Florence to Rome

Your journey begins in Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance and one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. After checking in at your hotel, you’ll receive a briefing about the tour and be fitted for your rental bike if you have chosen one. The afternoon and evening are free to explore the city at your own pace.

Florence offers an incredible range of sights within walking distance. You might start with the Piazza del Duomo, home to Brunelleschi’s impressive dome, or take a stroll across the Ponte Vecchio with its historic goldsmith shops. Art enthusiasts can visit the Uffizi Gallery or admire Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery.

In the evening, find a trattoria serving Tuscan specialities such as ribollita (vegetable soup) or bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak). With so much culture, history, and cuisine, Florence sets the tone for the days ahead.

In the morning, a train takes you from Florence to Arezzo, where you begin your cycling adventure. Arezzo is a city with a rich history, known for its Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and churches decorated with frescoes by Piero della Francesca. Take a little time to explore before you start pedalling.

The route leads you into the Val di Chiana, a broad and fertile valley that has been farmed since Etruscan times. The ride is peaceful, with silhouettes of Tuscan hills and distant mountains framing your path. Along the way, you will pass Cortona, a hillside town famous for its stone houses and winding alleys, often described as the quintessential Tuscan town.

Your destination is Lake Trasimeno, the fourth largest lake in Italy and the site of Hannibal’s victory over the Romans in 217 BC. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and small fishing villages, offering a serene backdrop for the evening.

Today’s ride follows the lakeshore for a while before leading you inland through open countryside. The scenery alternates between cultivated fields, olive groves, and gentle hills. You’ll pass through Torricella, a small lakeside settlement, before heading towards Perugia, the capital of Umbria.

Perugia is a city with layers of history. Its medieval centre is full of narrow streets and lively piazzas, where Renaissance palaces and Gothic churches stand side by side. Be sure to stroll along Corso Vannucci, one of Italy’s most charming shopping streets, leading to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Palazzo dei Priori.

Perugia is also famous for its chocolate and hosts the annual Eurochocolate festival. Treat yourself to a tasting, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town. After the quieter countryside of the morning, the vibrancy of Perugia provides a wonderful contrast.

Leaving Perugia, you soon cross the River Tiber before riding towards one of Italy’s most spiritual and historic towns, Assisi. Before climbing to Assisi itself, stop at Santa Maria degli Angeli, a sanctuary that houses the tiny chapel where St Francis is said to have prayed.

The final ascent to Assisi is rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding valley. Assisi is world-famous as the birthplace of St Francis, but it is also an architectural gem. Its medieval centre is beautifully preserved, with winding streets leading to the Basilica of San Francesco, where frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue depict the life of the saint.

The atmosphere here is deeply moving, with pilgrims and travellers alike drawn to the tranquillity of the town. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, perhaps with a glass of local Umbrian wine as the sun sets over the valley.

Today’s route takes you along the base of Monte Subasio, offering views of Assisi from a new angle. The first major stop is Spello, a delightful hill town with Roman gates, medieval walls, and flower-lined streets. Take time to wander and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

The ride continues through the Valle Umbra, a fertile plain dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and small towns. From the road, you’ll see Montefalco, famous for its Sagrantino wines, as well as Trevi, perched high on its hillside. The approach to Spoleto is impressive, with the town dominated by its fortress, Rocca Albornoz, and its aqueduct-bridge, Ponte delle Torri.

In Spoleto, you can explore the Roman theatre, the cathedral with frescoes by Filippo Lippi, and, of course, the aqueduct itself, which offers dramatic views of the Tessino Gorge. The mix of history and natural beauty makes Spoleto one of the highlights of the tour.

Cycling southwards, the route takes you through a landscape of forested hills and fertile valleys. Along the way, you pass through Terni, a city known for its waterfalls and cuisine. Terni is home to the Marmore Falls, one of the tallest man-made waterfalls in the world, originally engineered by the Romans. If time permits, it is well worth a short detour.

Terni is also a good place to stop for a sweet treat, as it is renowned for its pastries and inventive cuisine. From here, the route continues to Narni, a town with deep medieval roots. Narni’s old town is perched on a rocky outcrop, with narrow lanes and stone buildings that seem unchanged for centuries.

Walking through Narni feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages. The town is also believed to be the inspiration for C.S. Lewis’s “Narnia,” adding a touch of literary charm to your visit.

Your final cycling stage begins in the heart of Umbria and leads through the Sabine Mountains. The landscape is rugged and tranquil, with fewer villages and plenty of time to soak in the natural surroundings. You will pass Calvi, the last major town in Umbria, before crossing into Lazio, the region that surrounds Rome.

From here, the countryside becomes more open, with olive groves and rolling hills giving way to the outskirts of Rome. At a designated point, you board a train that takes you directly into the Eternal City. Arriving in Rome after days of peaceful riding provides a striking contrast.

The evening is free for you to enjoy Rome in your own way. Whether it’s sipping a cappuccino on Piazza Navona, wandering past the illuminated Colosseum, or dining al fresco in Trastevere, Rome is a city that never fails to impress.