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 mountain sides and a 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’s vegetables, pasta made with the best wheat, and local cheese. The wines are mostly strong 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 can rival with the Alps
- Experience 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
L’AquilaEnd Location
TermoliMileage
Average Daily: 44 miles Total: 252 milesElevation
Average Daily: 4,129 ft Total: 24,714 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 events
What’s Included
- Use of our exclusive carbon road bike, La Classica Ribelle (or Equivalent Carbon Road Bike)
- Garmin Edge Touring 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 events
2024
Start Location
L’AquilaFly Into
Rome (FCO)End Location
TermoliFly Out Of
Rome (FCO)L'Aquila
Meals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
17 milesElevation Gain
2080 feetRiding Terrain
UndulatingMeals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Federico II
The hotel is nestled in L’Aquila, close to mountains. It is a boutique hotel in the heart of the city.
Gran Sasso
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
36.1/46.1 milesElevation Gain
4602/5502 feetRiding Terrain
MountainsMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Sextantio in Abruzzo
Sextantio Albergo Diffuso offers unique accommodations in the fortified medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, deep in the Abruzzo hillside, at an altitude of 4,100 ft. This spectacular hilltop village in the Gran Sasso National Park has been perfectly preserved. Rooms and junior suites are scattered in the original, period buildings. You will find beautiful, simple décor, locally woven linens, 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
46 milesElevation Gain
4693 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
9.1/38.6 milesElevation Gain
4,247/5,731 ftRiding Terrain
MountainsMeals Provided
BreakfastAccommodations
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.
Agnone
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
44.5 milesElevation Gain
4,652 ftMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Il Duca del Sannio
This four-star hotel, situated on a hill overlooking the town of Agnone, offers panoramic views of the countryside from most of its rooms. It also as a state of the art spa and wellness center.
Termoli
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
63.5 milesElevation Gain
4,013 ftRiding Terrain
HillyMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Residenza Sveva
Our third Albergo Diffuso, Residenza Sveva is a collection of quaint rooms nestled in the historic city center. This style of hotel allows guests to more easily integrate with the local populations. Residenza Sveva pays homage to Sveva dynasty, which reached its height in the 13th century.
