S.CRISTINA CASTLE,
CENTER BASED ROAD CYCLING HOLIDAYS IN ITALY, GUIDED PROGRAMS:
For the road cycling lovers:
LONG WEEK END AT S. CRISTINA CASTLE EXPLORING TUSCANY, UMBRIA AND LAZIO.
Have you ever had the chance to have a castle as a fantastic base for your cycling tours?
Well this is the time!
An incredible week end cycling along beautiful Tuscan countryside, three days of guided tours not to be missed. Superb cycling that can be taken as a relaxing tour exploring enchanting medieval towns dominated by castles and renaissance palaces over viewing the biggest volcanic lake in Europe: Lake Bolsena, or at a more challenging pace:climbing hills and mountains.
The strategic position of our castle allows our cycling guests to tour also the famous Orvieto town area in Umbria.
The Volcanic rock hilltop towns of Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovana in Southern Tuscany will complete our fantastic offer.
COST: euro 555,00 PER PERSON
For groups with more than 3 bikers there is a 10% discount
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
- 3 nights sharing a double bedroom
- half board including breakfast and dinner
- 3 excursions 4\5 hours, with expert guide around lake Bolsena, Mezzano, Tuscany and Umbria, Orvieto area.
EXTRA
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: euro 30,00 for person.
BIKE RENTAL: MTB euro 25,00\30,00 for day
Insurance not included, compulsory.
Program:
Day 1: arrival in the evening, check in and guided tour of S. Cristina castle. Briefing about the next day excursion and bike control if rented. Dinner in the cosy taverna and overnight, in the comfortable farmhouses just below the castle.
Day 2 - Day 3: around 9. 00 am after a good breakfast, we take the road to do one of the excursions described below, chosen by the guide according to weather conditions and level and physical conditions of the riders.
Day 4: we leave for the final excursion at 9. 00 pm as in the previous days after breakfast, once arrived back at our castle time for a shower and check out,then sadly it is departure time.
Road cycling tours
Lake Bolsena and ancient hilltop towns Tour
This ride follows the natural contour of enchanting Lake Bolsena, so after leaving the castle in the morning we descend along the crater of this ex volcano crossing the village of Gradoli with its beautiful renaissance palace built by Pope Paulus 3rd Farnese around 1500. After a few km we reach the water following a beautiful road running parallel to the shore among olive trees and cultivated fields.
The road bordering the beach reaches the enchanting little harbour of Capodimonte dominated by a medieval fortress.
After Marta the fishermen village, the road climbs from the shore to the top of the crater along a steady uphill road, for about 3\4 km. At the top a fantastic view of the lake and surroundings in any direction is the special prize for the effort.
The old Roman road,”Via cassia” will lead us down along the hills to the town that gives the name to the lake: Bolsena.
An ancient Etruscan and then Roman centre, Bolsena is also famous for the miracle of Corpus Christi providing one of the first cristian holidays.
Following the same road after about 10 km of flat we arrive below the town of Grotte di Castro where again our legs and lungs will have to make an effort to reach the top of the crater, from there following constant up and down after about 5 km we will reach again our castle.
Total km 80
Umbria: Orvieto town tour
Passing through the hills between Castel Giorgio and Castel Viscardo, you descend into the valley where the beautiful city of Orvieto stands over a big volcanic rock. A steep hill road leads us inside the massive medieval walls. At the top we follow narrow streets until the magnificent Duomo appears dominating the scene over the square with its incredible façade. Tower of Mauritius, the Moro Tower, St. Patrick's Well, are just some of the other wonders you can enjoy in this beautiful town. Beside this is a wine heaven, and the hills around are covered with vineyards and olive trees. In the many wine bars around here you can taste the famous Orvieto Classico wine, and olive oil accompanied by local hams, cheeses and salami. But we must be carful and avoid eating o drinking too much because on the way back we must be ready for the hills. A steady uphill road climbs twisting along the side of the volcanic plateau. Once at the top we will follow the road along the plateau direction east watching the mountains, time for speed if you still have energy in your legs. After crossing Grotte di Castro with an enchanting view of Lake Bolsena on the background we finally enter the last ups and downs before our home: S. Cristina castle.
