Arrival in Spello

You are met at the Foligno train station in the late afternoon and transferred to your hotel before dinner.

Spello to Spoleto; 36km/22mi

Today is level cycling most of the way along the Teverone Valley with some of the best views of the week. The short uphill detour to Trevi is strongly recommended, where you find a beautiful hilltop village dating back to Roman times—and the capital of the Umbrian olive oil industry. Finally through ancient San Giacomo and on to a most hospitable hotel just outside of the city of Spoleto.

Layover Day at Spoleto

The hotel here is just under two miles from the fascinating historic city of Spoleto. Apart from being a great art center, Spoleto can claim buildings seemingly reflecting every major architectural style in history, including a Roman arch, a 10th-century church, 12th-century duomo, and an over 200-foot high 14th-century aqueduct. The castle here was a former prison and now houses an impressive art museum. You can find ample quaint cobbled squares crammed with traditional trattorias where you can linger over lunch.

Spoleto to Bevagna; 32km/20mi or 34km/21mi

The wines of Montefalco are known throughout the world, in particular the fine red Sagrantino. There is a climb up to the old village itself, “the Balcony of Umbria,” but you are well rewarded with wine tasting, magnificent views, and beautiful medieval streets. Afterward, it is all downhill from here, past lush green fields, poppies, and buttercups, with splendid views over Bevagna, Monte Cucco, and the Marche Apennines beyond. You can step onto a fabulous panoramic terrace for predinner drinks with views across the entire valley.

Layover Day at Bevagna

This morning you may want to wander into the medieval walled town of Bevagna, a gem in Umbria. Options include a visit of the 13th-century Gothic Palazzo dei Consoli, the golden medieval theater, or the 2nd-century Roman temple and baths that include a spectacular lobster mosaic. After, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the pool with sleepy views over the “‘green heart of Italy,” the dreamy Umbrian countryside.

Bevagna to Ripa; 33km/21mi or 49km/31mi

Not long after leaving Bevagna this morning, you find yourself freewheeling down into the tiny, circular walled village of Torre del Colle with its photogenic little streets. Then flat cycling takes you across the plain into the old wine town of Torgiano with its famous Lungarotti cellars. There is time for a visit and some tasting before cycling on the “Wine and Art Road” to Brufa, perhaps stopping to try some of the local olive oil.

Layover day at Ripa

Today is a rest day and you may enjoy the peace and stunning views of your beautifully restored hotel set on the slopes of Ripa’s ancient castle, across the valley from Assisi.

Ripa to Spello; 26km/16mi

Your last day cycling takes you through the Chiasco Valley, on country lanes passing sunflower fields, ochre-colored farmhouses, and meadows redolent with wild apricots and figs. Enjoy spectacular views of St. Francis’ Basilica as you approach Assisi, a perfect lunch spot for today, before cycling on along the lovely traffic-free Via degli Ulivi, which as its name “the Olive Way” implies, takes you through olive groves to the beautifully preserved Roman and medieval town of Spello.

Departure from Spello

A transfer is provided to the Foligno train station after breakfast to catch the train to Rome or your next destination.