Tuscany & Umbria Hike & Bike
Food & Wine Adventure
Itinerary
Day 1: We will meet you at 1:00 PM either in the town of Pienza if you have arrived the day before or in the nearby rail station at Chiusi. That afternoon we have a walk in the hills surrounding the ancient town of Pienza, where we'll visit a local pecorino sheep's cheese farm. Pienza is an amazing town with a view over the entire Val d'Orcia below and we'll enjoy a meal at our hotel that overlooks the valley, accompanied by a Tuscan wine tasting.
Day 2: Today we start with a short shuttle to Montepulciano, one of the neatest towns in Tuscany, with time to explore the winding streets. We than walk through the countryisde to the small walled village of Monticchiello, where you'll have a chance to meet our friend Daria, a sommelier and cafe owner, and learn about the local Vino Nobile and Brunello wines. Those who want a workout can continue on foot up the hill back to Pienza while others can choose to jump in the van. That evening we eat a delicious Italian meal in the old part of town at a casual eatery well known to the locals.
Day 3: We walk towards the west, following dirt roads and farmer's paths to the Roman town Bagno Vignoni. The town is known for its natural hotsprings and you can choose to soak in the local spa if you choose. We'll jump in the van for a shuttle to our hotel in the agriturismo Pieve a Salti, one of our favorite hotels in the area for its friendly staff, beautiful views, and delicious meals serving products fresh from its fields.
Day 4: This is our first biking day and we start with a shuttle from Tuscany to Umbria and the wine town of Torgiano, where we'll pick up our bikes. You'll have three routes from which to choose to get to our resting place in Spello and so can put in as many kilometers as you wish. All three routes cross the flat Umbrian plain, with the longer routes including climbs to nearby hilltop towns. In Spello we check into our hotel before heading to dinner, followed by an after-dinner gelato.
Day 5: Today you'll find out why we bike in Umbria. We start with an incredible, mostly-flat ride across a hillside through olive groves. We stop for a tour and tasting at a local olive mill - the bruschetta with fresh olive oil is amazing. We then continue to Assisi, home of Saint Francis and a town full of winding streets and amazing architecture. For those interested in a longer ride, we head down into the valley to the Roman trading town of Bevagna and an optional stop at Arnoldo Caprai winery. After dinner, we take an evening walk through the streets of Spello to see how the Italians live.
Day 6: Today we bicycle through the flat valley straight to the larger city of Spoleto. Those wanting an easier option will find today's route to be idea. Those looking for a challenge can choose to take side trips to Montefalco (center of the famous Sagrantino wine) or Trevi (olive oil town). In Spoleto, we have a walking tour of town follwed by an Italian cooking class in our hotel.
Day 7: On our final morning we have three optional loop rides through the southern Umbria countryside. These are actually some of our favorite rides for the empty roads and beautiful scenery. We end the tour with a shuttle to the train station, where you can continue on your travels in Italy or home.