Orvieto to Argentario

Yubike Tours' Orvieto to Argentario is an eight-day guided bike trip through the ancient land of the Etruscans, linking Umbria, the Tuscia region of northern Lazio and the southern Tuscan coast. Riders pair the traditional cuisine of Tuscia with world-class Umbrian and Tuscan wines while cycling through unspoilt countryside rich in archaeological and artistic treasures. The route leaves Gothic Orvieto for Civita di Bagnoregio, perched on its crumbling rock, before descending to volcanic Lake Bolsena and on to medieval Tuscania with its early Christian basilicas. From the Etruscan-Roman ruins of Vulci it crosses into Tuscany, with time to explore Niki de Saint Phalle's colourful Tarot Garden near Capalbio. The final days are spent on the coast: the hilltop Roman city of Cosa, the Feniglia pine forest, Orbetello's lagoon and the hidden coves of Monte Argentario, with plenty of chances to swim. A tour leader rides with the group throughout, backed by a support vehicle and daily luggage transfers.

Highlights

• Civita di Bagnoregio, the "dying city", and a visit to Orvieto Underground
• Swimming in Lake Bolsena, Europe's largest volcanic lake
• Tuscania's Paleochristian basilicas and the Etruscan ruins of Vulci Archaeological Park
• Niki de Saint Phalle's Tarot sculpture garden at Capalbio
• Cosa's cyclopean walls, the Feniglia pine forest and birdlife on Orbetello's lagoon
• Hidden coves and beaches of Monte Argentario, with an optional trip to Giglio or Giannutri

Surface and terrain
Mostly quiet rural and minor sealed roads, with some trails such as the Sentiero dei Briganti beside Lake Bolsena. Rolling hills through the Tuscan countryside, a climb to Cosa and some short climbs on Monte Argentario. The operator rates the tour Intermediate.

Likely weather
April, May and late September are generally mild to warm (around 18 to 26°C) and mostly dry, with occasional spring showers. Coastal days are warmer with sea breezes, and the sea is pleasant for swimming in September.

Most suitable for
Riders of moderate fitness comfortable with rolling hills and 25 to 50 km days, who enjoy a sociable guided group and want to combine history, food, wine and beach time. E-bikes are available for those wanting extra help on the climbs.