CYCLING IN THE HEART OF

CYCLING FROM CORTONA TO

CYCLING IN THE HEART OF UMBRIA - SELF GUIDED CYCLING SUMMARY HOLIDAY Enjoy Umbria’s rich medieval history and enchanting landscape, while cycling among rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves symbolic of this region. Take time to visit the most famous hill towns, of Cortona, , and the charming Spello and stop on route to visit one of the many wine cantinas and taste the local wine.

Cycling in the Heart of Umbria is a wonderful, relaxed cycling holiday through the mesmerising and beautiful Umbrian Countryside. Your journey begins at the medieval and bustling town of Cortona and heads south to the enchanting and pretty lakeside towns. Relax and unwind as you cycle in the beautiful silvery green landscape, west of Perugia. Cycle amongst vineyards, olive groves, and medieval hamlets, before heading onwards and to the marvels of Perugia and Assisi. The tour regrettably ends with an unforgettable ride to reach the flower filled cobbles streets of Spello, one of the best preserved medieval towns in Umbria.

The combination of warm Umbrian hospitality, unforgettable local food and wine, majestic medieval hill Tour: Cycling in the Heart of Umbria towns, together with the relaxed pace of the tour, makes this an unforgettably cycling trip in the heart of Code: CItSHOU Umbria. Type: Self-Guided Cycling Holiday Price: See Website HIGHLIGHTS Dates: March—October Nights: 7 Days: 8 Cycling Days: 6  Enjoying the delicious regional food and wine along the route. Start: Cortona (Terontola)  Cycling through the impossibly beautiful landscapes of Umbria. Finish: Spello (Assisi) Distance: 132.50 miles (212kms)  Experience true Italian hospitality in a typical Umbrian farmhouse.  Marvelling at Giotto’s frescos in the Basillica Di San Francesco. IS IT FOR ME? This holiday will appeal to anyone who can WHY CHOOSE A SELF GUIDED CYCLING HOLIDAY WITH US? ride a bicycle and wants to enjoy a relaxing Macs Adventure are specialists in self guided cycling holidays. As passionate and regular cyclists we cycling holiday, in the rolling Umbrian understand what makes for an unforgettable adventure and we deliver outstanding holidays where every Countryside while exploring the areas last detail is taken care of. Great routes, breathtaking scenery and warm, welcoming accommodation can medieval towns. be expected. WHAT’S INCLUDED? Each holiday we offer can be tailor made to meet your requirements. From your first contact with Macs Accommodation: Hand-picked small Adventure you will deal with a local specialist who knows the region intimately. They will help you to make hotels, and en suite B&B the most of your time in Umbria with their in-depth knowledge of the route, accommodation and must-see farmhouse accommodation. attractions on the way. Meals: A hearty breakfast included. Dinner included on days 2 and 3. Where evening We supply you with comfortable Hybrid bikes, extensive and clear route notes and info pack to guide you meals are not included, meals will always be every step of the way. Your baggage is collected and an moved to your next accommodation as per your available at accommodation or nearby. itinerary, leaving you free to enjoy each days cycling. Baggage Transfer: Door-to-door baggage transfer. In the unlikely event you should need emergency support our office and local partner in Umbria are always Bike Hire: Available but not included. more than happy to help with your queries. From the moment you decide to visit Umbria you can relax and Information Pack: Comprehensive route look forward to an unforgettable self-guided cycling holiday. directions, info pack and map. CYCLING IN THE HEART OF UMBRIA

