Florence to Rome - Self Guided
Italy Bike Tours
Cycle in Italy through Tuscany & Umbria
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1263 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This self-guided bike tour in Italy allows you to discover a different side of the Bel Paese (beautiful country). A quiet, almost mystical side will open before you as you pedal the Tuscan landscape.
You will begin your bike tour in Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and, like the saying, "all roads lead to Rome", you too will end your vacation in the eternal city. And between these two iconic cities, the villages of Assisi, Perugia, Spoleto, and Narni, all with innumerable artistic treasures and remnants of medieval times, will enchant.
Apart from the urban lure of art, architecture, history, and cuisine, you traverse the valleys of the rugged and magical Apennines Mountains, over the soft, rolling hills of Lake Trasimeno, and through Umbria and the solitude of its small villages. Raging rivers, fascinating gorges, and the flocks of roaming sheep define this side of Italy. Come and explore it all!
Highlights
- Ponte Vecchio in Florence
- Art and sculpture
- Lake Trasimeno
- Olive groves and Italian wine
- Medieval Perugia, Spoleto, & Narni
- The possibility to visit Vatican City!
Be sure to check out our full list of bicycle tours in Italy or all of our bike tours in Tuscany.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Florence
Day 2: Florence - Passignano sul Trasimeno, 37 mi. (60 km) + train ride
Day 3: Passignano sul Trasimeno - Perugia, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 4: Perugia - Assisi, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 5: Assisi - Spoleto, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 6: Spoleto - Terni - Narni 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 7: Narni - Rome, 37 mi. (60 km) + train
Day 8: Departure from RomeAll distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control such as weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. You may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork or other unforeseen circumstances that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.
Day 1: Arrival in Florence
After you arrive in Florence, there is an evening tour briefing and rental bikes are distributed in one of the tour hotels, centrally located, though perhaps different than the hotel that has been reserved for you. If you are not able to attend your tour briefing, you can request your tour documents at the reception of your first hotel. Advance notice is appreciated. Taking time to visit the beautiful center of Florence is recommended.Sample hotel: There are several possible starting hotels based on availability, all 4* facilities.
- Hotel Ambasciatori Firenze
- Hotel Club Firenze
- Hotel Diplomat
- Grand Hotel Adriatico
- Hotel de La Place
- Hotel Embassy
Day 2: Florence - Passignano sul Trasimeno, 37 mi. (60 km) + train ride
In the morning, you travel to Arezzo by train. You can then visit the splendid churches and palaces in this city of antiquities and gold. You cycle on beautiful lanes through the wide plain of Valdichiana, with the hill and mountain silhouettes of Southern Tuscany as your backdrop. You pass Cortona, cycle up to Trasimeno Lake, and the battlefield where Hannibal fought against the Romans. Enjoy the wonderful view of Trasimeno Lake. You will overnight in Passignano.Sample hotel: 3* La Vela
Day 3: Passignano sul Trasimeno - Perugia, 22 mi. (35 km)
Cycling along the lake to Torricella, on secluded lanes, through wide fields, rolling hills, and idyllic villages, the tour leads to Perugia, a well-known artistic center of Italy. Take a stroll through one of the nicest shopping streets in Italy to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the Palazzo dei Priori, or the Arco Etrusco. Perugia is the capital of Umbria. Though infused with a modern atmosphere due to its university, this medieval town is also infused with history. Its rich archaeological sites give witness. The most outstanding of all are its walls and gates, which are still well preserved.Sample hotel: 4* Sangallo Palace
Day 4: Perugia - Assisi, 19 mi. (30 km)
After having crossed the Tiber River, it is only a few kilometers to the hometown of St. Francis, Assisi, the “City of Peace”. Before ascending to this mystical city, there is an excursion to one of the most beautiful sanctuaries of Umbria, S.M. degli Angeli! In Assisi, you can immerse yourself in the colorful world of the medieval frescoes by Giotto.Sample hotel: 3* Hotel Dei Priori Assisi
Day 5: Assisi - Spoleto, 34 mi. (55 km)
Today's route leads along the enormous mountain base of Mount Subasio to the wonderfully preserved medieval town of Spello and continues through the Valle Umbra to Spoleto. Towns like Montefalco, Trevi, and Campello dot the surrounding hills. From the aqueduct which is over 80 meters high, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Tessino Canyon, Mount Luco, and the Rocca Albornoz (papal fortress).Sample hotel: 3* Hotel Charleston
Day 6: Spoleto - Terni - Narni, 28 mi. (45 km)
Nestled between mountains and through a wonderful landscape, the tour leads to Terni. From there, you ride on small country lanes up to Narni, a medieval town rarely explored by tourists. Dark houses crowd together in stepped alleys to form picturesque squares. The imaginary land of Narnia, described in the works of C. S. Lewis, is said to have been named after Narni. The legend claims that as a child, he came across the name in an atlas.Sample hotel: 3* Hotel Dei Priori
Day 7: Narni - Rome, 37 mi. (60 km) + train
"All roads lead to Rome", it is said! In the middle of the green heart of Umbria, the first stage from Narni to Calvi is quite hilly. Enjoy the calmness and seclusion of the small Umbrian town at the foot of the 'Sabine Mountains', before, by train, you arrive in the busy city of Rome. Overnight stay near the Tiburtina station.Sample hotel: 4* Gambrinus Hotel
Day 8: Departure from Rome
If time allows, we highly recommend an independent visit to the Vatican (not included as part of the package). It is a perfect way to end your tour in Italy. Otherwise, Rome is very well connected by plane and train to extend your journey or return home.You can view all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
Map
Hotels & Bikes
You will be accommodated in lovely 3-star to 4-star hotels. In Narni, a simple but central hotel of the 3-star level is used. On each day’s details, you will find the name of the preferred hotel. We strongly advise that you research the hotels listed and are satisfied with the accommodations. A hotel list can be provided at the time of your tour confirmation. Please request this. However, it is important to understand that at times, changes must be made, and your final hotel list may reflect this.
