Cycling in Umbria and Lazio by E-bike: Cammino dei Borghi Silenti and Lake Bolsena

Day 1: Arrival in Orvieto

Arrive in Orvieto, a fortified medieval town built on a volcanic tuff plateau in Umbria. Enclosed by defensive walls, it’s known for its 14th-century cathedral with the most stunning facade, all crafted with mosaic. The town is also famous for the Pozzo di San Patrizio, or St Patrick’s Well and a network of tunnels, a masterpiece of Renaissance engineering which you can visit. You may want a glass of wine after that, another reason why the city is so famous.

• Accommodation: Casa Vèra or similar in Orvieto
• Optional hotel upgrade: Virgilio Boutique Hotel or similar in Orvieto

Day 2: Orvieto – Morre | 33km

You are transferred to Tenaglie to collect your e-bike, guidebook and paper credential from the dedicated Cammino dei Borghi Silenti shop before heading along the first section of the camino. This takes you through the small villages of Guardea, Santa Restituta, Toscolano and Melezzole. Continue following the ascending trail to Mount Croce, reaching the highest point of the route at around 1,000m above sea level, where you get some great views across the Tyrrhenian Sea on clear days. The trail descends through another forest as far as Morre, where you spend the night. Morre is an ancient Roman hamlet surrounded by farmlands and blackberry bushes, the latter giving the hamlet its name.

• Cycling for the day: 33km, 4h ↑866m ↓678m
• Accommodation: Agriturismo Cerqueti or similar in Morre

Day 3: Morre – Civitella del Lago | 26km

Begin with a panoramic descent through the Gorges of Forello before a challenging ascent to Civitella del Lago, where a well-deserved break awaits. The town is also called the Terrace over Lake Corbara, as it offers the best panoramic views over the lake.

• Cycling for the day: 26km, 3h 30mins ↑593m ↓776m
• Accommodation: Agriturismo Il Casanova or similar near Civitella del Lago

Day 4: Civitella del Lago – Tenaglie | 23km

The scenery shifts to a landscape of olive groves, vineyards and win eries with Lake Corbara providing the perfect backdrop. The route takes you past two ancient sites, the Etruscan Necropolis of San Lorenzo, dating back to 800BC and the village of Montecchio. The latter is known for its 11th-century castle, medieval fortifications and is also recognised as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages by the I Borghi più Belli d’Italia association. From here, the trail returns to Tenaglie, with time for a photo by the Pilgrim Benches to mark the end of the journey, before meeting your driver for the trip back to your accommodation in Orvieto.

• Cycling for the day: 23km, 3h ↑282m ↓589m
• Accommodation: Casa Vèra or similar in Orvieto
• Optional hotel upgrade: Virgilio Boutique Hotel or similar in Orvieto

Day 5: Orvieto – Bolsena | 21km

Collect your new e-bikes from the rental shop and leave Orvieto. The route takes you through valleys shaped by centuries of agricultural activity and settlements. Approaching Bolsena, the landscape transitions into a wide volcanic basin with low ridgelines, tracing the edges of the ancient Vulsini caldera, which has been filled with water over the years to create Lake Bolsena. Spend the night in Bolsena, a stunning lakeside town.

• Cycling for the day: 21km, 3h ↑500m ↓508m
• Accommodation: Casale 1541 or similar in Bolsena

Day 6: Bolsena – Capodimonte | 41km

The day begins with a steady ascent following the Via Francigena to the medieval town of San Lorenzo before continuing over hills to the towns of Gradoli and Latera, then through ancient olive groves, countryside to the shores of Lake Bolsena. The day ends in Capodimonte, a lakeside village with Rocca Farnese fortress, narrow stone streets and lakeside views. Depending on availability, you might spend the night in Marta instead of Capodimonte

• Cycling for the day: 41km, 5h ↑833m ↓807m
• Accommodation: Hotel Ristorante da Otello or similar in Marta or the nearby area

Day 7: Capodimonte – Civita di Bagnoregio | 36km

From Capodimonte, cycle through Marta before gradually ascending on a route with sweeping views of the lake. As you get close to Montefiascone, the trail climbs steadily, revealing the dome of San Flaviano and the town’s outline. The final ascent is tougher but it has vast panoramic views before reaching Montefiascone, famous for its Est! Est!! Est!!! wine, cathedral and viewpoints stretching from Lake Bolsena to the Apennines. Rejoin the Via Francigena and cycle to Civita di Bagnoregio, which is perched on a plateau, reachable only by footbridge, and known as the Dying City for its erosion-scarred cliffs. Despite this, it has stood since Etruscan times and remains an architectural wonder.

• Cycling for the day: 36km, 4h ↑604m ↓535m
• Accommodation: Acqua di Civita Rooms or similar in Civita di Bagnoregio
• Optional hotel upgrade: Corte della Maestà in Civita di Bagnoregio

Day 8: Civita di Bagnoregio – Orvieto | 24km

Cycle to the ancient hilltop town of village of Lubriano, then continue following the route to Canale. The approach to Orvieto follows a gradual ascent as the landscape shifts toward the volcanic plateau where the town is located. The route also takes you past remnants of Etruscan tombs and other historical features, as Orvieto’s medieval walls begin to appear in the distance. Return your e-bikes and enjoy your final dinner with an option, as always, for a glass of fine Orvieto wine.

• Cycling for the day: 24km, 3h 30mins ↑632m ↓737m
• Accommodation: Casa Vèra or similar in Orvieto
• Optional hotel upgrade: Virgilio Boutique Hotel or similar in Orvieto

Day 9: Departure

Departure after breakfast.