Florence to Rome
Cycling the Heart of Italy via Assisi, Lake Trasimeno, and the Umbrian Hill Towns
Discover a new side of Italy - quiet, and sometimes almost mystical! On this bike tour through Umbria, you will see cities such as Assisi, Perugia, Spoleto, and Narni, which hold remarkable art treasures and transport visitors back to the Middle Ages. The historic appearance of these medieval hill towns has hardly changed over the centuries, and their surrounding Umbrian landscapes are harmonious and inviting.
On generally isolated country roads, this cycling route in central Italy takes you through the valleys of the Apennine Mountains, over the softly curved hills around Lake Trasimeno, and into the solitude of small Umbrian villages. Raging rivers, dramatic gorges, and grazing sheep shape this part of Italy, and traveling by bike offers one of the best ways to explore the region.
At the end of your trip, the Eternal City of Rome appears on the horizon. Here, you can put your bicycle aside and enjoy the energy of the city while visiting landmarks like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona, or relax with a cappuccino or a glass of Italian red wine.
Daily Program
Day 1: Florence
Welcome to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. After your tour briefing and bike fitting, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the city’s historic center. Walk across the Ponte Vecchio, admire masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery, or simply wander the narrow streets leading to the Duomo. Florence’s architecture, art, and vibrant piazzas set the perfect tone for your journey ahead.
Overnight in Florence.
Day 2: Florence – Passignano sul Trasimeno
37 miles/60 km + train
This morning begins with a train ride to Arezzo, a city known for its goldsmithing tradition, Roman ruins, and beautifully preserved churches such as the Basilica of San Francesco, home to Piero della Francesca’s famous fresco. From here, cycle through the fertile plains of the Val di Chiana, framed by the gentle hills and mountain ridges of southern Tuscany. Pass through the hilltop town of Cortona, featured in “Under the Tuscan Sun”, before reaching Lake Trasimeno, site of Hannibal’s victory over the Romans in 217 BC. The lake offers sweeping views and a tranquil shoreline to end your day.
Overnight in Passignano.
Day 3: Passignano sul Trasimeno – Perugia
22 miles/35 km
Ride along the lakeshore to Torricella before heading inland through open farmland and low, rolling hills toward Perugia, the capital of Umbria. Known for its medieval core and Etruscan origins, Perugia is home to one of Italy’s most famous shopping streets, Corso Vannucci. Landmarks include the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, Palazzo dei Priori, and the massive Etruscan Arch. The city is also known for its annual Umbria Jazz Festival and Perugina chocolate.
Overnight in Perugia.
Day 4: Perugia – Assisi
19 miles/30 km
Cross the River Tiber and ride a short distance to Santa Maria degli Angeli, one of Umbria’s most significant sanctuaries, housing the Porziuncola Chapel associated with St. Francis. From here, it’s an uphill ride to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare. Explore the Basilica of St. Francis with frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue, stroll its stone lanes, and take in views across the Umbrian valley.
Overnight in Assisi.
Day 5: Assisi – Spoleto
34 miles/55 km
Cycle along the base of Mount Subasio to Spello, a small walled town known for its Roman gates and seasonal flower festival. Continue across the Valle Umbra, passing hill towns such as Montefalco, Trevi, and Campello, before reaching Spoleto. This city boasts an impressive 80-meter-high Roman aqueduct—the Ponte delle Torri—offering views over the Tessino Canyon, Mount Luco, and the 14th-century Rocca Albornoz fortress. Spoleto is also renowned for its Festival dei Due Mondi, celebrating music, theatre, and dance.
Overnight in Spoleto.
Day 6: Spoleto – Narni
28 miles/45 km
Your route winds between mountains toward Terni, an industrial hub with a reputation for excellent pastries and inventive local cuisine. Continue to Narni, a medieval hill town believed to be the geographical center of Italy. Its narrow streets, fortified walls, and underground tunnels offer a step back into the Middle Ages.
Overnight in Narni.
Day 7: Narni – Rome
37 miles/60 km + train
Pedal through the last stretches of Umbria into the Sabine Hills, passing Calvi, the final large Umbrian town before Lazio. Enjoy the quiet scenery before boarding the train that takes you into the heart of Rome. Here, ancient history and modern life merge—visit the Colosseum, the Pantheon, or simply soak in the energy of Piazza Navona.
Overnight in Rome.
Day 8: Departure from Rome
Individual departure or extension. Don't want the adventure to end? Consider taking a cycling day tour in Rome to explore this unmissable city.
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Florence: C-Hotels
Passignano: Hotel Lido
Perugia: Sangallo Palace
Assisi: Hotel Dei Priori
Spoleto: Hotel Dei Duchi
Narni: Hotel Dei Priori
Rome: Hotel Gambrinus
Local hotel taxes are not included in the tour price. These taxes typically range from €1-5 per person/night and must be paid at hotel reception upon checkout.
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
Bikes

