This extraordinary cycling adventure begins at the foothills of Gran Sasso, the highest peak of the Apennines, and ends at the Adriatic Sea in the historic fishing town of Termoli. Along the way, we ride through some of Italy’s most untouched landscapes, crossing three spectacular national parks where open landscapes, high-altitude prairies, dramatic mountain cliffs, and fascinating wildlife are lovingly protected and admired by locals and visitors alike. The hillsides' medieval villages—some nearly abandoned, others vibrant with traditions and cultural treasures- are connected by quiet roads that seem made for cyclists alone. The cuisine celebrates fresh local ingredients: golden olive oil, garden vegetables, artisanal pastas crafted from the finest wheat, and flavorful local cheeses. To accompany these delights, the region’s robust red wines, primarily based on the Aglianico grape, offer the perfect pairing. Ride from the peaks of the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea through Italy’s wildest and least-traveled regions. Cycle quiet mountain roads across three spectacular national parks beneath Gran Sasso and the Maiella range. Conquer dramatic climbs, sweeping descents, and high-altitude plateaus rivaling the beauty of the Alps. Stay in Santo Stefano di Sessanio, the iconic medieval village transformed into Italy’s first albergo diffuso. Discover timeless hill towns, ancient traditions, and the remarkable 1,000-year-old Marinelli Bell Foundry in Agnone. Savor the authentic cuisine of Abruzzo and Molise, from arrosticini and maccheroni alla chitarra to mountain pecorino cheeses and robust Montepulciano and Tintilia wines. Average Daily: 45/50 miles Total: 260/ 345 miles. Average Daily: 4,500/6,000 ft Total: 25,400/36,700 ft. Expert, bilingual guides. Van support. Ciclismo Classico jersey and water bottles. Pre- and post-tour group shuttles. Use of our exclusive carbon road bike, La Classica Ribelle (or Equivalent Carbon Road Bike). Garmin Edge Explore GPS loaded with the GPX tracks of your rides. Two water bottles. Saddle bag with repair kit. Optional: map holder on handlebar. Pedal Options: Flat pedals, Half-toe pedals (without straps). What's Not Included: Helmet. Optional: clipless/SPD pedals with shoes. Optional: your own saddle. All accommodations. All breakfasts, 1 lunch, 6 dinners. Nutritious snacks including local products tasting. Stay in Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Italy’s pioneering albergo diffuso village. Visit the spectacular fortress of Rocca Calascio, one of Italy’s most iconic medieval castles. Explore the beautifully restored historic center of L’Aquila. Discover Pescocostanzo, one of Abruzzo’s most authentic mountain villages. Visit the Marinelli Bell Foundry in Agnone, crafting bells for over 1,000 years. Hands-on bakery experience at historic Biscottificio Donatelli. Explore Sulmona, renowned for its Renaissance architecture and traditional confetti almonds. Experience the historic fishing town of Termoli and its Adriatic old town. Ride through villages preserving centuries-old shepherd and mountain traditions. Stay in locally owned hotels and historic properties deeply connected to regional culture. We meet at 10:45 AM at Piazza Cavour in Rome for a private group shuttle of approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to L’Aquila. One of the most historic cities in central Italy, L’Aquila was nearly destroyed by a devastating earthquake some years ago. Yet through the resilience, dedication, and tenacity of its citizens, the city has been beautifully restored to its former splendor. Beginning our tour here is a tribute to the strength and spirit of those men and women who refused to abandon their homeland and instead worked tirelessly to revive its ancient beauty. Today’s ride is nothing short of spectacular, filled with thrilling climbs, sweeping descents, and crisp mountain air that invigorates the senses. Our route runs just below Gran Sasso, the highest peak of the Apennines, offering vast, cinematic views. Starting in L’Aquila, we ascend toward Campo Imperatore, where the bald hills and rugged peaks to the left create a dramatic and unforgettable landscape. It’s no surprise this area was chosen as the backdrop for iconic “spaghetti westerns” of the 1970s. After the rewarding climb, enjoy a fast descent across a lush plain—but don’t forget to pause and look back for some of the most breathtaking views of the day. For those taking the extra loop, another climb awaits just before Castel del Monte, the first of many charming Abruzzese towns along our journey. Our final destination is Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a once-abandoned village that, 30 years ago, was reborn as Italy’s first albergo