Umbria Biking
Southeast of Tuscany lies Umbria, a stunningly beautiful region awaiting discovery. Here in Italy’s green heart, you’ll bike through truffle-laden forests, vineyard-covered valleys, and fields of olive trees, mushrooms and berries. During the week, enjoy dining on freshly picked produce from this gorgeous scenery. Make your way through well-preserved medieval villages that harbor splendid Renaissance art, and relics from Umbria’s Roman and Etruscan past. Visit ancient treasures in Assisi and Todi, where rich history can be found at every turn. Spend evenings enveloped in Umbrian hospitality, and indulge in hearty local cuisine and outstanding wines. Just remember to keep Umbria our little secret.
Day 1 Piazzano
Meet in Chiusi 
Pedal through a classic southern Tuscan landscape of olive orchards and tiny villages 
Dip into Tuscany with a visit to medieval Cortona, made famous by Frances Maye’s novel Under the Tuscan Sun.
Days 2-3 Bevagna
Sping along the shores of Lake Trasimeno, one of Italy's largest lakes 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.
Days 4-6 Todi
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 Tour the ancient ruins at Carsulae, one of the most important archaeological sites in Italy.
UMBRIAN JEWELS: Premiere Inns
Villa di Piazzano (1 night): Sitting just outside of town, this 15th-century manor house offers a swimming pool, beautifully appointed guest rooms and an expansive formal Italian garden.
L'Orto degli Angeli (2 nights): Located in the historical center of enchanting Bevagna, this ancient mansion offers tranquility surrounded by fragrant gardens and Roman remains.
Relais Todini (2 nights): Tradition blends beautifully with modern comforts—including a spa—at this elegant hotel and winery, set in a 14th-century castle on a hilltop with sweeping vistas.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 11, 22 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 4 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 48, 65 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 15, 35, 42 miles
- 1000 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 16, 34, 38 miles
- 1000 - 3500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 3 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 39, 48, 60 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 13 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Trips For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
I expected the scenery to be pretty, but I was simply blown away by the beauty of Umbria - one gorgeous vista after another.- Philadelphia, PA
I'm sure we have a better knowledge of Assisi than most that have visited there. The olive oil tasting in Civita was a fantastic, memorable experience (delicious too). The ancient paper mill tour was enjoyable and interesting. We enjoyed and were impressed with all the activities. I've never taken so many pictures on a trip before. There were so many extraordinary experiences I wanted to remember, that I wanted to have pictures of them all. They are precious memories of a delightful trip. Once again, Backroads came through with an exciting, informative, first class and fun trip.- Los Angeles, CA
This was a dream trip - the countryside, the Italian people, the food and wine, the great exercise, and the accommodations.- Sudbury, MA
Umbria was a total surprise - very beautiful, great riding even with the long hills. The organization of the trip and activities was exceptional and a tribute to the obvious hard work of the trip leaders.- North Vancouver, BC