Total km 95
Tuscany: Pitigliano, Sovana, Sorano: fortresses in the rock
North west of our castle going through the ups and downs of the southern hills of Grosseto province, in Tuscany you reach the "tufo rock fortress towns". Pitigliano is the first one we reach, also known as the Little Jerusalem because it used to have a tiny juice ghetto now abandoned, still an enchanting fortified village dominated by the Orsini castle: what a place to explore following with our bikes the narrow streets inside. Then Sovana, considered one of the most beautiful villages in our area, finally Sorano, defined as the fortified rock of Tuscany built on the side of a gorge, along a path in the archaeological Park of Tufo, an area characterized by the Vie Cave: a network of narrow routes carved in the rock by the Etruscan who lived here many centuries before Christ. These are incredible pieces of engineering trapped between suggestive and steep walls of rock. The road we follow is quite challenging and undulating, with frequent changes of gradient.
After a few kms of relief where we are allowed on a slightly flat stretch, the road climbs again with a few ramps to negotiate in order to reach the top at S. Valentino. From here the continuous undulation gets more regular less challenging. Onano and its medieval castle is the last village before the castle.
Total km 71
TOP
MID WEEK CYCLING BREAK: TUSCANY AND UMBRIA CASTLES TOUR
A fantastic holiday discovering unspoiled territory in Southern Tuscany, Lazio and Umbria. Between the biggest volcanic lake in Europe Lake Bolsena, and the mountains around mount Amiata. Some parts of this tours are tough, but they are worth the effort considering the sceneries you will enjoy from your bike. Medieval castles and fortresses will frame your rides adding a magic touch to your holiday.
COST: euro 730,00 FOR PERSON.
10% discount for groups of more than 3 people.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
- 4 nights in double bedroom
- half board including breakfast and dinner
- 4 guided cycling excursions, 4\5 hours with expert guide
EXTRA
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: euro 80,00 for person.
BIKE RENTAL: euro 25,00\30,00 per day per person, depending on the type of bike.
Insurance compulsory not included.
Program:
Day 1: arrival in the evening, check in and guided tour of the castle. Briefing about the next day excursion and bikes control if rented.
Day 2 - Day 3 - Day 4: around 9.00 am after a good breakfast, we take the trail to do one of the excursions described below, chosen by the guide according to weather conditions and level and physical conditions of the riders. (see description below)
Day 5: we leave for the final excursion at 9. 00 pm as in the previous days after breakfast, once arrived back at our castle time for a shower and check out then sadly it is departure time.
Road cycling tours
Lake Bolsena and ancient hilltop towns Tour
This ride follows the natural contour of enchanting Lake Bolsena, so after leaving the castle in the morning we descend along the crater of this ex volcano crossing the village of Gradoli with its beautiful renaissance palace built by Pope Paulus 3rd Farnese around 1500. After a few km we reach the water following a beautiful road running parallel to the shore among olive trees and cultivated fields.
The road bordering the beach reaches the enchanting little harbour of Capodimonte dominated by a medieval fortress.
After Marta the fishermen village, the road climbs from the shore to the top of the crater along a steady uphill road, for about 3\4 km. At the top a fantastic view of the lake and surroundings in any direction is the special prize for the effort.
The old Roman road,”Via cassia” will lead us down along the hills to the town that gives the name to the lake: Bolsena.
An ancient Etruscan and then Roman centre, Bolsena is also famous for the miracle of Corpus Christi providing one of the first cristian holidays.
Following the same road after about 10 km of flat we arrive below the town of Grotte di Castro where again our legs and lungs will have to make an effort to reach the top of the crater, from there following constant up and down after about 5 km we will reach again our castle.
