Cuore Verde

This guided journey explores Umbria, the green heart of Italy, blending nature, culture and comfort far from the crowds. From medieval Gubbio, the group rides through rolling hills to Assisi for a guided visit to the Basilica of St Francis and a hands-on cooking class, then on through olive groves to Cannara, with an olive oil mill tasting and a majolica ceramics workshop in Deruta.

The route follows the Assisi-Spoleto bike path to Bevagna and climbs to Montefalco for a Sagrantino tasting at a historic winery, before reaching Spoleto and the Ponte delle Torri. Riders then take the former Spoleto-Norcia railway through tunnels and over bridges to Norcia for a truffle-themed dinner.

The final stages cross the Valnerina past the Lu Cugnuntu waterfalls and Triponzo thermal springs to Sellano, then on to Rasiglia, the "Umbrian Venice", finishing in Spello. Nights are spent in premium agriturismi, a restored medieval hamlet and historic-centre hotels.

Highlights:

• Medieval Gubbio and a guided visit to the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi
• Majolica ceramics workshop in Deruta and an olive oil mill tour
• Sagrantino wine tasting at a historic winery in Montefalco
• The former Spoleto-Norcia railway trail and Spoleto's Ponte delle Torri
• Truffle-themed dinner in Norcia
• Guided tour of Rasiglia, the "Village of Waters", and a finish in Spello

Surface and terrain:
A mix of quiet roads, the Assisi-Spoleto bike path and the former Spoleto-Norcia railway trail, plus a few easy unpaved stretches. Rolling to hilly, with one gentler day and steadier climbing to Montefalco, Norcia and through the Valnerina. Gravel bikes or e-bikes are used.

Suitable for:
Riders of intermediate level, including those returning to cycling, who want a fully guided and supported trip without extreme climbs or overly long days. Best suited to food and wine enthusiasts with an interest in culture, history, sustainability and local traditions.