8 Day Self-Guided Cycling Holiday in Umbria, Italy: Diamond City and Hidden Villages
Self-Guided Cycling Holiday in Italy
Explore Umbria like never before. The first experiential self-guided tour that goes beyond simple tasting, for an authentic and multi-sensory adventure in the heart of Italy. Start your adventure now!
Key information
- Trip type: Self-guided
- Lodging: Point to Point
- Starts in: Gubbio
- Ends in: Spello
- Total distance: approximately 285 km / 459 miles
- Type of bike: mountain bike, e-mountain bike, gravel bike (rental available)
Highlights
- Breathe in the medieval atmosphere of Gubbio
- Let yourself be enchanted by the Giotto's frescoes in Assisi
- Tastings of Sagrantino wine in Montefalco and the gastronomic delights of Norcia
- Discover the charms of Rasiglia and the most beautiful villages in Italy
- Cycling along the old railway cycle path, between tunnels, history & natural landscapes
- 7 nights accommodation with breakfast
- Luggage transfers
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
Accommodation
You will stay at various accommodations (traditional farmhouses, convents converted into fascinating accommodation facilities, Country Houses, B&Bs in historic centers and villages) as follows:
- Gubbio - Hotel San Marco
- Assisi - Hotel Porta Nuova or Hotel Sorella Luna
- Cannara - Agriturismo Incanto della Natura
- Spoleto - Hotel dei Duchi
- Norcia - Casale nel Parco
- Sellano - Convento di Acqua Premula
- Spello - Il Cacciatore Hotel
Program
Your cycling highlights
Hidden treasures of Umbria
Be amazed by Rasiglia, the “Borgo delle Acque”, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Lose yourself in the streets of the village of Cannara, discover the art of majolica in Deruta. Stay in Sellano, one of the most fascinating and intact areas of the Umbrian Apennines, and then end the tour in Spello, another authentic pearl outside the commercial circuits.
Venture into the Spoleto-Norcia cycle path
An experience that combines adventure, nature, and history. Cross the dark tunnels lit only with your bike lights, the viaducts and bridges of the old railway, with views of the harmonious hills and the Apennines.
Multisensory experiences
While your taste and smell will be delighted by the cooking classes and local specialties, such as pork butchery and black truffle, your hands and eyes will be involved in the lively artisanal experiences of Deruta and Rasiglia.
Open badges
Complete the “Umbria: Diamond Cities and Hidden Villages” tour and earn an Open Badge, a digital recognition that celebrates your new skills and experiences acquired.
Who is this trip for?
- You want to experience an outdoor holiday
- Use a bicycle, even just for city commuting
- You are a lover of beauty, culture and history, interested in local traditions
- You love good food and good wine and want to experience Umbrian cuisine
- You want to live experiences as a protagonist
- Wish to experience life as a protagonist
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Gubbio
Arrival in the beautiful medieval town of Gubbio. Check-in will be followed by free time for participants to explore the town. In the afternoon, there will be a welcome meeting with a briefing and bike fitting, followed by a group dinner for icebreaking.
Day 2: Gubbio - Assisi
Approximately 52 km, 32 mi +867 mt.
The second day of the tour begins with a pleasant ride from Gubbio to Assisi, surrounded by the enchanting landscapes of Umbria. Arriving in Assisi, the group heads to the historic Basilica of St. Francis, a masterpiece of medieval art, where you can admire frescoes by Giotto and other notable artists. The day ends at a country house just outside Assisi, where you will stay and experience a cooking class, which will get you hands-on, before a well-deserved rest.
Route: From Gubbio, you’ll bike south, soon encountering the hills and woods of San Francesco. You continue on, penetrating between the valley of the Chiascio River and the castles set atop the slopes. You’ll reach Valfabbrica and then, from Pieve San Niccolò, the landscape opens up over the valleys among olive groves and vineyards to Assisi.
Optional: If you wish you can participate in an inspiring cooking class in the country house with a swimming pool, the enchanting place where you’ll sleep during the stage. In this way, you can discover the secrets of Umbrian cuisine, putting your hands onto pasta and savoring the authentic taste of local tradition.
Day 3: Assisi - Deruta - Cannara
Approximately 48 km, 30 mi +230 mt.
