ITALY CIOCIARIA GOURMET CYCLE TOUR

CO-HOSTED

This cycling tour is Bespoke at its best. A unique collaboration with Paolo and Kelly Picarazzi from Antica Australis. They offer perhaps the best authentic Italian dining experience in regional Australia. Ciociaria is 90 mins. S.W. of Rome. It is Paulo’s region of birth. The local Italic tribes of the Ciociaria region (the Ernici and Volcii) were conquered and subsumed into the Roman Empire circa 300 BC. However, their sense of joy in the natural environment and great love of food, wine and music lives on in the hearts of all Ciociarians. The tour starts and finishes in Rome with 7 nights spent in the two beautifully historic hilltop villages of Veroli and Atina. Cycle on predominantly quiet country backroads to nearby villages, wineries, markets and scenic and historic sites.

The tour includes 7 nights 3-4 star accommodation, all meals, touring or e-bike, detailed tour notes, mini bus transfers Rome-Veroli/Veroli Antina/Atina Rome. co-hosts Antica Australis and Bespoke Cycle Tours. Max. Group Size 10

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7 Nights / 8 Days
Co-hosted (Bespoke Cycle Tours and Antica Australis)
Weeks cycling distance; options from 150-280 kms
Terrain: mostly flat with mix of gentle and steep ascents/descents

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Tour Highlights Include

Enjoy comparatively safe and relaxed cycling on quiet sealed roads
Uncover the layers of history of this unique region of central Italy – from the Medieval, Roman and ancient Samnite eras
Observe scenic farmlands and farming practices unique to this region
Seven nights in two unique, adaptively re-used properties; one a monastery; one a superior residence and each with proud local owners/managers
5-6 out/back bike rides incl. to fascinating villages, wineries, cultural and scenic attractions
Savour and enjoy the local foods and wines, many unique to the region*
Learn and experience the spirit of Ciociaria with your Antica Australis host
Camaraderie of a small group of fellow cyclists sharing unique experiences
Pre and post tour time in Rome
* Note that gluten-free and dairy-free dietary requirements unfortunately cannot be catered for in this remote region.

Tour Route and Timings

Meet Rome Sun. 10am. Minibus 90 mins to Veroli. Mon – Tues cycling, exploring, relaxing. Wed 60 min mini bus transfer to Atina via Isola del Liri. Wed -Sat cycling, exploring, relaxing. Sun, Minibus 110 mins to Rome and tour end 11am. 5 or 6 half and full day rides. Weekly Cycle distance 150 – 250 kms with choices for longer/shorter rides.

Tour Maps

DAY 1 (Sun) Rome – Veroli: minibus to Night 1 accommodation
Meet your host in Rome for 11am dept. to Veroli. 90 minute journey to Veroli and check into your accommodation: once a 1,000 old Benedictine monastery perched on the side of a cliff-face overlooking the Veroli valley below. Now it is a comfortable 3-star equivalent property with en-suites all rooms. Lunch in the garden terrace overlooking the Valley and an afternoon walk through the hilltop village with your host. A welcome dinner at a local trattoria featuring Ciociarian cuisine with local produce concludes the day.
DAY 2 (Mon). Veroli - Abbey of Casa Mari – Veroli Cycle 25kms
After a wholesome breakfast, cycle 25 kms return through picturesque countryside to 13th Century Cistercian Abbey of Casa Mari. Stroll through the ancient Abbey grounds, Roman ruins, Roman Aqueduct and visit to Apothecary. Back in Veroli view original Roman Forum and Mithraeum (Temple of Mithras). In the evening partake in a pizza making class and enjoy your creation with local wine.
DAY 3 (Tues) Veroli – Trisulti – Monte Ernici Forest – Veroli
Today visit a magnificent 13th Century Cistercian monastery perched on the peak of the Ernici Mountains. Walk in an ancient Ciociarian forest connected to the pre-historic Ernici tribe of the Samnite civilisation, a gentle and immersive walk under the canopy of the forest along a bubbling stream and waterfall. Evening dinner is in a special private dining room arranged by your host.
Day 4 (Wed) Veroli - Isola del Liri – Atina Cycle 30 kms
Minibus transfer to Atina in the Comino Valley (1 hr drive time) via Isola del Liri (a gorgeous medieval village with a waterfall at its heart). Check into your ‘superior residence’ for the next four nights, superbly located on the central square of this most historic and picturesque hilltop town. Atina was a town of the Samnites, later conquered by the Romans and its history will unfold over the four days of your stay. Afternoon cycle (30 kms) to a nearby village: the village specialty is nougat! Dinner 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; 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 19th C Villa hosted by the owner who is also one of the Valley’s most respected cheese makers. Return Atina with time to explore and relax pre dinner at another local trattoria. *option of longer route
Day 6 (Fri ) Atina – Lake Posta Fibreno – Atina Cycle 45 kms*
Cycle again through scenic countryside and small 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 a café lunch return via a different route to Atina. Dinner at another local trattoria. * option of longer route
Day 7 (Sat) Atina – various cycle options Cycle 25 – 85 kms
A choice of loop rides with the longest taking in the spectacular Melfa Gorge. It then crosses the rear of the Gustav Line where the bloody battles that pitted the German troops against the Allied armies took place in the spring of 1944. Explore the archaeological area of Cassino (Roman Theatre and the Amphitheatre) and climb 8 kms to the spectacular Abbey of Montecassino. A special farewell dinner in the historic cellars of the ‘superior residence’ concludes this very bespoke gourmet cycling holiday.
Day 8 (Sun ) Atina - Rome
Post breakfast minibus transfer of 1.5 hrs back to Rome, arriving approx. 10.30am