, we take a 1-hour walk to the top of Monte Ingino, following the path where carriers race while pushing and pulling the Ceri up to the Basilica of Santo Ubaldo. Here, the mummified body of Gubbio’s Patron Saint, Santo Ubaldo, is preserved and visible in a glass coffin. In the afternoon, we head into town to witness the thrilling competition in the narrow streets of Gubbio, one of the best-preserved medieval towns. This annual event is known as the “Race of the Candles” and is considered one of Italy’s most unique events. The origins of this very ancient race date back to 1160, with the death of bishop Ubaldo Baldassini. Every year on May 15th, a great luminary with candles is run through the beautiful Umbrian streets towards Mt. Igino, where St. Ubaldo is buried. Spectators cheer on the “ceraiolo” or “candle runners” with applause and shouting as they carry the massive wooden structures, a feat of strength and will.

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Average Mileage

N/A

Elevation Gain

N/A

Riding Terrain

N/A

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Accommodations

Park Hotel ai Cappuccini

Luxury Level4-star

Day6

Assisi

We descend from Gubbio and ride through the Appennines toward Monte Subasio, enjoying a day of spectacular scenery. Along the way, we stop at the Roman amphitheater for a great photo opportunity. The route features a few hills and fun downhills through a lush landscape, perfect for working up an appetite before our lunch in Assisi - our final destination for the day. For those seeking an extra challenge, the optional loop starts right at the hotel. This route takes us near the top of Monte Subasio, where we can stop by the Eremo delle Carceri, one of the Franciscan Sanctuaries cared for by the Friars Minor of St. Francis. The climb is challenging, with a 3-mile stretch averaging a 9% grade, but the views of the Valle Umbra below are worth the effort. In the late afternoon, we visit a local wine producer for a tasting followed by a casual dinner.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Average Mileage

35 / 40 miles

Elevation Gain

2,900 / 4,600 ft

Riding Terrain

Hilly

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

Nun Assisi Relais

Located in the highest part of Assisi’s old city, Relais Nun offers spectacular views and blends modern design with history. This 5-star resort is a restored 1275 Benedictine monastery built over a 1st-century Roman bathhouse. Its award-winning spa lets guests bathe among ancient Roman pillars, creating a unique journey through time.

Luxury Level5-star

Day7

Todi

Our itinerary takes us across rolling farmland to the medieval town of Bevagna, where we learn about paper-making in medieval times. From there, we climb to Montefalco through olive groves and vineyards. After lunch, we follow a tiny road that offers magnificent views as we descend. Beyond Bastardo, we climb again through vineyards, sunflower, and wheat fields. The approach to Todi is breathtaking, with a memorable descent towards the medieval hill town’s soaring steeple.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Average Mileage

50 / 55 miles

Elevation Gain

2,800 / 3,500 ft

Riding Terrain

Three great climbs: Montefalco, after Bastardo and the final ascent to Todi

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

Fonte Sesia

Hotel Fonte Cesia is a 4-star boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Todi’s medieval center, just steps from Piazza del Popolo. Housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century noble residence, it offers 36 elegantly appointed rooms blending classic Umbrian charm with modern comforts like air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and minibars.

Luxury Level4-star

Day8

Orvieto

Despite the long uphill, today’s ride is straightforward, short, and manageable if taken at your own pace. After descending from Todi, we climb for seven miles along a beautifully shaded road with a relatively gentle grade. Lunch awaits in Orvieto, followed by a guided visit to private underground caves. Tonight, dinner is on your own.

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Average Mileage

30 / 40 miles

Elevation Gain

3,000 / 4,500 ft

Riding Terrain

Hilly

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Accommodations

Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini

The Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini is a beautiful 4-star palace originally created for the pontifical family in the late 16th century, built atop medieval foundations. Recent restorations have revitalized its historic splendor, from the refined facade on Piazza Ranieri to the striking underground rooms carved into the tufa rock, making it a magnificent sight to behold.

Luxury Level4-star

Day9

Pitigliano

We begin our journey with a descent from Orvieto, followed by a gradual climb out of the volcanic basin toward Bolsena. Here, you have the chance to take a refreshing swim in Lake Bolsena before tackling the challenging climb to Gradoli and beyond. The effort is rewarded with a breathtaking ride along a scenic ridge. Today’s route takes us through three regions—Umbria, Lazio, and Tuscany—each steeped in rich Etruscan history. This evening, before dinner, we indulge in a tasting of exquisite local olive oils.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Average Mileage

40 / 50 miles

Elevation Gain

3,500 / 4,000 ft

Riding Terrain

Rolling with several climbs

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

Le Camere del Ceccottino

Set within a beautifully restored 17th-century building in the heart of Pitigliano’s historic center, Le Camere del Ceccottino is a refined 3-star boutique hotel that exudes warmth, character, and charm. With elegant, individually styled rooms, modern comforts, and thoughtful details, it offers a peaceful retreat just steps from the town’s cobbled alleys and Etruscan landmarks.

Luxury Level3-star

Day10

Talamone

On the last day of our trip, we take a glorious ride to the Tyrrhenian coast of southern Tuscany, passing through beautiful hills and lush green countryside. The day begins with a gradual climb towards San Martino sul Fiora, followed by an undulating stretch to the Terme di Saturnia, an ancient spa area known since Roman times for its hot sulfurous waters. After a lunch stop in Magliano, we continue westward, arriving at the charming village of Talamone, the gateway to the Maremma Regional Park, where the scenic view spans between the blue Mediterranean Sea and the green forests. We end the day with a well-deserved celebration at our final group dinner in town.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Average Mileage

50 / 55 miles

Elevation Gain

3,000 / 4,000 ft

Riding Terrain

Rolling hills with several climbs

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

Hotel Capo D’uomo

Capo D’Uomo is a cliffside hotel in the charming village of Talamone, known for its yachters and fishermen. Nestled in the rock with terraced gardens leading to Cala Regina, the round building offers rooms with stunning sea views. Step onto your balcony, savor a drink and let the sea breeze and Mediterranean views captivate you.

Luxury Level3-star

Day11

Arrivederci!

At 8:30 am, we provide one group shuttle to the Orbetello-Monte Argentario train station to catch trains to other destinations in Italy. Buon viaggio!