Standard touring bike
These quality KTM bikes are the result of years of experience and continued development, always with the wishes and requirements of our guests in mind. The result is a solid, easy to use and travel-suitable bike with reliable brakes, an aluminium frame and top tires. This bike is well-equipped for every journey.
- Unisex (step-through) bike 21/24-speed with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm (available for approx. heights between 58-75 in/148-190 cm)
- Men’s bike 21-speed with freewheel. Sizes: 63 / 60 / 56-51 "slopping" cm (available for approx. heights between 65-81 in/165-205 cm) Note: reservation is essential!
Specifications on standard touring bikes
- Modern, high-resistant aluminum frame
- V-brakes
- Aluminium-rims
- Reliable tires, which ensure high duration
- Shimano Alivio derailleur on 21-speed
- Selle Royal Saddles
*Posture for standard touring bikes will be upright for comfort

Bike rental plus, 27-speed, upgrade
The Bike Rental PLUS is designed by KTM and provides noticeable upgrades on many parts of the bike. From the saddle to the breaks and gears you will see even higher quality (for example even more precise components for braking and shifting). The Bike Rental PLUS allows for a slightly sportier riding posture and a high-quality Suntour suspension fork provides the best possible comfort across all surfaces.
Sizes: 63 / 60 / 55 / 51 / 50 / 46 cm (available for approx. heights between 61-81 in/155-205cm)
Upgraded components
- Hydraulic Magura HS 11 brakes
- Shimano Deore XT derailleur on 27-speed
- High-quality Suntour suspension fork
*Posture for Bike rental plus will be upright and forward

Electrically-assisted bike
Electric bikes allow you to have more mobility and be able to thoroughly enjoy every cycle tour. The "great equilizer" allows you to stay beside your friends or family on the road! These unisex bikes are comfortable to ride for both men and women.
Specifications on electrically-assisted bike
- Unisex bike 8-speed (Height approx. 148–195 cm)
- Bosch Active Line Plus motor
- Battery 550 Wh removable with mobile charger
- Hydraulic breaks
- Range up to 120 kilometres
Accessories
Equipment included with the bike rentals:
- Saddle bag (water repellent), rear
- Handlebar bag (water repellent), with clear cover on top for map viewing
- Tools
- Pump
- Repair kit (with extra bicycle tube)
- Combination lock
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
Helmets:
Helmets are not included with the bike rentals. We recommend, for safety and hygiene reasons, that you bring your own helmet.
Dates & Prices
Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.
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Surface and terrain
You will cycle on a slightly hilly route during the whole tour, with longer, flat sections in between. You will find yourself almost exclusively on asphalt tracks and quiet side streets, although you may face some bad road conditions. Only very short sections are on busier roads (when entering or leaving cities).
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest airport: Florence or Pisa, Italy
Nearest train station: Florence, Italy
Tour end
Nearest airport and train station: Rome, Italy
Individual return from Rome to Florence by train, approximately €15-50.
Tips on getting to and from your tour.
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