From Termoli on the Molise coast today we cycle into the foothills of the Majella Mountains on our way to Campobasso. After climbing up the low rises running parallel to the coast we slowly make our way along valley bottoms and rising crests. Along our way we pass through several scattered villages dotting the hill tops. Campobasso, capital city of the Molise Region, has a long history going back to Roman and medieval times. Most of the city’s main monuments date from more recent times, including the 14th century Castello Monforte.
Approx. distance: 55 Miles / 90 Km
Day 9: Campobasso to Majella Park (B, L)
From Campobasso we head into the Majella Mountains of this little known and thus largely unspoiled Molise Region. In order to get there we wind up our way through the deep Molise valleys into the green hills up through the small villages of Bagnoli del Trigno, Pietrabbondante and Castel di Sangro to Pescocostanzo. This is the country of fir trees, and the Abetina Rosello wilderness. On reaching the lower ranges of the Majella Mountains, the scenery changes dramatically to include some of the highest peaks of the Apennines, several jutting up to over 2,000m above sea level.
The Majella, known locally as ‘the Mother Mountain‘, is part of the Abruzzi Apennines, and is characterised by its high, imposing limestone peaks, which are deeply furrowed by yawning valleys, and culminates at Mount Amaro at 2,793m. With its extraordinarily wild nature and rich historical, archaeological and architectural features, it is a fundamental part of the world heritage of national parks. Here we pass through the main skiing area of Central Italy, characterised by several small sleepy villages. It is in this scenery that we reach our days’ accommodation, at Pescocostanzo.
Approx. distance: 70 Miles / 115 Km
Day 10: Majella Park to Santo Stefano (B, L)
On our second day cycling through the Majella Mountains, we will enjoy more amazing scenery as we admire the incredible geographical position, harshness, dense woodlands, abundant rivers and weather-erosion, which make the Majella region, along with the Gran Sasso, Laga’s Mountains Park, Sirente Velino Regional Park, a rare ‘hot spot’ for national biodiversity conservation which is precious for the many endangered plant and animal species, including wolves and bears.
But it is also a park of ancient hermitages, abbeys, stone huts and some wonderful historic terraced centres perched on the side of steep mountains. Our route today takes us through the Roman ‘municipio’ of Sulmona, birthplace of the Roman poet Ovidius, which remained an important town throughout the Middle Ages.
At the end of the day we reach our accommodation at Santo Stefano di Sessanio, arguably one of the most panoramic villages of the area. Tonight we stay in a centuries old ‘Palazzo‘, where we can sample the local fare in its cosy restaurant.
Approx. distance: 65 Miles / 105 Km
Day 11: Santo Stefano to Cagnano Amiterno (B, L)
Today we cycle through some of the most spectacular scenery of the Abruzzo Region, all the while remaining inside the park the Gran Sasso. From Santo Stefano di Sessanio we climb up to Campo Imperatore, the tall plateau – known as the ‘Little Tibet’ – situated underneath the imposing mass of the peaks of the Gran Sasso – literally meaning ‘Big Rock‘. Here horses and cattle freely roam the meadows, while on a good day, dozens of para gliders dot the sky.
From Campo Imperatore we reach the highest point of our journey at over 1,700m, all the while being surrounded by amazing panoramic views on the surrounding mountains. A swift descent into the territory of the town of L‘Aquila takes us to the little villages of Arischia and Pizzoli from where we reach our destination at Cagnano Amiterno.
Approx. distance: 50 Miles / 80 Km
Day 12: Cagnano Amiterno to Monteleone di Spoleto (B, L)
At last, a shorter day of cycling through the high Appenines of Central Italy takes us from the Abruzzo into the Umbria Region. Again this little known part of Italy presents us with beautiful scenery and wide panoramic views. As we leave our comfortable agriturismo in Cagnano Amiterno, we continue with some gentle climbing passing small villages. We stop mid-way in Leonessa, a small medieval town, nestled on the idyllic Apennine plateau in a splendid position below the towering Temirillo range. Stopping for coffee in the main piazza, we can enjoy this vibrant town, once a thriving market place for local crafts, such as weaving.
Setting off along the plateau, one last climb will lead us to our destination, Monteleone di Spoleto. We should arrive in time for our lunch, allowing time to rest and visit this small hamlet, part of the important pilgramage route of San Francesco di Assisi.
Approx. distance: 40 Miles / 60 Km
Day 13: Monteleone di Spoleto to Assisi (B)
Today is our last day of cycling in the Central Italian Appenines and what a ride to say farewell. From Monteleone di Spoleto we climb a little further before we start a breathtaking descent into Valle Norcia passing little village hamlets and enjoying the views of the deep valley and limestone cliffs surrounding us. From Sant‘anatolia di Narco, after a re-group and a coffee stop, we follow the valley bottom to the little town of Piedipaterno. From here we climb up one last time before descending into charming Spoleto, which we will spot from above, its castle dominating the hilltop on which the medieval part of the town is built.
We will have our lunch break here, allowing for a wander into the historical centre, as there is a lot to see in Spoleto, including the cathedral with its famous frescoes by the Florentine painter Filippo Lippi and the Roman house and theatre.
From Spoleto we enjoy a quiet cycle path running through the wide plain parallel to the Clitunno River taking us to the walled medieval town of Bevagne and then to our accommodation at Assisi, the city of Saint Francis.
Approx. distance: 65 Miles / 105 Km
Day 14: Rest Day: Assisi Non Riding Day (B)
At last a chance to rest the legs and explore Assisi, or making the most of your rest day simply relaxing at the hotel, and reflecting on your journey so far.
