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Exploring Umbria off-the-beaten path...through treasures that can only truly be appreciated up close - on two feet and two wheels. The adventure begins with leisurely walks through vineyards, along centuries old footpaths and into tiny hamlets frozen in time. Our adventure continues, biking from village to village, through olive groves and lush green farmland. Art and history abound and we are free to stop into the churches for a glimpse of the glorious past, or linger in the villages, enjoy a cappuccino in the piazza, taste-test artisan olive oils and sip the local vino...a true slice of the Umbrian way of life - by foot and by bike.
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• Biking through olive groves and vineyards
• Walking through the vineyards of Montefalco
• Visting the medieval paper maker just around the corner of our inn
• Wandering the narrow streets of Assisi and Spello
• Tasting extra virgin Umbrian olive oils at the agriturismo
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Day 1 & 2 Bevagna & Montefalco
Bevagna, an unspoiled medieval town hidden behind Roman walls, is the base for our explorations through the Umbrian heartland. The day begins with a private walking tour of Bevagna, including the Palazzo Comunale, built in the 13h c. and the Romanesque church of San Silvestro. We pass through lush vineyards before indulging in a winery visit and tasting of one of Italy's most esteemed wines, Sagrantino di Montefalco.
Our walk takes us through fabled towns and by frescoes and palaces of centuries past. We transfer up to Montefalco, the scenic wine town perched high atop a hill offering splendid views of the vineyards and home to the Benozzo Gozzoli museum. Our spectacular descent by foot winds through olive groves, vineyards and wheat fields before we stop for an afternoon visit with Professor Ciri, a local producer of organic olive oil.
• Two nights at the meticulously restored 16th c. villa and 4 star hotel Villa Zuccari.
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Days 3, 4 & 5 Assisi, Spello & Deruta
Let the biking begin as we head to Torgiano, home of the Lungarotti wineries. After a bike fitting, we enjoy a leisurely ride through the Rubesco vineyards with the spectacular city of Assisi in the distance. Later Maria Vittoria welcomes us to the Lungarotti enoteca with a sampling of local red and white vintages, before our sumptuous dinner at our inn's celebrated restaurant, featuring stuffed zucchini flowers, homemade stringozzi pasta and wild boar.
We bike through the valley, by wheat fields, small farms and medieval villages to the town of Assisi. A private guided tour highlights the Basilica of St. Francis and Giotto's famous frescoes. A centuries old farm path leads us through the olives and into Spello where we can browse the boutiques and galleries that line the cobblestone streets. An easy morning ride leads us to Deruta, a center for hand-painted majolica ware since the Renaissance. Andrea gives us a private tour of his family's workshop where his mother still designs and hand-paints her work, before we transfer to Perugia for farewell and train or car connections back to Florence or Rome.
• Two nights at Le Tre Vaselle, a 5 star property with pools, terraces, and warm hospitality.
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Dates: Jun 23-27, Jul 14-18, Sep 15-19, Oct 13-17, Jun 29-Jul 3, 2009, Jul 13-17, 2009
Length: 5 days/4 nights
Level: 1 A/B
Daily Mileage: 4-12 miles walking and 15-40 miles biking on gently rolling terrain. A few hills.
Cost: $2880
Single Supplement: $500
Meals: All breakfasts, all dinners but 1; picnic lunch
Hotels: 4 & 5 star inns.
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