We meet in Fabriano, Italy’s famed ‘City of Paper’. Located in a valley within the Apennine Mountains of western Marche, Fabriano’s charming ambiance and heritage-infused townscape makes for an ideal start point to our adventure. After meeting at our tour hotel in the early afternoon, we’ll head out for a trip briefing and a welcome aperitivo consisting of regional cuisine and wine – our first encounter with the flavors and aromas awaiting us throughout the week ahead!
B&B La Portell
DinnerFor hundreds of years, Fabriano was Europe’s most esteemed center of paper production and these medieval traditions are still kept alive. This morning we’ll visit a maestro’s workshop in Fabriano’s historic center to learn first-hand about this time-honored paper making process. And then we start our cycling adventure! Heading out of Fabriano, our route takes us through the natural and rural landscapes of the Apennines via ‘strade bianche’ (white gravel paths) and paved secondary roads. Surrounded by rugged limestone ridges and thick forests, the area is famous for the Frasassi Caves, Europe’s second largest network of caves. But we are going to be focusing on lesser-visited sites such as the abandoned village of San Cristoforo, a hidden gorge of the Sentito River and the ancient hermit sanctuary of Madonna di Frasassi (accessible by a short hike). We spend the night at an agriturismo, a rural hotel, near the town of Genga. Relax by the pool or head out for an optional afternoon activity before we re-convene for a dinner of local delicacies.
Hotel le GrotteBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 30km
+590m
-617mIn the morning we’ll tackle a climb up to Monte Murano. Located at an elevation of 830 m ASL, this summit offers breathtaking views over the Apennines to the west and the rolling hills of Marche to the east. After a fun downhill, which takes us past the mountain town of Serra San Quirico, we continue to an organic bee farm where we’ll stop for a home-cooked lunch. We won’t just be tasting a variety of honeys produced on-site but also join the farm owner in the apiary o learn all about the fascinating world of these Italian bees. We’ll trade our cycling gear for beekeeper’s attire and see what’s going on in the hives. After this insightful experience we’ll cycle through Marche’s wine country on a mix of gravel and paved roads that dissect the undulating hills. Our destination is Montecarotto, renowned for producing one of Italy’s most prestigious white wines: Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi. You’ll be able to taste this exquisite wine paired with dinner tonight at our agriturismo.
Le Piagge del SoleBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 45km+1000m-1200mToday’s route winds along gravel roads through an endless sea of vineyards in the home region of the highly acclaimed Verdicchio wines. The climate and soil conditions aren’t just great for growing wine grapes but also olives! For lunch, we’ll be visiting a family-run olive grove. We’ll learn all about the process of olive oil production from seed to shelf and enjoy a tasting of different varieties produced at the farm. We then continue riding through the gentle, green hillscape of the Marche countryside to conclude our ride at a lovely agriturismo near the village of San Marcello. Produced on-site are an excellent selection of natural Verdicchio wines, crafted through biodynamic farming methods and the use of ancient Roman style amphorae. The owners will give us a run-down on their approach to viticulture and invite us to a wine-paired dinner of regional and seasonal dishes.
Tenuta San MarcelloBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 40km+800m-700mStarting from the agriturismo, we continue through the undulating Verdicchio vineyards and ride through the town of San Marcello. Upon reaching the Esino River via a mostly downhill section, we then enter the historic hinterlands of Marche known as the 'Terra dei Castelli' (the ‘Land of Castles’). Unlike the abandoned medieval castles commonly found elsewhere in Europe, those in Marche remain full of life. That is because they are villages which, during the Middle Ages, were fortified with walls, gates, and towers, transforming them into self-sufficient bastions perched atop the hills. First up, we’ll cycle through Polverigi, known for its distinctive circular old town center and imposing curtain walls. Then, after the day’s final climb, we’ll reach Offagna, one of Marche’s most picturesque fortified medieval villages. We spend the night here, so you have the remainder of the day free to stroll the cobblestoned streets and check out the village's remarkably well preserved 15th-century fortress, Rocca di Offagna. Dinner is on your own tonight, giving you a chance to set your own pace and try a ristorante or osteria of your choosing in Offagna’s small but lively center.
