Welcome To Italy
Mamma
Mia
Bike & Hike Tour
A brand new Dolce Vita Attiva tour exploring FOUR very special locations in Central Italy.
Discover
The Place
From the Adriatic coast to the heart of Italy,
this multi-region adventure offers an authentic
Italian experience of landscapes, culture, and cuisine.
Riders and hikers explore traditional towns, medieval villages,
and dramatic mountains in Emilia-Romagna, Rome, Abruzzo, Umbria,
and Marche. Highlights include the Eternal City, Gran Sasso National
Park, Assisi and its medieval surroundings, and Monte Nerone, combining
scenic cycling and hiking with local food, wine, and cultural discovery
for a memorable journey of well-being and Italian heritage.
Route Information
Duration: 15 days | 9 cycling days
Lazio, Abruzzo, Umbria, Marche
First location: Gran Sasso, Abruzzo
Middle location: Assisi, Umbria
Final location: Pesaro, Marche
Difficulty: Moderato / Hikers
Schedule & Pricing
Totatl distance bike: 718 KM | 446 MI
Total elevation bike: 14239 M | 46715 FT
Total distance hike: 109 KM | 68 MI
Total elevation hike: 5966 M | 19573 FT
Dates: 2026
Price: 5450€
Single occupancy: + 80 € for night
What's included
Discover the tour
day by day
Day 01
Welcome To Rome
Conquering Rome in one day is no easy task. But you will be surprised at how many iconic sights and beloved monuments are within walking or cycling distance from our homebase in the Trastevere neighborhood. You can choose either: a guided walking tour or, a guided bicycle tour. Later in the evening we will gather for a very special dinner at Cencio la Parolaccia, a one-of-a-kind Roman treasure, as we celebrate the beginning of our adventure together.
Day 02
Transfer To Abruzzo
Our location is the picturesque medieval village of Santo Stefano,
1250M/4101FT above sea level. It is nestled right in the middle of
the Gran Sasso, one of Italy's most beautiful national parks.
Arrival is estimated around midday. After check-in we will be shown
around the village. Later, over a welcome drink in Cantinone
(the hotel's wine cellar), we will go over the itinerary for our active days
exploring the region.
Day 03
Gran Sasso
From Santo Stefano, we climb to 1600 meters to reach the Gran Sasso Plain,
enjoying 10 km of gentle pedaling before tackling the final 4 km at 9% to
the Campo Imperatore refugio for a coffee break. We then descend toward Fonte Vetica,
climb gently for 4 km, and enjoy a downhill ride to Castel del Monte. Finally,
a short climb takes us to Calascio to visit its famous Roman castle before returning.
If you prefer hiking, we will do an easy first-day hike from Santo Stefano di Sessanio (1250m)
to the historic Rocca di Calascio Castle (1450m), one of the most beautiful castles in Europe,
with stunning views of the Gran Sasso and the chance to get to know each other better.
BIKE: KM 76 - MI 43 | MT 1900 - FT 5505
HIKE: KM 10 - MI 6 | MT 340 - FT 1115
Day 04
Baronia Ring
Starting from Barisciano, we pass through villages and fields
before tackling a 10 km climb to the National Park, reaching
the plateau of Campo Imperatore. We stop for lunch at the
Mucciante Refuge in Fonte Vetica, famous for its roasted
mutton skewers. After lunch, most of the route is downhill
back to Santo Stefano, with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
If you prefer hiking, we explore Monte Siella, Monte Camicia,
and Monte Tremoggia, following trail No. 252 through valleys
and gullies. Along the way, we may spot Edelweiss flowers and
Chamois antelopes. From Monte Siella's summit (2026 m/6647 ft),
enjoy sweeping views of Campo Imperatore, the Majella mountains,
and the Adriatic Sea. The hike ends with a delicious lunch at Ristoro Mucciante,
featuring traditional Abruzzo cuisine.
BIKE: KM 77 - MI 48 | MT 1950 - FT 6397
HIKE: KM 10 - MI 6 | MT 1070 - FT 3507
Day 05
Marco Pantani
On the last day in Italy's “Little Tibet,” we climb Gran Sasso from the north.
After descending from Santo Stefano and a 15 km ride toward L'Aquila, we tackle
a 10 km steady ascent in Paganica. The main 12 km climb begins at the base of the
Campo Imperatore cable car in Fonte Cerreto, leading to the summit—congratulations,
you've made it!
