Bike Across Italy
Pedaling coast to coast through Italy’s cultural soul
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
Please provide your contact information so that we can say “benvenuto”. After submitting the form, you will be able to download the itinerary immediately.
This spectacular 11-day coast-to-coast bicycling tour across the fabled heartland of Italy winds through lush, sweeping countryside and charming medieval villages. Our route from Pesaro on Italy’s Adriatic eastern shores to the west coast Costa d’Argento passes through: Le Marche, Umbria, Lazio and Tuscany. Four regions celebrated for their rich history, distinctive local cuisines and stunning panoramas. We’ll explore the awe-inspiring Grotte di Frasassi, Italy’s largest cave system, and ancient underground Etruscan settlements. Walking tours with top local guides at Urbino and other sites give you an insider experience, while our deluxe hotels ensure each day of your coast-to-coast Italian journey ends in pampered comfort. A “must do” on the bucket list. (6 days/5 nights option also available. Contact us for details.)
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 Toscana known as Maremma
-
End the journey on the cliffs of Talamone, protected by its fortress
- Mini Tour (6 days/5 nights) option available. See Detailed Itinerary for Mini Tour!
- Browse the Top Photos from our Bike Across Italy tour!
Exclusive for May Departure:
- Experience the Festa dei Ceri (Race of the Candles), considered one of the most unique events in Italy! See Detailed Itinerary for this Special Departure!
What to Expect
Terrain
Rolling to hillyStart Location
PesaroEnd Location
TalamoneMileage
Average Daily: 34 / 43 miles Total: 338 / 425 milesElevation
Average Daily: 3,863 Total: 38,632Once 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.
- Van support
- Expert, bilingual guides
- 1 wine tasting
- Walking tours of Assisi, Urbino and visit to private underground cave in Orvieto
- Cooking demonstration
- Visit to Frasassi grottoes and paper maker in Bevagna
- Group shuttle to 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
- 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
- 2 lunches
- 8 dinners
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.
2024
2025
Start Location
PesaroFly Into
RomeEnd Location
TalamoneFly Out Of
Rome, Pisa, FlorencePesaro
Meals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
10 milesElevation Gain
787 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling hillsMeals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Alexander Museum Palace Hotel
The 4-star Alexander Museum Palace is located right by the seaside in Pesaro. It boasts a stunning contemporary design, and each room in the Museum Palace was designed by an artist. You can unwind in the sauna or take a dip in the infinity pool with beautiful mosaic tiles that connect the hotel to the beach.
Urbino
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
30 / 39 milesElevation Gain
3,156 / 4,288 ftRiding Terrain
Flat leaving Pesaro, followed by challenging, short and steep climbs to Colbordolo; rolling ridge ride to UrbinoMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Albergo San Domenico
Our accommodation for the night is the 4-star Albergo San Domenico, which is situated in Urbino’s main square. This hotel is a converted 15th-century convent and is well-known for its friendly staff and excellent breakfast.
Genga
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
46 / 51 milesElevation Gain
3,671 / 4,343 ftRiding Terrain
Flat and rolling with two main climbsMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Le Grotte Hotel & Spa
After a day of exploring, we rest at the Le Grotte Hotel & Spa, where you can relax and unwind. Take advantage of the spa, steam room, and swimming pool, or relax poolside with a refreshing drink while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Gubbio
Meals Provided
Breakfast, LunchAverage Mileage
32 / 40 milesElevation Gain
4,652 / 5,488 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling hillsMeals Provided
Breakfast, LunchAccommodations
Park Hotel ai Cappuccini
Our accommodation for the night is the prestigious 4-star Park Hotel ai Cappuccini, situated in a converted 17th-century monastery near the historical center of Gubbio. The hotel also boasts the largest wellness center in town.
Assisi
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
33 / 41 milesElevation Gain
2,900 / 4,600 ftRiding Terrain
HillyMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Nun Assisi Relais
Located in the highest part of the old city, guests can enjoy spectacular views of Assisi from the terraces of Relais Nun. This exclusive 5-star resort came about from a careful restoration of the ancient Saint Catherine monastery, which was originally constructed in 1275 for a community of Benedictine nuns, which in turn was built on top of a Roman bath house from the 1st century AD, right near the site of the Roman amphitheater. While the hotel rooms are designed with a modern style, each room and area of the structure incorporates many different elements of the original structure. Descending into the Nun’s award-winning Spa is like traveling a couple of thousand years into the past as you bathe amidst the Roman pillars (rediscovered during renovation) surrounding the hydro massage pool.
Assisi Rest Day
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
16 milesElevation Gain
1380 ftRiding Terrain
Gentle rolling with gradual elevation gain back to AssisiMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Nun Assisi Relais
Located in the highest part of the old city, guests can enjoy spectacular views of Assisi from the terraces of Relais Nun. This exclusive 5-star resort came about from a careful restoration of the ancient Saint Catherine monastery, which was originally constructed in 1275 for a community of Benedictine nuns, which in turn was built on top of a Roman bath house from the 1st century AD, right near the site of the Roman amphitheater. While the hotel rooms are designed with a modern style, each room and area of the structure incorporates many different elements of the original structure. Descending into the Nun’s award-winning Spa is like traveling a couple of thousand years into the past as you bathe amidst the Roman pillars (rediscovered during renovation) surrounding the hydro massage pool.
Todi
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
49 / 56 milesElevation Gain
2,539 / 3,418 ftRiding Terrain
Three great climbs: Montefalco, after Bastardo and the final ascent to TodiMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Bramante
The 4-star Hotel Bramante is a beautifully restored stone villa just outside town. The hotel boasts a pool, tennis courts, and stunning open views.
Orvieto
Meals Provided
BreakfastAverage Mileage
29 / 42 milesElevation Gain
3,225 / 4,468 ftRiding Terrain
HillyMeals Provided
BreakfastAccommodations
Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini
The Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini is a beautiful 4-star palace created for the pontifical family in the late 16th century. It was built on top of preexisting medieval buildings, and a recent restoration has given the different age-long structures new splendor. From the refined facade overlooking Piazza Ranieri to the underground rooms cut into the tufa mass, the hotel is a magnificent sight to behold.
Sovana
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
42 / 70 milesElevation Gain
3,562 / 5,260 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling with several climbsMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Sovana Resort
Our accommodation for the night is the elegant and intimate Sovana Resort, a 4-star hotel. Recently modernized and renovated, the rooms feature simple furnishings with antique furniture. You can enjoy the splendid ruins of Sovana while having breakfast in the breakfast room or the large outdoor garden. The hotel has a swimming pool amidst the open Tuscan countryside.
Talamone
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
51 / 60 milesElevation Gain
2,910 / 3,753 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling hills with several climbsMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Capo D’uomo
Capo D’Uomo is a hotel situated on the cliffs of Talamone, a picturesque village of yachters and fishermen. It is a round building, nestled in the rock and surrounded by terraced gardens that lead down to the sea of Cala Regina. Every room offers spectacular views, and the summer winds carry the sounds and smells of the sea. Step out onto your balcony, relax with a drink, and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing blue Mediterranean Sea.