Gourmet Food & Wine Tour on a bike through Italy's Umbria

You arrive at your hotel in Spello

The or * hotel is situated in the historical centre of the town and has a terrace offering a magnificent view over the Valle Umbra and the surrounding hills covered with olive groves. At the end of the afternoon, there is a route briefing and bike fitting.

At 18.15, you have a tasting-menu in a restaurant / wine bar: - Bruschette with 2 different olive oils and fresh tomatoes / white wine Fendi -Tagliatelle with truffle (if you do not like truffle tagliatelle with fresh tomatoes) / wine
Brunello or Super Tuscan - Meat balls of Chianina with salat / wine Sagrantino 25 anni Caprai* - Dessert, caffè and grappa

• or similar wine

Spello-Foligno-Bevagna

The next morning you will still have some time to visit Spello followed by a cycling tour through the colourful valley and a visit to Foligno. Interesting are the cathedral and archaeological museum in the Trinci palace or just linger through the shopping streets with its many boutiques. The Via Gramsci is a street full of cosy restaurants with choice for every ones taste ! Back in the saddle, you continue to Bevagna, a town of Roman origins situated in the famous wine area of the Sagrantino d.o.c.g. and the Rosso di Montefalco d.o.c. Your accommodation is in the medieval centre of town* Distance: 24 km / 15 mi Ascent / descent: +104m – 184m

Cycling to Torgiano

The next morning after breakfast, you cycle to Torgiano. First, a short climb passing the small walled-in Torre del Colle and then you descend into the valley. Torgiano was once a fortified town and the Baglioni tower remains as a silent witness to its history. The town is situated in a slightly hilly landscape at the confluence of the rivers Tiber and Chiascio. In the early Middle Ages, the Benedictines planted olive groves and vineyards in these fertile hills, sowing for what is now a listed d.o.c.g. area where the famous Torgiano Rosso Riserva is made. When you have time, you may well wish to visit the wine museum, housed in the ‘palazzo Grazioni-Baglioni’. Here the visitor is provided with an insight into the various techniques associated with the viticulture and winemaking. The museum has a rich art collection from Etruscan until modern times. In the afternoon, you will visit the winery of the Lungarotti family and afterwards will taste their special wines.

In the evening is served a very special dinner: you will taste some typical Umbrian dishes (appetizers, ‘primi’ (pasta –risotto), ‘secondo’ (main course), vegetables and a coffee with a grappa or another after-dinner spirit). The lover of black truffle, can also enjoy some dishes prepared with these "Diamonds of the Kitchen."

Distance: 27 km / 16,8 mi Ascent / descent: +190m – 187m

Cycling to Spello, passing Assisi

The next day you will cross, cycling along quiet country roads, the valley to reach Assisi… but before entering town, you will first have to conquer the hill an which it is built. After this steep climb, you will enter this picturesque town and will agree that it was definitively worth the effort. After your visit you will continue cycling to Spello, but before reaching it you will be welcomed at an organic winery in the Assisi d.o.c. area. The kindly owners will explain all about their wine-making process and you will taste some of their excellent wines. After the wine-tasting you will cycle amongst olive groves, back to Spello.

Distance: 33 km / 29,5 mi Ascent / descent: +398m – 320m

End of tour after breakfast After breakfast end of this tasty wine & food tour !