Italy Coast to Coast
Tour code - CTCSG10
Tour type - Self-guided tour
Duration - 10 nights (can be shortened to 9 nights or 8 nights by removing the Sansepolcro loop and/or the Montepulciano loop.
Overview
From the classic sandy beaches of the Adriatic Sea to the “Bella Toscana”, this itinerary passes through stunning art cities like Urbino and Sansepolcro, the remote forested areas of the Apennine Mountains, celebrated medieval hilltop towns like Cortona and Montepulciano, Renaissance villages like Pienza. There are gently rolling hills of vineyards, fields of sunflowers and wheat, mountains and valleys, rivers, hot springs and beaches. This bicycle adventure is specifically designed for travelers who would like to mix popular areas of Central Italy with “places off the beaten path”. Each of the routes has been chosen for its scenic beauty and lack of road traffic and they offer an incredible variety of food, wine, culture and landscapes. This is a true adventure into the authentic Italy.
Regions visited
Le Marche, Umbria and Tucany
Dates and Rates
| Tour dates |
Any start date April through June and September through October |
| Cost (pps) |
Euros 975 |
| Single supplement |
Euros 285 |
| Bike hire |
Euros 150
Hybrid and road bikes available. We provide front handlebar bag or rear rack pack. Your bike comes with a lock, cycle computer, repair kit (including a spare tire), pump. Pedals available: Standard/SPD. |
| Included |
Ten nights in excellent 3 stars hotels and bed & breakfasts (double room with private bath)
Ten breakfasts
Route notes and itineraries
Sightseeing opportunities
Restaurant and shopping suggestions. |
| Terrain / Gradients |
Minor asphalt road (90%) and gravel roads (10%) - all blacktop routes available for those who do not want to ride on the gravel roads. |
| Daily distances |
55 to 80 km on moderate to rolling terrain |
| Tour suitable for |
Fit, regular riders |
| Arrival points |
Fano |
| Departure point |
Argentario |
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1
BENVENUTI! Arrival at Fano
Today is non-cycling day. This is a day pretty much dedicated to shopping and relaxation in the beautiful Roman town of Fano.
Highlights of the Day: The nice beach and the narrow alleys of the historic city center.
Special Event of the Day: A seafood dinner at La Quinta restaurant and a Moretta coffèe.
- Day 2
FANO-URBINO
Our guide will meet you early this morning for breakfast to provide you with the route notes and transfer your luggage to the next inn.
Highlights of the Day: Views of the Adriatic Sea and the rolling hills. A visit to the magnificent medieval and renaissance town of Urbino- a place of architectural and artistic masterpieces.
Ride details: MODERATE - DIFFICULT - 70 km (100% asphalt) with rolling hills and some big climbs. A longer route (90 km) is available.
Special Event of the Day: Visit of Mondavio, the Duke Palace of Urbino, and its historic town center.
- Day 3
URBINO-S. ANGELO IN VADO-SANSEPOLCRO
Highlights of the Day: Views of towns and countryside, and the beautiful medieval town of S. Angelo in Vado.
Ride details: MODERATE - DIFFICULT - 50 km (100% asphalt) rolling hills with a long climb to Bocca Trabaria pass. A longer route (70 km) is available.
Special Event of the Day: The Lamoli Hermitage and the descent from Bocca Trabaria to the Upper Tiber Valley.
- Day 4
SANSEPOLCRO LOOP
Highlights of the Day: Your first day in Tuscany will be spent riding through nice little towns like the medieval Anghiari and the beautiful countryside of the Upper Tiber Valley. Alternatively, you can just have a day off to explore Sansepolcro.
Ride details: MODERATE – 63 km (100% asphalt) with rolling hills. A longer route (75 km) is available.
Special Event of the Day: The frescoes by Piero della Francesca and Rosso Fiorentino in Sansepolcro, and a nice stroll in the narrow alleys of Anghiari.
- Day 5
SANSEPOLCRO-CORTONA
Highlights of the Day: Today, experience an epic ride across the pre-Apennines Mountains that separate the Upper Tiber Valley from the Chiana Valley.
Ride details: MODERATE – 75 km (1% gravel 99% asphalt) with rolling hills. A longer route (85 km) is available.
Special Event of the Day: A fantastic descent to Cortona with vistas on Lake Trasimeno and Chiana. A glass of local wine in the wine bar on Cortona’s Corso.
- Day 6
CORTONA - MONTEPULCIANO
Highlights of the Day: Views of Tuscan towns and countryside, and Montepulciano - one of the most beautiful hilltop towns of Italy, known since ancient times for its prestigious Vino Nobile wine.
Ride details: MODERATE- 42 km (100% asphalt) featuring rolling hills with big final climb to the town. A longer route (70 km) is available.
Special Event of the Day: Visiting the town of Montepulciano and some of the local wineries.
- Day 7
MONTEPULCIANO-MONTICCHIELLO-PIENZA-MONTEPULCIANO
Highlights of the Day: Views of Tuscan towns and countryside, and Pienza - the dream town of Pope Pius II, a place of architectural masterpieces where you can shop for ceramics and sample delectable Pecorino cheese.
Ride details: MODERATE - 40 km (20% dirt, 80% asphalt) with rolling hills. A longer route (70 km) is available.
Special Event of the Day: Visiting the town of Pienza.
- Day 8
MONTEPULCIANO-S. FIORA
Highlights of the Day: An epic ride on the slopes of the ex-volcano Mt Amiata, passing through olive groves and durum wheat fields to the chestnut woods of Amiata.
Ride details: DIFFICULT – 70 km (100% asphalt) with rolling hills. A longer route (80 km) is available.
Special Event of the Day: A beautiful exploratory walk to the Peschiera gardens in S. Fiora.
- Day 9
S. FIORA-MAREMMA area
Highlights of the Day: Another fantastic descent! Cycle from the slopes of Mt Amiata to the remote Maremma, a rural area once the core of the Etruscan Territories.
Ride details: The level is easy – 50 km (100% asphalt) and gently rolling. A longer route (70 km) is available.
Special Event of the Day: A soak in the hot springs of Saturnia, a glass of Bianco di Pitigliano and a glass of Morellino di Scansano.
- Day 10
MAREMMA area-ARGENTARIO area
Highlights of the Day: A relaxing, easy ride in the flatlands of Maremma to the scenic promontory of Mt Argentario in front of the Tyrrenian Sea.
Ride details: The level is easy – 40 km (100% asphalt), gently rolling to flat. A longer route (70 km) is also available.
Special Event of the Day: A beautiful exploratory walk in the harbor of the old town.
- Day 11
Ciao Ciao!
End of tour after breakfast. Departure: train available to reach Rome, Pisa or Firenze
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