CYCLING FROM CORTONA TO SPELLO

viewpoint over looking the Umbrian countryside. Overnight: La Corte del Poggio—Evening DETAILED DESCRIPTION There is an excellent museum, rich architecture Meal Included and numerous gelateries, shops and restaurants. Day 4: Cycle to Perugia (32km) CYCLING IN THE HEART OF UMBRIA Overnight: Hotel San Michelle You will enjoy a relatively short cycle to the Cycling Days: 6 Nights: 7 / Days: 8 Day 2: Cycle to Poggio delle Corti medieval town of Perugia, following a route Average Daily Distance: 35km (45km) which winds through an endless silvery green Grade: Easy to Moderate landscape of rolling farmland and then the joyous If you have arranged bike hire, it will be delivered sight of fields brimming with sunflowers. to your accommodation shortly after breakfast Day Route KM along with your detailed route notes and Inevitably and with mostly of the Hill towns, as information pack. you reach Perugia you will experience the usual 1 Arrive Terontola railway incline to reach the town. With the added effort station/transfer to Cortona On leaving Cortona you follow a serpentine road be sure to treat your yourself to a delicious gelato 2 Cycle to Poggio Delle 45 winding down from the town towards Umbria. or an aperitif in one of the many chic cafes and Corti Cycling through the olive grove covered 3 La Corte del Poggio Loop bars. 23/50 countryside to reach Lake Trasimeno, known for 4 Cycle to Perugia 32 the lovely lakeside villages and the pretty Isola Originally founded by the Etruscans, Perugia is a 5 Cycle to Assisi 25 Maggiore, which you can visit by boat for a well preserved town that enjoys a spectacular 6 Assisi circular loop or 35 Free day Assisi delicious lunch of freshly caught lake fish. situation. There are a number of excellent museums, rich architecture and a self guided You then leave the pretty lake side, heading 7 Cycle to Spello 25 archaeological tour exploring the history of inland on quiet roads through farmland and a few Perugia dating back to the Etruscan Times. 8 Onward travel small hills until you reach Corte delle Poggio, where you will spend the next two nights. Overnight: Hotel Fortuna Exclusively located in the heart of the historical Total Distance 212 Overnight : La Corte del Poggio centre of Perugia. Traditional Umbrian farmhouse set in idyllic surroundings. Your host Cristina along with her Day 1 Day 5: Cycle to Assisi family will ensure you have an enjoyable stay You are now in the heart of Umbria and can and show you Italian hospitality at its very best. Arrive : Terontola railway station enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable cycle following Evening Meal included and transfer to Cortona. the Tevere river towards Assisi. Cycle past fields We recommend you fly to Rome, Florence, Pisa Day 3: Poggio delle Corti loop of sunflowers, ochre coloured farmhouses and or Perugia and take the train to Terontola rail thickly wooded countryside. Suddenly you will be Today you have the option to take it easy with a station from where you can take a local bus or greeted with the most spectacular views of Assisi short loop on the quiet country lanes to Panicale taxi the short distance to Cortona. and the Basiillica Di San Francesco, sitting and then back to the farmhouse for a cooking majestically on the hillside. Trains run regularly and take 2h00, 1h30, 2h30, lesson in the afternoon. This is a fantastic or 1hr respectively. Tickets can be booked on opportunity to learn how to cook the local dishes Overnight: Country House TreEsse arrival, or online prior to departure. You can also in a relaxed and authentic environment. Enjoying a peaceful location 400m outside fly directly to Perugia with the low cost airline Assisi, this traditional country house offers Or you could forgo the cooking lesson and cycle Ryanair, from London Stansted. comfortable accommodation. The dining terrace, the longer loop which allows you to visit , swimming pool and most rooms enjoy wonderful After checking into your hotel you can explore a town famous for its ceramics. You will pass views over the surrounding countryside. the bustling town of Cotona. Originally founded through olive groves, vineyards and ancient by the Etruscans, Cortona is a well preserved hamlets providing many opportunities to stop and enjoy a cold drink or better still a visit to one of town that enjoys a spectacular situation and the local wineries. CYCLING IN THE HEART OF UMBRIA CYCLING FROM CORTONA TO SPELLO

Day 6: Assisi Circular Loop detailed maps and route notes so you will have route notes do always include recommendations. no problems following the routes. Today you have the opportunity to explore the Baggage Transfer areas around Assisi, famed for pottery and wine. Additional Nights and Extensions Your bags will be transferred from your You will cycle a loop past the famous Deruta Many of our clients choose to add extra nights accommodation as per your itinerary and moved pottery village and then the , Lungarotti along the route to sample more of the area and onto your next overnight accommodation. We wineries home town. If you think a wine tasting attractions available. You may wish to request an ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to may be dangerous for your safety(!) why not visit extra night in Cortona, Perugia or Corte delle 15kg per person. the wine museum. Poggio for another cooking lesson! Or if you prefer enjoy a free day exploring Assisi Bike Hire (Not included) At the start or end of your holiday you may a designated a world heritage site by UNESCO, consider a night or two in the beautiful cities of We can arrange bike hire as an optional extra. its churches monuments and the very fabric of Florence, Rome or even Venice. Bike Hire includes helmet, lock and repair kit. the town are much as St Francis would have seen it in the 13th Century and the Basillica de Fewer Nights Recommended Reading San Francesco is quite spectacular. If you wish to reduce the number of nights we Tuscany & Umbria—Lonely planet Regional Overnight: Country House TreEsse can tailor your trip to suit your requirements. Guides. Walking and Eating in Tuscany and Umbria— Day 7: Cycle to Spello Accommodation James Lasdun and Pia Davis A lovely last day cycling among olive groves to One of the highlights of this tour is the high reach Spello passing the charming towns of standard of the accommodation. We specifically PRICE AND AVAILABILITY and Bevanga. choose the hotels, agriturismo (country hotels) Spello is one of the best preserved medieval to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your Price towns in Umbria. Much quieter than Assisi, its a stay. All offer a warm Italian welcome to cyclists, Please refer to our website for up to date prices pleasure to wander the cobbled streets and quiet have secure bike storage, offer traditional www.macsadventure.com squares decorated by hanging baskets. hospitality and delicious local food.

