FULL ITINERARY
DAY ZERO SAT 14 JUN | ARRIVAL
Arrive in L'Aquila. We have booked your accommodation so you can check into your hotel, home for two nights. Your driver will meet you late afternoon. He will go over the bikes with you to ensure everyone is comfortably fitted and confirm arrangements for the first ride. Big day tomorrow!
DAY ONE SUN 15 JUN | RIDE TO GRAN SASSO!
What a ride! Today you cycle into the Gran Sasso d'Italia, literally "Great Rock of Italy". This massif holds the highest peak in the Apennines, Corno Grande at 2,912m. The route climbs 'only' to just over 2,100m, towards the Passo della Portella. To describe this ride as scenic is to do it an injustice. Say no more. You'll have to see it for yourself!
DISTANCE | 50KM | 31MI
ELEVATION | 1700M | 5570FT
Take a picnic lunch, leave the bikes with your driver and head off on a hike through this amazing landscape. Nominate a designated meet point and your driver will transfer you back to the hotel.
DAY TWO MON 16 JUN | L'AQUILA TO AMATRICE
Fantastic ride to the small town of Amatrice. The route winds past Lago di Campotosto, a man-made reservoir on what was originally a vast peat bog. The surrounding natural reserve is home to badgers, pheasants and foxes that shelter in the forests when the lake freezes over in winter.
The town of Amatrice suffered terribly from the earthquake in 2016. They have since determinedly rebuilt with the locals continuing to enjoy their famous pasta sauce, sugo all'amatriciana right where it was created.
DISTANCE | 60KM | 37MI
ELEVATION | 1225M | 4020FT
Linger by the lake or head to Amatrice and explore this feisty little town that raised itself from the rubble.
DAY THREE TUE 17 JUN | AMATRICE TO ACQUASANTA TERME
Delightful ride along leafy roads towards our destination. Technically Acquasanta Terme is in the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso, on the very northern border. But it is also on the southern doorstep of the Monti Sibillini National Park.
It is believed that the ancient fairy, or 'Sibyl' that lived in the Sibillini mountains could foretell the future and was generously benevolent. The glorious landscape abundant in flora and fauna reinforces that belief.
DISTANCE | 45KM | 28MI
ELEVATION | 850M | 2800FT
In the afternoon, choose to hike in either park - up behind your hotel to Gole de Garaffo or explore a small part of the Great Sibylline Ring, officially a walking route of about 120km. Your driver can transfer the group to start and finish points if required.
DAY FOUR WED 18 JUN | CASTELLUCCIO!
Out and back ride to the tiny village that sits atop a hill overlooking the Great Plain (Piano Grande). Casteluccio cultivates lentils in the fertile plain of an ancient lake. It is famous for the explosion of colour during Spring, when the lentils and intermingled wildflowers bloom. The view is stunning! Even if the fields are harvested, you will still have the camera out.
DISTANCE | 55KM | 34MI
ELEVATION | 1550M | 5085FT
If you can't bear to leave the Pian Grande di Castelluccio di Norcia behind quite yet, savour the views on the loop ride.
DISTANCE | 70KM | 43MI
ELEVATION | 1750M | 5740FT
DAY FIVE THU 19 JUN | ACQUASANTA TO SAN BENEDETTO DEL TRONTO
To the Adriatic you go! More downhill than uphill, but there is some climbing to be done on the last day. A beautiful ride to the coast, to the traditional finishing town of the Tirreno-Adriatico in San Benedetto del Tronto.
DISTANCE | 95KM | 59MI
ELEVATION | 1400M | 4600FT
Our driver will deliver your luggage to your hotel (please advise), collect the bikes and bid you farewell. Until next time!