Overview
A week of winding trails and wine-filled wanderlust, cycling in Umbria. This is a journey through some of Italy’s most handsome medieval cultural heritage, with ancient towns such as Montefalco, renowned for its wines, Torgiano and Assisi, all glorious features on this carefully-crafted itinerary. Starting in Spello, in the heart of Umbria and finishing in Spoleto, a magnificent Roman and medieval hilltop town, this tour follows in the footsteps of Frances of Assisi, who may not have been on an e-bike, but will no doubt have received a similar warm, Umbrian welcome.
- Spello
- Assisi
- Bevagna
- Torgiano
- Spoleto Cathedral
- Wines of Montefalco
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Spello
After arriving in Spello, in the heart of Umbria, spend some time strolling through its cobblestone streets, past ancient stone walls adorned with flowers. Visit the town’s many gates, including Porta Consolare and Porta di Venere or explore Palazzo Urbani-Acuti, the former residence of several important noble families over the years.
- Accommodation: Albergo Il Cacciatore or similar in Spello
Day 2: Spello – Assisi I 25km
Today’s cycling route begins with a brief yet demanding ascent to the village of Collepino, which boasts views over the Italian countryside, featuring rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves. Continuing along the main asphalt road, traverse the undulating terrain around Mount Subasio before arriving in Assisi, where you can visit the medieval castle of Rocca Maggiore.
- Cycling for the day: 25km, ↑575m, ↓440m
- Accommodation: Hotel Porta Nuova or similar in Assisi
Day 3: Circular route from Assisi I 40km
Begin the morning descending along quiet roads lined with olive groves before following the river towards Torgiano, renowned for its wine and olive oil. Take a break to visit the Wine Museum of Torgiano and indulge in a tasting of locally-produced red wines, before heading back towards Assisi along quiet country roads, often adorned with sunflowers in spring and summer months.
- Cycling for the day: 40km, ↑310m, ↓310m
- Accommodation: Hotel Porta Nuova in Assisi
Day 4: Assisi – Bevagna I 30km
Today’s route begins by heading towards the medieval town of Cannara, pausing for a brief visit before continuing alongside the Topino River towards Bevagna. Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering around the medieval streets and visiting the sights of this historical town.
- Cycling for the day: 30km, ↑150m, ↓300m
- Accommodation: Residenza Porta Guelfa or similar in Bevagna
Day 5: Circular route from Bevagna I 30km
Cycle along La Strada del Sagrantino, a route synonymous with some of Umbria’s most renowned wines, including Rosso di Montefalco and Sagrantino di Montefalco. From here, a challenging uphill section leads to Montefalco, sometimes called the balcony of Umbria thanks to its panoramic views over vineyards and unique Umbrian environs.
- Cycling for the day: 30km, ↑385m, ↓385m
- Accommodation: Residenza Porta Guelfa or similar in Bevagna
Day 6: Bevagna – Spoleto I 38km
Begin the morning cycling through the Umbrian hills before arriving in Spoleto, a medieval town steeped in artistic heritage and vibrant cultural life. After taking a break for lunch in one of the local restaurants, spend the afternoon exploring the historic centre, including the impressive cathedral and Rocca Albornoziana, an imposing fortress perched on top of Colle Sant’Elia, strategically towering over the whole Spoleto Valley. Don’t miss the chance to sample local cuisine, including the prized black Norcia truffle or the Val Tiberina white truffle, essential ingredients for the region’s dishes.
- Cycling for the day: 38km, ↑250m, ↓135m
- Accommodation: Hotel Dei Duchi or similar in Spoleto
Day 7: Departure
Departure after breakfast.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of mostly small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs and traditional guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view default hotels
- Albergo Il Cacciatore (Spello)
- Hotel Porta Nuova (Assisi)
- Residenza Porta Guelfa (Bevagna)
- Hotel Dei Duchi (Spoleto)
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days. When no restaurant location is available en route, lunches and snacks can either be bought from local shops or packed lunches can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before. Dinner is available either at the accommodation or from restaurants in the local area.
Difficulty and terrain
This tour is rated easy-moderate, especially as it is on an e-bike, with some sections involving long, gradual ascents as well as some steeper short ascents. Most cycling is on paved roads, although some sections encounter unpaved roads with daily cycling distances of 25-40km (read more about difficulty grades).
When to go
This trip is available from the beginning of April until the end of October. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means there are no fixed dates, meaning you can start your trip on any date during the season.
If arriving during July and August, we advise cycling early in the morning to avoid the midday heat. Availability in Spoleto can be challenging around the Festival of Spoleto, which is held each year around the first two weeks of July. There may also be a supplement to pay during this period.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended arrival airport for this holiday is Perugia Airport (PEG). Florence Airport (FLR), Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA) are also well-connected to the area.
By train or bus
If you are able to travel to Italy without flying, this holiday is reachable by rail, with railway stations in Spello and Spoleto. For more details, see the national rail operator Trenitalia.
Arrival: If flying, Spello is easily reachable by train from Rome (2h), Florence (2h 40mins) and Perugia (30mins). For more information and tickets, visit Trenitalia or use the Omio planner above.
Departure: From Spoleto, there are regular train services to Rome (1h 40mins), Florence (2h) and Perugia (1h). For more information and tickets visit Trenitalia or use the Omio planner above.
Inclusions
Included
- 6 nights in private en-suite rooms
- 6 breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations (one piece per person up to 20kg and with dimensions no larger than 65x50x40cm)
- Digital pre-departure holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions and maps
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Additional luggage
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist tax and entrance fees (payable locally)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers. However, a supplement will be charged as the cost of rooms and also luggage or private transfers (when applicable) is not shared. Please note that solo travellers are always accommodated in their own room. For logistical reasons, we don’t offer an option for solo travellers to share rooms with other solo travellers.
- Airport transfers to/from Perugia Airport
- Printed copy of tour materials
- Extra nights
- E-bike rental
- Helmet rental
E-bike rental
MTF Hill 7.3 electric mountain bikes are available to rent on this tour. All bicycles are equipped with a phone holder, a rear side bag, a repair kit and a padlock. Helmets are not included but can be additionally booked. Sample pictures attached below, please note that the exact models may differ depending on availability, but the standard will be the same.
MTF Hill 7.3 electric mountain bike
- Frame: 6061 aluminium
- Gearbox: SHIMANO Deore SL-M6000 10-speed
- Brakes: SHIMANO BR-MT401
- Bike weight: 22.8kg
- Battery: Samsung 25Ah – 900Wh
- Engine: Bafang M500 250W / max 500W – 95Nm
- Autonomy: 130km
