On the program Ride & cycling you can ride and your partner cycles with a professional guide and then you meet for lunch. You both get an active day with fun experiences.
For riders: 7 nights, 5 days riding: 2 full days (4-5 hours/day), 3 half days (2-3 hours/day).
For cyclists: 7 nights, 5 days cykling
NOTE! During July and August, you only ride half-day rides due to the heat. The two full-day rides is then changed to half-day ride + massage (50 minutes).
Preliminary day-by- day- program. NOTE. the program can be done in another order or changed depending on the weather.
Day 1. After a check-in and welcome drink, you'll meet our guides for an introduction and programme briefing, take a guided tour of the Castle then sit down for a welcome dinner in the Taverna.
Day 2.
For cyclists: Torre Alfina 50 km. Road bike
Zig-zagging through the countryside we will reach the town of Bolsena where we’ll have a coffee in the main square. Following an undulating route, we reach Torre Alfina Castle where we will stop for a gelato before returning back to the castle.
For riders: Half day ride 18km.
We ride towards the hills framing the west plateau on which the castle is situated. A fantastic spot for a breathtaking view of the area; from the beautiful crater of Lake Bolsena to the hills surrounding lake Mezzano.
Day 3.
For cyclists: Lake Mezzano 30/50 km. Mountain Bike (2 routes to choose from))
After climbing the wooded hills of the Selva di Onano we head towards Tuscany following a scenic gravel road to approach the lake from the North West side. All around us is fantastic unspoiled countryside. We stop at the Fra Viaco farm restaurant and meet the riders for lunch. You can take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the lake. After a delicious meal, we are prepared for the steep uphill climb before a welldeserved final descent to the castle.
For riders: Lake Mezzano: 32 km
We ride through farmland on the Brigands Path into the wooded hills which surround Onano, we glimpse stone pine trees atop an ancient Etruscan site and arrive on the flat plain of the Mezzano crater. We stop at the Fra Viaco farm restaurant and meet cyclists for lunch. You can take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the lake. After a delicious meal, we ascend through ancient chestnut woods to arrive back at the castle.
Day 4. A day off for sightseeing.
The local area is full of interesting archaeological and historical sites. A few suggestions include the village fortresses of Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovano. It is definitely worth visiting the marvellous Italian gothic church of Orvieto - Civita di Bagnoregio, known as the ‘Dying Town’. Wine tasting at famous Fattoria Aldobrandesca Antinori OR 2 or 4 hours boat rental on Bolsena lake (summer) are other options that can be booked. Alternatively you can choose to relax at the castle and take advantage of the swimming pool, tennis court, indoor and outdoor games . Book a massage or take a cooking class.
Day 5.
For cyclists: Lake Bolsena - the largest volcanic lake in Europe. 50 km Mountain Bike.
Descending into the crater, we will admire the hilltop town of Grotte di Castro. Once beside the lake, we follow its northern shore heading towards Capodimonte. We meet the riders at a lakeside restaurant for lunch and a swim. On the return journey we climb out of the crater, crossing the village of Gradoli.
For riders: Lake Bolsena: 36 km
Following an old trail down through the crater, breath-taking views will accompany us. Here and there, scattered around the countryside, archaeological sites with Etruscan tombs will remind us how old the beautiful land is. We meet the cyclists at a lakeside restaurant for lunch and a swim.
Day 6.
For cyclists: Pitigliano & Sorano 60 km Road Bike.
After crossing Onano, the road will gently undulate before descending deeply into the gorge of the river Lente. The dramatic view of the fortress in Sorano is worth a photo stop. Onwards towards Pitigliano which was once an Etruscan village and then a medieval fortress owned by the noble Orsini family. We will stop to visit the historical center and the Jewish ghetto. The return route will steadily but gently climb until the final descent to the castle.
For riders: Half day ride 20 km.
Taking the Brigands path, we head north through the hills towards Onano, a fortified village with a medieval castle which was the stronghold of the Monaldeschi family who ruled this area during the Middle Ages. At the Madonna
delle grazie church we will follow the track north through enchanting countryside back to the castle.
Day 7.
For cyclists: Monte Amiata: 107km (a less challenging ride is available) Road Bike.
Mount Amiata is the big irresistible challenge for the local cyclists. The first part is an easy mostly downhill route, following the old Roman road along the river Paglia. However, we soon start climbing for 27 km up along the mountain
touching Piancastagnaio and Abbadia S.Salvatore. The road winds up through the old mines, then through the chestnut woods for a time that seems never ending. Finally we reach the top at 1734 m. A well-deserved stop to refuel and
take some photos and then down the steep roads of the southern side of the mountain. The air is cool and thin and you can feel the difference. Watch out on the last 20 km where there are ups and downs on the hills not to be underrated.
For riders: Half day ride 16 km
Following an old Etruscan trail, we will ride up through thick woods to the top of the crater surrounding lake Bolsena. Here, we will enjoy remarkable scenery including vineyards, Etruscan tombs, the prominent volcanic lake and the panorama
dominated by the famous Farnese palace in Gradoli; a gift made by the Pope in 1500 for his nephew for his wedding - what a present! We will return to the castle riding through the vineyards, vegetable gardens and enchanting woods. In particular, we will enjoy a canter across a tunnel made by oak trees above an old shepherds path.
Day 8. Having had many amazing experiences and exhilara:ng adventures, you will prepare for your onward journey taking with you many happy memories. Checkout is usually between 10am-12pm, although a late checkout can be
arranged subject to availability.
The excursions can be changed according to weather, horses, riders experience level or circumstances beyond our control by the management of the castle. Safety is our primary concern.
We can also provide Electric Bikes 150 EUR for the week.
