Day 1: Orvieto
You are expected at your hotel at the heart of the old historical center starting 2PM. Take the time to enjoy the city and the riches it offers, don't miss the Duomo one of the most stunning Italian Gothic cathedrals from the XIII c. with famed mosaic facade and frescoes by Italian Renaissance painter Luca Signorelli. We will wait for you at the hotel in the early afternoon to meet your tour leader, followed by a guided tour of Orvieto, tasting of local wines and dinner. Overnight stay in Orvieto.
Day 2: Orvieto-Bolsena ca. 35 km | 22 miles
In the morning we stroll through charming cobblestone streets, discovering medieval Orvieto once under Papal rule. We then cycle to Civita di Bagnoregio, the dying city, castled on a rock from witch you will be amazed by the view. We will resume our cycling to descend pleasantly towards Lake Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Europe, whose banks were already inhabited in prehistoric times. Here you will enjoy sightseeing Bolsena, a Roman-Etruscan city, on the Via Francigena. In the evening enjoy the medieval quarter. Overnight stay in Bolsena at your hotel at the shores of the lake.
Day 3: Bolsena-Tuscania ca. 45 km | 28 miles
Coasting Lake Bolsena we bike among cozy beaches and fisherman's villages following the path or Sentiero dei Briganti. A journey through the countryside will take us then to Tuscania, a citadel of Etruscan-Roman origin founded according to the legend by Aeneas' son, Ascanius. Today populated with medieval and Renaissance palaces, it houses two magnificent examples of Paleochristian Basilicas. San Pietro dating from the VIII c. was set for films by Passolini and others including Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet and St Maria Maggiore (V c.) boasts frescoes from the Giotto school. Overnight stay in Tuscania.
Day 4: Tuscania-Viterbo-Lake Vico ca. 45 km | 28 ml
Take time to visit the Basilicas of Tuscania before starting the ride that will lead you to Viterbo. The route today takes you on an ancient Roman road, among wildflowers and old farmhouses, riding through an awesome Etruscan gorges as you enter the city of the Popes. We can take a regenerating dip at the spa in the open countryside before reaching Viterbo, here the medieval quarter and the Papal Palace dating from 1255 are a must. From Viterbo you can cycle up to Lake Vico along the ancient Via Cassia Cimina in use since Roman times (possibility to book a Viterbo-Lago di Vico transfer, not included). Your hotel is located on the lake shore. Take a swim in the lake before dinner or bike and immerse in the pristine nature of the Vico Lake Nature Reserve, amid lush vegetation, centuries-old woodlands and rich fauna. Dinner and overnight in Lake Vico.
Day 5: Lake Vico-Orvieto ca. 45 km | 16 ml
Caprarola rises a few kilometers from the lake with its splendid Palazzo Farnese, one of the most impressive late Renaissance works, rich in frescoes from the best painters and architects from the 1500's that worked there. Visit of the Palace, a journey in time through splendid frescoes, including those of the noteworthy geographical maps room. We recommend a visit to the old town. Leaving Caprarola, after a pleasant climb through the woods of Monte Cimino, long and panoramic descent, across Soriano nel Cimino to reach Bomarzo. Visit the Renaissance Bosco Sacro or Monster Parc, rediscovered and valued only last century, preserves colossal and monstrous sixteenth-century sculptures made from giant boulders present in the large estate. By transfer we go back to Orvieto for our last night together.
Day 6: Orvieto
After breakfast, the tour is officially over.
All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday.