Umbria - From Orvieto to Torgiano

Arrival in Orvieto. (transfer on your own to the hotel), The city, looming ahead on its strange plateau, crowned by the cathedral of Santa Maria, is considered by one and all to be among the very finest churches in all of Europe. Orientation and bicycle set up in the evening.

Today the bike ride highlight is visiting Civita di Bagnoregio. The town is noted for its striking position atop a plateau of friable volcanic tuff overlooking the Tiber River Valley, which is in constant danger of destruction as its edges fall off, leaving the buildings on the plateau to crumble. As of 2004, there are plans to reinforce the plateau with steel rods to prevent further geological damage. The city is also much admired for its architecture, some spanning several hundred years. Civita di Bagnoregio owes much of its unaltered condition to its relative isolation: the town was able to withstand most intrusions of modernity as well as the destruction brought by two world wars. The population today varies from about 12 people in winter to over 100 in the summer.

Distance : 41 Km (25 mi).

Elevation : 649m

At the end of this unique excursion you will take the customary uphill incline leading into Todi, whose proximity is heralded by the wonderful Santa Maria della Consolazione, a magnificent Renaissance church set amidst shrubs and treetops on the outskirts of town. Todi still has almost all of its medieval walls, and its pristine charm has made it a favorite country home of wealthy Romans and artists, as well as a host of artisans who have enlivened its streets with their shop.

Distance : 45 Km (29 mi).

Elevation : 998m

Today is dedicated to the quintessential Umbrian delicacy : the medieval hilltop town. After bidding farewell to Todi, you're off to visit Trevi, which rises up on a hill dominating the plain where the river Clitunno flows, between Foligno and Spoleto.

The destination is The Balcony of Umbria: Montefalco. Extremely tiny, it occupies a hilltop placed so strategically that majestic views are available at the end of every street. Along the way, you breeze past a few isolated rural churches and through a couple of towns too small to even make it onto the map. Among the most important typical products in the city we should absolutely mention the Sagrantino of Montefalco wine. The cultivation of vineyards in this territory, in particular Sangiovese, dates back to the pre-Roman era.

Distance : 46 Km (28 mi) / 66km (41mi).

Elevation : 906m / 1260m

Along the way, you breeze past a few isolated rural churches and through a couple of towns too small to even make it onto the map. The first big church is Madonna delle Stelle 7km from the departure. Today has very gentle hills and partially flat terrain. The highlight is the visit of Spoleto, within its wooded setting, is the loveliest of the Umbrian hilltop towns. Its urban atmosphere is enhanced by its superb monuments and by the Festival dei due Mondi, Europeas leading arts festival is held in June and July. Come back in time for a wine tasting in Montefalco, the area is famous for the Sagrantino Wine.

Distance : 56 Km (35 mi).

Elevation : 633m

Today is expressly designed to allow you plenty of time in Assisi. You begin with a nice downhill ride into Bevagna But you'll surely want to stop in this picturesque hamlet at whose nucleus is one of the most authentic Romanesque town squares in Italy.

Next is Spello, not-to-be missed: among the neighboring cities, this is surely the one which preserves the major number of monuments testifying to the Roman era; for example, the town walls, which later became the foundations for the medieval walls, the ruins of the theater and the amphitheater, the thermal baths and the splendid town portals

A short climb up to the Assisi, hometown of Saint Francis, perched on an outcrop overlooking the valley, gleaming soft pink against the dark-green backdrop of wild Mount Subasio. You'll want to explore the city's revered and very beautiful churches, its romantic castle and impossibly narrow streets, visit Saint Mary of the Angels built in the 16th century, it houses the very ancient Porziuncola, a tiny rustic chapel where the saint founded the first Franciscan friary.

Enjoy the downhill form Assisi to valley and 10 miles later you arrive at the beautiful tiny village of Torgiano.

Distance : 54 Km (34 mi).

Elevation : 470m

Departure after breakfast or an optional short bike ride to Deruta. The little excursion allows you to visit the pottery and artistic majolica town. Deruta ceramics are a milestone in the history of Italian pottery. They gained worldwide fame during the Renaissance thanks to their creative and qualitative excellence. Back to hotel where you leave bikes and finish your trip.

You can take a train or a cab to Perugia train station where you can find a train to Rome (about 2h30) and Florence (2h15) or other destination. (Depart on your own).