Backroads

Meet in Chiusi Spin along the shores of Lake Trasimeno, one of Italy's largest lakes Dip into Tuscany with a visit to medieval Cortona, made famous by Frances Maye's novel Under the Tuscan Sun.

Pedal through the agriculturally rich Chiana Valley, home to snow-white chianina cows whose prized beef is the primary ingredient for the region's bistecca alla fiorentina Visit Deruta, where local artisans produce some of Italy's finest hand-painted ceramics Ride up to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis and home to a wealth of pre-Renaissance art A local guide who is passionate about the town's historic treasures joins us for a tour of the town and the fresco-adorned lower basilica Learn the nuances of Umbria's little-known wines at a private tasting in scenic Spello.

Explore the charming narrow streets and splendid central piazza of medieval Bevagna, known for its ceramics and silver Ride against a backdrop of peaceful Umbrian hills and valleys In Todi, a labyrinth of passageways and narrow streets leads to Tempio di Santa Maria della Consolazione, one of Italy's finest Renaissance churches The town's impressive piazza is an ideal place to linger with a gelato Bike into the hills near Todi on a challenging loop ride Visit Orvieto, one of Italy's oldest towns, known for its gilded cathedral and crisp dry Orvieto Classico wine.