Abruzzo, Italy

Day 1 | October 12, 2018 | Travel Day 

Relax on your overnight flight to Rome.

Day 2 | October 13, 2018 | Arrival Day

Pick up in Rome, transfer to Villa d'Abruzzo in private air-conditioned vehicle.
Welcome drinks and check in.
Build your bike or rent one ($).
Explore Torre de'Passeri, lounge by the pool of our Villa.
Dinner followed by a review of your trip plan.

 Day 3 | October 14, 2018 | Riding Day
After a hearty breakfast prepared by the two lovely in-house chiefs, we head out for our first day of riding.  Our riding days will follow the same format each day: Departing after breakfast with our MNT bike local guide(s) via van, morning ride, mountain top packed lunch, afternoon ride then return to villa.  All meals are homemade onsite (including the bread) and wine is included with dinner!  

Starting in Scanno (1050m), we’re surrounded by beautiful scenery in this medieval Italian town. Next, we cruise through Frattura (1260m), which is located on a mountain with a panoramic view on Scanno lake. Immersed in the silence of nature we arrive to Passo della Sparvera (2000m). Continuing on, we make our way to Pantaniello lake. Descending through uncontaminated corners of paradise where woods dominate the landscape, we come back to Scanno. 

Grade: Difficult

Total length: 51.3 km

Time: 7.5 h

Day 4 | October 15, 2018 | Riding Day
Breakfast followed by riding at Majella National Park - Campo di Giove. One of the most beautiful landscapes in Abruzzo, in the heart of Majella, the mountain mother, that can be admired in all its beauty. From the ancient village of Campo di Giove (1064m), we start to climb through forests and gorges to reach the “Bosco di Sant’Antonio”, a place considered sacred and dedicated to Jupiter; here it's possible to admire centuries-old beech trees. The route continues turning around Monte Pizzalto and crossing majestic woods with rare orchids, we came back to Campo di Giove. 

Grade: Medium

Total length: 46.8 km

Time: 6 h

Day 5 | October 16, 2018 | Ride Day
The trail starts just outside the village of Castel del Monte, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. From the foot of Mount Bolza, it runs to a karst valley, a typical element of the Gran Sasso National Park. Reaching the lake of Racollo, surrounded by beautiful high-altitude pastures, you’ll ride down towards the village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio.

After admiring the majestic fortress of Rocca Calascio, we continue to descend and cross olive groves and vineyards of Ofena, this area is called the oven of Abruzzo, due to the high summer temperatures.   

This is where a beautiful valley called the “Tirino Valley” begins. The route reaches the three springs of the Tirino river, considered the clearest in Europe and arrives to Bussi sul Tirino. 

Lunch at typical restaurant of St. Stefano di Sessanio

Grade: Very difficult

Total length: 59.8 km

Time: 8 h

Day 6 | October 17, 2018 | Rest Day - Pro Local
Today is an optional riding day. There are many options available this day to you:  Perhaps you may wish to take a walking tour of Torre de'Passeri and learn the rich local history dating back to prehistoric times followed by visit a local ceramic artist's studio and a winery tour and tasting.  A trip to the Adriatic coast can be arranged with a visit to the Canadian WWII cemetery near Ortona. 

For those who wish to ride:
From the village of Pescasseroli (1167 m) we move to San Sebastiano, this first stretch of about 20 kilometers is of paved road, then starts a nice gravel road, that crosses a beautiful valley and enters the woods. The area is home to great wildlife including wolf, bear, wild boar, and deer. We reach the refuge of Terraegna (1780 m), surrounded by the bright colors of nature and then start the descent to return to Pescasseroli.

Grade: Very difficult

Total length: 42.3 km

Time: 6 h

Day 7 | October 18, 2018 | Ride Day
Discovering the most inaccessible and wildest area of the Central Apennine, surrounded by canyons, high peaks, and old town centres. From Caramanico Terme (650 m) we move to Salle, historic town with a spectacular view on gorges and mountains. The route continues through Bolognano (276 m), this area offers amazing landscapes and various points of interest, such as the numerous caves. We reach San Valentino in Abruzzo Citeriore (450 m) and then our starting point, the town of Caramanico Terme.

Grade: Medium

Total length: 43.3 km

Time: 6 h

 Day 8 | October 19, 2018 | Ride Day
Our last day of riding in Abruzzo's Mountains - let's make it count! Immersed in the unique marine landscape of the Voast of Trabocchi, there are many beautiful coastlines characterized by cliffs, long stretches of fine sand and clear waters. The route starts from Ortona and follows the path of the old railway line to Marina di San Vito. After a refreshing break in Lanciano, we continue our tour along the beautiful coastline with a spectacular view on Trabocchi, interesting wood structures used for fishing that lay upon the waters. Reached the Lecceta di Torino di Sangro a Regional Nature Reserve where animals and plants of the scrubland are under protection, we come back to Ortona.

Grade: Medium

Total length: 86.7 km

Time: 6 h

 Day 9 | October 20, 2018 | Depart Abruzzo
After breakfast, we'll transfer back to the Rome airport for flights back home.