Casa SoresinaBreakfast, LunchRide 40km+800m-750mOur final ride takes us from the green hills of Marche’s interior to the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea. After descending down from Offagna, we’ll savor every last bit of undulating backcountry riding in the rustic heart of Central Italy. Welcomed by the sight of the Adriatic emerging in the distance, we roll into the small town of Sirolo where we spend our last night. Situated atop cliffs with panoramic views of the ocean and featuring a medieval town square, we couldn’t ask for a more scenic conclusion to our cycling adventure. We aim to arrive in the early afternoon, giving you the remainder of the day to immerse yourself in Sirolo and the natural splendors of nearby Conero Regional Park, a stunning protected area with dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and pristine beaches. You can relax at the beach, hike some trails, paddle kayaks, or even participate in a painting workshop. Spend the afternoon as you please and, in the evening, we’ll reconvene for a celebratory farewell dinner.
Villa GhirardelliBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 50km+600m-850mArrivederci! Feel free to extend your stay and relax by the sea or travel onwards to your next destination in Italy or beyond. Arrangements for transfers or post-tour hotels can be made.
BreakfastDisclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.
DestinationsItaly
Tour MeetsFabriano
Fly in toPerugia San Francesco d'Assisi (PEG) or Ancona International Airport (AOI)
Group Size4-16 riders
SpiceRoads jerseyWater bottleSupport vehicleGuide(s)Meals (as indicated)AccommodationBike and helmetSnacks and drinksEntrance fees
International flightsDomestic flightsAirport pick upAirport drop offVisa feesAlcoholTips
This tour covers 205 km over 5 days of riding. We cycle in the region of Marche, Central Italy, from the city of Fabriano in the Apennine Mountains to the town of Sirolo on the Adriatic Coast. Riding on ‘strade bianche’ – chalk white gravel paths – and paved secondary roads we cover a varied terrain ranging from the rugged Apennines, rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and historic villages & towns. On this tour, we foreground a set of exclusive local experiences to complement the cycling; hands-on lessons on traditional paper making, beekeeping, crafting organic olive oil and producing natural Verdicchio wine. Gastronomy is also a highlight and you’ll experience fresh, local, and seasonal meals paired with Marche’s homegrown wines.
The trip is fully supported, and your guide’s expert knowledge of the area and terrain means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of water and refreshments along the way.
Suitability: The tour is suitable for cyclists possessing a good level of physical fitness. Though daily distances aren’t overly long, between 30 and 50 km per day, fitness will be a huge asset to keep up with the climbs. You should be comfortable on a gravel bike and have experience navigating on rocky roads for extended periods. There is nothing overly technical but good handling and braking skills are important. The tour is guided and fully supported, and a transfer is possible at certain points during each stage for any weary riders. Less experienced riders are welcome and e-bikes are available. The focus of this tour is on cultural immersion in Central Italy, and we have off-saddle experiences during as well as after the daily rides. For those seeking a more advanced cycling-focused tour, we suggest Italy Coast to Coast by Gravel Bike.
Biking Conditions: We ride on a mix of gravel and secondary asphalt roads. The conditions of the roads vary widely, ranging from hard-packed and level to loose and bumpy. Throughout all days, the terrain is hilly and changeable with flat sections and a lot of climbs and descents. Some climbs can be gradual while others are short but steep. For the most part, you can expect very little traffic in the countryside but coming in and out towns, as well as near popular tourist attractions, we will share the roads with cars and buses and rules of traffic must be observed. While rainfall is uncommon during the months we schedule our tours, showers can occur at any time – we generally ride rain or shine though, based on the guide’s discretion or your level of comfort, modifications to the planned route can be made. It’s all part of the adventure!
We meet in Fabriano, Italy’s famed ‘City of Paper’. Located in a valley within the Apennine Mountains of western Marche, Fabriano’s charming ambiance and heritage-infused townscape makes for an ideal start point to our adventure. After meeting at our tour hotel in the early afternoon, we’ll head out for a trip briefing and a welcome aperitivo consisting of regional cuisine and wine – our first encounter with the flavors and aromas awaiting us throughout the week ahead!
B&B La PortellDinnerFor hundreds of years, Fabriano was Europe’s most esteemed center of paper production and these medieval traditions are still kept alive. This morning we’ll visit a maestro’s workshop in Fabriano’s historic center to learn first-hand about this time-honored paper making process. And then we start our cycling adventure! Heading out of Fabriano, our route takes us through the natural and rural landscapes of the Apennines via ‘strade bianche’ (white gravel paths) and paved secondary roads. Surrounded by rugged limestone ridges and thick forests, the area is famous for the Frasassi Caves, Europe’s second largest network of caves. But we are going to be focusing on lesser-visited sites such as the abandoned village of San Cristoforo, a hidden gorge of the Sentito River and the ancient hermit sanctuary of Madonna di Frasassi (accessible by a short hike). We spend the night at an agriturismo, a rural hotel, near the town of Genga. Relax by the pool or head out for an optional afternoon activity before we re-convene for a dinner of local delicacies.
