Taste of Abruzzo and Molise
Apennine Hills of Splendor to the Adriatic Sea
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
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This unique itinerary starts at the foothills of Gran Sasso, the highest peak of Central Italy, and ends by the Adriatic Sea in the lovely fishing town of Termoli; it crosses three national parks where open landscapes, high altitude prairies, sheer mountains sides, and peculiar wildlife are protected and loved by locals and tourists. The hillsides are nests for ancient villages, some almost abandoned, some rich in traditions and cultural wonders. The cuisine is based on fresh local ingredients, like olive oil, garden vegetables, pasta made with the best wheat, and local cheese. The wines are primarily robust reds based on the Aglianico grape.
Tour Essence
- Pedal past pristine Appenine scenery and take in the crisp, fresh mountain air
- End in medieval Termoli, right on the Adriatic sea
- Conquer mountain passes that rival with the Alps
- Experience the spectacular beauty and ancient culture of two Italian regions: Abruzzo and Molise
- Discover the off-the-beaten-track village of Pescocostanzo
- Indulge in hearty, satisfying cuisine
- Views of Rocca Calascio: an abandoned village perched at over 4,000 ft
- Explore three National Parks in six days
What to Expect
Terrain
Mountains and HillsStart Location
RomeEnd Location
TermoliMileage
Average Daily: 44 / 50 miles Total: 262,6 / 297,5 milesElevation
Average Daily: 4,215 / 4,928 ft Total: 25,295 / 29,571 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.
- Expert, bilingual guides
- Van support
- Ciclismo Classico jersey and water bottles
- Pre- and post-tour group shuttles
- Cooking class
- Cultural activities
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, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
- Local products tasting
- Cooking class
- Cultural activities
2025
Start Location
RomeFly Into
Rome (FCO)End Location
TermoliFly Out Of
Rome (FCO)L'Aquila
Meals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
17 milesElevation Gain
2,080 feetRiding Terrain
UndulatingMeals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Magione Papale
Magione Papale Relais is an ancient building renovated with avant-garde architecture, surrounded by greenery, and has an outdoor pool. It is tastefully furnished and well equipped: rooms offer a large relaxation area, suggestive wooden ceilings, and splendid views. Each room is curated to provide a sense of refined simplicity.
Gran Sasso
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
46 / 53 milesElevation Gain
5,780 / 7,075 feetRiding Terrain
MountainsMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Sextantio Albergo Diffuso
Sextantio Albergo Diffuso offers unique accommodations in the fortified medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, deep in the Abruzzo hillside, at 4,100 ft. This perfectly preserved hilltop village in the Gran Sasso National Park is spectacular. Rooms and junior suites scattered in the original period buildings are beautiful: decorated simply with locally woven linens, and boast 17th-century wooden ceilings and ancient fireplaces. All this is combined with modern technology, including under-floor heating and remote-controlled lighting.
Maiella
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
48 / 56 milesElevation Gain
4,670 / 6,200 ftRiding Terrain
MountainsMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Arimannia
The Arimannia Hotel comes from a combination of experience and passion. The experience and the passion of the holder of Ms. Anna, chefs specialized in traditional cuisine. Clean, hospital, and spacious, the Arimannia Hotel is listed as a three-star hotel.
Pescocostanzo
Meals Provided
BreakfastAverage Mileage
41 / 54 milesElevation Gain
4,815 / 7,075 ftRiding Terrain
MountainsMeals Provided
BreakfastAccommodations
Hotel Le Torri
The 4-star Hotel Le Torri is located in Pescocostanzo, on the slopes of Mount Calvario. This historic building property is known for its quaint environment and proximity to great restaurants and attractions. The hotel is within walking distance of the Basilica di Santa Maria del Colle, Palazzo Fanzago, and Fontana di Piazza Municipio.
Agnone
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
44,6 / 51,4 milesElevation Gain
3,780 / 5,050 ftRiding Terrain
HillyMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Locanda la Campana
The Guest House is located in the center of Agnone, the small and ancient village in Alto Molise, known worldwide for the sound of its millenary bells. Agnone has been a member of Italy’s 100 Most Beautiful Ancient Villages since 2005. The property offers country-style rooms with stone walls and private bathrooms with soft bathrobes.
Termoli
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
66 milesElevation Gain
4,170 ftRiding Terrain
HillyMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Residenza Sveva
Albergo Diffuso, Residenza Sveva, is a collection of quaint rooms nestled in the historic city center. This hotel style allows guests to integrate with the local population. Residenza Sveva pays homage to the Sveva dynasty, which reached its height in the 13th century.