Assisi is above all a splendid city of art. It would be unforgivable to miss a short visit to its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We also visit the world famous Basilica (church) dedicated to the popular saint. Also just outside the walls, dominating the city, there is the magnificent castle Maggiore, rebuilt in 1367 on an earlier structure from 1174, of an ancient feudal castle.
Day 15: Assisi to Pienza (B)
Today we cycle through Umbria, the green heart of Italy and an ideal destination for those who enjoy responsible tourism, as it owns an enviable mix of history, nature and art. From Assisi we cycle east through the rolling hills past little sleepy villages. After crossing the Tevere River we cross the plains to reach the edge of the Trasimeno Lake. This lake played an important part in ancient Roman history, as it was the place of one of the battles between the Punic general Hannibal and the Romans.
From Castiglione del Lago, perched on the south shore of the lake, we continue towards Montepulciano, signaling our arrival in fabulous Tuscany. After Montepulciano we continue to Pienza in the Val d‘Orcia, a UNESCO Heritage site, arguably one of the most beautiful little towns of southern Tuscany, and our destination for the day.
Approx. distance: 77 Miles / 125 Km
Day 16: Pienza to Siena (B)
From Pienza this morning we head into one of the most scenic parts of Tuscany, cycling along the crests of the Crete Sienesi between San Giovanni d‘Asso, Asciano and Taverna d‘Arbia. This classical Tuscan landscape has been depicted in paintings by the Renaissance Master Leonardo da Vinci himself!
Do take your time to have a coffee or gelato in the old town of Asciano and don’t forget to stop often and drink in the sights along this roller coaster road of marvellous views. After passing Taverna d‘Arbia you cycle into Siena well in time to freshen up and go for a walk in the famous Tuscan town admiring its many sights, first amongst which is the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo.
Approx. distance: 43 Miles / 70 Km
Day 17: Siena to Chianti Region (B)
From Siena we head into another well known area of Tuscany, famous for its wines; the Chianti. On our way north, we cycle on the roads of the Eroica Gran Fondo, made famous by its many stretches of gravel roads – only optional for us! – the so-called Strade Bianche. Here we pass through the towns of Radda in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti and Panzano in Chianti.
All along our route we are greeted by extensive vineyards of San Giovese grapes stretching out on the alluvial hills, dotted with old farm houses and small hill top villages and hamlets. Our aim for the day is a cosy agriturismo on the border between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna, along the Arno River Valley.
Approx. distance: 50 Miles / 80 Kms
Day 18: Chianti region to Castrocaro Terme (B, L)
A last big effort and mountain stage of this great Italy traverse as you cross for the final time the Apennines riding down into the Emilia Romagna region. Leaving Chianti behind we head into the Appenini Emiliani on a gradual climb through a valley which then picks up for the last 10km. A long and beautiful descent will take you into Castrocaro Terme, on the outskirts of Forli. Time permitting, you can enjoy the spa facilities of the town.
Approx. distance: 68 Miles / 110 Kms
Day 19: Castrocaro Terme to Comacchio (B)
With the last of the mountains behind us we make our way towards Ravenna and then back onto the Adriatic Coast. The route alternates between coastal views, pine forests and the expanses of coastal resorts that line the Adriatic. We are entering the Parco Regionale del Po, a nature reserve area with wetlands and lagoons rich in birdlife and where local communities live off the fishing. Accommodation for tonight is in Comacchio, a small Venice, with canals and bridges. Famous for the ‘eels‘, we explore more local cuisine from yet another different region in Italy.
Approx. distance: 62 Miles / 100 Kms
Day 20: Comacchio to Chioggia (B, L)
For our last section of the Italian mainland we have chosen a route which meanders through the Parco Regionale Delta del Po, a wetland area rich in seabird life and a very different culture. In this area nature, history, fishing and agricultural tradition and art all intertwine. As we cycle along this last leg of Italy, we can appreciate how local Italians have had to adapt to their territory in such a way to make life sustainable. We will ride along embankments, fishing lagoons, past sand dunes and sandbars. The final section of the ride will lead us to Chioggia, right on the south part of Venetian lagoon. Coined as the ‘little Venice‘, we ride along canals and little bridges right on the edge of the lagoon, pausing for celebration and photos on the Ponte Vecchio of Chioggia.
This is the perfect spot to relax, gaze out onto the Venetian lagoon, and contemplate the incredible diversity of scenery, architecture, food and peoples that we have experienced so far, before tackling our Grande Finale tomorrow.
Approx. distance: 68 Miles / 110 Km
Day 21: Chiogga to Venice (B)
Our final riding day and we will take a ferry from Chioggia, first to the island of Pellestrina and then Lido di Venezia after. These islands close off the Venetian lagoon like the allungated pearls of a necklace, offering wide views alternately the Adriatic Sea and the lagoon itself. From Lido di Venezia, famous as the location of the Venice Film Festival, your vaporetto will take you through the Canal Grande along the world famous Piazza San Marco. This is definitely the best way to enter Venice! On arriving at the Tronchetto terminal you will be met by the support van for the short transfer to the Piazzale Roma from where you reach your Venetian hotel.
Approx. distance: 12 Miles / 20 Kms
Day 22: Departure, Venice Airport (B)
Today we leave our hotel and take the short 30 minute journey to Venice airport (VCE). Here we say our reluctant goodbyes as we return you home.
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Starting in the 'heel of Italy', the most south-eastern point of Italy at St Maria di Leuca, we have planned our 'perfect' route up the length of Italy. We've fitted an incredible amount into the itinerary, and you should be able to go home at the end of the tour having seen the best that Italy has to offer!
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