Strade Bianche
Gravel Tour Italia
UMBRIA
A point-to-point cycling
adventure on the strade
bianche of Umbria
2027 Dates
INCLUDES
MTB Bicycles
e-MTB Bicycles
Distinctive Hotels
Authentic Cuisine
Professional Support
Airport Transfers
£3,300 / €3,950
Stages
5 Fully Guided
£3,300 / €3,950
BOOK NOW
Discover the Strade Bianche of Umbria
YOUR TRIP IN DETAIL
START POINT: Rome (Fiumicino)
FINISH POINT: Rome (Fiumicino)
LONGEST STAGE: Stage 3 – 92km
CLIMBING STAGE: Stage 3 – 2,600m+
AVERAGE PACE: 8-15mph | 13-24kph
EVENT CAPACITY: 15 riders
INCLUDED
- Carbon MTB Bikes, e-MTB Bikes
- Distinctive Hotels
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Kit Laundry Service
- Airport Transfers
- Feed Stations
- Professional Support Crew
- Energy Drink
- Team Volta Ride Guides
- Veloforte Energy Bars
- Support Vehicles
- In-Room Luggage
A Journey Through
Umbria’s Strade Bianche
Gravel Tour Italia: Umbria
is an invitation to explore Italy’s green heart by way of its iconic white roads — the strade bianche. These historic ribbons of chalk and limestone thread their way across rolling hills, ancient hamlets, vineyards, and olive groves, revealing a side of Umbria few visitors ever see.
This five-day point-to-point journey blends compact gravel tracks with quiet country lanes, designed to inspire adventure without technical difficulty. While the routes are accessible to any regular cyclist, we recommend – and include — premium carbon MTB and e-MTB bikes for the optimal experience on this varied terrain. Gravel bikes remain available on request for those who prefer a classic setup.
Beginning and ending in the medieval hilltown of San Gemini, the route traces a loop through the region’s most evocative landscapes. Ride through the wine-soaked hills of Montefalco, the historic streets of Foligno, the high-mountain traditions of Norcia, and the sweeping vistas of the Valnerina. Each day brings new perspectives, new stories, and a deep sense of connection to the land.
This is Umbria at its purest — unfiltered, authentic, and rich in the quiet beauty that defines central Italy.
Adventure, Elegance,
and the Volta Touch
Gravel Tour Italia: Umbria is ideal for road cyclists looking to discover gravel, and gravel riders seeking something refined — a seamless blend of off-the-beaten-track exploration and Volta’s trademark elegance. The inclusion of premium MTB and e-MTB bikes ensures every rider can enjoy the journey in comfort and confidence, regardless of cycling background or fitness level.
Your evenings are just as rewarding as your days on the bike. Our distinctive hotels — from historic residences to contemporary boutique stays — offer comfort, character, and a tangible sense of place. You’ll ride with purpose and rest with ease.
As always, Volta Pro Tours handles every detail: expert guides, mechanical care, bike washing, luggage transfers, GPX navigation, and well-timed support on the road. When the day’s riding is done, the flavours of Umbria take over — long dinners, regional wines, and the warm hospitality that defines this remarkable region.
This is gravel cycling reimagined. A journey through Italy that’s adventurous, elegant, and deeply authentic — the Volta way.
WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY
Jim Jeffery
"If you have ever thought about cycling in Portugal you must do the N2 Challenge. It was perfect on every level..."
Kelvin Morrison
"Fabulous cycling adventure of a lifetime! Fully supported 5 day "stage race" down the entire length of Portugal..."
Paul Harris
"I had a fantastic time and met some lovely people. The scenery was stunning and varied and has given me a real flavour of Portugal..."
Angela Abbott
"Highly recommended. Adriano and Cinzia run a really unique cycling tour concept. Lovely people who..."
Gary Lyons
"I have just spent the most enjoyable week with all the great people at Volta Pro Tours doing..."
Martin Miesi
"Great company. Well organised, great accommodation with a stunning route, which all creates an amazing experience."
James McCarthy
"The N2 Challenge is a must for any keen cyclist. You must be prepared for endurance, climbs and day after day 100mile stages. An experience of a lifetime..."
Barry Wootten
"Excellent and well supported trip. All I had to think about was pedalling."
Jeanette Blackburn
"What an amazing experience cycling the N2, led by Adriano and the fabulous Volta Pro Tours..."
David Hansell
"I have never done anything this challenging in my life and it likely would not have been possible without the amazing crew from Volta."
