THAT'S AMORE

A brand new Dolce Vita Attiva tour exploring FOUR very special locations in Central Italy.


LAZIO | ABRUZZO | UMBRIA | MARCHE
FIRST LOCATION: GRAN SASSO, ABRUZZO
SECOND LOCATON: ASSISI, UMBRIA
FINAL LOCATION: PESARO, MARCHE
DIFFICULTY | MODERATO/HIKERS

DURATION | 15 DAYS / 9 RIDES,HIKES
TOTAL DISTANCE BIKE | 718KM/446MI
TOTAL ELEVATION BIKE | 14239M/46715FT
TOTAL DISTANCE HIKE | 109KM/68MI
TOTAL ELEVATION HIKE | 5966M/19573FT
PRICE | 4950 EURO

THAT'S AMORE

A brand new Dolce Vita Attiva tour exploring FOUR very special locations in Central Italy. 

Adriatic Coast, Emilia Romagna, Riccione.

From our base in well established cycling hotel we will bike through traditional Italian towns and medieval villages, a national park and independent republic of San-Marino. We will get a taste of welcoming local culture over a glass of traditional red Sangiovese wine.

Rome, Lazio:

To overcome our jetlag, we will conquer the Eternal City in one day either by foot or on two wheels.

Gran Sasso National Park, Abruzzo:

The Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park is the third largest protected nature reserve in Italy. Located mostly in Abruzzo and to a lesser extent in the adjacent areas of Lazio and Marche, this magnificent territory is remote and rugged, especially on the upper slopes, giving the landscape a vast lunar-type atmosphere on its higher slopes. Thanks to its high altitude and dry and remote environment the area is also known by locals as Little Tibet. The region typically experiences pleasant weather in September, the perfect time for our cycling and hiking adventures.
From our base in the small medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, we will hike and bike through the rugged mountains of the national park, including a hiking assent of the region’s tallest peak, Corno Grande 2912M/9,554Ft.

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Assisi, Umbria:
Umbria is called The Green Heart of Italy. It is the only land-locked region in the country, well-known for its authenticity, ancient history and culture. It offers excellent opportunities for both cycling and trekking enthusiasts with its picturesque landscapes and gentle rolling hills. This part of our journey promises to be culturally diverse, elegant and, of course, enogastronomical. Umbria will give us a chance to experience a way of life and traditions that have not changed for centuries. Cycling and hiking is slightly more laid-back compare to mountainous Abruzzo. Still, it provides notable elevation changes, though with kinder gradients.

We will be based just outside the town of Assisi, the spiritual home of Christianity. During our stay hikers and cyclists will have a chance to explore the medieval towns of Gubbio, Spello and the surrounding hills of the region. A must visit to Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, one of the most important places of Christian pilgrimage in Italy. We will also have a “rest day” to take a guided tour of Perugia, one of the true gems of the region.


Pesaro, Le Marche:
The last leg of this amazing adventure will explore our home region of Le Marche. Its picturesque views, beautiful countryside and charming hill towns make it a special, and less-explored destination for outdoor adventurers. Routes and trails within Le Marche region will have different difficulty levels, due to its diverse landscape, including rolling hills, mountains, and a stunning coastline. Generally, expect shorter, steeper stretches and sharper bends as you traverse beautiful rolling hills. The Apennine Mountains run through Le Marche region, providing opportunities for more challenging hikes. Both hikers and cyclists will have a chance to climb Monte Nerone (Black Mountain), the highest peak in Le Marche (1,525m/5,003ft). You will also get to know some of the most welcoming people in Italy -but, as this is our home region, perhaps we are a bit biased.

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


PRICE PER PERSON
Twin share: 4450 EURO
Single occupancy: 50 EURO per person per night

DAY BY DAY

DAY 1

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DAY 1 | SATURDAY | ROME
MORNING MEETING AND CYCLING OR HIKING DAY TOUR OF 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 2

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DAY 2 | SUNDAY | TRANSFER TO ABRUZZO
MORNING DEPARTUE: ROME-GRAN SASSO, SANTO STEFANO DI SESSANIO

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 3

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DAY 3 | MONDAY | GRAN SASSO
BIKE REFUGO DUKE OF ABRUZZO- CALASCIO CASTLE