Total km 80
Umbria: Orvieto town tour
Passing through the hills between Castel Giorgio and Castel Viscardo, you descend into the valley where the beautiful city of Orvieto stands over a big volcanic rock. A steep hill road leads us inside the massive medieval walls. At the top we follow narrow streets until the magnificent Duomo appears dominating the scene over the square with its incredible façade. Tower of Mauritius, the Moro Tower, St. Patrick's Well, are just some of the other wonders you can enjoy in this beautiful town. Beside this is a wine heaven, and the hills around are covered with vineyards and olive trees. In the many wine bars around here you can taste the famous Orvieto Classico wine, and olive oil accompanied by local hams, cheeses and salami. But we must be carful and avoid eating o drinking too much because on the way back we must be ready for the hills. A steady uphill road climbs twisting along the side of the volcanic plateau. Once at the top we will follow the road along the plateau direction east watching the mountains, time for speed if you still have energy in your legs. After crossing Grotte di Castro with an enchanting view of Lake Bolsena on the background we finally enter the last ups and downs before our home: S. Cristina castle.
Total km 95
Tuscany: Pitigliano, Sovana, Sorano: fortresses in the rock
North west of our castle going through the ups and downs of the southern hills of Grosseto province, in Tuscany you reach the "tufo rock fortress towns". Pitigliano is the first one we reach, also known as the Little Jerusalem because it used to have a tiny juice ghetto now abandoned, still an enchanting fortified village dominated by the Orsini castle: what a place to explore following with our bikes the narrow streets inside. Then Sovana, considered one of the most beautiful villages in our area, finally Sorano, defined as the fortified rock of Tuscany built on the side of a gorge, along a path in the archaeological Park of Tufo, an area characterized by the Vie Cave: a network of narrow routes carved in the rock by the Etruscan who lived here many centuries before Christ. These are incredible pieces of engineering trapped between suggestive and steep walls of rock. The road we follow is quite challenging and undulating, with frequent changes of gradient.
After a few kms of relief where we are allowed on a slightly flat stretch, the road climbs again with a few ramps to negotiate in order to reach the top at S. Valentino. From here the continuous undulation gets more regular less challenging. Onano and its medieval castle is the last village before the castle.
Total km 71
Tour of the Farnese duchy of Castro
From the castle direction west we head towards the sea, the land slopes down and we enter what around year ad 1500\1600 was the Duchy of Castro. The first part of the tour is easy and the road follows a long valley in between hills inside what once was a big “caldera” a volcano now extinguished. Suddenly the road turns right and you find the towns of Ischia di Castro and Farnese, where the domain of the powerful Farnese family is still evident after many centuries in the impressive buildings, streets and squares. The view of the area is incredible and the road starts a challenging up and down through woods, gorges and hills climbing slowly but constantly on the way home. The scenaries around us are so beautiful but the road is unforgiving slowly but steadily going up, then the climb increases along the border of the crater of lake Mezzano at 650 m. From the top we can stop for a well deserved panoramic view of the region. The final descent along the opposite side of the crater brings our wheels towards home,but not after having coped with those last hills before the castle.
Total around km 90
TOP
FULL WEEK BIKING HOLIDAY AT THE CASTLE
A full week riding your fast bike exploring a fantastic land on guided tours. An incredible holiday to remember, in one of the regions less inhabited of Italy, with plenty of empty country roads and beautiful sceneries.
S. Cristina castle will be your home and your base throughout the week, allowing you to explore Alta Tuscia a stripof land between Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio. Expert guides will lead you along unbeaten paths and ancient roads.
COST: euro 945,00 for person, minimum number 2 people.
10% discount for groups of more than 3 people.
The cost includes:
- 7 nights in a double bedroom (march-june, september-october)
- half board including breakfast and dinner
- 1 Day free to rest and relax visiting the area.