Bicycles
Standard touring bike
The standard touring rental bikes are 7-speed unisex or 21-speed. There are two types of frames available for the 21-speed bike, a men's frame or a unisex frame. These bikes also feature:
- Modern V-breaks
- Aluminum rims
- Aluminum frame
- Mudguards
- Selle Royal Comfort gel saddles (seatpost diameter is 27.2)
- 28-inch puncture-resistant tires
*You must specify at time of booking which bike you would like to reserve, 7 speed unisex or 21 speed unisex or men's frame.
Accessories
- Handlebar bag
- Rear pannier
- Combination lock (one per room)
- Repair kit (one per room)
- Pump (one per room)
- Bike helmets, UVEX i-vo, (for sale, advanced reservation, €40)
Plus Bike
The Plus bike allows for a slightly sportier sitting posture, 27 gears offer the highest flexibility and a high-quality Suntour suspension fork provides the best possible comfort across all surfaces. All accessories are also available on Rental Bike Plus. We strongly recommend this upgrade!
- Hydraulic Magura Brakes
- Shimano Deore XT gearings
- Aluminum rims
- Aluminum frame
- Pannier
- Mudguards
- Handlebar bag
- Bicycle repair kit with tools, a pump, a spare inner tube, and a combination lock
- Selle Royal Esenza (seatpost diameter is 27.2)
- 28-inch puncture-resistant tires
*Availability is limited. You must specify at time of booking if you are requesting Plus Bike
Accessories
- Handlebar bag
- Pear pannier
- Combination lock (one per room)
- Repair kit (one per room)
- Pump (one per room)
- Bike helmets (for sale, advanced reservation, €40)
Electric Bike
These pedelec bikes have an electric motor fixed on the frame with a removable battery. A pedelec's motorised assistance only engages when the rider is pedaling and cuts out once 25 km/h is reached.
- 36 volt Bosch motor
- 500 wh battery
- Shimano 8 gear Nexus hub gears with backpedaling brake hub.
- The removable battery provides a ranch of 120 to 180 kilometers.
- Weight approximately 23 kg.
Accessories
- Handlebar bag
- Rear pannier
- Combination lock (one per room)
- Repair kit (one per room)
- Pump (one per room)
- Bike helmets, UVEX i-vo, (for sale, advanced reservation, €40)
*It is important to reserve your electric bike at time of booking.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Hotel accommodations for 7 nights
- Breakfast
- Welcome meeting, tour presentation, & bike fitting
- 21-speed city touring bike (based on KTM design), including helmet
- Luggage transfer (must be delivered by 9 am to the hotel reception, guaranteed delivery to next hotel by 6 pm). Maximum weight: 20 kg per piece.
