Short description
Enjoy iconic Italian countryside with fine wines and gastronomic delights. Pedal your way gently along quiet side roads and tracks; travel the ancient via Flaminia highway of the Roman empire; and feast on wondrous Italian fayre and delicious Italian wines.
The itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive in Cortona
Check in to your stunning hotel in the southern hills of Tuscany and Umbria and relax with a quintessential Italian cappuccino or a glass of the local Sangiovese. Youll be fitted out with your E-Bike and briefed on how to use it before enjoying dinner.
Day 2 | Optional Round Trip around Cortona
On the first day of your holiday you may choose to relax at your hotel and make the most of the lovely swimming pool, spa or even a cooking lesson, but we recommend the short cycle to nearby Cortona. Cortona is a hilltop town with spectacular views of the surrounding Val di Chiana and Lake Trasimeno. Cortona was founded by the Etruscans and still enclosed by ancient walls. The town, featured in Frances Mayes popular book and film Under the Tuscan Sun, has many excellent restaurants. Well worth the visit is The Etruscan Academy Museum of Cortona, one of the finest displays of the Etruscans in Italy.
Day 3|Cortona to Castiglione del Lago
Leaving Cortona today, the route takes you south into rolling countryside on the edge of the Montepulciano wine region to Italys fourth largest lake, Lake Trasimeno. Your destination is the ancient town of Castiglione del Lago built on a limestone promontory on the west of the lake, with its old town centre surrounded by medieval walls and overlooked by its castle, Rocca del Leone. There is a beach next to the town enabling you to enjoy a dip in the lake before discovering your unique and elegant lodgings for the night, set a short cycle from the town centre, in a peaceful, lakeside location.
Day 4 | Avignonesi Vineyard
You may choose to take a rest day and explore Castiglione del Lago, perhaps taking a short ride to the lake shore for lunch or take a ferry to one of the charming islands. Alternatively, you could enjoy the round-trip cycle to one of the regions best known and favourite vineyards, Avignonesi, which is steeped in history, tradition and of course wondrous wines. The magnificent estate has introduced organic and biodynamic winemaking methods, producing the superb Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. A tour of the vineyard and lunch is highly recommended and can be organised by your local representative.
Day 5 | Castiglione del Lago to San Feliciano
Cycling alongside the lake makes for an easy ride, and passing through small villages offers plenty of opportunity for coffee and cake stops. On the lake, serenely accompanying you and guiding you towards your destination, fishermen can be seen casting their nets throughout the morning. If youre lucky, you might even find some of the catch on the menu when you arrive in the quaint harbor town of San Feliciano.
Day 6 | Rest Day
Relax today in the comforts of your luxurious hotel and enjoy the swimming pool or book a spa session. For an excursion, why not take a ferry to one of the lakes islands or rent a boat and explore for yourself.
Day 7 | San Feliciano to Cortona
Today youll cycle the east coast of the lake to Passignano. From Passignano, you can take the ferry (payable locally) to Isola Maggiore with your E-Bike for lunch on shore at one of the lovely restaurants such as our favourite Ristorante LOso. Then its on towards Cortona, passing the scene of the Battle of Trasimeno where Hannibal defeated the Romans in 217 BC.
Day 8
After your final caff latte this morning, we say arrivederci.
Key information
- Highlights
- Fully serviced electric bikes water bottle and accessories
- Bed & breakfast basis as standard
- 3 & 4 star accommodation (unless otherwise stated)
- Tour information pack upon arrival
- Detailed navigational material often including GPS maps
- Local support whenever needed
- Flights and transfers not included as standard but available on request
- Full financial protection through ABTA and ATOL