- 6 guided tours of aprox 4/5 hours with expert guide on trails and side roads.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: euro 100,00 for person.
EXTRA
BIKES RENTAL: for day for person euro 25,00\30,00
Insurance required, mandatory.
Program:
Day 1: arrival in the evening, check in and guided tour of the castle. Briefing about the next day excursion and bikes control if rented.
Dinner in the cosy taverna and overnight, in the comfortable stylish farmhouses below the castle, restored recently.
Day 2 - Day 3 - Day 4 - Day 6 - Day 7: around 9.00 am after a good breakfast, we take the trail to do one of the excursions described below, chosen by the guide according to weather conditions and level and physical conditions of the riders. (see description below).
Day 5: Breakfast and free day to relax the poor legs, a good opportunity to visit the area or pay a visit to the thermal baths in Viterbo, or in Sorano, sitting in the hot water.
Day 8: breakfast, check out and then sadly it is departure time.
Road cycling tours
Lake Bolsena and ancient hilltop towns Tour
This ride follows the natural contour of enchanting Lake Bolsena, so after leaving the castle in the morning we descend along the crater of this ex volcano crossing the village of Gradoli with its beautiful renaissance palace built by Pope Paulus 3rd Farnese around 1500. After a few km we reach the water following a beautiful road running parallel to the shore among olive trees and cultivated fields.
The road bordering the beach reaches the enchanting little harbour of Capodimonte dominated by a medieval fortress.
After Marta the fishermen village, the road climbs from the shore to the top of the crater along a steady uphill road, for about 3\4 km. At the top a fantastic view of the lake and surroundings in any direction is the special prize for the effort.
The old Roman road,”Via cassia” will lead us down along the hills to the town that gives the name to the lake: Bolsena.
An ancient Etruscan and then Roman centre, Bolsena is also famous for the miracle of Corpus Christi providing one of the first cristian holidays.
Following the same road after about 10 km of flat we arrive below the town of Grotte di Castro where again our legs and lungs will have to make an effort to reach the top of the crater, from there following constant up and down after about 5 km we will reach again our castle.
Total km 80
Umbria: Orvieto town tour
Passing through the hills between Castel Giorgio and Castel Viscardo, you descend into the valley where the beautiful city of Orvieto stands over a big volcanic rock. A steep hill road leads us inside the massive medieval walls. At the top we follow narrow streets until the magnificent Duomo appears dominating the scene over the square with its incredible façade. Tower of Mauritius, the Moro Tower, St. Patrick's Well, are just some of the other wonders you can enjoy in this beautiful town. Beside this is a wine heaven, and the hills around are covered with vineyards and olive trees. In the many wine bars around here you can taste the famous Orvieto Classico wine, and olive oil accompanied by local hams, cheeses and salami. But we must be carful and avoid eating o drinking too much because on the way back we must be ready for the hills. A steady uphill road climbs twisting along the side of the volcanic plateau. Once at the top we will follow the road along the plateau direction east watching the mountains, time for speed if you still have energy in your legs. After crossing Grotte di Castro with an enchanting view of Lake Bolsena on the background we finally enter the last ups and downs before our home: S. Cristina castle.
Total km 95
Tuscany: Pitigliano, Sovana, Sorano: fortresses in the rock
North west of our castle going through the ups and downs of the southern hills of Grosseto province, in Tuscany you reach the "tufo rock fortress towns". Pitigliano is the first one we reach, also known as the Little Jerusalem because it used to have a tiny juice ghetto now abandoned, still an enchanting fortified village dominated by the Orsini castle: what a place to explore following with our bikes the narrow streets inside. Then Sovana, considered one of the most beautiful villages in our area, finally Sorano, defined as the fortified rock of Tuscany built on the side of a gorge, along a path in the archaeological Park of Tufo, an area characterized by the Vie Cave: a network of narrow routes carved in the rock by the Etruscan who lived here many centuries before Christ. These are incredible pieces of engineering trapped between suggestive and steep walls of rock. The road we follow is quite challenging and undulating, with frequent changes of gradient.