From our beautiful base, village of Santo Stefano, we immediately climb up to 1600 meters to reach the famous Gran Sasso Plain. Here, we will have 10km of more relaxing pedaling, as the slope is more gentle. But save your energy because the last 4km to the summit will be at 9%. Arriving at the refugio in Campo Imperatore (Cima Pantani, as well as the base for climbing the Gran Sasso) we will have a coffee break before descending back toward Fonte Vetica. Then, the road climbs gently for another 4 km. From here it's all downhill to the beautiful town of Castel del Monte. Once we pass the town, we will climb on a slight slope up to Calascio, where we will visit its famous Roman castle before our return
DISTANCE | 76KM/43MI
ELEVATION GAIN | 1900M/5505FT

HIKE
SANTO STEFANO-CALASCIO CASTLE
The perfect first day warm-up hike. We will start right from our own home village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio (1250m) and work our way across the countryside to the Castle of Rocca di Calascio (1450m). The Castle is rich in charm and history. National Geographic has included it among the 10 most beautiful castles in Europe. This is a very moderate first day hike, and will give us the opportunity to get to know each other while having our first taste of the beauty of the Gran Sasso.
DISTANCE | 10KM/6MI
ELEVATION GAIN | 340M/1115FT

DAY 4

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DAY 4 | TUESDAY | GRAN SASSO
BIKE BARONIA RING

Today from our home base we descend to Barisciano and turn left, passing many traditional places and agricultural fields before we face a 10 km climb up to the national park, this time from the south. This district takes its name from the "Barony of Carapelle" who owned this land during the late Middle Ages. We certainly will feel this climb in our legs, so the reward is ahead. After the last few turns, we reach the plateau of Campo Imperatore. Today we will stop in Fonte Vetica, where we will find the Mucciante Refuge, a local restaurant famous for its skewers of roasted mutton cooked on an open fire –a typical dish from Abruzzo. After lunch, it will be mostly a descent back to Santo Stefano –a good thing considering our lunch stop! Expect beautiful views over the horizon just before sunset.
DISTANCE | 77KM/48MI
ELEVATION GAIN | 1950M/6397FT

HIKE MOUNTAIN SIELLA FROM FONTE VETICA

Today’s hiking will be in the area of Monte Siella, Monte Camicia, and Monte Tremoggia. Following trail No. 252 we will climb up a gully for about 400m, taking us to the Valley of Monte Tremoggia. We will be in search of the beautiful flower Edelweiss, and the Chamois antelope, both of which are typical of this region. Upon reaching the summit of Monte Siella (2026m/6647ft), we are treated to a sweeping view east over the plain of Campo Imperatore and the Majella mountains of Sirente, all the way to the Adriatic Sea. Returning to the valley, we will head back to the Fonte Vetica parking lot, and then on to a delicious lunch at Ristoro Mucciante, where you will be treated to the culinary specialties typical of the Abruzzo region.
DISTANCE | 10KM/6MI
ELEVATION GAIN | 1070M/3507FT

DAY 5

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DAY 5 | WEDNESDAY | GRAN SASSO
BIKE THE BEST OF MARCO PANTANI

On our last day riding in the "Little Tibet" of Italy we will climb Gran Sasso from the Northern side. This climb is now a must for every cycling fan, and was again the finish of a stage of the Giro d’Italia 2023. We descend down from Santo Stefano, and this time we will turn righ and follow main downhill road towards L'Aquila for about 15km. We start our first ascent to the Big Rock in Paganica, which includes about 10 km of nice and steady uphill. But don't burn all your matches here! As we reach the base of Campo Imperatore cable car in Fonte Cerreto, we will start the main 12 km ascent, Congratulations! You’ve done it!
DISTANCE | 65KM/40MI
ELEVATION GAIN | 1600M/5249FT

HIKE CORNO GRANDE

On our final day in Gran Sasso, we will climb the highest peak of the Apennines mountains, Corno Grande (2912M/9554FT). We will take the main route to the western summit of the peak. It is one of the most classic climbs of the region, retracing the first ascent of the peak accomplished by Francesco De Marchi of Bologna in 1573 (at the age of 69!). From the top, you will be able to admire the entire chain of mountains that make up the Gran Sasso D'Italia, a truly amazing view.
DISTANCE | 10KM/6MI
ELEVATION GAIN | 900M/2952FT

DAY 6

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DAY 6 | THURSDAY | TRANSFER TO ASSISI, UMBRIA
Morning departure to Assisi, Umbria

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 7

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DAY 7 | FRIDAY | UMBRIA
BIKE UMBRIA GREENWAY

