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italy photographic tour ::  cycling umbria


A photographic cycling adventure through the 'green heart' of Italy, from the enchanting city of Florence to the nation’s capital of Rome. The contrasts are very noticeable as you leave behind Tuscany and arrive in the peaceful, mystical and sometimes unexplored Umbria. During the approx. 210 km of cycling you will see cities like Assisi, Perugia, Spoleto and Terni, each town revealing an incredible wealth of art treasures, which take visitors back to the Middle Ages. The cities have barely changed over the centuries and the rolling landscape dotted with vineyards and hill top towns will give you an appreciation of why the area is so popular with painters. Travelling generally on back roads the route passes through the valleys of the Apennines and gentle hills near to Trasimeno Lake. At the end, the Eternal City of Rome awaits you, a fitting end to this exhilarating Italian journey by bike.  Operated by Utracks, a division of World Expeditions.   11 days, departs 10 October 2010.

 

 

DESCRIPTION:

DAY 1
Arrive Florence

 Upon arrival in Florence we will need to make our own way to the hotel. Evening at leisure.

 

  

DAY 2
In Florence

 Today is our own self guided sightseeing. Andrew will be with us to explore the amazing photographic opportunities. This evening we will a short briefing and provided with an information kit including detailed maps, train tickets, your saddle pack, pannier and sightseeing information .

 

  

DAY 3
Train to Arezzo then cycle to Trasimeno Lake (63km)

 In the morning, travel by train to Arezzo where our custom built trailer awaits with your touring bikes. There will be time to adjust your bikes and have a short introduction to using the speedometer and route maps for best effect. Arezzo is certainly worth a short spell of exploration to enjoy the range of splendid churches and palaces. Ideally, you’ll be off by mid morning, cycling on quiet lanes through the wide plain of Valdichiana, constantly accompanied by the hill and mountain silhouettes of Southern Tuscany. You pass Cortona and continue to Trasimeno Lake, the battlefield where Hannibal fought against the Romans. Enroute there is a wonderful view over the lake and along the lakeside itself, plenty of information boards that depict the history of the famous battle that was fought here. Continue on to Passignano to your overnight hotel close to the lakeside.

 

  

DAY 4
Cycle backroads to historic Perugia (35km)

 Our cycle journey delves deep into the Umbrian countryside. We commence pedalling beside the lake to Torricella which, set at 900 meters above sea level, affords a vast panorama on either side of the (rivers) Sangro and Aventino. Continue along small and secluded lanes to Perugia – through wide fields of sunflowers and local crops, rolling hills and idyllic villages. On arrival you will be instantly mesmerised by the character of Perugia. It is recommended that you take a walk through the old town centre to view impressive buildings such as the San Lorenzo Cathedral, Palazzo dei Priori and the Arco Etrusco. In addition to being famous for its Perugina Baci chocolates, Perugia is a university town and each year thousands of people travel here to learn Italian at the ‘Universita per Stranieri’ or University for Foreigners. The city mascot is the griffin, which can be seen in the form of plaques and statues on buildings around the city. In whole, a wonderful town with much to see.

 

  

DAY 5
Cycle to Assisi (30km)

 As we leave through the old stone gates of Perugia at the south end, we can see the days route to the town of Assisi. This is an easy day with plenty of time to explore the home town of St. Francis, Assisi on arrival. You may choose to take a walk to the hilltop castle above the town for an impressive view of the region, or spend time at the Basilica of S. Francesco, the Temple of Minerva, the Rocca Maggiore or one of the many other interesting sites this UNESCO listed town has to offer. Couple this with some relaxation time with a coffee in the Piazza del Comune and you have the ingredients of a splendid afternoon...

 

  
DAY 6
In Assisi (no cycling)		 Today will be a splendid day for photography, rest and relaxation in the picturesque Assisi.
   
DAY 7
Cycle to Spoleto through Clitunno Valley (55km)		 The Subasio Mountain is a limestone formation with a height of 1290m. Its bald and windswept profile dominates the surrounding landscape and provides a link between the towns of Assisi and Spello. This morning we cycle along the flanks of the mountain, passing medieval monuments and some vestiges of Roman days enroute to the medieval town of Spello. On arrival in town there are more antiquities to be discovered, including the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, which contains frescoes by Pinturicchio and two Roman gates and a Roman arch. The views from the town wall down to the Umbrian plain are superb. The cycle route continues along the dam to Spoleto and towns like Montefalco, Trevi and Campello are situated atop of the surrounding hills. Spoleto was also an important town during the Roman era. The Arch of Drusus (23 A.C.) can be found near to the Romanic church of St. Ansano, the Roman theater, whose construction goes back to the first years of the Empire, and the paleocristian basilica St Salvatore. Each year the town hosts the Spoleto Festival between the end of June and middle of July. Known as the Festival of the Two Worlds, it has been running since 1958 and includes performances of dance, prose and lyrics. Overnight Spoleto.
   