After a few kms of relief where we are allowed on a slightly flat stretch, the road climbs again with a few ramps to negotiate in order to reach the top at S. Valentino. From here the continuous undulation gets more regular less challenging. Onano and its medieval castle is the last village before the castle.
Total km 71
Tour of the Farnese duchy of Castro
From the castle direction west we head towards the sea, the land slopes down and we enter what around year ad 1500\1600 was the Duchy of Castro. The first part of the tour is easy and the road follows a long valley in between hills inside what once was a big “caldera” a volcano now extinguished. Suddenly the road turns right and you find the towns of Ischia di Castro and Farnese, where the domain of the powerful Farnese family is still evident after many centuries in the impressive buildings, streets and squares. The view of the area is incredible and the road starts a challenging up and down through woods, gorges and hills climbing slowly but constantly on the way home. The scenaries around us are so beautiful but the road is unforgiving slowly but steadily going up, then the climb increases along the border of the crater of lake Mezzano at 650 m. From the top we can stop for a well deserved panoramic view of the region. The final descent along the opposite side of the crater brings our wheels towards home,but not after having coped with those last hills before the castle.
Total around km 90
Mount Amiata: the big mountain
For every cyclist around here this is the challenge: Mount Amiata 1734 mt. It can be climbed from different sides, and it can really offer hard bread to chew even for the best athletes. It is definitely the highest point of our tours.
From the castle the beginning is ideal because after a few easy ups and downs the road keeps going down until it reaches the bottom at Paglia river valley. Along the Via cassia, the old Roman road we reach the foothills of Mount Amiata, we have enough flat road to warm up our legs. Then the climb to the summit begins. 28 km of road that climbs constantly on the mountain, between the sulphur springs, the gradient for a while increases before crossing Piancastagnaio and Abbadia San Salvatore. Then we pass in front of the old mines, and along hairpin bends in the shade of chestnut and beech woods, the road keeps going up and up and up. It seems never to finish with the big mountain towering above you. When you think it will never happen you get to a clearing, where just above it you can see the cross on the summit.
Its done, you have made it. A quick stop to eat and drink something and it is time to start going back because it isn’t finished at all.
Most of the first part of the return is downhill and with time to enjoy fantastic landscape but on the last part, our hills take over again.
Concentration has to come back, just to negotiate the last ups and downs that here arrive after 100 km of effort.
Finally the castle arrives, and you can relax and enjoy your achievement of the day, she is there watching you from the DISTANCE like a big sleeping giant: Mount Amiata.
Total around km 107
Small towns between Toscana and Lazio. Attacking the mountains.
In the territory right on the border between Tuscany and Lazio, you find again small and ancient villages rich in history and traditions. They all seem lost in time. Onano is the last village of Lazio before Tuscany. Each of these towns for the road cycling enthusiasts represent a perfect land mark for training on your two wheels: beautiful views and little traffic. St Valentino, an ancient rural village on the slopes of Mount Elmo next to Mount Amiata, Montevitozzo, in the valley of river Stridolone, etc. Castell' Ottieri from where we decide to challenge ourselves climbing the mount Penna. There are about 10 – 12 km of constant climbing before reaching the town of Castellazzara, the queen of the mountain.
Our prize for reaching the top an incredible 180° view on all the region around. After gliding down the side of the mountain crossing S.Giovanni delle contee, on a hill dominating the valley of river Paglia we find Proceno with another castle that once belonged to the Pope. Actually with its high tower it was built to guard the old Roman road towards Siena who once was the enemy.
Another quick downhill bit and finally up again to reach the ancient townhill of Acquapendente, where our friend Roberto is waiting in his bar to serve us refreshing drinks. Cin, cin! Alla salute!
Total around km 85