A beautiful ride through the Umbrian countryside begins on a cycling path, an old railway that follows a gentle, scenic route through the region. We pedal through olive groves and vineyards on a gentle uphill road to arrive in Montefalco, the capital of the Sagrantino wine region. A quick break to admire the panoramic view and take some pictures before our next stop in charming Spello. We will take this opportunity to visit the town by foot, admire its flowered house facades and narrow streets, and find a nice bar to have our coffee and cake break. Before our return to the hotel, we will pedal through Assisi and take this chance to visit its magnificent basilica.
DISTANCE | 65KM/40MI
ELEVATION GAIN | 534M/1751FT


HIKE GUALDO TADINO-TERRASANTA SANCTUARY

The route stars from the town centre in Gualdo Tadino, passing through many historic buildings of the Centro Storico and main piazza, before embarking on a fantastic forest path. The path contours around Monte Corbiello, and you will get to see it from several different levels. Next is Valsorda, where we will climb for about 3 km to the top of Monte Serrasanta. There, we will visit its ancient hermitage. The Hermitage has been recently restored and is situated at 1348 meters above sea level. Its origin is from an ancient Benedictine hermitage (XI-XII century), and you will find ancient ceramics from the era inside. This region is known as the Apennines authentic “green terrace,” as it opens onto the Flaminia river valley, from which we can see Monte Subasio, Perugia and Lake Trasimento.
DISTANCE | 15KM/8MI
ELEVATION GAIN | 940M/3083FT

DAY 8

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DAY 8 | SATURDAY | UMBRIA
BIKE ASSISI-GUBBIO-ASSISI

Gubbio is a medieval town famous throughout the region for the Corsa dei Ceri, (Race of the Candles), which takes place on May 15th every year. It is a traditional race where three teams, representing the town's patron saints, carry large wooden structures topped with statues of the saints through the streets. The race is a physically demanding and exciting event, and it is deeply rooted in Gubbio's history and folklore. The region's green landscape will accompany us through a series of gentle rolling hills and relatively easy (though long) climbs to our well-deserved coffee stop, After a quick snack to recharge our batteries, we will arrive in Gubbio where we will take a break and enjoy a brief tour of the city on our bikes. Our route home takes us through Ubaldo and another 30 kms of ups and downs, before we arrive back in Assisi.
DISTANCE | 97KM/60MI
ELEVATION GAIN | 1940M/6350FT

HIKE GUBBIO-SAN UBALDO
We start today's excursion right from the main square of medieval Gubbio and head northeast towards the National Park of Monte Cucco, famous for its many natural caves. We will be walking on a trail along the side of Monte Ingino. It is a beautiful walk, with a few benches to relax and a very safe handrail at the various tricky spots. After a few kms, we will cross a bridge where the trail ends at a natural waterfall called Gola del Bottaccione, which means “throat of a big-water barrel.” Obviously, this refers to the water of the aqueduct. Our next stop is the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo, the patron saint of Gubbio, which is located on the top of Monte Ingino (880M\2887FT). After visiting the Basilica, we zig zag our way down through the forest back to Gubbio, where we will have lunch in town.
DISTANCE | 12KM/7MI
ELEVATION GAIN | 480M/1574FT

DAY 9

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DAY 9 | SUNDAY | REST DAY

Guided tour of the city of Perugia, Visit to the chocolate museum.

DAY 10

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DAY 10 | MONDAY | UMBRIA
BIKE ASSISI- PETTINO- RASSIGLIA

On our last day of cycling in Umbria, we head into the province of Macerata in the region of Le Marche. There, we will be welcomed by a succession of hills and valleys with beautiful towns and villages, all lined up for us to admire along our way. One of the most special is Trevi, with its bell towers and castles, but above all, famous for its very special DOP olive oil. We will also pass through Campello sul Clitunno with its ancient walls, and Pettino, which is more than a 1000M above sea level. Our destination is the small village of Rasiglia, with its rivers and streams that cross the streets of the village, simply beautiful. Ciao Umbria!

DISTANCE | 106KM/66MI
ELEVATION GAIN | 940M/3083FT

HIKE VASCA-RASIGLIA LOOP

Rasiglia is nicknamed the "Venice" of Umbria or "Borgo dei Ruscelli" and is an extremely characteristic village about 20km from Foligno. The waters of the Menotre River flow through a series of canals, creating a truly spectacular intertwining of reservoirs and waterfalls throughout the town. Our route starts from the center of the village and follows a charming forest path to the top of the mountain, and the ancient castle walls of Popola, a little village with only 36 residents. Our way back to Rasiglia is equally as scenic. Just gorgeous!
DISTANCE | 14KM/9MI
ELEVATION GAIN | 530M/1738FT

