Day 1: Spoleto
Renaissance architecture and winding medieval streets create a start to the trip you’ll love. Modern art galleries are mixed with wonderful food shops that sell truffles and other Umbrian specialties. Tiny artisan shops abound with hand-made jewelry and stunning ceramics. Must see stops include the Roman Theatre and the Duomo one of Umbria’s most beautiful churches. The piazza in front of the church is a beautiful open space, where school kids can be found kicking around a soccer ball while their parents sip cappuccino. You can try both! Walking to the Duomo brings us past Ponte della Torre, an enormous elegant arching aqueduct. In the afternoon spin to San Giacomo. Day 2: Todi
Flat and rolling riding through farmland brings you all the way to Bevagna. Along with beautiful views you then climb through olive groves and vineyards to Montefalco and drop along a tiny road to Bastardo. Begin to climb again through vineyards and sunflower and wheat fields. The approach to Todi is spectacular...a memorable descent towards this medieval hill town's soaring steeple. Its spectacular setting merits a climb at the end of the day. Day 3: Ascoli Piceno
Weather permitting, this ride is one of the most spectacular of the trip. You will be cycling in the Apennines for the first time. A short shuttle to Norcia where you can buy incredible truffle and porcini mushroom sauce at tiny stores will put a dynamic start in your day. From Norica is a 13 miles steady, predictable grade. At the very top is a magnificent, unforgettable view of the Piano Grande. Descend to the Piano Grande for a picnic alla grande. From Piano Grande another climb that starts gradually and gets steeper as you approach the summit, offering more gorgeous views and photo ops. The afternoon descents are fabulous. Make sure to check out Ascoli this evening when the piazza is filled with Italians of all ages dressed up for their evening stroll. Day 4: Fonte Cerreto
Enter Abruzzo, a land with dramatic views. The uphills are fairly gentle with some steeper sections. The landscape is rugged yet lush and small farms abound in the foothills. As you arrive near Teramo you will begin to see the peaks of the imposing Grand Sasso in the distance. Climb out of Teramo to discover an incredible panorama for miles – the gently rolling hills and fields seem to go on forever. A descent and climb to Castelli, a tiny picturesque village famous for its production of ceramics. You’ll have time to look around before your shuttle to the other side of the Gran Sasso. Day 5-6: Caramanico Terme
Take in pristine Alpine scenery and crisp mountain air as you spin along an upland basin covered with wildflowers (spring) and wheat fields (autumn). A 10-mile descent to elegant Capestrano follows. After your descent from Capestrano ride a bit in the Pescara river valley then climb sharply out of the valley for a hard, but beautiful 14 miles up to your reward… On Day 6, a rest day, pamper yourself with an optional spa day in Caramanico Terme, a hike to the Maiella National Park, and a typical mountain dinner. Day 7: Scanno
Today’s ride offers a taste of the lush yet rugged Maiella, a mountain range that more recently has been made into a national park. In the morning climb all the way to the top of Passo San Leonardo. From here the road slopes and curves down until Campo di Giove, and from there pedal to Valico della Forchetta, mostly downhill and flat to the farmland of Pescocostanzo. Visit Sulmona, the capital of confetti (almond candies given out at Italian weddings), before you climb through a gorgeous river valley; a spectacular road along a gorge and along the banks of mountain lakes. The next town of Scanno is one of the most picturesque of the trip. Day 8: Celano
The road climbs steadily for 8 mi out of Scanno to the Godi Pass. From there an incredible descent with sweeping views of the Lago di Barrea takes you down to Villette Barrea. Then enter the National Park of Abruzzo. The road climbs gently to Pescassèroli, then climbs briefly before another long descent to Pescina. Pass around the ancient Fucino lake that was drained by the Romans and is now home to the Telespazio, until you arrive at the base of Celano where you will stay the night. Day 9: Acquila
Climb toward Ovindoli, a ski resort at the base of Monte Sirente. The grand finale to the day’s ride is a beautiful 18km descent. You can see the road snaking ahead of you as you glide down -- almost to L'Aquila itself. Spend the afternoon exploring Romanesque architecture. Day 10: Arrivederci!
After a leisurely walk around L'Aquila you will be shuttled Rome, a 2-hour trip. | 
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