Need to shed a few pounds to fit in your party dress? Would you like to spend a week-end outdoors, surrounded by the lush, green hills of Umbria?
We suggest an eco-friendly, stimulating bike tour . It’s the perfect way to enjoy the season and discover the ancient hamlets and historical monuments that lie in the silent, gently sloping hills of Umbria.
Bike the historical via Francescana. This ancient road connects Spoleto to Assisi, the city of St. Francis, through Trevi and Spello and a blissful 75 kilometres long ride, framed by peaceful olive groves.
Discover ancient towers, abbeys, hermitages and churches…a surreal, rural landscape dotted with fortresses, mesmerizing witnesses of medieval life.
It you don’t exercise regularly, we recommend you avoid over doing it: make frequent stops, bring plenty of water, wear suitable cycling shorts, and a helmet.
You may be interested to know that the historical city centre of Assisi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the City is currently hosting an art show dedicated to Giotto. While there, take the opportunity to admire the restoration of the Cappella di San Nicola (Chapel of Saint Nicholas) in the Basilica Inferiore di San Francesco (Lower Basilica of Saint Francis), Italy’s patron Saint. Also make it a point to visit the absolutely stunning Basilica di Santa Chiara (Basilica of Saint Clair) and the convent of San Domenico (Saint Dominic). Other nearby must-sees are the amphitheatre and baths of Spello , and Villa Fidelia.
In Trevi be sure to try the traditional bruschetta with local olive oil, rumored to be better than champagne; visit the Museo della Civiltà dell’Olivo (Museum of the Olive Oil Civilization) and stretch your legs by strolling around the charming historical centre of town.
When riding to Spoleto, remember that the spectacular Festival dei Due Mondi runs until July 4. Be sure to visit its stunning Romantic-styled Duomo and the iconic , ten arched, 90 m high and 236 m long Ponte delle Torri (Bridge of Towers) that connects Colle Sant’Elia with Monteluco.
Happy pedalling!
More info….
For more details on the Giotto show click: I colori di Giotto
Both standard and off-road cycling itineraries can be found on the Region of Umbria official webstite at www.bikeinumbria.com