Hotel le GrotteBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 30km+590m-617mIn the morning we’ll tackle a climb up to Monte Murano. Located at an elevation of 830 m ASL, this summit offers breathtaking views over the Apennines to the west and the rolling hills of Marche to the east. After a fun downhill, which takes us past the mountain town of Serra San Quirico, we continue to an organic bee farm where we’ll stop for a home-cooked lunch. We won’t just be tasting a variety of honeys produced on-site but also join the farm owner in the apiary o learn all about the fascinating world of these Italian bees. We’ll trade our cycling gear for beekeeper’s attire and see what’s going on in the hives. After this insightful experience we’ll cycle through Marche’s wine country on a mix of gravel and paved roads that dissect the undulating hills. Our destination is Montecarotto, renowned for producing one of Italy’s most prestigious white wines: Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi. You’ll be able to taste this exquisite wine paired with dinner tonight at our agriturismo.
Le Piagge del SoleBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 45km+1000m-1200mToday’s route winds along gravel roads through an endless sea of vineyards in the home region of the highly acclaimed Verdicchio wines. The climate and soil conditions aren’t just great for growing wine grapes but also olives! For lunch, we’ll be visiting a family-run olive grove. We’ll learn all about the process of olive oil production from seed to shelf and enjoy a tasting of different varieties produced at the farm. We then continue riding through the gentle, green hillscape of the Marche countryside to conclude our ride at a lovely agriturismo near the village of San Marcello. Produced on-site are an excellent selection of natural Verdicchio wines, crafted through biodynamic farming methods and the use of ancient Roman style amphorae. The owners will give us a run-down on their approach to viticulture and invite us to a wine-paired dinner of regional and seasonal dishes.
Tenuta San MarcelloBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 40km+800m-700mStarting from the agriturismo, we continue through the undulating Verdicchio vineyards and ride through the town of San Marcello. Upon reaching the Esino River via a mostly downhill section, we then enter the historic hinterlands of Marche known as the 'Terra dei Castelli' (the ‘Land of Castles’). Unlike the abandoned medieval castles commonly found elsewhere in Europe, those in Marche remain full of life. That is because they are villages which, during the Middle Ages, were fortified with walls, gates, and towers, transforming them into self-sufficient bastions perched atop the hills. First up, we’ll cycle through Polverigi, known for its distinctive circular old town center and imposing curtain walls. Then, after the day’s final climb, we’ll reach Offagna, one of Marche’s most picturesque fortified medieval villages. We spend the night here, so you have the remainder of the day free to stroll the cobblestoned streets and check out the village's remarkably well preserved 15th-century fortress, Rocca di Offagna. Dinner is on your own tonight, giving you a chance to set your own pace and try a ristorante or osteria of your choosing in Offagna’s small but lively center.
Casa SoresinaBreakfast, LunchRide 40km+800m-750mOur final ride takes us from the green hills of Marche’s interior to the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea. After descending down from Offagna, we’ll savor every last bit of undulating backcountry riding in the rustic heart of Central Italy. Welcomed by the sight of the Adriatic emerging in the distance, we roll into the small town of Sirolo where we spend our last night. Situated atop cliffs with panoramic views of the ocean and featuring a medieval town square, we couldn’t ask for a more scenic conclusion to our cycling adventure. We aim to arrive in the early afternoon, giving you the remainder of the day to immerse yourself in Sirolo and the natural splendors of nearby Conero Regional Park, a stunning protected area with dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and pristine beaches. You can relax at the beach, hike some trails, paddle kayaks, or even participate in a painting workshop. Spend the afternoon as you please and, in the evening, we’ll reconvene for a celebratory farewell dinner.
Villa GhirardelliBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 50km+600m-850mArrivederci! Feel free to extend your stay and relax by the sea or travel onwards to your next destination in Italy or beyond. Arrangements for transfers or post-tour hotels can be made.
BreakfastDisclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.
Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you can hire bikes locally for the price listed in the tour pricing section. We provide high-quality Cinelli (or similar) gravel bikes ideally suited for the conditions and terrain on this tour. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is a gravel bike in good mechanical order. We also have E-Bikes available for hire, but they are limited in number & size - please send an email to us to check on availability.
