There is a serene pleasure to be experienced while cycling through the pretty backroads that link Florence to Rome. 

 

It's a cycle journey through the 'green heart' of Italy, from the enchanting city of Florence to the nation's capital Rome. The contrasts are very noticeable as you leave behind Tuscany and arrive in the peaceful and mystical Umbria. 

 

 

As you cycle approximately 290km you will see cities like Assisi, Perugia, Spoleto and Terni, displaying an incredible wealth of art treasures, which take their visitors back to the Middle Ages. The cities have barely changed over the centuries and the rolling landscape dotted with vineyards and hilltop towns will give you an appreciation of why the area is so popular with painters. 

 

 

On mostly backroads the route winds through the valleys of the Apennines and gentle hills near to Trasimeno Lake. At the end, the Eternal City of Rome awaits you, a fitting end to this exhilarating Italian journey by bike.

 

 

Watch the video below, then enjoy it for yourself on the self-guided Florence to Rome by Bike tour.

 

 

"Wonderful trip. It was amazing to be able to travel from one hill town to another, each one so different from the others. 

Highlights of our trip included an art exhibit in Perugia on how medieval artists perceived nature - absolutely beautiful and we had the place to ourselves, quite a contrast to the crowds at the Uffizi; staying in a 14th century pilgrim guest house in Assisi; walking out to the aqueduct bridge in Spoleto; hearing all the bells in Narni suddenly start ringing when the new Pope was elected and running outside along with everyone else to find out what had happened; and, my husband would say, the wild boar stew he ate that evening at a restaurant in the square. 

Logistics were well organized and the routes well planned. It was a challenging route, however, with many steep climbs. We were glad we reserved e-bikes. There were also a number of places with poorly maintained roads, quite a bit of springtime road construction, and some areas where the route took roads with heavy traffic. Italian drivers were quite considerate, though. We had a great time and were sad to go home. We could have stayed in each town longer, and will hopefully return to Italy soon." M. Bourguignon.

Florence to Rome Cycle Tours