Strade Bianche

Gravel Tour Italia

UMBRIA

A point-to-point cycling
adventure on the strade
bianche of Umbria

INCLUDES

Gravel Bicycles

e-Gravel 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 – 1,600m+

AVERAGE PACE: 11-17mph | 17-25kph

EVENT CAPACITY: 15 riders

  • Premium Gravel, e-Gravel 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
  • Collector’s Edition Jersey
  • Hotel Check-In Service

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 paths of compacted chalk and limestone trace their way across the Umbrian hills, winding through ancient villages, olive groves, and ridgelines that open out onto sweeping Apennine views.

Over five days of point-to-point riding, you’ll cover a carefully balanced mix of gravel and tarmac terrain, with routes designed to inspire a sense of adventure while remaining accessible to any regular cyclist. This is not a technical mountain bike tour, but a refined journey for those curious to explore something new – whether on one of our gravel bikes or premium e-gravel bikes, included as part of the experience.

You’ll pass through places like San Gemini, with its noble palaces and mineral waters, the high-mountain traditions of Norcia, and the spiritual skyline of Assisi. Every day offers new vistas, new roads, and a rhythm that reconnects you with the landscape — far from tourist crowds, close to the soul of Italy.

 

Adventure, Elegance,

and the Volta Touch

 

Gravel Tour Italia: Umbria is ideal for road cyclists intrigued by gravel, and gravel riders seeking something elevated — a seamless blend of off-the-beaten-track discovery and signature Volta style. We provide both premium gravel and e-gravel bikes for all riders, giving you the freedom to ride in comfort and confidence, regardless of fitness level or experience.

Our handpicked hotels offer a distinctive experience each night: from restored palaces to modern designer properties, every stay reflects the unique character of its surroundings, with comfort and charm in equal measure. You’ll ride hard, or steady, and rest well.

As ever, Volta Pro Tours takes care of every detail — expert guides, mechanical support, bike washing, luggage transfers, and ride nutrition — so you can stay focused on the road ahead. And when the ride ends, the flavours begin: long Umbrian dinners, local wines, and stories shared around the table.

This is gravel cycling reimagined. A journey through Italy that’s adventurous, elegant, and deeply authentic — the Volta way.

WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY

v

Susan Croswell

"I just finished the September N2 Challenge. I have been on many cycling trips over the last 8-10 years..."

Jeanette Blackburn

"What an amazing experience cycling the N2, led by Adriano and the fabulous Volta Pro Tours..."

Ashley Wild

A fabulous experience. Expertly organised, challenging and varied days across landscape you would never ordinarily get to see.

Andrew Chapman

Having the company owner on tour is a real benefit / differentiator. You know you are going to be looked after.

Wendy Gillam

"Cycling the length of Portugal on the N2 with Volta Pro Tours is something I will never forget..."

Daniel Wright

"Five epic daily adventures all rolled into one magical week long tour..."

Jim Jeffery

"If you have ever thought about cycling in Portugal you must do the N2 Challenge. It was perfect on every level..."

Tom Bass

"Not just the best cycling experience of my life but one of the best experiences all round..."

Nick Wood

"Well organised and friendly company who know Portugal inside out. Communication before..."

Meylina Kandoy

"One of the best cycling trips made possible by a professional support crew."

READ ALL REVIEWS…

Fully Guided

Gravel Stages

1

PROLOGO: TRANSFER ROME

Group of cyclists waiting on a gravel trail in Umbria for a friend to catch up
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We will greet you at Rome’s Fiumicino airport before transferring you, along with your luggage, to Orvieto’s ancient 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 Orvieto’s cobbled streets to visit the stunning Duomo we will culminate the day’s explorations, with dinner at our selected restaurant nestled within one of the subterranean caves, promising an unforgettable start to the Gravel Tour journey.

2

TAPPA 1: Orvieto to San Gemini

Cyclists preparing for a gravel ride on the strade bianche in Umbria

60kms | 1250m
37miles | 4000ft

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A spectacular opening ride that sets the tone for the adventure ahead.

Depart the historic hilltop town of Orvieto and ride across Umbria’s rolling landscapes, where tarmac lanes and compacted strade bianche weave through vineyards, olive groves, and open countryside.

Arrive in the medieval spa town of San Gemini, famed for its natural springs and timeless charm.

3

TAPPA 2: San Gemini to Norcia

Gravel trail rolling through the soft hills of Umbria on the Gravel Tour Italia

75kms | 1280m
46miles | 4100ft

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Leaving San Gemini’s medieval streets behind, the route ventures deeper into Umbria’s heart.

Ride through a mosaic of valleys, forests, and uplands, with a balanced mix of tarmac and white gravel tracks.

The day finishes in Norcia, a historic town at the foot of the Sibillini Mountains, renowned for its gastronomy and rich traditions.

4

TAPPA 3: Norcia to Marche

Cyclist admiring a bottle of wine in a cosy restaurant with art on the wall

91kms | 1650m
56miles | 5300ft

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An unforgettable ride across the breathtaking Piano Grande.

Departing Norcia, the route climbs to Castelluccio, famed for its sweeping plains and vibrant fields of wildflowers.

After cresting the highlands, you descend into the quiet hills of the Marche region, crossing into new landscapes and timeless villages.

5

TAPPA 4: Marche to Assisi

Solo cyclist riding along a peaceful white gravel road in the Umbrian countryside

90kms | 1100m
56miles | 3500ft

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Rolling hills and ancient ridgelines guide you through the heart of central Italy.

This stage blends flowing gravel sections with smooth country roads as you journey towards Assisi, one of Umbria’s most iconic towns.

A fitting arrival beneath its storied basilicas and timeless skyline.

6

TAPPA 5: Assisi to Orvieto

Gravel trail winding through the rolling Umbrian hills on the Gravel Tour Italia

85kms | 1400m
53miles | 4550ft

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A grand finish across Umbria’s sun-drenched valleys and wooded trails.

Ride a final blend of tarmac and white gravel through olive groves and hilltop villages, before ascending to the majestic city of Orvieto—its cathedral rising like a beacon to welcome your journey’s end.

7

PARTENZE: TRANSFER FIUMICINO AIRPORT

Team Volta riders enjoying a coffee break in San Gimignano
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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.

READY FOR 2026

Planning to Gravel Cycle in Umbria?

Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Can I use an e-gravel bike on this gravel cycling tour in Italy?

Absolutely. We offer e-gravel 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 gravel and e-gravel bikes are included as part of the tour. You’re also welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Our team will help set you up and fine-tune everything for your comfort and safety.

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-gravel 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 gravel or e-gravel bike, expert guides, full support vehicles, in-ride nutrition, energy drinks, luggage transfers, distinctive hotels, all meals, airport transfers, and even a collector’s edition jersey.

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-gravel 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.

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Distinguished Hotels

Step into Italy’s rich history with accommodations that go beyond comfort

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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.

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