Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
Please, note that the routes and distances can be changed if required by prior arrangement (depending on ability).
Some routes can be done on a road bike and some on a mountain bike. We can also provide Road, Mountain or Electric Bikes and itineraries if required.
Please, note that there will be no full day rides in July and August due to high temperatures. During these months, the program will include 5 half day trails.
Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
After a check-in and welcome drink, you'll meet our guides for an introduction and program briefing. You will also enjoy a guided tour of the Castle.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Castle
Day 2 (Sunday): Introduction
Cycling: Today, you will cycle to Torre Alfina (about 50 km). Zig-zagging through the countryside we will reach the town of Bolsena where we’ll have a coffee in the main square. Following an undulating route, we then reach Torre Alfina
Castle where we will stop for a gelato before returning back to the castle.
Riding: You start with a half-day ride (about 18 km). We ride towards the hills framing the western plateau on which the castle is located. This is a fantastic spot for a breathtaking view of the area; from the beauiful crater of Lake Bolsena to the hills surrounding lake Mezzano.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Castle
Day 3 (Monday): Mezzano Lake
Cycling: You can choose between 2 routes of approx. 30-50 km. After climbing the wooded hills of the Selva di Onano we head towards Tuscany following a scenic gravel road to approach the lake from the North West side. All around us is fantastic unspoiled countryside.
We stop at the Fra Viaco farm restaurant and meet with the other group for lunch. You can take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the lake.
After a delicious meal, we are ready for the steep uphill climb before a well-deserved final descent to the castle.
Riding: We ride about 30 km through farmland on the Brigands Path. In the wooded hills that surround Onano, we glimpse stone pine trees atop an ancient Etruscan site and arrive on the flat plain of the Mezzano crater.
We stop at the Fra Viaco farm restaurant and meet with the other group for lunch. You can take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the lake.
After a delicious meal, we ascend through ancient chestnut woods to arrive back at the castle.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Castle
Day 4 (Tuesday): Relax
The local area is full of interesting archaeological and historical sites. A few suggestions include the village fortresses of Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovano. It is definitely worth visiting the marvelous Italian gothic church of Orvieto and the Civita di Bagnoregio, known as the ‘Dying Town’.
Alternatively you can choose to relax at the castle and take advantage of the swimming pool, tennis court, indoor and outdoor games. You can also opt to have a massage or take a cooking class (extra fees).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Castle
Day 5 (Wednesday): Bolsena Lake
Cycling: Embark on a 50 km Mountain Bike Ride. Descending into the crater, we will admire the hilltop town of Grotte di Castro. Once beside the lake, we follow its northern shore heading towards Capodimonte.
We meet with the other group at a lakeside restaurant for lunch and a swim.
On the return journey we climb out of the crater, crossing the village of Gradoli.
Riding: Ride 36 km following an old trail down the crater. Breath-taking views will accompany us. Here and there, scattered around the countryside, archaeological sites with Etruscan tombs will remind us how old this beautiful land is.
We meet with the other group at a lakeside restaurant for lunch and a swim.
On the return journey, we see the magnificent Farnese renaissance palace in Gradoli. Once at the top of the crater, an old track through the woods will take us back to the castle.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Castle
Day 6 (Thursday): Half-Day of Activities
Cycling: Today, you cycle to Pitigliano & Sorano (approx. 60 km). After crossing Onano, the road will gently undulate before descending deeply into the gorge of the river Lente. The dramatic view of the fortress in Sorano is worth a photo stop. Then, onwards towards Pitigliano, which was once an Etruscan village and then a medieval fortress owned by the noble Orsini family. We will stop to visit the historical center and the Jewish ghetto. The return route will steadily but gently climb until the final descent to the castle.
Riding: Ride to Onano (approx 20 km). Taking the Brigands path, we head north through the hills towards Onano, a fortified village with a medieval castle which was the stronghold of the Monaldeschi family, who ruled this area during the Middle Ages. At the Madonna delle grazie church we will follow the track north through enchanting countryside back to the castle.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Castle
Day 7 (Friday): Half-Day of Activities
Cycling: Road Bike ride to Monte Amiata (about 107 km - a less challenging ride is available). Mount Amiata is the big irresistible challenge for local cyclists. The first part is an easy mostly downhill route, following the old Roman road along the river Paglia. However, we soon start climbing for 27 km up along the mountain, crossing Piancastagnaio and Abbadia S.Salvatore. The road winds up through the old mines, then through the chestnut woods for a time that seems never ending. Finally, we reach the top at 1734 m. A well-deserved stop to refuel and take some photos and then down the steep roads of the southern side of the mountain. The air is cool and thin and you can feel the difference. Watch out on the last 20 km where there are ups and downs on the hills not to be underrated.
Riding: Go on a half day ride (about 16km) following an old Etruscan trail. We will ride up through thick woods to the top of the crater surrounding lake Bolsena. Here, we will enjoy remarkable scenery including vineyards, Etruscan tombs, the prominent volcanic lake and the panorama dominated by the famous Farnese palace in Gradoli; a gift made by the Pope in 1500 for his nephew for his wedding - what a present!
We will return to the castle riding through the vineyards, vegetable gardens and enchanting woods. In particular, we will enjoy a canter across a tunnel made by oak trees above an old shepherds path.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Castle
Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
Having had many amazing experiences and exhilarating adventures, you will prepare for your onward journey taking with you many happy memories.
Checkout is usually between 10am-12pm, although a late checkout can be arranged subject to availability.
Meals included: Breakfast