DAY 8 Cycle to Narni (55km) Embedded between mountains, the route follows the stunning landscape to Terni. The town was subject to heavy bombing during World War II and as a result has a more modern feel, although the old town centre still has some impressive monuments including the Church of St Francis. The modern architecture centred around the Piazza Tacito with its fountain, and the Largo Villa Glori, was designed by the renowned Italian architect Ridolfi. From Terni our route continues on to Narni; another medieval hilltop city with inspiring views of the gorge of the Black river. It was the first settlement of the Umbri which was later conquered by the Romans and is authentically preserved. If time allows we recommend you explore the rocca Alborrnoziana dominating the town – as well as numerous monuments that make up the historical centre including the Dome, many Roman-Gothic churches, and Priori public square. Beneath St. Dominic's monastery, there is the underground of Narni with its ornate frescoes - well worth the visit. The town history also suggests links between it and the “Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis.
   
DAY 9
Cycle To Poggio Mirteto, then by train to Rome		 Our cycle route out of Narni ambles along pleasant agricultural countryside where small homesteads dot the terrain. The final leg, a freewheeling experience from Casperia to the train station of Poggio Mirteto. Our bike support vehicle awaits us here, where our bikes are deposited and our luggage collected in preparedness for the one hour train journey to Rome. We leave behind the tranquillity of the Umbrian countryside to enter the capital, with its countless museums, galleries, churches and ancient monuments. It’s an exciting end to a glorious week of cycling through the peaceful Umbrian hills. Your time is free to explore this fascinating city at your own leisure.
   
DAY 9 In Rome
 		 Today we will have a full day tour of the most important monuments, with plenty of time for photographs.
   
DAY 10 In Rome Free photographic day, with Andrew available for questions and answers.
   
DAY 11
In Rome
After breakfast our tour concludes. Make your own way to the airport.

 
     

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Expert, professional photography escort Andrew Thomasson

  • Experiencing the fabulous hill top towns of Perugia, Assisi and Spoleto enroute

  • Photographic opportunities at every turn

  • Enjoying the fantastic cuisine of the region

  • Cycling through the superb countryside of Umbria including Lake Trasimeno

  • Shopping for regional specialties such as Perugian Chocolates, Deruta ceramics and leather handbags in the markets of Florence.

  • Enjoying the freedom of cycle touring

  
     

TOUR STYLE:

Introductory to Moderate

This trip involves 5 days cycling usually along backroads and field paths with minimal car traffic (although some short distances will be on main highways but it is usual that there are bike lanes on the same). The stages from Florence to Assisi are mostly flat, and stages after become undulating. There are fascinating stages along the banks of the Trasimeno Lake, along rivers and through the untainted Umbrian landscape. You need only carry your camera and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

  
     

location:

Italy:  Florence to Rome

 
     

DATES:

11 Days, departs 10 October 2010

  
     

cost:

$2990 AUD, twin share, Single supplement $555

Throughout the trip you will be staying in 3 to 4 star hotels, chosen for their location and friendly staff. All rooms have private facilities. Additional nights can be booked in Florence and Rome. Details are available on request. When arriving at the evening hotel the management will direct you to where the bikes will be stored overnight. These are always in secure locations within the hotel.
 

 

Inclusions:

  • 10 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices.

  • 10 nights accommodation in 3 to 4 star hotels

  • Train tickets Florence – Arezzo and Poggio Mirteto - Rome

  • Bicycle, 21 speed with speedometer, waterproof saddle bag and handlebar bag, local guide for 8 days whilst on cycle

  • Luggage transfer

  • 8 day service hotline and signposting of route

  • Information kit including detailed maps, sightseeing references & welcome briefing
     

Items not included

  • Transportation to and from Florence / Rome

  • Dinner and Lunches daily

  • Drinks

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Transfers

  • Tour guide – in Florence and Rome (except full day Rome tour)

  • Travel Insurance

  
     

meeting point:

Before departure you will receive details of your joining hotel. On arrival at the hotel your booking will be organised. On day 2, we will have a short introduction to the tour and receive an information package which includes maps & hotel lists. Being a special interest group, most of you will have already met or meet on the plane. A list of participants and their emails will be passed around the group before departure (we will seek individual permission before we include contact details)
 

  
     

instructor:

Andrew Thomasson

  
     

more information: 

For further information, please contact Andrew at Focus 10 - info@focus10.com.au or call 0407 278 809.

  
 
   
 
     
     
(c) Focus 10 Photography, 2010.  All rights reserved.     

Tel:  0407 278 809