Umbria Bike & Slow Food Retreat

What You'll Do

Step back in time and take a deep breath, as you immerse yourself in the deliciously laid back, addictively slow pace of life in Umbria, the green heartland of Italy. Enjoy long bike rides that get you off the beaten track, incredible, world-renowned food and wine, and submit yourself to the Umbrian way of life.

On this 8-day, 7-night ‘retreat’ in the stunning region of Umbria, you’ll stay in a tiny, beautiful medieval village, surrounded by rolling hills, sun-dappled vineyards and ancient olive groves, the flawless rural scenery punctuated only by idyllic farmhouses and crumbling church towers.

Torre del Colle, the village in question, is a beautifully preserved hidden gem. It’s a taste of truly authentic Italy, away from the crowds of tourists and a place where you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.

The pace of life here is beautifully slow, and residents still practice generations-old traditions and maintain a tremendous sense of community, and it’s here that you’ll savour the best that Umbria has to offer, whether that’s a leisurely hike into the pristine countryside, a long cycle through sweeping, quiet country roads, or a luxurious meal in a local trattoria.

Travel throughout Italy via your tastebuds, as you work your way through an incredible array of organically produced, lovingly prepared local specialties, all with lashings of the ‘Gold of Spello’.

You’ll get to immerse yourself in Italian cuisine, enjoying a number of hands-on cooking sessions with Mamma Doriana, where you’ll learn about and really get to know what makes Italian food so special. Enjoy the very best wine the region produces, on vineyard and tasting tours in some of the oldest winemakers in the country.

Hike through ancient, holy forests to jaw-dropping peaks offering incredible views, soak up the quietly spiritual atmosphere of Assisi, and enjoy an unforgettable week in a quiet, stunningly picturesque corner of Italy.

Experience
Highlights

Soak up the deliciously slow pace of life in a beautifully preserved medieval village

Enjoy the incredible flavours of Italy, and enjoy world-class wines

Immerse yourself in pristine, unspoilt countryside dotted with beautiful villages

Experience Itinerary

Welcome To Torre Del Colle

Benvenuto! Welcome to Umbria. Your guide will pick you up at your prearranged meeting point and drive you to your home for the week.

Torre del Colle is an old Medieval castle sitting on top of a beautiful hill in the middle of the Umbrian countryside.

Now it’s time to relax, enjoy a glass of wine at sunset and get ready for a group dinner at the local trattoria for a traditional start to your trip.

A former olive oil mill and now a restaurant, Serpillo attracts both locals and international visitors looking for an authentic gourmet experience in a unique setting.

Head chef, Daniele Giorgietti, was born and raised only 3km away. At the age of 22, he hopped on a motorcycle and traveled to countries like Georgia and India on the search for new experiences.

After eating incredible food and living amazing experiences, he came back to Umbria and opened up his restaurant, where he serves up an incredible array of dishes.

Accommodation: Ostello Bello Assisi Bevagna

The accommodation is a boutique scattered hostel, featuring 4 master double bedrooms with view over Assisi, 2 apartments and 2 shared bedrooms, a large cozy living space, where a freshly made breakfast is served every day.

Your accommodation also includes a communal kitchen where our home-cooked dinners are prepared, and a peaceful garden equipped with hammocks, a swimming pool and a BBQ area to relax at the end of the day.

Facilities:
Outdoor swimming pool / Kitchen / Free WiFi / Laundry

Bevagna Bike and Wine Tour

Buongiorno! Start your day with a ride down to the walled Roman town of Bevagna, bike along the cobbled streets that trace the ancient amphitheater.

Enjoy a cappuccino at the bar, dipping yourself into the life “Italian Style”. After a visit to the sleepy, picturesque medieval town, head out to the Valle Umbra and the sweeping countryside roads and lush green fields.

Stop at our friend’s organic winery and enjoy by a wine tasting along and a delicious home-made lunch. From here, it’s a quick ride back to your home where you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the sunset views before our homemade dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner (home-cooked)

Destinations: Bevagna, local winery

Accomplished: 35km – 20 miles

Accommodation: Ostello Bello Assisi Bevagna

Gold of Spello Bike Tour

Our day begins with a ride across the beautiful Umbria Valley, through the peaceful backroads all the way to the hilltop town of Spello. Wander around, soaking up the peaceful, almost spiritual atmosphere, and appreciate the beauty of the village. Or, opt for a slightly more challenging climb to Collepino.

It’s a bit of a climb but totally worth the effort for the incredible panoramic views, and the last one to the top buys the espressos…

Taste the world-famous extra virgin olive oil, the so-called ‘Gold of Spello’. Known for its unique flavours all over the world, this is the centre of the olive oil universe, and you’ll never get olive oil so good anywhere else.

After lunch, ride through the ancient, silver and green olive groves on the stunning Olive Path. Then, it’s happy-hour before another homemade dinner. Relax before our evening meal.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner (home-cooked)

Destinations: Spello, olive oil tasting

Accomplished: 45km – 25 miles

Accommodation: Ostello Bello Assisi Bevagna

Assisi Hiking and City Walking Tour

Today, you’ll be driven to the incredible city of Assisi to start your hike through San Francis’s Hermitage and all the way to the top of Mount Subasio.