Overnight: Albergo II Cacciatore Single Rooms Availability The Cruciana family have owned and run the Unfortunately this independent cycling holiday is This cycling holiday is best enjoyed between Albergo II Cacciatore for over 50 years and take not available to solo cyclists. March and the of October. (Although we would pride in the warmest welcomes and outstanding suggest you avoid July and August as the hot food and service. Meals weather makes cycling uncomfortable)

Day 8: Onward Travel The delicious Italian food and wine available You can start on any date that suits your travel locally is undoubtedly a highlight of this holiday. plans and you will find up to date availability on From Spello you can catch the local bus or take The price of your holiday includes breakfast our website. a taxi to Assisi rail station for onward travel or each morning and two dinners at La Corte del further afield. Travel to Florence/Pisa/Rome/ Poggio on days 2 and 3. All other lunches and See website for up to date prices and availability. Perugia takes 2hr30, 4hr10, 2hr30, and 30mins dinners are not included so you are free to respectively. choose from the available options. Included

Some hotels will provide a packed lunch on  Personal briefing and support from our local HOLIDAY INFORMATION representative. request, but often the best option is to stop at a local cafe or restaurant en-route or buy a picnic  7 nights accommodation including breakfast and an evening meal on days 2 and 3. Navigation lunch at the local shop. Dinner is available either at your Hotel or nearby. The biggest challenge is  Door to door baggage transfer. The route is not waymarked but we supply normally deciding where to eat, although your CYCLING IN THE HEART OF UMBRIA CYCLING FROM CORTONA TO SPELLO

 A detailed info pack, route notes and map environmentally aware and sustainable manner. We do this by following our M.A.C.S. BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE  Transfers as detailed in your itinerary. Responsible travel policy.  Emergency telephone support from our Italian Financial Security partner and out UK office in the event of a Minimise Impact & Maximise Benefit problem. In accordance with "The Package Travel, Our operating policies, office policies, holidays Excluded Package Holidays and Package Tours and tours are all designed to minimise impact Regulations1992" all passengers booking with  Travel to the start (Cortona) or from the finish and maximise benefit to the environment and Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the (Assisi) of the walk. local communities. initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all  Lunches and dinners other than dinners on monies paid to us, including repatriation if days 2 and 3, snacks and drinks. Action & Advocacy required (this insurance will not cover repatriation  Optional cooking course on day 3. We believe that by engaging our team and to the country of origin for the passengers clients in environmental and community projects outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or  Travel Insurance. we can make a real difference. curtailment of your travel arrangements due to  Taxi transport or public transport should you the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd need to skip a stage. Carbon & Communities Optional Extras There is no requirement for Financial Protection Travel and our business activity does of course of day trips, and none is provided. This  Bike hire ( hybrid, mountain or road) including contribute to carbon output and climate change. insurance is only valid for packages booked that helmet and accessories. We have put several policies in place to minimise DO NOT include flights. our carbon footprint. TRAVEL INFORMATION Consumer aware: Your booking is insured by Sensitive & Sustainable IPP Ltd and its panel of insurers. - This insurance is only valid for passengers who book and pay Getting to Cortona (Terontola) Macs Adventure has worked hard to ensure that directly with/to Macs Adventure Ltd. For further our holidays are sensitive to the community you We recommend you fly to Rome, Florence, Pisa information please go to www.ipplondon.co.uk or Perugia and take the train to Terontola rail are visiting and sustainable over the long term. station from where you can take a local bus or This Insurance has been arranged by taxi the short distance to Cortona. HOW TO BOOK International Passenger Protection Limited and underwritten by Insurers who are members of the Trains run regularly and take 2h00, 1h30, 2h30, Once you have read all the information in this Association of British Insurers & Lloyds or 1hr respectively. Tickets can be booked on factsheet or on our website and decided on your Syndicates. arrival, or online prior to departure. You can also preferred itinerary, visit our website or give us a fly directly to Perugia with the low cost airline call to confirm availability. You can then book ABTA Member Statement Ryanair, from London Stansted. securely online at www.macsadventure.com by Macs Adventure Holidays is a Getting from Spello (Assisi) phone on +44 (0) 141 530 8886 or download or Member of ABTA. ABTA and request a booking form and post it to Macs ABTA. Members help From Spello you can catch the local bus or take Adventure, 44 Speirs Wharf, Glasgow, G4 9TH, holidaymakers to get the most from their travel a taxi to Assisi rail station for onward travel or UK or fax it to +44 (0) 845 527 5688 and assist when things don’t go according to further afield. Travel to Florence/Pisa/Rome/ plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard Please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone on Perugia takes 2hr30, 4hr10, 2hr30, and 30mins of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. respectively. +44 (0) 0141 530 8886 or email: [email protected] if you have any For more information on ABTA, the Code of queries and one of our expert customer service Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to M.A.C.S RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL team will be happy to help. you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117 We operate holidays in some of the most 0581 www.abta.com beautiful areas in Europe and try to operate in an