DAY 11

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DAY 11 | TUESDAY | TRANSFER TO PESARO, LE MARCHE

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

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DAY 12 | WEDNESDAY | LE MARCHE
BIKE MOUNTAIN NERONE  

Marchigiana's two-wheeled experience begins with “Lo Stelvio of Central Italy:” Monte Nerone. To get the best possible taste of the central Apennines, we will drive to Urbino by Minivan. From there, we will have a succession of rolling hills with beautiful mountain landscapes. We will then pass through the beautiful town of Urbania and then onto Piobbico. After that, there will be no other choice. Il Nerone awaits. Our ascent will take us all the way around the mountain, first experiencing the east side and the Adriatic Sea. Then, we head up the final 13 kms to the summit. After a series of hairpin turns, we arrive at the summit, where a monument to the 100th anniversary of the Giro D’Italia awaits. On the top of the mountain, the scenery is majestic. Open pastures with wild horses, a symbol of pure freedom! From 1500 meters above sea level, we now have a perfect descent to our well-deserved lunch at Trattoria Da Martinelli, where we will be joined by the hikers. After lunch, we will take the minivan back to Pesaro.

DISTANCE | 78KM/49MI
ELEVATION GAIN | 2590M/8500FT

HIKE MOUNTAIN NERONE

Today we find ourselves in the Northern part of Le Marche, on the border with Umbria, and will conquer one of the highest mountains in the central Appenines - Monte Nerone (Black Mountain). We will start from the Rifugio Principe Corsini which enjoys a spectacular view of the valley below. Crossing the pastures, we will enter the dense beech forest where we will see traces of the ancient professions of the past: the woodcutters and the charcoal burners. The path continues until it reaches the "big hole", a sinkhole over 40 meters deep, a sign of the interesting geological history of this area shaped by water and atmospheric agents. Through the high-altitude meadows, dotted with wild horses, we will reach "the fountains" and the top of Monte Nerone, at an altitude of 1525m. We will close the loop by returning to the refugio, crossing the ski slopes. Today's hike will conclude with a delicious lunch in the local trattoria Da Martinelli, highly recommended by locals.
DISTANCE | 11KM/7MI
ELEVATION GAIN | 624M/2050FT

DAY 13

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DAY 13 | THURSDAY | LE MARCHE
BIKE NATIONAL PARK 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.
DISATANCE | 83KM/52MI
ELEVATION GAIN | 1540M/5052FT

HIKE SANCTUARIO BEATO SANTE

Educational and challenging hike on footsteps of our hotel starts on internal road of local vineyard, the surroundings of Fontecorniale, which offer views worthy of the great Renaissance paintings. We will visit and learn the story of the ancient Francescan sanctuary of the Beato Sante at Mombaroccio, a treasure of art and spirituality surrounded by chestnut trees. This small corner of paradise and tranquility will form a living picture from past to present times.
DISTANCE | 13KM/8MI
ELEVATION GAIN | 518M/1700FT

DAY 14

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DAY 14 | FRIDAY | LE MARCHE
BIKE FURLO GORGE

The final day of our amazing trip will bring us to the most famous gorge in Le Marche: Furlo Gorge. We will be following the ancient Roman road, Via Flaminia, built to connect Rome and Rimini. We then make our way to the ancient gallery (tunnel), chiseled out of stone by the Romans, which also has a rich history from WWII. There, we will stop for a light lunch, and raise a glass to toast to our incredible journey.
DISTANCE | 81KM/50MI
ELEVATION GAIN | 1245M/4090FT

HIKE FURLO GORGE

Gola del Furlo State Nature Reserve, where history and nature meet. Starting from the dam on the Candigliano river, we will climb along the steep path of Monte Pietralata, among mixed forests of holm oak. The effort will be rewarded upon arrival on the famous "terrace," known by the locals as the "profile of the Duce", an adrenaline-filled panoramic point with splendid views ranging from the Umbrian-Marche Apennines to the sea. We will continue the trek climbing to the top of Monte Pietralata, where wide pastures await us, a perfect hunting habitat for the golden eagle! The crossing of the Reserve will continue until we reach the remains of the Pietralata Castle, an ancient town founded in the 11th century.
DISTANCE | 12KM/7MI
ELEVATION GAIN | 662M/2175FT

DAY 15

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DAY 15 | SATURDAY | DEPARTURE
AIRPORT TRANSFER


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!

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An opportunity to discover by bike the cycling and culinary culture of the three most desirable and iconic Italian destinations.

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ITALY CYCLING TOURS DI ANDREA GENNARI
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