The third day of the tour will see you pedaling on a stage with little elevation gain to Deruta, famous for its craftsmanship in majolica production. You will explore the workshops, leaving you fascinated by local creativity.
You will continue through fascinating onion fields until you reach Cannara, the hometown of this vegetable.
Arriving in Cannara, soak up the atmosphere of a village that retains its connection to traditions, savoring authentic culinary delights. The evening is free to explore the town and its artistic and architectural treasures.
Route: You leave Assisi toward the plains, pedaling between the Chiascio and Topino streams through a rural landscape. At the foot of Torgiano, you meet the Tiber River, which leads you, following its course to Deruta. A small common stretch takes us back to the previous village, and then on to the foothills, to Cannara.
Optional: To end the day on a high note, you can visit the flavored oil mill that mixes the art of tradition with state-of-the-art tools.
Day 4: Cannara - Montefalco - Spoleto
Approximately 52 km, 32 mi +867 mt.
The fourth day will be dedicated to the combination of wine and landscapes.
Montefalco, the “Terrace of Umbria,” is your first stop, famous for Sagrantino. Here, visit historic wineries and be seduced by the intense flavors of the black grape variety.
Your journey continues through hills dotted with vineyards to Spoleto, where history embraces natural beauty. End the day admiring the majesty of the Bridge of Towers and immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of this culture-rich city. An experience that satisfies both palate and spirit.
Route: You begin your ride by riding along the comfortable Assisi-Spoleto bike path to Bevagna. A short but intense climb leads to Montefalco. You descend down the valley toward Tempietto sul Clitunno and reach Spoleto with a few unpaved sections among the olive trees. In the distance you can enjoy the view of the other villages crossed such as Assisi, Montefalco, and nearby Trevi.
Day 5: Spoleto - Norcia
About 46 km, 28,5 mi +900 mt
On the fifth day you will cycle along an old railway converted into a charming bike route, connecting Spoleto to the Valnerina through hills, tunnels, and viaducts.
Norcia, the birthplace of St. Benedict, is nestled between the Sibillini Mountains and surrounded by the beauty of the Valnerina. The home of the Black Truffle and the art of norcina will welcome you to an unforgettable spectacle of colors, scents, and flavors.
The evening will culminate in an unparalleled gastronomic experience with a themed dinner and the possibility of truffle tasting at a traditional agritourism.
Route: The now famous Spoleto-Norcia bike path is the star of the ride, allowing you to gradually climb in altitude despite the significant elevation gain. It is a route rich in works such as bridges, viaducts, and tunnels of the former railway that runs along the river for long stretches, with glimpses of the small villages, and buildings of historical and artistic interest that dot the Valnerina.
Day 6: Norcia - Sellano
About 45 km, 28 mi + 860 mt.
This stage of the tour is an opportunity to explore the true essence of Umbria, with its roads surrounded by bursting nature. The waterfalls of Lu Cugnuntu will give you a regenerating water show. You continue by talking about the thermal water of Triponzo and its benefits.
Your final destination is Sellano, a village that combines tradition and nature in an evocative embrace.
You will stay in the Convent of Acqua Premula, a very special accommodation, rich in history. Take advantage of this trip to discover the hidden beauty of authentic places off the conventional routes.
Route: The day takes you cycling in the most scenic and remote areas of the region, on the border between Marche and Umbria towards Preci. It then enters the Nera Valley on a slight descent, before entering the very green valley of the Vigi River and finally reaching Sellano.
Day 7: Sellano - Rasiglia - Spello
Approximately 42 km, 26 mi +740 mt
Your adventure continues from Norcia, the gastronomic paradise, to a stage immersed in the secret treasures of Umbria.
Pass through the picturesque villages of Villamagina, Casale, and Verchiano, where every stone tells ancient and authentic stories.
You will arrive shortly after at Rasiglia, the ”Umbrian Venice.”. The town, which retains the typical characteristics of a medieval village by gathering in an amphitheater-like structure, is most famous for its springs.
Route: Your last day on the pedals makes the most of the richly wooded valley towards Rasiglia. Next, the climb to Monte Castello gives a view of the Umbrian valley. From here, a fun descent leads to Foligno, where, skirting the historic center, you soon arrive in Spello.
One of the most beautiful abbeys in this area is that of Sassovivo, with its marvelous 12th-century marble cloister, built by Pietro di Maria, a Roman marble worker. Discover the history, testimonies, and curiosities of this historic and artistic monument, which was a residence and center of high spirituality.
