In mid-October last year, my friend Martin and I travelled to Tuscany - more precisely to the rally in Umbria. I don't know about you, but we weren't really familiar with the Umbria region until recently. But that made it all the more exciting for us to travel to this rather unknown centre of Italy. And we were rewarded...
The historic Hotel Posta Donini is located in the centre of the small village of San Martino in Campo in the Tiber Valley. Surrounded by a beautiful park with trees up to 300 years old and a unique rose garden, you feel transported to another world from the very first moment.
There is also a lot to discover within the walls; the house has an impressive history dating back to the 15th century. My tip: ask at reception for a free guided tour!
The hotel has all the facilities you could wish for: Culinary delights start the day with a very extensive and varied breakfast. In the evening, the hotel's own restaurant ‘Pantagruel’ is not far away. The ambience is cosy and the service is excellent. With half board, you can choose from many different dishes or, of course, eat à la carte - Martin and I enjoyed every single course!
The spacious park, the outdoor area with pool and the wonderful spa area with adventure pool and sauna landscape offer plenty of space to relax and unwind in addition to the cycle tours. The feel-good package is rounded off by the friendly and familiar service. The ideal starting point for exploring Umbria.
From flat fields and rivers, rolling hills and vineyards to hilly landscapes full of olive trees - it's all there. And in between, there are always small, sleepy villages before you reach one of the majestic medieval towns such as Assisi, Todi or Montefalco.
Although you won't want for anything in the hotel or the town, I definitely recommend a trip to Perugia, the capital of Umbria. You can reach the centre in less than half an hour by bus, taxi or in your own car. The medieval city has an impressive city wall with wonderful views, historic buildings, narrow and winding alleyways and the mysterious underground passages of the Rocca Paolina.
We chose the route to Lake Trasimeno as the first stage. At 60 kilometres, it is the longest stage, hilly with beautiful scenery and great views of Lake Trasimeno. Be sure to stop off at ‘Ristorante Il Ristoro’ - it doesn't get much more typical and authentic than this. On the way back, a café in Mugano and a short walk through the small alleyways of the village with its artistic murals (Percorso Muri Dipinti).
Today's route takes us through the Tiber Valley, still a little foggy in the morning - you can feel the autumn. In Deruta we simply can't resist and buy our first souvenirs. Hand-painted ceramics - it's hard to choose! Well packed, then it's onwards - uphill and downhill through olive groves. You have to earn your way to Todi... But it's worth it, you're rewarded with a magnificent medieval town. We were even lucky enough to be at a medieval festival - how fitting. After a short walk through the centre, we rewarded ourselves with an Aperol Spritz in Piazza del Popolo and waited for Simone, my dear colleague, to take us back to the hotel.
We set off in the sunshine... Our route first takes us through the vineyards near Torgiano and then up through the olive groves to Bettona. Then it's flat, along the Topino river to Bevagna. Time for lunch in a trattoria! Strengthened, we set off for Montefalco, a place that also needs to be conquered! At Piazza del Comue, the highest point of the town, from where the alleyways lead off in all directions, we taste the famous and truly excellent Montefalco Rosso wine! Simone takes us back to the hotel again today.
You can start a little later on this day. The stage is not too long and takes you through the idyllic Umbrian countryside. An absolute highlight is the wine tasting and typical meal at the Chiorri winery - you could stay on this terrace with this view forever!
On our last stage, we leave Bettona to the left and make our way to Assisi. The town with the striking Basilica of San Francesco can be seen from afar. On the way, we visit the imposing pilgrimage church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Assisi is the birthplace of St Francis of Assisi and you can also visit his tomb in the basilica. The town is really something special and you should bring enough time with you before you make your way back to San Martino in Campo.
Top hotel, beautiful landscape, friendly people, excellent wine, outstanding food & a very special highlight on every cycling stage!
