The Wine Trails of Umbria Cycling

Discover the town’s Roman theatre, 12th century Duomo and impressive 14th century viaduct that bridges the valley with spectacular views.

A gentle ride to start the week’s cycling as you pass the idyllic Fonti di Clitunno, a sacred place of worship to both the Pagans and the Romans. Continue through the valley past sunflower fields and vineyards, with a stunning backdrop of the Teverone hills, before continuing to the medieval town of Spello, with its cobbled streets resplendent with colourful flower boxes.

Pedal along the Topino river to your first stop of the day, the walled town of Bevagna, home to the 13th century Gothic Palazzo dei Consoli, the golden medieval theatre and Roman temple and baths. Then follow the famous wine route, the ‘Strada del Sagrantino’ uphill to the wine village of Montefalco, known as the balcony of Umbria for its superb panorama. A downhill whizz takes you back on the road to Spello.

Head past olive groves to the medieval, walled village of Cannara, renowned throughout Italy for its red onion festival! There’s the option to detour to the medieval hilltop town of Bettona, known as the ‘Etruscan balcony’ for its superb views and Etruscan origins. End the day in the old wine town of Torgiano, famous for its Lungarotti cellars.

Lots of options today. Visit the wine and olive oil museum – with tastings – in Torgiano’s centro storico, cycle a circular route to the local ceramics capital of Deruta, or take a taxi to Perugia, capital of Umbria and famous for one of Italy’s finest art collections.

Cycle to the sleepy village of Brufa, with its quirky contemporary sculptures perched high on the hilltop, then continue through vineyards, olive groves and wheat fields, before a final climb up to majestic Assisi.

There’s so much to explore in Assisi with its beautiful Piazza del Comune, the 13th century Giotto frescoes and of course, the UNESCO recognised basilica. It’s a short ride (elevation profile below) to Sta Maria degli Angeli to visit its impressive 16th century basilica, or walk up through woods to the Eremo delle Carceri – St Francis’ hermitage – on the flanks of Monte Subasio. Die hard cyclists can take the challenging climb along the Via degli Ulivi to the hilltop, pink hued village of Collepino, for superb views over the entire valley.