Eldorado for bikers
The cyclist's heart is laughing
Almost untouched by tourism, the southern Marche is a paradise for cyclists, hikers and lovers of harmonious landscapes.
The terrain: just on the coast, in the immediately behind rising, fantastically beautiful hilly landscape sometimes uphill, then downhill, and finally in the high mountains routes that challenge. These completely different landscapes are ideal for a route that is anything but monotonous designed. In addition, there are the scenic aspects, sometimes only found here animal species and rare plants. In addition to the beauties of nature, the Marche constitute a unique open-air museum of cultural treasures and for the palate a constant succession of culinary delights accompanied by fine droplets.
The bike has gained in importance in recent years and is simply "in". If you like to ride on the bike for your pleasure, you also want to combine this with beautiful views, an interesting route and varied terrain.
We took this as an opportunity to offer you a bike tour. Both mountain bikes and e-bikes can be taken.
The tour described below is led by a very experienced cyclist. The route covers the whole diversity of the central Italian southern Marche, which is perfect for fantastic experiences for bikers.
1st day: Benvenuti
Arrival at the wonderfully located Agriturismo in Ortezzano, an idyllic place between sea and mountains. Check-in and some time to relax. Explanation of the program with the tour guide during a welcome drink. Depending on the arrival time small excursion. At the end of the day, enjoy a culinary dinner with specialties of the Marche.
Day 2: Through the Rosso Piceno area
You start the tour by bike at the hotel. Now you can expect a route that leaves nothing to be desired in terms of scenic beauty. On the ridge drive towards Ripatransone (494 m), on a little-traveled road that leads through the production area of the excellent Rosso Piceno Superiore, the leading red wine of the Piceno. You pass Montalto delle Marche (517 m, long climb) and then follow the small road over Patrignone and Cossignano (400m) to Ripatransone. Here at a winery you will enjoy a small wine tasting with appetizers or a picnic, depending on the weather. This section is quite easy, as it leads along the ridge. After a short break on the "Balcony of the Marche" and the visit of the narrowest street in Italy (bikes are guarded) we head back to Montelparo. You follow another route, which is no less panoramic and leads over Carassai (365 m) and the old fortress Monte Varmine (quite simply), until it then goes from Montalto back to Ortezzano (uphill).
Total about 65 km, difficulty partly long uphill with about 250 m difference in altitude, easy with low altitude differences along the ridges.
3rd day: time for a little relaxation
Today we start the tour again in Ortezzano, who wants to start from Ripatransone (about 30 km just less to drive) Today we head towards the sea. From here, 494 m above sea level, you drive down to the seaside with Cupra Marittima and its Paese Alto, the ancient part of today's small coastal town. On a very good bike route, the tour then leads you to Grottammare and on to San Benedetto del Tronto, the epitome of the so-called Palm Riviera. In fact, hundreds of palm trees and oleander shrubs stand along this bike path. In San Benedetto del Tronto you have the opportunity to stroll and have a little rest before you start the return journey to Ripatransone. Here, the tour can be designed differently if desired. Total about 33 km from Ripatransone, difficulty easy to medium, difficult route from outgoing 10 m to about 400 m up to Ripatransone (alternatively to Ortezzano, + 30 km).
4th day: To Palazzi and cisterns
A tour that leads to one of the most beautiful cities of the Marche, Fermo. To do this you start the tour directly at the hotel. Descend via Monteleone on small, almost unused roads to Belmonte Piceno at 312 m to Grottazzolina, 262 m, until you come on a less demanding but charming route with about 100 m difference in altitude to Fermo, 319 m. Here you have the opportunity for a refreshment or a small snack, perhaps you would like to take a closer look at this city? You will then return along the Ete Vivo river, which is a fairly straight stretch, until you have to climb again, continuing to Montottone via S.Elpidio Morico, 361 m, back to Ortezzano.
Total about 65 km, difficulty easy to medium
After your tour you change into the mountain landscape of the Monti Sibillini, in the beautiful country hotel near Montemonaco. There a culinary dinner that leaves nothing to be desired.
Day 5: Lentils, flowers and colored lakes
The slightly longer drive to the region bordering Umbria, at Castelluccio, where you begin the cycling tour, will reward you for the incomparable beautiful panoramas of unspoiled nature and then for a special experience. The tour to the "colored" little lakes ends with a surprise, which we do not want to reveal yet. The tour then ends again in Castelluccio.
Total about 35 km, difficulty easy to moderate, downhill and back uphill change, about 250 meters
Day 6: In the realm of the magical Sibilla
The drive from the hotel takes you to Montemonaco, the highest town in the Sibillini mountains, 998 m. On a panoramic small road then it goes down to Montefortino 639 m, a true gem and there through the Ambro-valley to the sanctuary Madonna dell'Ambro, 683 m. After a delicious lunch, the tour leads back via Amandola, 517 m to Comunanza at 460 m. From here begins a fairly gentle route that takes you to the Gerosa Lake and then gently rises to the hotel.
Total approx. 62 km, difficulty medium, max. about 500 meters of altitude from Comunanza to Montemonaco, the hardest part, then easily overcome.
Day 7: Ciao e arrivederci nelle Marche!
Day of the return journey with hopefully many beautiful memories of one of the last paradises of Europe.
© Ulla Kastner
Since the Marche are a region with a predominantly hilly landscape and mountains, a little conditioning is required.
The tours are primarily for mountain bikes and less suitable for road bikes. Please do not use racing bikes unless you only take the main roads (please inquire). E-wheels can also be used. If a bike needs to be rented, this can be done on site. Please inquire before.
Minimum number of participants 2, max. 16
Travel dates:
For fixed groups anytime from the end of March 2023, let us know your travel date
Services included:
3 x half board in agriturismo, with shower/WC, heating, TV, garden area, pool, WiFi free of charge.
3 x half board in a country hotel, with shower/WC, heating, TV, garden, pool, WiFi free of charge
permanent experienced bike guide accompaniment
Transfer to the mountains
Possibility of bike care and cleaning, safe accommodation
Possibility to wash cycling clothes
Services not included:
Travel
Meals and drinks not listed
tips
possibly entrance fees
Cancellation insurance
Transfers
5 x lunch (optional, not included in the price)
Price per person in a double room € 1190,00 each for 10 or more persons
double room as single: + € 150,00
Price according to desired service on request.
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