ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours, a trailblazer in cycling adventures, is thrilled to add the region of Umbria, Italy to its destination roster through the addition of its new self-guided cycling tours – a collection of six new itineraries, including the Umbria – Cycling the Green Heart of Italy self-guided adventure – which just launched last month for the 2024 season.
Sometimes called “Tuscany without the tourists,” Umbria offers cyclists a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in picturesque landscapes, medieval hilltop towns, and the delectable cuisine of Italy’s “green heart” – a name stemming from the fact that Umbria’s hilly landscape is abundantly fertile and land-locked. Not only will cyclists travelling here with ExperiencePlus! get to enjoy all of the above, but they get to do so at their own pace and with all logistics already taken care of, including route mapping, accommodation bookings, and luggage transfers.
“We are delighted to introduce this new self-guided tour in Umbria, and indeed the region of Umbria overall to our destination portfolio,” says Maria Elena Price, co-owner of ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours. “Often referred to as the country’s best-kept secret, Umbria is renowned for its rolling hills, dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and charming villages, and this itinerary provides our guests with the opportunity to explore this enchanting region up close. More under-the-radar than other regions, Umbria really encapsulates the essence of authentic Italian culture.”
What travellers can look forward to in Umbria:
- The medieval town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis, with its stunning basilica and charming streets.
- The historic capital and artistic centre of Perugia, known for its well-preserved Etruscan walls, is a 14th-century village of astonishing beauty.
- The picturesque streets of Spello, an ancient Roman town nestled on the southern flank of Mount Subasio.
- The many scenic cycling paths that wind through Umbria’s greenways, passing through vineyards and olive groves, across rolling hills to monasteries, castles, and hilltop villages unchanged since the Middle Ages
ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours
Here’s a look at the Umbria – Cycling the Green Heart of Italy self-guided tour available now from ExperiencePlus!:
Priced from US$1,995 per person (based on double occupancy), on this eight-day exploration of Umbria, cyclists pedal from Perugia, the region’s ancient capital, to historic Assisi, and then continue to Spello, Foligno, and Bevagna, a medieval village located on the plains of the Umbrian Basin. The itinerary includes visits to Spoleto, famous for its Festival dei due Mondi, the hilltop town of Todi, and the spectacular Renaissance city of Orvieto. The tour ends in Orvieto with a final loop ride to the “ghost town” of Civita di Bagnoregio and the Lago di Bolsena, one of several volcanic lakes in this part of Italy.
Tour highlights include:
- Explore the town of Deruta, known since the Renaissance for its production of maiolica (painted tin-glazed earthenware).
- The Civita di Bagnoregio – known as Italy’s “jewel on the hill”, this historic village is accessed via a pedestrian bridge and is home to the 7th century Romanesque San Donato Church.
- Option to take part in a guided visit of Assisi and Orvieto, as well as olive oil tasting in Bevagna.
With an average daily distance of 28 miles (45 kilometres) and a total distance of 168 miles (270 kilometres), this itinerary is a level 3.0 – perfect for riders who prefer hilly terrain and/or longer mileage days. ExperiencePlus! also offers a variety of bike options, including road bikes, hybrid bikes, tandems, and some e-road bikes as well. This tour departs any Monday between March 1 and October 31, 2024. Other start days of the weeks may be available on request, noting that changing the start day could impact other parts of the itinerary.
In addition to the captivating landscapes and cultural experiences, this self-guided tour also offers cyclists the chance to indulge in the region’s renowned cuisine. From farm-to-table meals to wine tastings at local vineyards, travelers can savor the flavors of Umbria, making for a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Renowned for its commitment to sustainable tourism practices and cultural immersion, ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours’ new Umbria program offers cyclists the chance to engage with local communities and support small businesses along the way.
For more information on this itinerary and all of ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours’ brand-new line-up of immersive self-guided tours in Italy, please visit ExperiencePlus.com.