The last stop, Foligno, has ancient origins traceable in elegant architecture and precious paintings.
Day 8: End of the tour, Spello
You end the tour in the magnificent Spello, which combines its medieval character, with winding alleys and ancient stone houses, with numerous vestiges of Roman times, such as the city walls, along the route of which the gates still well preserved, the remains of the theater, amphitheater and baths opened.
The discovery continues independently. Thank you and see you on the next adventure!
FAQ
How does the luggage transfer work?
The staff of Basecamp523 will pick up your luggage from the accommodation where you stayed and you will find it at your next destination.
Can I participate with my own bike?
Yes, if it is in good condition and suitable for the recommended itinerary.
Can I participate alone or is a group necessary?
You can participate alone by paying a supplement for a single room to be quoted based on the season. Send an inquiry to Basecamp 523 if you have any questions.
What happens in case of bad weather?
If there are weather alerts that do not allow cycling, the staff of Basecamp523 will strive to facilitate movements to the next destination.
Bikes available for rent
- Bianchi T-Tronik Rebel 9.1 (e-mountain bike, multiple size)
- Cinelli Zydeco LaLa (gravel bike, multiple size)
- Cinelli Zydeco (gravel bike, multiple size)
- Bianchi T-Tronik Sport 9.2 (MTB hardtail, multiple size)
Location
Explore Umbria like never before...
Breathe in the medieval atmosphere of Gubbio and let yourself go to enchant from Giotto’s frescoes in Assisi.
Live the food and wine experience of Umbria: during this tour, you will be able to taste the prestigious Sagrantino wine in Montefalco and delight your palate with the gastronomic delicacies of Norcia, home of the black truffle.
Stay in suggestive structures, such as converted convents and traditional Umbrian farmhouses, with the possibility of enriching your trip with experiences, such as visits to oil mills, artisan workshops, and traditional cooking lessons.
Explore Rasiglia, known as the “Borgo delle Acque”, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and be captured by the charm of unique villages such as Cannara, Deruta, Sellano, and Spello, authentic pearls outside the commercial circuits.
Experience the thrill of cycling on the famous Spoleto-Norcia cycle path: a cycling adventure along the old railway, among suggestive tunnels, history, and natural landscapes that paint the perfect picture of this fascinating region.
Food
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
What's included
- 7 nights accommodation with breakfast
- Luggage transfer
- Third-party civil liability coverage, medical expenses and lost baggage for residents in Italy
What's not included
- Extra activities
- Bike and accessories rental
- Overnight stay tax (around 1 or 2 EUR per night)
- Drinks with meals
- Any other service not included in "The price includes"
- Bike rental
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Federico Fellini International Airport
74 km
Transfer not provided
Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi – Umbria International Airport
28 km
Transfer not provided
Ancona Falconara Airport
69 km
Transfer not provided
Driving directions from the North
- A14 Adriatica motorway, exit at Fano and continue towards (Rome) - Gubbio
- A1 del Sole motorway, exit at Arezzo and continue towards (Città di Castello) - Gubbio
Driving directions from the South
- A1 del Sole motorway, exit at Orte towards Perugia - Cesena until the exit for Gubbio A14 Adriatica motorway
- Exit at Ancona - Nord and continue towards (Jesi - Fabriano) - Gubbio
Arrival by airplane
The meeting point is Gubbio. Please book your flight to arrive at Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi – Umbria International Airport (PEG), Federico Fellini International Airport (RMI), or Ancona Falconara Airport (AOI). Airport transfer is not included in the price.
Arrival by train
Rome – Ancona railway line: Fossato di Vico/Gubbio station, connected by bus service (18 km from Gubbio)
Florence – Terentola – Perugia railway line Perugia/Fontivegge station connected by bus service (40 km from Gubbio). Train timetables can be found online
Arrival by bus
FS BusItalia has connections with Perugia, Fossato di Vico station, Gualdo Tadino, Umbertide, Città di Castello and other localities and hamlets of the Municipality of Gubbio and the Province of Perugia.
Sulga has connections with Rome – Tiburtina Station and Fiumicino Airport.
Autolinee Giovanini has connections with the municipalities of the tourist area.
Check their websites for more information.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.