The birthplace of St. Francis, this is a city steeped in history, and is a truly unique, special place to visit.

Enjoy an immersive walk through the holy forest where Franciscans used to meditate, where today you can still find peace and tranquility away from the city tourist crowds.

Relax with a homemade picnic lunch, enjoying great views of the stunning region. We’ll then return to Assisi city center after lunch and take a guided walking tour of the historic center with a local guide. Relax and get ready for a pizza night.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch (picnic) and dinner

Destinations: Assisi and Mount Subasio, Saint Francis Cathedral

Accomplished (hiking): 10 km – 7 miles

Accommodation: Ostello Bello Assisi Bevagna

Lake Trasemino Bike Tour

Wake up with an Italian espresso for a quick shot of energy, as today’s adventure will take you north, to the border with Tuscany: Lake Trasimeno.

You’ll follow the cycle path that hugs the edge of this crystal blue lake, visiting different fishing villages, small beaches, and scenic spots of incredible natural beauty.

Lake Trasimeno is an absolute must-see when visiting Umbria and Tuscany, and you can be sure you’ll have enjoyed it to its fullest, seen the best viewpoints, and sampled the lifestyle of those who live on its edge.

It’s the longest ride of the week, but it’s mostly flat with some short hills and plenty of stops for picture opportunities.

Watch the sunset dip into the water, the orange-pink light bleeding into the calm lake turning it a shimmering mirror of the sky with a drink in hand, before your guide will drive you back for a group dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Destinations: Lake Trasimeno

Accomplished: 55 km – 35 miles

Accommodation: Ostello Bello Assisi Bevagna

Wine Tasting Tour

Today, you’ll give your legs some rest as you’re ferried around in a comfortable minivan, as you engage your senses on a wine tasting tour through the beautiful vineyards and olive groves of the region.

Learn about the art of making wine, and immerse yourself in the vineyards of Sagrantino’s Land: the master of the wine.

Try some fruity white Grechetto and some sparling Umbrian Prosecco whilst enjoying a platter of organic meats and local pecorino cheeses. Italian food and wine is all about patience and love, and you can see just how much of these concepts are poured into the production of the treats.

Known for the production of Sagrantino Montefalco DOCG wine and Grechetto Bianco, winemakers and professional sommeliers will lead you through a sensorial experience. In between tastings, you’ll be treated to a lunch of locally produced Umbrian products, continuing the theme of amazing food and drink.

You will have free time for dinner, so head out to a local trattoria, or simply cook something up in your accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Activity: Wineries tour and wine tasting

Accommodation: Ostello Bello Assisi Bevagna

Farm to Table Experience and Cooking Class

Enjoy a free morning and choose from a wide variety of optional activities, or simply relax in the village. In the afternoon, you’ll be taken on a stroll to our friend’s family-owned organic farm, where you’ll get to know their animals, goats, pigs, geese, donkey, and learn all about the production at the farm for a truly authentic experience.

Explore their orchard, selecting and picking their seasonal vegetables which you will use during the cooking class as part of your evening meal. You will learn how to prepare the typical Umbrian home-made pasta and much more…

At dinner, tuck in what you have prepared and enjoy a typical Italian feast! Salute!

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Destinations: Farm and cooking class

Accommodation: Ostello Bello Assisi Bevagna

Farewell

After a delicious breakfast, it is time to say goodbye. Your tour leader will drive you to Foligno train station around 10 am.

Meals: Breakfast

Location Information

Perched on top of a beautiful hill in the middle of the Umbrian countryside, Ostello Bello Assisi Bevagna is a hidden gem, the perfect get-away.

The accommodation is a boutique scattered hostel, where a freshly made breakfast is served every day. It also includes a communal kitchen, a peaceful garden equipped with hammocks, a swimming pool and a BBQ area.

You can be picked up for no extra charge from Foligno Station, Rome Airport or Perugia Airport, and your guide will take you straight to your home for the week.

Check-in time is from 14:00, and check-out time is before 12 noon.

FAQs

You can book either a private bedroom or private apartment.

Double En-suite Bedroom:
Every room in this beautiful hostel is a work of art, with its own charming personality and characteristics that make it unique and unforgettable. You can choose to sleep in a gym, a magical forest with your bed mid-air, or in the mind of a painter. We can assure you it won’t be every day that you’ll come across rooms like these, but just wait until you see the bathrooms!

Medieval Tower Apartment:
To sleep in a medieval village is a dream, but to sleep in a medieval tower is taking that fantasy just one step further. Choose to live like Rapunzel in the most incredible room this boutique hostel offers, which boasts a panoramic view from the terrace, which in itself is so stunning that you’ll never want to leave. The bedroom, on the upper floor, has an independent entrance, on the middle floor you have a quaint living room, and on the ground floor you’ll find a dining room with an open-plan kitchen.

When selecting one person, costs are based on that individual having a private room to themselves. When selecting two, or multiples of two, the price is based on those two people sharing a room together. If you want to book differently, please get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate your specific needs.

From £1945 pp