ITALY CIOCIARIA GOURMET CYCLE TOUR

DAY 1 (Sun) Rome – Atina: minibus to accommodation

Meet your host in Rome at 11am for 110 min. bus ride to the hilltop village of Atina. It is truly ancient - originally a fortress city of the Ernici tribe of the Samnite civilisation. It was conquered by the ancient Romans circa 300 BC and became a strategic site for the Romans both for military and trade purposes in iron and copper mining.

Check into your boutique hotel located on the main square of Atina. This superior private residence is built on the foundations of an ancient Roman wall from 2nd century BC. Now it is a comfortable 4-star equivalent property with en-suites all rooms. Lunch on the terrace overlooking the fertile Comino Valley and an afternoon walk through the hilltop village with your host. A welcome dinner featuring Ciociarian cuisine with local produce concludes the day.

DAY 2 (Mon) Atina - Alvito -Atina Cycle 30 kms

After breakfast explore the local fresh produce market then meet with your bilingual cycle guide. Experience the evocative local Ciociarian countryside and enjoy coffee & pastries in the ancient hilltop town of Alvito, famed for its Tullio family of pastry makers. Visit the Town Hall & Museum of Alvito which is located within the 16th and 17th century Palazzo Gallio & Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Palace of the Gallio family. In the evening enjoy fine dining prepared by a chef with a 3-Mitchelin star background.  

DAY 3 (Tues) Atina – Comino Villages - Atina (30 - 60 km options)

Todays ride explores some of the most historic villages within the Comino Valley on quiet valley and ridge-top roads. The valley is known for its quality wine and olive oil. Cattle and sheep grazing is productive and the valley is famous for its production of ricotta and cheeses. Evening dinner is at a popular local restaurant.  

Day 4 (Wed) Atina - Abruzzo National Park - Atina

After breakfast learn from a local archeologist on a fascinating deep dive into the history of Atina. Late morning vehicle transfer to Cannetto Valley. Enjoy a rewarding walk on a pilgrims trail to the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna of Canneto and relax over a picnic lunch.

Return to Atina mid-afternoon and relax (or the option of a short bike ride). Dine tonight at a local trattoria specializing produce from the Comino Valley. 

Day 5 (Thu) Atina – Picinisco – Atina  Cycle 30 kms

After breakfast cycle through scenic farmland to another nearby hilltop village for coffee; the charming village of Picinisco. It is wrapped in the arms of a 1,000 year old castle and its fortress walls. Enjoy a winery lunch in a nearby 19th C Villa hosted by the owner. He is one of the valley’s most respected cheese makers and he will teach you how to make your own ricotta! Return Atina via a fabulously designed new cellar door and winery specialising in Merlot and Cabernet. Dinner tonight is ás you please’ with your hosts helping with a range of dining options.              

Day 6 (Fri ) Atina – Lake Posta Fibreno – Atina   Cycle 55 kms*

Cycle again through scenic countryside and small historic villages. The destination is the Lake of Posta Fibreno. It was a favourite spot of the Roman Senator and Orator, Cicero in ancient Roman times. Cicero was born in the Ciociaria region and owned a villa and farmland nearby. After an outdoor café lunch return via another scenic route to Atina.

Pre- dinner vehicular transfer to a nearby village, known as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Aperitivo in the piazza then stroll to the nearby restaurant for dinner.

Day 7 (Sat) Atina – Various Villages - Atina   Cycle 35 kms

After a relaxed breakfast a special final ride on the quiet back roads with more fascinating encounters on route. Learn about the workings of a 2,000 year old flour mill; enjoy coffee at a beautiful ridgetop property and sample excellent wine in a historic winery.

Return Atina with time to relax. Aperitivo in the piazza before a very special farewell dinner.

Day 8 (Sun ) Atina - Rome

Post breakfast minibus transfer of 110 mins back to Rome, arriving approx. 11am  

*Note. Itinerary subject to change due to availability of small businesses; weather, the needs of the tour group etc.  

While most days follow gentle back-roads along valleys or with gradual ascents and descents, there are some steeper climbs (especially into hilltop villages or passes between valleys) that reward you with sweeping views. The roads are 95% paved, rural surfaces, with occasional narrower stretches through villages and vineyards which require slower riding.

The tour is designed for enjoyment as much as for effort. Average daily distances are around 40 km, with options to ride shorter or longer according to your preference. You’ll often stop in charming villages for markets, wine tastings or cultural visits, so the pace allows plenty of time to soak up scenery and savour local life.

The ride unfolds through varied landscapes — fertile valleys, olive groves, vineyards and the craggy backdrop of the Abruzzo mountains. Along the way there are ancient hilltowns, Roman-era remains, aristocratic palaces, local markets in small communes, opportunities to meet cheese and wine makers and panoramic views that feel timeless.

Very much so. Ciociaria is a region steeped in rustic culinary traditions: expect home-style pastas, cheeses, cured meats, abundant fresh vegetables, olive oil, and sweet treats (like amaretti and regional pastry). Meals are more than fuel — they are moments to sit, converse, taste and understand local producers and their crafts.

Accommodations are boutique and charming, typically in restored historic palaces or countryside lodgings with comfortable amenities, good service and attention to detail. All rooms are en-suite (have their own bathroom). Though modern comforts are present, many places have architectural character, regional décor, terraced gardens and locations that enhance the sense of place.