diffuso—a revolutionary concept that transforms historic homes into a scattered hotel, allowing guests to experience authentic village life in comfort and style. We begin the day with a descent to Calascio, passing beneath the ancient fortress of Rocca Calascio—another breathtaking site famously used as a movie set. Our ride continues downhill through the quiet village of Ofena before we tackle the day’s main climb: an 8-mile ascent at an average 4% grade leading to Forca di Penne. This scenic mountain pass, crowned by an old watchtower, rewards those who make the short hike to the top with sweeping views. After a thrilling descent, we follow the Pescara River valley before facing a sharp climb out of it. The day ends with a stunning 14-mile rollercoaster ride—more uphill than down—leading us to Caramanico Terme, a village nestled at the gateway of Maiella National Park. Unlike yesterday’s barren, dramatic scenery, today’s ride immerses us in the lush yet rugged landscapes of the Maiella—a stunning mountain range recently designated as a national park. Our route winds through several hilltop villages in the morning, each separated by deep valleys and offering glimpses into Abruzzo’s timeless charm. We traverse two mountain chains, riding through breathtaking gorges and orchards. From San Eufemia, the road gently climbs along the edge of this spectacular range toward Passo San Leonardo. For those choosing the extra loop, a thrilling rollercoaster descent to Pacentro is followed by a challenging climb to Pescocostanzo. The regular route unfolds steadily below the ridges of the Maiella, offering idyllic views and a sense of tranquility. Our destination, Pescocostanzo, with its beautifully preserved medieval center, is regarded as one of Abruzzo’s most authentic villages and is renowned throughout the Apennines as a hub for winter sports and cultural heritage. Today offers two different ways to experience the soul of Abruzzo—on foot or by bike—before regrouping in the afternoon for one of the region’s sweetest traditions. Guests choosing the hiking option set out directly from Pescocostanzo for a panoramic walk along the slopes of Monte Calvario, descending toward nearby Rivisondoli through open meadows, woodland, and quiet shepherd trails. Though relatively short, the hike captures the peaceful atmosphere of these high mountain landscapes. Cyclists ride across the spectacular Altipiano delle Cinque Miglia, a vast plateau surrounded by the peaks of the Abruzzo Apennines, before descending to Sulmona, famous for its Renaissance architecture and traditional confetti sugared almonds. The return features the beautiful climb through Bosco Sant’Antonio, an ancient protected forest of towering beech trees and one of the most atmospheric roads in Central Italy. In the afternoon, both groups reunite for a hands-on bakery experience at Biscottificio Donatelli, a historic local bakery preserving Abruzzo’s traditional mountain baking culture and recipes. Today, we enter Molise, a region that—even for many Italians—is “tutto da scoprire” (a place where everything remains to be discovered). Riding through Molise is pure joy and offers everything a cyclist could dream of: car-free roads, twisting routes, a striking diversity of landscapes, breathtaking panoramas, and warm, welcoming people in small villages, eager to share their local stories. Ciclismo Classico proudly became the first bicycle tour company to explore this undiscovered and fascinating corner of Italy in 2009. The day’s main climb leads us to the village of Capracotta, famously known as Italy’s snow capital, where annual snowfall often rivals Alpine records. From here, we enjoy a long, sweeping descent into Agnone, home to the Marinelli Bell Foundry—a family-run workshop whose remarkable heritage stretches back over ten centuries. We begin a gentle descent toward the sea as the rugged mountains give way to rolling hills where ancient wheat varieties flourish—used to craft some of Italy’s finest pasta. Passing through vineyards, olive groves, and orchards, we arrive at one of the most enchanting towns on Italy’s East Coast: Termoli, a city with Greek origins. Its historic center, encircled by ancient stone walls, sits proudly on a promontory overlooking the Adriatic. Here, sunny beaches and a bustling fishing harbor complete the picture of this vibrant coastal gem. After breakfast at 8am, we provide a group shuttle to the Termoli train station, approximately 10 minutes from the hotel. From Termoli, regular train service is available to Ancona, Rome, Bologna, Milan, and other destinations throughout Italy. Our guides will be happy to assist with train information and onward travel arrangements.
Hotel
A dedicated guide for this region is not available yet.