If you prefer hiking On the final day, we climb Corno Grande (2912 m),
the highest peak of the Apennines, via the classic western route. From the summit,
enjoy breathtaking views of the entire Gran Sasso mountain range.
BIKE: KM 65 - MI 40 | MT 1600 - FT 5249
HIKE: KM 10 - MI 6 | MT 900 - FT 2952
Day 06
Transfer To Assisi
On our way to Assisi, we will stop for lunch in the medieval hilltop town of Todi. After arriving at our hotel, and checking it's beautiful spa and outdoor pool, we will have a team meeting to talk about our next four days exploring Umbria.
Day 07
Umbria Greenway
A scenic ride through the Umbrian countryside along a gentle
cycling path, passing olive groves and vineyards to Montefalco.
Stops include a photo break, a walk through Spello's charming
streets, and a visit to Assisi's basilica before returning to
the hotel.
If you prefer hiking A hike from Gualdo Tadino's historic
center follows a forest path around Monte Corbiello to Valsorda,
then climbs 3 km to Monte Serrasanta's ancient hermitage (1348 m),
a restored Benedictine site. The route offers views of the Flaminia
valley, Monte Subasio, Perugia, and Lake Trasimeno.
BIKE: KM 65 - MI 40 | MT 534 - FT 1751
HIKE: KM 15 - MI 8 | MT 940 - FT 3083
Day 08
Bike Assisi - Gubbio
Gubbio is a medieval town known for the Corsa dei Ceri,
a historic and energetic race held every May 15th.
The ride to Gubbio passes through green hills and
long but manageable climbs, ending with a well-earned
coffee break. After a quick snack, we reach Gubbio for
a short bike tour of the town. The return route goes
through Ubaldo and continues for another 30 km of rolling
terrain before arriving back in Assisi.
If you prefer hiking
the excursion begins in Gubbio's main square and heads toward
the Monte Cucco National Park. The walk follows a scenic trail
along Monte Ingino, with benches and handrails at the more
challenging points. After crossing a bridge, the path ends
at the Gola del Bottaccione waterfall. The route then continues
up to the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo at the top of Monte Ingino.
After the visit, the descent back to Gubbio follows a zigzag
forest trail, finishing with lunch in town.
BIKE: KM 97 - MI 60 | MT 1940 - FT 6350
HIKE: KM 12 - MI 7 | MT 480 - FT 1574
Day 09
Visit Perugia
Guided tour of the city of Perugia, Visit to the chocolate museum.
Day 10
Bike to Rassiglia
On our final day of cycling in Umbria, we head toward the
Macerata area in Le Marche, riding through a series of hills,
valleys, and charming villages. Highlights include Trevi, famous
for its towers and DOP olive oil, Campello sul Clitunno with its
ancient walls, and Pettino, located over 1,000 meters above sea level.
Our final destination is the picturesque village of Rasiglia, known
for its streams flowing through the streets. Goodbye, Umbria!
If you prefer hiking, we will visit Rasiglia, known as the “Venice of Umbria,”
a picturesque village where the Menotre River runs through canals, pools, and
waterfalls. The route begins in the village center and follows a forest trail
up to the ancient castle of Popola, a tiny village with only 36 residents.
The return to Rasiglia is just as scenic—an experience truly worth remembering.
BIKE: KM 106 - MI 66 | MT 940 - FT 3083
HIKE: KM 14 - MI 9 | MT 530 - FT 1738
Day 11
Transfer to Pesaro
On our way to Le Marche, we will stop at Frasassi Caves and
immerse ourselves in this underground, parallel world.
We will discover the caves' amazing natural sculptures,
a result of the patient work of water and rock for over
190 million years. Arriving in Pesaro, we will check-in
to our beautiful countryside hotel. Before dinner, we will
gather to discuss our next three days exploring the amazing
Le Marche -our fearless leader Andrea's home region.
Day 12
Monte Nerone
Your cycling adventure in the Marche begins with “the Stelvio of Central Italy,”
Monte Nerone. After a minivan transfer to Urbino, the route winds through scenic
hills and mountain landscapes, passing Urbania and Piobbico. A series of switchbacks
leads to the summit, where open pastures and wild horses create a majestic atmosphere,
along with a monument celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Giro d'Italia.