READ ALL REVIEWS…
Fully Guided
Gravel Stages

1
PROLOGO: TRANSFER ROME
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We will greet you at Rome’s Fiumicino airport before transferring you, along with your luggage, to San Gemini’s historic centre.
After introducing you to your bike or helping to assemble yours, we will gather for team introductions, safety briefings, and event overview.
After a stroll through San Gemini’s cobbled streets we will culminate the day’s explorations, with dinner at our selected restaurant nestled in the medieval streets, promising an unforgettable start to the Gravel Tour journey.
2
TAPPA 1: San Gemini to Spoleto
Longest Climb: 2.5km | 6-14%
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Stage 1 welcomes you to Umbria’s wild side with a scenic ride through wooded mountains and pockets of rural farmland.
The route blends steady gravel climbs with short, sharper ascents, guiding you past quiet hilltop villages, abandoned monasteries, and Roman ruins hidden in the landscape.
Remote, atmospheric, and rich in history, this opening stage sets the tone for the adventure ahead as you roll toward the ancient city of Spoleto.
3
TAPPA 2: Spoleto to Norcia
Longest Climb: 3.5km | 6-15%
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Stage 2 winds into the foothills of the Monti Sibillini, following a mix of remote gravel tracks and quiet tarmac as you climb through wooded valleys and alongside fast-flowing mountain streams.
The route weaves over old railway bridges and through tunnels carved into the hills, offering a glimpse of Umbria’s wilder side.
With rugged peaks overhead and deep gorges below, this is a day of pure mountain immersion, culminating in your arrival at Norcia — the historic gateway to the Monti Sibillini mountains.
4
TAPPA 3: Norcia to Marche
95kms | 2650m – 60miles | 8600ft
Longest Climb: 11km | 3-12%
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Stage 3 takes you deep into the Monti Sibillini as you climb toward the vast high plains of Castelluccio — a landscape of sweeping horizons, rolling pastures, and towering peaks.
The mix of gravel and quiet tarmac helps the kilometres flow, carrying you across one of Italy’s most awe-inspiring mountain regions.
Remote, rural, and wonderfully untouched, this is Umbria and Marche at their most authentic — a ride that feels bigger, wilder, and more serene than the Alps themselves.
5
TAPPA 4: Marche to Montefalco
Longest Climb: 8km | 3-11%
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This rewarding stage carries you out of the high Apennines and back into the rolling beauty of rural Umbria.
A balanced blend of strade bianche, woodland singletrack, and smooth tarmac guides you past rivers, lakes, and cascading streams.
The route winds through quiet villages and ancient sites tucked into the hills, offering a true sense of remoteness and discovery. With long, flowing descents and steady climbs, this is a wonderfully varied day that captures the full charm of Italy’s central heartlands.
6
TAPPA 5: Montefalco to San Gemini
Longest Climb: 6km | 3-11%
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The final stage sets out across the broad plains and vineyard country surrounding Montefalco, with wide gravel tracks leading you through open landscapes and gentle rolling terrain.
It’s a flatter, more relaxed beginning to the day before the route rises into the foothills around the Central Apennines for a steady final climb.
With its high gravel percentage and flowing rhythm, this stage offers a fitting conclusion—quiet, scenic, and wonderfully satisfying as you return to the historic hilltown of San Gemini.
7
PARTENZE: TRANSFER FIUMICINO AIRPORT
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As the journey concludes, we bid farewell as we transfer you to Fiumicino airport. Transfers to other airports can be arranged – please contact us before booking.
While it’s time to say goodbye for now, we hope this isn’t the end of your journey with Volta Pro Tours. Whether it’s returning for another Gravel Tour or exploring one of our other cycling events, we look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable rides through stunning landscapes.
Planning to Gravel Cycle in Umbria?
Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Can I use an e-bike on this gravel cycling tour in Italy?
Absolutely. We offer e-bikes at no extra cost. These are perfect for riders who want to enjoy the scenery at a comfortable pace or who may need some assistance on climbs.
Do I need to bring my own gravel bike for this tour in Umbria?
No — premium MTB and e-MTB bikes are included as part of the tour. Gravel bikes are also available. You’re also welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
Where are the best gravel cycling routes in Italy?
Some of the finest gravel cycling is found in central Italy — especially in Tuscany, Marche, and Umbria. Umbria is often described as a hidden gem, with beautifully preserved landscapes and an extensive network of strade bianche. Our Gravel Tour Italia explores these routes in depth, taking in highlights like Orvieto, Norcia, and Assisi.
What makes Umbria ideal for a gravel cycling holiday?
