Central Italy - La Dolce Vita

Italy’s central regions – Umbria, Le Marche, and Tuscany – offer cyclists an extraordinary blend of scenic beauty, challenging routes, and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, these regions provide the perfect landscapes for exploration, each with its own unique character.

Offering the perfect combination of rolling hills, mountains, coastal routes, tarmac and gravel. Central Italy is a cycling paradise. Home to the L’Eroica, Le Strade Bianchi, Giro D’Italia, Tuscany Trails and many more world renowned races.

Umbria: The Green Heart of Italy

Known as the "Green Heart of Italy," Umbria is a landlocked region famous for its rolling hills, medieval hilltop towns, and lush landscapes. It’s renowned for its stunning scenery and ancient towns like Assisi (birthplace of St. Francis), Perugia, and Orvieto. Umbria offers a quieter and more authentic experience than its more tourist-heavy neighbor, Tuscany. It’s also celebrated for its cuisine, especially its truffles, olive oil, and wine, along with its annual cultural events, such as the Umbria Jazz Festival.

Le Marche: Coastal Routes and Mountain Trails

Le Marche is Italy’s best-kept secret, a region with both stunning coastline and majestic mountains. Here, cyclists can enjoy a mix of landscapes, from the Adriatic’s coastal roads to challenging routes through the Apennine Mountains. Ride through picturesque villages like Urbino and Ascoli Piceno, with their Renaissance architecture and panoramic views. For those seeking adventure, Le Marche’s mountain trails and forested paths offer exciting terrain and breathtaking scenery. And after a day’s ride, savor the region’s unique cuisine, from seafood along the coast to hearty mountain fare. Le Marche’s diversity provides endless cycling opportunities, ideal for those who want to experience Italy’s authentic countryside.

Pictures kindly provided by www.hiddenitaly.com/maps

Tuscany: Iconic Landscapes and Rolling Hills

Cycling in Tuscany is a dream come true. This region’s iconic landscapes – rolling hills dotted with cypress trees, sprawling vineyards, and golden fields – have been inspiring travelers for centuries. Tuscany’s cycling routes offer a range of experiences, from gentle rides through Chianti’s vineyards to more demanding climbs in the Apuan Alps. Ride between historic towns like Florence, Siena, and San Gimignano, where each stop offers world-class art, architecture, and a chance to sample the region’s famous wines. The Strade Bianche, or “white roads,” in the Crete Senesi are famous for their unique beauty and are a must-ride for any cyclist. Tuscany combines the thrill of cycling with the joy of experiencing Italy’s rich cultural heritage.