Bike Marche and discover Eastern Italy!

Day 1: Arrival Rome Airport
     Day 2: Ascoli loop, 49 miles (78 km)
     Day 3:  Ascoli  loop, 77 miles (123 km)
     Day 4: Ascoli - Recanati, 77 miles (124 km)
     Day 5: Recanati loop, 50 miles (80 km)
     Day 6: Recanati loop, 64 miles (102 km)
     Day 7: Rest day
     Day 8: Departure from San Benedetto del Tronto

DAY 1: Arrival Rome Airport.
On arrival day, you can book an optional transfer from the Roma Airport to Ascoli Piceno/San Benedetto del Tronto.

DAY 2: Ascoli loop, 49 miles (78 km)
In this stage, you will ride in the mountains of Laga Park. Traveling on the old national road, you will cross the border of Abruzzo and arrive at Civitella del Tronto, an ancient medieval village. You will have time for a break and a visit. Of interest here is the majestic Fortezza, or fortress, surrounded by walls and situated on a rocky cliff. This is a unique example of medieval military architecture. After coffee and a brief descent, the road starts to rise in steep switchbacks up to the Laga massif. The magnificent views and the smell of flowers are a welcome distraction. The second part of the climb through woods is easier and after the summit of 3608' (1100 m) the way home is mostly downhill. Lunch this day is in the charming hamlet of Castel Trosino. The Church of San Lorenzo with its bell tower overlooks the square. Dinners in Ascoli Piceno are not in the hotel but the old town offers many choices.

DAY 3: Ascoli  loop, 77 miles (123 km)
The second stage is set in the Park of the Sibillini mountains. You will set out on the old Salaria road, one of the main roads originally built by the Romans. You will follow the twisted course of the Tronto River to Arquata where the climb begins. The 9 mile (15 km) climb summits at Forca di Presta at 5068' (1545 m). The landscape along the way is magnificent but the real wonder awaits you at the top. Surrounded by mountain peaks, the Piana of Castelluccio is a patchwork quilt of bright flowers, especially poppies, cornflowers, and daisies. After crossing the highland, you will climb into the village of Castelluccio, which dates from the 13th century. After lunch, the highest pass of the tour awaits, Forche Canapine, at 5085' (1550 m) Then the long, twisted descent back to Ascoli.

DAY 4: Ascoli - Recanati, 77 miles (124 km)
Heading north out of Ascoli, you will climb up to 2460' and drop down to the Aso River Valley. Here you will hit a few miles of flat road before encountering the rollercoaster ride of short hills. Atop each one, are charming medieval towns: Monte Vidon Combatte, Petritoli, (stop for refreshments here), Monterubbiano, Fermo, and Montegranaro. After crossing the Chienti River Valley, the last hill awaits and the final destination for the day, Recanati. This is an exquisite town, rich in history and architecture, birthplace of illustrious artists like the poet Giacomo Leopardi. The great Venetian painter Lorenzo Lotto lived and worked here. Some of his masterpieces can be seen at the local museum. You will stay here for 3 nights in a newly renovated hotel which is a perfect mix of modern comfort and the ambiance of a XVII century palace.

DAY 5: Recanati loop, 50 miles (80 km)
Toward the sea you cycle, first tackling a few climbs. First is a short climb to Osimo and then on rolling hills to Offagna. The Rocca dominates this medieval town. Built between 1454 and 1456 it is considered to be one of the best examples of military architecture in the region. Constructed to a quadrangular plan, it has a 30 metre keep and huge wall. You will enter the Natural Reserve of Monte Conero with its spectacular views of the mountain dipping into the sea. After a descent, you will ride along the coast, passing through the beach resorts of Sirolo and Numana. Turning inland, there is a climb to Loreto and lunch in the shade of its famous sanctuary. Only a little more than six miles to return to Recanati and perhaps a glass or two of Verdicchio or Rosso Piceno, lovely wines from the region.

DAY 6: Recanati loop, 64 miles (102 km)
Today you turn your back to the sea and move inland heading toward the medieval tower of Montefiore. The quiet road with rolling hills provides great views of the countryside and the towns just beyond the hills.  A 4 mile (7 km) climb awaits up to the fortified walls of Caingolis. This is the territory of the infamous white Verdicchio wine and you will see not the olive groves give way to the vineyards. A well deserved break will be enjoyed in the cobbled plaza of Cingoli.  After, a sneaking descent to Lake Castreccioni, and then another climb to Staffolo challenges and rewards. Heading back to Recanati is a long downhill interrupted only by two climbs to Filottrano and Montefano.

DAY 7: Rest day
This day is a day of well deserved rest. A van transports to San Benedetto del Tronto, but if you prefer, you can be left in Acquaviva-Monteprandone for a cycle excursion. This village is rich in monuments and bars! food, vegetables and meats served here are self produced.

DAY 8: Departure from San Benedetto. Van transfer to airport, 3 hours

Best price per person: € 920

Bicycle rental: € 150

Single supplement: € 180

Van transfer to/from Rome airport: per person, each way: € 60