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L'AQUILA
and SULMONA
A
CYCLING WEEK IN THE MEDIEVAL SETTING OF THE ATERNO VALLEY
Discover the pleasure of staying in two of the finest towns in
Central Italy. The evening strolls through the stone paved alleys and
the open wide piazzas surrounded by admirable works of art. Sit down
outside the cafes sipping your aperitivo or tasting an homemade gelato.
Refill with a great dinner prepared in a most traditional way. And
during the day ride the quiet and winding roads totally immersed in the
beauty of the surroundings.
7
days/6 nights
Individual
price: Eur 750 (min
4 participants)
Special
rates for groups: ask!
deposit:
Eur 300 (within March 31st)
includes:
-
6
nights in double room w/bath in fine Hotels 3 stars
-
6 breakfasts and dinners
- full van support
- daily maps in English
- van transfer from L'Aquila train station
Extras:
- Single
room: Eur 90
- Bike
rent: starting from Eur 70
- Van
transfer from/to Roma Airport: Eur 30 each way
- beverages at dinner
- bike cases have to be stored at left luggage
Departure
dates 2008: Monday from Apr 21st until July 9th and
from August 25th until October 13th
PROGRAM
MONDAY:
Arrival in Sulmona. Program description. Dinner and night in 3 stars
Hotel downtown Sulmona.
TUESDAY: SULMONA LOOP
42 KM
Easy
ride touching
the charming villages of Bugnara,
Pettorano and
Pacentro. Dinner and night in same hotel.
WEDNESDAY: SULMONA-SCANNO-SULMONA
60 KM
A
ride in the National Park of Abruzzo, the oldest national park in Italy.
We reach
Anversa degli Abruzzi
then, across a tunnel bored in the rock, we
get
into the gorges of Sagittario.
Easily ascending along the roaring creek we reach the stunning lake
of Scanno. A
last, short climbing effort and we top in the beautiful renaissance town
of Scanno. After a
welcomed refill with local delicacies we suggest a walk downtown
where the little shops display a centuries
old art of lacing and goldsmith. Watch on the way back cause the
majestic landscapes can be quite a diversion on the long descent to
Sulmona. Dinner and night in same hotel.
THURSDAY: SULMONA-L’AQUILA
70 KM
Long but easy
rolling ride. After crossing the wild S.Venanzio's gorges you are
greeted by the green Aterno Valley. Every few km the stone walls of a
small town line up along the road. The cars are so rare and the villages
so well preserved that you may get the feeling to be back at Renaissance
times. The only serious climb of the day is the short ascent into
L'Aquila. You
will stay here for 3 nights in a fine hotel downtown.
FRIDAY: L’AQUILA
LOOP
68
KM
This stage will maybe
prove too difficult for some but don't worry because our sag wagon will
be ready to give you a lift. After a 10 km flat warm up you will tackle
the 14km climb to Passo Capannelle (1300 mts). From here the ride is
very easy. A nice descent in the woods will take you again on the Aterno
River. Very close to its springs is the town of Montereale where we stop
for cappuccino. The return home is mostly flat and the scenery always entertaining.
SATURDAY: The
GRAN SASSO LOOP
64
KM
You
just can't leave L'Aquila without a close look to the Gran Sasso, the
highest mountain in the Appennini. Our van, taking you to the 1800 mts
of Monte Cristo, will give you the chance to ride in the moonscapes of
the Gran Sasso highland. Only a short climb and you will enjoy a
breathtaking view of endless valleys and mountain ranges and the
stunning village of S. Stefano di Sessanio where we stop for lunch. A
long, winding descent will take you back to L'Aquila.
SUNDAY: After breakfast
departure
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The
GREEN HILLS of ABRUZZO
A
CYCLING WEEK IN THE GENTLE HILLS OF PESCARA-VESTINA
From north to south Abruzzo displays a green belt of gentle hills lined
with olive trees and vineyards that link the mountains to the coast. Here wines and ‘extra-vergine’ olive oil are widely produced mostly
by small family run farms. Crossed by winding and quiet backroads this
area is heaven for leisurely cycling. All night stays and dinners in traditional agriturismo.
7
days/6 nights
Individual
price: Eur 750 (min
4 participants)
Special
rates for groups: ask!
deposit:
Eur 300 (within March 31st)
includes:
- 6
nights in double room w/bath in Agriturismo (country inn),
- 6 breakfasts and dinners
- full van support
- daily maps in English
- van transfer from Pescara Airport or train station
Extras:
- Single
room: Eur 90
- Bike
rent: starting from Eur 70
- Van
transfer from/to Roma Airport: Eur 50 each way
- bike cases have to be stored at left luggage
Departure
dates 2008: Monday from Apr 21st until July 9th and
from August 25th until October 13th
PROGRAM
MONDAY:
Arrival in Silvi Marina. Program description. Dinner and night in
Agriturismo (country inn) in Silvi.
TUESDAY:
SILVI LOOP
45 KM
A
sweet climb into the medieval town of Atri. Quiet roads with views over
the gullys. Then a long descent leading to the old beach resort of
Pineto. Bathing in the sea of Cerrano Natural Reserve. Dinner and night
in the same Agriturismo.
WEDNESDAY:
SILVI- LORETO APRUTINO
39
KM
Up
and down the green hills of Vestina and thru the historic towns of Città
S.Angelo and Penne. Stunning countryside dotted by olive trees and
vineyards. Arrival in charming Loreto Aprutino. Dinner and night in
Agriturismo in Loreto.
THURSDAY:
LORETO LOOP
53 KM
A
ride in the green countryside with ample views of the National Park of Gran Sasso
with its snowed caps. Well deserved stops in Catignano and Civitella
Casanova. Dinner
and night in the same Agriturismo.
FRIDAY:
LORETO - BOLOGNANO
48 KM
Across
Pianella and Rosciano on the way to the Aterno River. On the other side
of the river the ride enters the Mountain Park of Maiella. Right before
the hamlet of Bolognano wine taste at Cantina Zaccagnini. Dinner and night in Agriturismo in
Bolognano.
SATURDAY:
BOLOGNANO – ROCCACARAMANICO
50 KM
On
the wild slopes of Maiella among deep gorges, blossoming fields, abbeys
and castles. A challenging climb to the charming stone hamlet of
Roccacaramanico. At 1050 mts it's the top of the tour. You will be
rewarded by an unforgettable view. On the way down stop at the spa
resort of Caramanico Terme. Massages and other relieving treatments are
available. A long descent awaits you on the way back.
Dinner and night in the same Agriturismo.
SUNDAY:
After breakfast departure.
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