Florence to Rome by Bike
8 Days Starting in Florence and ending in Rome
Visiting: Italy
Tour Overview
A cycle journey through the 'green heart' of Italy, from the enchanting city of Florence to the nation's capital Rome. The contrasts are very noticeable as you leave behind Tuscany and arrive in the peaceful and mystical Umbria. As you cycle approximately 290km you will see cities like Assisi, Perugia, Spoleto and Terni, displaying an incredible wealth of art treasures, which take their visitors back to the Middle Ages. The cities have barely changed over the centuries and the rolling landscape dotted with vineyards and hilltop towns will give you an appreciation of why the area is so popular with painters. On mostly backroads the route winds through the valleys of the Apennines and gentle hills near to Trasimeno Lake. At the end, the Eternal City of Rome awaits you, a fitting end to this exhilarating Italian journey by bike.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Florence
Arrive Florence. On arrival at the hotel you will receive tour documentation including your train ticket to Arezzo and details about the bike hand over and tour briefing tomorrow in Arezzo. In the afternoon and evening you are otherwise free to explore this beautiful city.
Day 2 : Train To Arezzo Then Cycle To Trasimeno Lake (60Km/37Mi)
In the morning, you will take the train to Arezzo with your bike (ticket included). A tour briefing and bike handover will take place at the train station. Take some time to explore Arezzo's splendid churches and palaces then set off, ideally by mid morning, along beautiful trails through the wide plain of Val di Chiana and accompanied by the hilly silhouettes of southern Tuscany. You will pass Cortona and continue to Lake Trasimeno, the battlefield where Hannibal fought the Romans. You can enjoy wonderful views of the lake, taking time to read the information boards depicting the history of the famous battle. Continue to Passignano and your hotel.
Day 3 : Cycle Backroads To Historic Perugia (35Km/21.5Mi)
Today you cycle along the lake to Torricella, then continue along small and secluded lanes through wide fields of sunflowers and local crops, rolling hills and idyllic villages to Perugia. Here you can wander through the old centre, appreciating impressive buildings such as the San Lorenzo Cathedral, Palazzo dei Priori and the Arco Etrusco. In addition to being famous for its Perugina Baci chocolates, this is a university town and each year thousands of people come to learn Italian at the ‘Universita per Stranieri’ or University for Foreigners. The city mascot is the griffin, which can be seen in the form of plaques and statues on buildings around the city. There is much to see in the Umbrian capital.
Day 4 : Cycle To Assisi (30Km/18.5Mi)
Departing through the old stone gates of Perugia at the southern end, you can see the route to Assisi. Cross the Tiber river, pass the beautiful sanctuary Santa Maria dei Angeli and up to picturesque Assisi, birthplace of St Francis. There's time to explore the Basilica of St Francesco containing Giotto's frescoes depicting the Saint's life, the Temple of Minerva, the Rocca Maggiore or one of the many other interesting sites this UNESCO listed town has to offer. Couple this with a relaxing coffee or aperitivo in the Piazza del Comune and you have the ingredients of a splendid afternoon or evening. Overnight Assisi.
Day 5 : Cycle To Spoleto Through The Valle Umbra (55Km/34Mi)
Cycle along the flanks of Subasio mountain, passing medieval monuments and vestiges of Roman days en route to the medieval town of Spello. Continue through the Valle Umbra to Spoleto. The towns of Montefalco, Trevi and Campello can be seen on the surrounding hills. Visit an 80m high aqueduct for stunning views of the Tessino Canyon, Mount Luco and the Rocca Albornoziana Fortress. Spoleto's annual Festival of the Two Worlds, including performances of dance, prose and lyrics, is between the end of June and middle of July. Overnight Spoleto.
Day 6 : Cycle To Narni (45Km/28Mi)
Cycling between mountains and through stunning landscapes you reach Terni. The town was heavily bombed during World War II and now has a more modern feel, although the old town centre still has some impressive monuments including the Church of St Francis. The route continues to Narni, another authentically preserved medieval hilltop city with inspiring views of the Nera river. If time allows, explore the Rocca Albornoz fortress that dominates the town and the historical centre including the Duomo, Roman-Gothic churches and Priori public square. Beneath St Dominic’s monastery is the underground of Narni with its ornate frescoes - well worth a visit. The town history also suggests links with the “Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis. Overnight in Narni.
Day 7 : Cycle Through The Sabine Mountains To Calvi (60Km/37Mi), Then By Train To Rome
The route out of Narni takes you through pleasant agricultural countryside where small homesteads dot the terrain. It is quite hilly in this section via Calvi, with the final leg being a freewheeling experience from Casperia to the train station of Poggio Mirteto. The bike support vehicle awaits you here, where your bikes are returned, in readiness for the hour long train journey to Rome. Leave behind the tranquility of the Umbrian countryside to enter the vibrant capital, with its countless museums, galleries, churches and ancient monuments. It’s an exciting end to a glorious week of cycling through the peaceful Umbrian hills. Overnight Rome.
Day 8 : In Rome, Trip Concludes
Arrangements conclude after breakfast. Extra nights can be organised in Rome on request.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
7 nights 3-4 star hotels -
7 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices.
-
7 nights accommodation in 3 to 4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
-
Bicycle, 21 or 7 speed with pannier and bicycle insurance for theft/damage (27 speed superior bike and e-bike available - supplement applies)
-
Welcome briefing
-
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
-
Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and useful information (printed documents must be requested at time of booking - no additional charge applies)
-
Train tickets Florence to Arezzo and Poggio Mirteto to Rome
-
Emergency hotline
-
Travel to Florence and from Rome
-
Lunches, dinners and drinks daily
What's Not Included
-
Helmet - can be purchased locally
-
Tour guide – this is a self guided trip
-
Paper documents on arrival, request at time of booking
Accommodation
7 nights 3-4 star hotels
Throughout the trip you will be staying in 3 to 4 star hotels, chosen for their location and friendly staff. All rooms have ensuite facilities. Additional nights can be booked in Florence and Rome. Details are available on request.
Grading
MODERATE– GRADE 3
This trip involves 6 days cycling usually along backroads and roads with minimal car traffic (although some short distances will be on main roads). The stages range from 30-60km/18.5-37mi per day. The whole route is hilly overall, with flat sections in between. From Florence to Assisi the terrain is mostly flat, and stages after become undulating. There are fascinating stages along the banks of the Trasimeno Lake, along rivers and through the untainted Umbrian landscape. Care is required when changing surfaces - some sections may be on gravel which requires extra attention when cycling and on steep sections - these are usually short. *For safety reasons, we insist that a helmet is worn during the cycle stages although it is not a legal requirement in Italy.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Saturday
Aug 24, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 21, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.