dossier

Aspects of Assisi Cycling

ASPECTS OF ASSISI CYCLING | WHERE YOU STAY

La Bastiglia  ****
Spello  Days 1+8

The Hotel La Bastiglia is mentioned in many important hotel guides, well known for it's gastronomic cuisine and beautiful setting at the foot of Mount Subasio, the enchanted mountain of Saint Francis. Originally an ancient mill the hotel has been lovingly restored and transformed into an unforgettable place to stay. There are 33 rooms divided into three categories, many overlooking the typical Umbrian landscape of cypress trees and olive groves. The restaurant, serves a mix of ancient recipes and modern creations using the freshest ingredients. On display inside the hotel there is a collection of ceramics, antique furniture and important paintings from the private collection of Schifano and Norberto.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 1 Arrive at Spello

We meet you at Foligno station and take you (20 mins) to picturesque Spello in time for dinner in your hotel's atmospheric restaurant.

Day 2 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. We strongly recommend the short uphill detour to Trevi, a beautiful hilltop village dating back to Roman times and capital of the Umbrian olive oil industry. Finally through ancient San Giacomo and on to one of the friendliest hotels we've every stayed in just outside Spoleto.

Hotel LaMacchia  ***
Spoleto  Days 2+3

Hotel La Macchia, painted a pretty pink, is a small family run hotel with only 11 rooms, located up a quiet country road just outside Spoleto.

All the rooms have ensuite facilities and are named after different flowers with color schemes inside to match their floral namesake. They also have tv, hairdryer, mini bar and air conditioning.

Day 3 At Spello

Our hotel here is just 3km/2mi from the fascinating historic city of Spoleto. Apart from being a great art city, Spoleto has buildings seemingly reflecting every major architectural style in history, including a Roman arch, a 10C church, 12C Duomo and a 80m high 14C aqueduct. The castle here was a former prison and now houses an impressive art museum. Lots of lovely cobbled squares crammed with traditional trattorie for lunch.

Day 4   Spoleto to Bevagna 36km/22mi

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 winetasting, magnificent views and beautiful medieval streets. All downhill from here through lush green fields, poppies and buttercups with splendid views over Bevagna, Monte Cucco and the Marche Apennines beyond. Fabulous panoramic terrace for pre-dinner drinks - views across the entire valley.

Poggio dei Pettirossi  ***
Bevagna   Days 4+5

This lovely 3* hotel - a former agriturismo - is nestled on the hillside overlooking Bevagna, with stunning panoramic views. The rooms are like a row of little cottages, each with its own entrance. All rooms are ensuite with satellite television, minibar and safe.

Day 5 At Bevagna

This morning maybe wander into the medieval walled town of Bevagna, our absolute favourite in Umbria. Perhaps visit the 13C Gothic Palazzo dei Consoli, the golden medieval theatre, or the 2C Roman temple and baths that include a spectacular lobster mosaic. And then enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the pool with sleepy views over the ‘green heart of Italy’, the dreamy Umbrian countryside

Day 6  Bevagna to Ripa 39km/25mi or 52km/33mi

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 across the plain into the old wine town of Torgiano with its famous Lungarotti cellars. 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.

Ripa Relais Colle del Sole  AAAA
Ripa  Days 6+7

Set on the slopes of Ripa’s ancient castle and lying just across the valley from Assisi, the Ripa Relais is the ideal place to relax, unwind and regenerate yourself. With 16 stylish rooms spread between three farmhouses buildings, each lovingly restored whilst preserving the essence and appearance of ancient times. The rooms stand out for their attention to detail, from the wooden beams and beds made with wrought iron furniture, to the quilts and curtains embroidered with cloth from Montefalco. Rooms come fully equipped with airconditioning, TV, minibar, radio, direct-dial phone, hairdryer, alarm clock and internet.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 7 At Ripa

Your luxury hotel here has a wonderful panoramic pool and terrace overlooking the stunning Chiona Valley if you just fancy a lazy day.  Alternatively, you can take the local bus or taxi (approx 25 mins) to the university town of Perugia, famous for one of Italy's finest art collections.  Or cycle to Assisi - you will pass through tomorrow, however, there's a great deal to see (the beautiful Piazza del Comune, the 13C Giotto frescoes and well-preserved temple of Minerva) so the short ride is well worth while.

Day 8   Ripa/Spello 26km/16mi 

Your last day’s 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 Saint Francis’ Basilica as you approach Assisi, your lunch spot for today, before cycling on along the lovely Via degli Ulivi and through olive groves back to Spello.

Day 9 Leave Spello

Leave Spello after breakfast for train back to Rome and flights home.  Alternatively, perhaps spend extra nights in Rome - we can arrange these for you.

Note: Please note that starting in Spring 2011, cycling helmets are compulsary for children under 16.  As we cannot provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own.

For extra nights we recommend Spello, Spoleto, Perugia or Rome.