Umbria is Italy’s green heart — quieter than Tuscany, but every bit as beautiful. Its landscape is rich in rolling hills, forest trails, and well-maintained white roads perfect for gravel riding. The region also offers superb food, historic hill towns, and a slower pace of life that’s ideal for immersive travel.
What is gravel cycling and why is Italy a great destination for it?
Gravel cycling blends the best of road and off-road biking — exploring compact dirt, chalk, and gravel tracks that are less travelled but incredibly scenic. Italy offers a dream setting for gravel riders, with centuries-old white roads (strade bianche), rolling hills, and rich culture at every turn. You’ll ride through ancient towns, vineyards, and olive groves, experiencing authentic Italy far from the crowds.
Is gravel cycling in Umbria suitable for beginners or only experienced cyclists?
This tour is designed to be accessible for most regular cyclists. The terrain is varied but not highly technical. If you’ve ridden road bikes or mountain bikes before, you’ll find the transition to gravel enjoyable. We also provide e-MTB bikes for those who want a little extra assistance
What kind of terrain should I expect on a gravel tour in Italy?
Expect a balanced mix of compact gravel, hardpack dirt, tarmac, and occasional forest trails. Our routes avoid highly technical terrain and are designed to be flowy, scenic, and achievable for most fitness levels.
What’s included in a typical gravel cycling holiday with Volta Pro Tours?
Everything you need for an unforgettable journey: high-quality MTB or e-MTB bike, expert guides, full support vehicles, in-ride nutrition, energy drinks, luggage transfers, distinctive hotels, all meals and airport transfers.
How does a point-to-point gravel tour work?
Each day, you’ll ride from one destination to the next — no loops or repeats. Your luggage is transferred to the next hotel while you ride, and everything is handled by our support team. It’s a journey that builds momentum and meaning with every kilometre.
What kind of support is provided during the gravel cycling tour?
You’ll have a full support team including guides, mechanics, and drivers. Feed stations are set up on the route, bikes are cleaned and checked each day, and your luggage is waiting at the next hotel. We take care of every detail.
What is the best time of year to go gravel cycling in Umbria or Italy in general?
Spring and early summer (May–June) and autumn (September–October) are ideal. The weather is generally warm but not too hot, and the countryside is at its most vibrant.
How does gravel cycling in Umbria compare to Tuscany or the Dolomites?
Tuscany offers famous strade bianche and sweeping landscapes, while the Dolomites are best known for dramatic climbs. Umbria sits somewhere in between — less touristy than Tuscany and more accessible than the Dolomites, with rich culture, varied terrain, and a relaxed, authentic atmosphere.
Are meals and accommodation included on this gravel bike tour?
Yes — all meals and accommodations are included. We select distinctive hotels full of local character, and each day concludes with long dinners featuring regional cuisine and wines.
What should I pack for a gravel cycling holiday in Italy?
We recommend padded cycling shorts, moisture-wicking jerseys, gloves, sunglasses, and a lightweight wind jacket. Casual clothes for evening meals and a swimsuit for hotel spas or pools are also useful. A full kit list will be provided on booking.
Do I need travel insurance for this gravel cycling tour in Umbria?
Yes. All guests are required to have valid travel insurance that covers cycling holidays, including medical assistance and trip cancellation. It’s a standard requirement for your safety and peace of mind.
What level of fitness is needed for a gravel cycling holiday in central Italy?
You should be comfortable riding 60–90km per day with some climbing. The pace is relaxed and social, not competitive. If you’re unsure, we recommend choosing an e-MTB bike for extra confidence and support.
Is group size limited on the Volta gravel tour in Umbria?
Yes — we limit each group to only 15 riders to ensure a high-quality, personalised experience with plenty of support and camaraderie.
What makes the Gravel Tour Italia different from other gravel bike holidays in Italy?
This is gravel cycling with a distinctive twist: beautiful point-to-point routes, premium equipment, exceptional food, charming luxury hotels, and our signature Volta hospitality. What truly sets it apart is the local connection — Umbria is the family home of our founder, Adriano Placidi, whose deep roots in the region ensure an experience shaped by authenticity, insight, and a genuine love for the land. It’s more than a cycling holiday — it’s a cultural journey through authentic Italy.
EXPLORE MORE GRAVEL
Farm to Table
The gastronomy of Umbria is a reflection of its soul—an unspoiled land of rolling hills, ancient towns, and fertile valleys.
Distinguished Hotels
Step into Italy’s rich history with accommodations that go beyond comfort
Cycling the untamed trails of umbria
For those who crave adventure beyond the paved roads, Umbria’s strade bianche and hidden gravel trails offer an invitation to explore Italy’s wild beauty.







