Green Hills of Abruzzo

Day 1: Arrival in Loreto Aprutino
Day 2: Loreto - roundtrip through the Eastern side of the Gran Sasso National Park: Montebello, Farindola, Penne, 33 mi. (53km)
Day 3: Loreto - Caramanico Terme, 39 mi. (65 km)
Day 4: Rest day in Caramanico Terme
Day 5: Caramanico Terme - Pretoro, 25 mi. (42 km)
Day 6: Pretoro - Marina di S. Vito, 37 mi. (62 km)
Day 7: Marina di S. Vito, roundtrip along a coastal route, 32 mi. (54 km)
Day 8: Departure

All distances are approximate.

DAY 1: Arrival in Loreto Aprutino
Clinging to the hillside, this little town still preserves its medieval layout, overlooked by the Norman Castle and the great Cathedral. You will love to stroll the town alleys, exploring inside churches and palaces. You can also visit the Ceramic and Archeological museums. You will be staying at an Agriturismo (similar to a Bed and Breakfast) located a couple of miles from town. The country setting is charming. Be prepared for a home-cooked meal as these inns are famous for their fresh, homegrown ingredients. A transfer is provided from the Pescara train station or Pescara airport to Loreto Aprutino. This little town still preserves its medieval layout of tile roofs rising up on the hill and surrounding, at the summit, the Norman Castle (the secular power) and the Cathedral (the spiritual power). A stroll in the town alleys, browsing inside churches and palaces, and a visit to the local Ceramics and Archeological museums will reveal unsuspected treasures.

The Agriturismo (country inn), where you'll stay the night, is a couple of miles from town. The countryside setting is charming and you will love their swimming pool. Agriturismos in Italy are required to serve only meals based on fresh, homegrown ingredients so be prepared for an outstanding traditional dinner. Before dinner, you'll get route maps and a briefing about the tour.

Accommodation: Le Magnolie Farmhouse

DAY 2: Loreto - roundtrip through the Eastern side of the Gran Sasso National Park: Montebello, Farindola, Penne, 33 mi. (53km)
The area of your first ride is called Vestina from the name of the population that lived here before the Roman conquest. Agriculture is the main activity accounting for some of the best wines and extra-virgin olive oil produced today in Italy. The quiet roads wind up and down gentle hills with open views of the Gran Sasso and Maiella massifs, the highest peaks of the Italian Appennini. Today's ride features 2 climbs of about 6 km each. The first one takes you up to Montebello di Bertona, the second to Farindola. Not an easy start but you can take your time, find your pace, pause for refreshment and take in the wonderful scenery of the Eastern side of the Gran Sasso. From Farindola, it is mostly downhill. Just a few miles before Loreto the town of Penne is a great spot to have lunch. Total climb, 1100 m.

Accommodation: Le Magnolie Farmhouse

DAY 3: Loreto - Caramanico Terme, 39 miles (65 km)
Today you will head south from Loreto over rolling terrain. The first easy hill takes you to Pianella, a historical town well worth the visit. On to Copagatti, famous for its murals and then to a local winery where you can sample the celebrated red Montepulciano or the white wine, Trebbiano. Be careful not to imbibe too much, as there are some challenges ahead. After crossing the Aterno-Pescara, Abruzzo's longest river, you will tackle a 3 3/4 mile (6 km) climb to get to S. Valentino where the mountain water from the town's main square will taste better than wine! You can rest here if you desire and have a gelato. You are now in the Maiella National Park. It contains many old monasteries and primitive chapels. Its fields and valleys are blanketed with a myriad of wildflowers and pungent herbs; in its forests you might even see a wild boar. Only the last half mile or so requires some sweat as you cycle into Caramanico, situated on a hill between the Monte Morrone and the Majella mountains. You will enjoy your two days spent here. Total climb, 1200 m.

Accommodation: Hotel Ede

DAY 4: Rest Day in Caramanico Terme
Owing to its mineral and sulfur springs, Caramanico has been a spa resort since 1576. You will want to pamper yourself here as there are a wide range of therapies to enjoy, from simple massages to mud treatments. You could start your day on the spectacular hiking trails in the lushness of the park, and then treat yourself to rest and relaxation in the spa.

Accommodation: Hotel Ede

DAY 5: Caramanico Terme - Pretoro, 25 miles (42 km)
Today you will start with a 9 mile (15 km) descent that takes you back to the Aterno River and the old Tiburtina road. You will descend into another of the Maiella's deep valleys, blessed by ancient romanesque sanctuaries and monasteries. In Serramonacesca, with its 9th-century abbey, San Liberatore a Maiella, it will be worth a break in your cycling day. After your visit to the Abbey, you will encounter a gentle grade as you continue with a few steeper sections up to the spectacular town of Pretoro, located on a steep slope on the eastern side of the Maiella. This will be a perfect spot for lunch. Pretoro is composed of a cluster of stone buildings that appear to cling to the steep mountainside; the oldest part of the town is at the highest point, while down below is a newer section. The most important remainder of Pretoro's past is the 13th-century Sanctuary of the Madonna della Mazza, located a little above the town. The last mile or so that is left of your day's riding are downhill! Total climb, 700 m.

Accommodation: B&B Casa Milà

DAY 6: Pretoro - Marina di S. Vito, 37 miles (62 km)
Up to this point, your Abruzzo bike tour has seen the hilly countryside and the rugged mountains, but from this point on, you will enjoy Abruzzo's other side, the beautiful Adriatic coast. The ride will be easier now and you will have time to enjoy swimming and sunbathing. You descend to Guardiagrele, situated in the foothills of the Maiella mountain, renowned for its jewelry and wrought ironmasters. You will continue to descend, riding among vineyards. If you desire, you can take a detour of about 9 miles and hit the coast of Ortona and take in the view of the sea from the Via Orientale and the Aragonese Castle. Otherwise, you can ride straight to Marina di S. Vito, the charming beach resort where you will spend the last two days. Here, you will enjoy your stay in an elegant beachfront hotel. Total climb, 750 m.

Accommodation: Hotel La Chiave dei Trabocchi

DAY 7: Marina di S. Vito, roundtrip along a coastal route, 32 miles, (54 km)
Your last ride will be entirely on the easy-rolling coastal route, the Costa dei Trabocchi. The "trabocchi" are ancient wooden stilt constructions suspended above the sea for fishing. You will continue south, crossing the Sangro river and then inland to the magnificent abbey of S. Giovanni in Venere. Built in the 13th century over the ruins of a pagan temple, this cathedral is one of the finest romanesque churches in Italy due to its architecture and art. Upon your return to town, you will enjoy spending some time on the beach in Marina di S. Vito and choosing a place to dine from one of the remarkable seafood establishments. Total climb, 500 m.

Accommodation: Hotel La Chiave dei Trabocchi

DAY 8: Departure
Your bike tour in Italy will end after breakfast 

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In Agriturismo (country inns) and 3-star hotels. In Italy, the Agriturismos are famous for serving only meals based on fresh, homegrown ingredients! The hotels used for this tour are listed in the daily itinerary.

Bicycles

Standard bike

Standard bikes are equipped with a repair kit, pump, lock, and cycle computer (does not include rear rack or pannier).

Road bike

Road bikes are equipped with a repair kit, pump, lock, and cycle computer (does not include rear rack or pannier).

Electric bike

The electric bikes are equipped with Bosch Nyon System computer, flat tire repair kit, small pump, and a bike lock. You will need your own water bottles. The e-bikes are also provided with a seat post rack where you can strap a small bag with your rain gear and whatever you may need for the day.