Cycling in Umbria

Tuscany and Umbria are two of Italy's richest regions in art and culture. Brilliant works of the Renaissance, witnesses from the Etruscan times, as well as the mighty architecture of the Romanesque period are located on our way. Mediaeval town views, playful palaces with quiet inner courtyards harmonise with the natural beauty of the landscape. Furthermore, dense oak and chestnut woods alternate with olive groves and vineyards!

Route features:
Usually on flat and slightly hilly grounds. The towns of each stage are often located on a hill. Mostly field paths, and smaller roads with almost car-free side roads. Only short passages on roads with heavier traffic. At the end of the tour an easy hike about 2 1/2 hours.

Parking:
Parking places at the first hotel in limited number, approx. € 10.-- per day, no reservation possible!

Tour course:

1 st Day: Arrival in Florence
Individual arrival in Florence. Welcome event in the hotel by the travel courier and tour information.

2 nd Day: Through the Arno Valley to Arezzo approx. 45 km + train journey
By train to San Giovanni. You dive into the rural peace of the Arno Valley. Through Loro (one of Tuscany's most beautiful country churches – Pieve di Gropina) we follow an old pilgrimage route with a wonderful view on the Arno Valley and Arezzo.

3 rd Day: Arezzo and Lake Trasimeno approx. 60 km
We cycle in the flat Chiana Valley, accompanied by hill and mountain silhouettes of the southern Tuscany. You pass Cortona, up to the Trasimeno Lake, the battlefield where Hannibal fought against the Romans. Wonderful view over the Trasimeno Lake. Overnight stay in a village at the lake.

4 th Day: Passignano sul Trasimeno - Perugia approx. 35 km
Along the lake to Torricella. On small and secluded lanes to Perugia – through wide fields, softly hilly landscapes and idyllic villages. Time for visiting the cathedral S. Lorenzo, Palazzo dei Priori, Arco Etrusco!

5 th Day: In the Tiber Valley to Assisi approx. 30 km
We can visit an impressive tomb, an Etruscan necropolis, on the banks of the Tiber. One can already see the home town of St. Francis on the slopes of the mighty Monte Subasio. Over one of the most beautiful pilgrimage church Umbria`s, S. M. degli Angeli, we arrive the birth place of saint Franziskus, Assisi.

6 th Day: Assisi - Spoleto approx. 60 km
Along the slopes of Monte Subasio downhill to Spello, build completely from pink travertine. In Clitunno Valley the famous Piazza Silvestri in Bavagna, a mediaeval village market place in rural harmony. To Spoleto in the valley.

7 th Day: Hike on Monte Luco about 2 ½ hours
An impressive hike through a secluded mountain world with a fantastic view. One can see here thousands of orchids blossoming on the extended mountain fields in the spring. Return to Spoleto (individual city tour: cathedral, amphie-theatre, antique shops,…).

8 th Day: Departure
Individual departure, extension in Umbria or journey by train to Rome.

Schedule 2009:

Arrival every Saturday from 30.04. to 11.06. and 27.08 to 24.09.

Prices
single tour

basic price per person in a double room
€682/AU$1118

Single room surcharge
€187/AU$307

half board surcharge
not possible

rental bike (21 speed)
€56/AU$91

Accommodation category: 3*** and 4****

Extra nights
per person in
a double room

Kat.

Surcharges

single room

half board

Spoleto
€62/AU$101

4****

€28/AU$46

-

Florenz
€84/AU$138

3***

€30/AU$49

-

Included services on the individual tour

Personally tour information on spot
Accomodation in hotels of category 3- or 4****
Breakfast buffet or extended breakfast
Luggage transport from hotel to hotel
All transfers mentioned in the programme
At best elaborated route
Detailed travel documents, route cards, way describtion, sight-seeing, important telephone numbers
7-days-Service-Hotline