Umbria & Tuscany: in the footsteps of the Etruscans and Romans

You arrive at your hotel in Assisi, a medieval town of global renown. The town is rich in both famous and lesser-known artistic treasures. Embraced within its old town walls on the slopes of Mount Subasio. Assisi is a magical place and the fact that it has hardly changed since ancient times has preserved its charm.

At the end of the afternoon drop off bicycles, if rented, bike fitting and route briefing. Overnight with breakfast in *** or **** star hotel near the old town centre.

Following quiet roads dominated by hills covered with vineyards and olive groves, you arrive at Ponte S. Giovanni, located at the foot of Perugia. Here you can visit the Ipogeo dei Volumni, which is an Etruscan tomb site discovered in 1840.  From Ponte San Giovanni you can also visit the old town centre of Perugia by public transport. In just 15 minutes you are in the heart of Etrusca Perusia (Perugia) and you can appreciate the extraordinary Etruscan civilization by visiting the Etruscan Well (Pozzo Etrusco) as well as stopping to admire the old town walls and arches. Perugia is an eclectic and particularly beautiful city, which is rich in culture, architectural monuments, events, shops and characteristic wine bars where you can taste the famous Umbrian wines. Overnight stay in **** star hotel in Ponte San Giovanni.

Distance: 30,4 km / 18,9 mi;  Ascent/Descent:  +293m – 495m

To reach Passignano on the lake you cycle along roads, from which you enjoy a panorama of the rolling green hills.  Passignano is located on the gently sloping northern shores, where the lake meets the rocks. The town is often referred to as ‘l’isola felice’ (“the happy island”) because it is a meeting place for nature and history, art and folklore, peace and vitality. Overnight stay in Passignano at a *** hotel or **** with pool and room with lake view.

Distance: 64 km / 39,7 mi;  Ascent/Descent:  +602m –540m

In the morning, you leave Passignano to head for Castiglione del Lago, a charming village at the western shore of Lake Trasimeno. Your journey through Tuscany begins here, in the farmlands of the Val di Chiana. Your route crosses a number of ‘food trails’ – cheese, fruit, olive oil, wine and Chianina beef – adding flavour to the list of attractions alongside history, art and water. Your Etruscan journey continues through legends and mysteries, ancient town walls and necropolis such as those of Cortona. This town is well worth exploring. Enjoy it in all its aspects. There is something of interest for everyone: art, food & wine and shops.

Castiglione del lago is built on a promontory and from the old centre, you have a nice view over the lake and its islands. Overnight stay in Castiglione del Lago in a *** hotel or a B&B the Charme

Distance: 51,1 km / 31,8 mi;  Ascent/Descent:  +548m –512m

Leaving Castiglione del Lago, you say goodbye to Lake Trasimeno. You cycle through a rural undulating landscape until the Etruscan town of Chiusi, which rises on a hill on the southern side of the Valdichiana. Between 7th and 5th century B. C. Chiusi got to its greatest splendour under the King Porsenna’s domination. Among the most interesting monuments to see in Chiusi we point out: the Cathedral, the Chiesa di San Francesco, the Bishop’s Palace, the Museo della Cattedra, the remains of the Fortress and Porsenna’s labyrinth. You then climb up to Città della Pieve, where are several important monuments from the 13th to 17th centuries. The town is the homeland of Perugino, the Maestro of Raphael. The city retains some of his most important works. Your overnight stay is in a **** star hotel

Distance: 30,4 km / 18,9 mi;  Ascent/Descent:  +625m –423m

You leave Città della Pieve and pedalling along a route with rises and dips until you reach first the small town of Fabbro and then Orvieto, an ancient town rich in art and culture. It is worthwhile to book an extra night in this lovely town. Interesting to visit is the Duomo, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture. Its façade is decorated with magnificent bas-reliefs and sculptures designed by the Senesce architect Lorenzo Maitani. Also not to be missed are the Pozzo di San Patrizio, a great work of hydro engineering built by request of Pope Clement VII to ensure a water supply to the town in the case of a siege. He had taken refuge in Orvieto  during the Sack of Rome in 1527.

Your overnight stay is in the historical centre of Orvieto at a *** or  **** star hotel

Distance: 42,8 km / 26,6 mi;  Ascent/Descent:  +721m –913m

Before leaving the splendid Umbrian town of Orvieto don’t forget to visit the Duomo, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture. Its façade is decorated with magnificent bas-reliefs and sculptures designed by the Sienese architect Lorenzo Maitani. Also not to be missed are the Pozzo di San Patrizio, a great work of hydro engineering. In the saddle once more, you leave Orvieto to reach a panoramic road by Lake Corbara. Pedal slowly, enjoy all the shades of colour nature offers you and stop to breathe the fresh air. Today’s ride finishes in Todi, which in 1992 Prof. Richard S. Levine of U.S. Kentucky University defined as “the most livable town in the world”.  Overnight stay in Todi at a *** or **** star hotel

Distance: 45,4 km / 28,2 mi;  Ascent/Descent:  +1014m –1035m

Also today, you pedal through a hilly landscape of farmed fields and vineyards to get to Bevagna. This charming medieval village, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, is rich in art, history and cultural events, which celebrate folklore and traditions (such as the ‘Mercato delle Gaite’). You can see the remains of the Roman forum and of a Roman temple with half columns and pilasters. Not far from this is the site of the Roman baths, of which the frigidarium remains.  The other buildings are of medieval and renaissance origin and demonstrate a perfect example of architectural harmony between the forces of municipal hegemony and ecclesiastical power. You will stay in the centre in a *** or **** star hotel

Distance: 33,1 km / 20,6 mi;  Ascent/Descent:  +735m –828m

Leaving Bevagna you go to Montefalco cycling through lush, fertile land which belongs to the Sagrantino DOCG area. This is a wine with definite character and intense flavour, which is famous worldwide. In addition, Montefalco is a hilltop town, called the balcony of the Valle Umbra, because of its stunning views over the valley. Then you descend into the valley and you pass Foligno, a lively town famous for its cosy restaurants and shopping streets. Your route takes you to Spello, another medieval town, which is well preserved, like Assisi. A panoramic road amongst olive groves will bring you back to Assisi, start point of this tour. 

Distance: 36,7 km / 22,8 mi;  Ascent/Descent:  +563m –388m

After breakfast ends your tour through the Umbrian & Tuscan lands.