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
See here for recommendations and detailed information.
Italy has a Mediterranean climate: mild springs from March to May, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F), warm summers span from June to August, with temperatures typically between 20-30°C (68-86°F), and fall extends from September to November, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F). Winter lasts from December to February, with temperatures from 0-10°C (32-50°F). The best time for cycling is late spring/early summer and late summer/early fall, when temperatures are pleasant and you can avoid the peak rush of the summer tourism season.
Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.
Italian food is loved all over the world, but nothing beats a deep-dive into traditionally prepared regional delicacies straight from the source. Paired with world-class wine, of course. We eat most dinners family-style with generous spreads meant for sharing. On the road, we either stop for a light lunch at a farm or restaurant or have a packed meal at a quiet location. Breakfasts are at the hotels/agriturismi.
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Water and a regular supply of refreshments are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. But you may also want to bring electrolyte in powder or tablet form. Alcoholic drinks (ahem, some of the world's best fine) are available everywhere, but are NOT included in the price. Occasional wine pairings may be included as a part of dinner - your guide will let you know when they are.
SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
We recommend that you tuck away a few extra Euros for possible incidentals that might arise. It is always wise to have some paper currency in case of ATM absence or credit card problems. This will save you a lot of unnecessary worries. It is also customary to tip local tour guides and drivers; however, the amount you give should be dependent on the level of service you receive.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout the country, but that is not a guarantee, especially in mom & pop shops in rural areas.
Tourist Tax: The tourist tax varies depending on the region and the type of accommodation. The fee is between 1 - 5 Euros per person/per night. This amount needs to be paid directly and in cash - hence why we do not include it in the tour price and you will be expected to pay this where necessary.
The currency used in Italy is the Euro (€).
If this is the tour for you here's what you need to do to confirm your place:
Just complete our online booking form or send your booking details offline (email or post), and we will confirm your participation. No deposit is needed to confirm your place on a SpiceRoads tour.
You are advised to read our Booking Conditions in full before you make your payment and should you require further clarifications of any of the conditions below, please email us or call our office.
There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please email us or call our office.
From the tour page, click the 'Book Now' link. All departures for this tour will appear, just select the date you'd like to travel. For the next steps, you'll need to know the names of the people travelling. If you wish you can also provide extra details such as passport numbers, height (for bike hire), or you can add that later by logging into Manage My Trip (we'll set up an account for you automatically if you don't already have one). Our system will contact you from time to time to fill in the missing information, as it will be required before departure. However, if the trip that you are booking offers a child discount, you will have to fill out the date of birth of each rider (so we can calculate the appropriate discount).
If you are having any problems please send us an email, or give us a call (+66 026 3295) and one of our travel specialists will assist you with your booking.
Just call us or send an email indicating which trip you want to join and we will happily send you a list of questions and process your booking for you.
We do not require a deposit or full payment to book a place for you on a tour.
The balance of the tour’s cost (final invoice) will need to be paid 60 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights.
In the case where a booking is made when there are less than 60 days until the tour departure date, the tour’s cost should be paid in full within 72 hours of receiving an invoice from SpiceRoads. Payment can be made by credit card using our online payment gateway or by bank transfer. When making payment online you will need to confirm that you have read these booking conditions during the "checkout" process, which equates to agreeing to the terms of services and stipulations as indicated in this document.
In all cases, tour fees need to be paid “in full” before participation in a tour. No person(s) will be allowed to join a tour without fully settling their invoice and receiving a confirmation number from SpiceRoads.
The exception can be made for last-minute miscellaneous fees that can be paid locally (visas, additional local hotel bookings, etc.) can be settled on the day of arrival.
If the tour is cancelled or postponed by SpiceRoads because we didn't make the trip numbers and the tour can’t run, we will make a full cash refund (by bank transfer or on your credit card).
If the tour is cancelled for any other reason, including due to Covid related travel restrictions, we will give you a full credit (with no deductions for admin or any other small-print item) to use on any SpiceRoads tour with no time limit. (Exceptions being flights, special permits and other non-refundable items and these will be advised when booking the trip).
Before paying for your tour, you can cancel your booking with no charge and up until 40 days before departure, you can change your booking to another travel date or move your booking onto another SpiceRoads tour with no charges.
If you need to cancel after you have made full payment, please see our cancellation policy.
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