From 1500 meters, enjoy a perfect descent to Trattoria Da Martinelli for a well-deserved lunch.
If you prefer hiking, the excursion takes us to northern Marche, on the border with Umbria,
to climb one of the highest peaks of the central Apennines: Monte Nerone. Starting from Rifugio
Principe Corsini, enjoy spectacular views of the valley while crossing mountain pastures and
entering a dense beech forest. The trail leads to the “big hole,” a 40-meter-deep sinkhole
shaped by water over time. Continuing, we reach the fountains and then the summit at 1525 meters.
The loop returns to the rifugio and concludes with a delicious lunch at Trattoria Da Martinelli.
BIKE: KM 78 - MI 49 | MT 2590 - FT 8500
HIKE: KM 11 - MI 7 | MT 624 - FT 2050
Day 13
Mountains Cesane
Today is a day of near-recovery, as we discover medieval
Fossombrone. At the beginning, we will have nearly constant
rollers, a continuous up and down on our way to the Cesane
Mountains. After a challenging descent we will arrive at our
coffee break. The way back will be mostly flat. But, don't worry.
There is always an option to make it a bit more challenging.
If you prefer hiking, we will take an educational and stimulating
excursion following in the footsteps of our hotel. The hike begins
on an internal road of a local vineyard, in the surroundings of
Fontecorniale, offering views worthy of the great Renaissance
paintings. We will visit and learn the history of the ancient
Franciscan sanctuary of Beato Sante in Mombaroccio, a treasure of
art and spirituality surrounded by chestnut trees.
This small corner of paradise and tranquility will form a living
picture from the past to the present day.
BIKE: KM 83 - MI 52 | MT 1540 - FT 5052
HIKE: KM 13 - MI 8 | MT 518 - FT 1700
Day 14
Furlo Gorge
The final day of our incredible journey will take us to the most famous gorge in Le Marche:
the Furlo Gorge. We will follow the ancient Roman road, the Via Flaminia, built to connect
Rome to Rimini. Then we will head to the ancient gallery, carved into the rock by the Romans,
where we will stop for a light lunch and toast our journey.
If you prefer hiking, we will explore the Furlo State Nature Reserve, where history
and nature meet. Starting from the dam on the Candigliano River, we will climb the steep
path of Monte Pietralata. The effort will be rewarded once we reach the famous “terrace,”
known as the “profile of the Duce,” with spectacular views stretching from the Umbrian-Marche
Apennines all the way to the sea. We will continue the hike to the summit of Monte Pietralata,
where wide pastures await, and the route will continue until we reach the remains of Pietralata Castle.
BIKE: KM 81 - MI 50 | MT 1245 - FT 4090
HIKE: KM 12 - MI 7 | MT 662 - FT 2175
Day 15
Transfer To Airport
Time to say Goodbye, Arrivederci, A Presto!
After breakfast and check-out, we head off as
a group to Bologna, taking all the wonderful
memories back home with us. And, oh yes, starting
already to plan our next adventure together.
This journey together has been unforgettable!
What's included
14 night luxe accommodation (twin share), breakfasts, lunches, dinners, full guide and vehicle support, on-road snacks and supplements, kit laundry service, group transfers between destinations and on departure, Wine tasting session, Rome city bike or guided walking tour, Entry to Frasassi caves.
What's not included
Flights, Insurance, Bike hire, Alcoholic beverages, Coffee stops, Personal
hotel expenses, transfer day lunches,
dinner in Rome, lunch in Perugia, City taxes.
Recommended Airports
Arrival: Rome
Departure: Bologna
Photogallery
Explore The
Best Paradises
We’re constantly creating exciting new cycling tours, and here you’ll find some of our latest trips that explore our favorite up-and-coming destinations across stunning Italy.
Booking Trip
Controvento
Bike Hire
Scott Addict
30
Scott Addict
e-RIDE 30
Scott Solace
Gravel e-RIDE 30
Official clothing
Controvento
Your Trip
Starts Here
Contact us to plan your next cycling tour or
hiking adventure and experience Italy like never before.
We’ll take care of creating a tailor made experience
for you, through breathtaking landscapes, authentic
villages, and unforgettable adventures, designed for fun,
relaxation, and discovering the very best of our country.