- Route descriptions & maps (one set per room)
- Tourist information
- Train tickets Florence to Arezzo (bike included)
- Train tickets Poggio Mirteto to Rome (bike not included as you leave your bike in Poggio Mirteto)
- Bike protection
- App for GPS navigation available
- 7-day service hotline
What’s Not Included
- Visitor’s Tax (to be paid upon arrival) approx. €4 per person per night
- Lunches
- Dinners
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2023
Saturday departures from April 1 through October 7, 2023
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2023
Saturday Departures
Twin/double Single surcharge Season 1
April 1 to April 14 | September 30 to October 7$ 2133 £ 1122 $ 1,853 € 1263 kr 187466 ₪ 5230 ¥ 203704 Mex$ 25260 NZ$ 2305 NOK 14810 kr 15300 $ 1,374 $ 674 £ 355 $ 585 € 399 kr 59223 ₪ 1652 ¥ 64353 Mex$ 7980 NZ$ 728 NOK 4679 kr 4833 $ 434 Season 2
April 15 to May 12 | September 9 to September 29$ 2234 £ 1176 $ 1,941 € 1323 kr 196371 ₪ 5479 ¥ 213381 Mex$ 26460 NZ$ 2415 NOK 15514 kr 16026 $ 1,439 $ 674 £ 355 $ 585 € 399 kr 59223 ₪ 1652 ¥ 64353 Mex$ 7980 NZ$ 728 NOK 4679 kr 4833 $ 434 Season 3
May 13 to July 1 | August 26 to September 8€ 1383 $ 674 £ 355 $ 585 € 399 kr 59223 ₪ 1652 ¥ 64353 Mex$ 7980 NZ$ 728 NOK 4679 kr 4833 $ 434 Extra Options
Bike rental upgrades
2023
Electric bike rental $ 236 £ 124 $ 205 € 140 kr 20780 ₪ 580 ¥ 22580 Mex$ 2800 NZ$ 256 NOK 1642 kr 1696 $ 152 Plus bike rental $ 101 £ 53 $ 88 € 60 kr 8906 ₪ 248 ¥ 9677 Mex$ 1200 NZ$ 110 NOK 704 kr 727 $ 65 Bike helmets, UVEX i-vo, (for sale, advanced reservation) $ 68 £ 36 $ 59 € 40 kr 5937 ₪ 166 ¥ 6451 Mex$ 800 NZ$ 73 NOK 469 kr 485 $ 44 Extra nights
Florence $ 211 £ 111 $ 183 € 125 kr 18554 ₪ 518 ¥ 20161 Mex$ 2500 NZ$ 228 NOK 1466 kr 1514 $ 136 Single supplement $ 150 £ 79 $ 131 € 89 kr 13210 ₪ 369 ¥ 14354 Mex$ 1780 NZ$ 162 NOK 1044 kr 1078 $ 97 Rome $ 167 £ 88 $ 145 € 99 kr 14694 ₪ 410 ¥ 15967 Mex$ 1980 NZ$ 181 NOK 1161 kr 1199 $ 108 Single supplement $ 127 £ 67 $ 110 € 75 kr 11132 ₪ 311 ¥ 12096 Mex$ 1500 NZ$ 137 NOK 879 kr 909 $ 82 Please note that extra nights within the tour itinerary are not possible unless you have a group of 6 or more or unless you are willing to pay a supplement for special luggage transfer. Please ask!
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
This is a moderate to difficult self-guided hotel tour with daily distances averaging approximately 45 km over rolling hills interspersed with some steep climbs. The stages from Florence to Assisi are mostly flat with scattered hills. The daily routes follow mainly small streets, country lanes, and lightly trafficked side streets. When exiting and entering cities, you will encounter busier roads, but only for short sections. There are fascinating stages along the bank of the Trasimeno Lake, along rivers, and through the untainted nature of Umbria. You begin at about 200 meters of elevation and will reach a maximum of 580 m elevation.
Airport Info
Closest international airports to your tour start and finish are either Rome (FCO) or Florence (FLR). You could also fly into one city and out of another. Rome Fiumicino Airport is the busiest airport in Italy, particularly in terms of international traffic. The airport is actually 22 miles (35 km) from Rome’s city center and has its own train station.
The FCO station connects frequently with central Rome with a few options, and from Rome, you can get anywhere else in Italy, including Florence.
Local Travel
Upon arrival at Fiumicino, you can choose either the Leonardo Express, a regional train that will take you to center city Rome or a high-speed Alta Velocità (AV) train. The AV train is ideal if you’re not planning to spend any time in Rome and want to get straight on to Florence from the airport. There are two departures per day, one at 11:08 am and the other at 3:08 pm. These trains do stop in Rome but there is no need to change trains. Travel time is 2 1/2 hours. You can also take the regional train but a change of trains will be necessary in Rome. If you fly to Florence, a taxi from Florence airport to your first hotel will cost approximately € 20. We will send you detailed instructions on how to arrive to your first hotel with your final travel information.
Climate
Please research regional weather forecast before you arrive. The climate in this part of Italy is generally characterized as a humid subtropical climate.
Recommended
Available for this tour is an app that can be downloaded to your smartphone (Apple or Android). You can request the GPX tracks by email which you can then upload into your device. The maps are available in offline mode to avoid data charges. Just ask us for a helpful PDF file with step-by-step instructions from downloading the app, to uploading the GPX tracks and hotel lists.
Remarks
In an emergency, one or two people can join the luggage transfer if necessary.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Extra Stay
Extra nights in Florence and Rome are possible on request.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Eurobike.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
Photos
Reviews
Steven M.
12 months agoVerified Reviewer
Gene C.
6 years agoVerified Reviewer
Garry Denman
12 years agoVerified Reviewer
Tripsite Customer Reviews
Steven M.
12 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Gene C.
6 years ago
Verified Reviewer