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CYCLING
IN THE MARCHE: FROM URBINO TO MONTE CONERO
During
this cycling tour you will get to know the region of Le Marche as not many
people know it. You will cycle from the beautiful Renaissance town of
Urbino, once home of the powerful Dukes, to Sirolo and Monte Conero
(572m a.s.l.) on the Adriatic Coast. Monte Conero is part of a National
Park and is well-loved for its beaches with crystal-clear seawater,
which you can only reach by narrow footpaths. You cycle through a
beautiful landscape of
gentle hills, where the vineyards produce excellent wines such as the
white Verdicchio or the red Lacrima di Morro d’Alba. It is also a tour
which will allow you to taste the delicious traditional cookery of this
very special region.
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Programme
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Day
1
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Arrival
at Urbino
Arrival
at Falconara airport or by train to the station of Pesaro /
Urbino. From here you will be taken to your hotel in the
attractive hill town of Urbino (travel time about 30 min.). In
the late afternoon you will meet our local agent for a route
briefing and to collect your bikes if you are renting them.
Urbino
is a hospitable Renaissance town famous for its beautiful ‘Palazzo
Ducale’ which has an unusual façade with two towers. The
Palazzo houses the ‘Galleria Nazionale delle Marche’ where
you can admire works of art by Piero della Francesca, Raffaello
and other painters of the court of Duke Frederick of
Montefeltro.
Overnight
stay with breakfast in a
*** star hotel.
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Day
2
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From
Urbino to
Bargni (miles 24 /
km 39)
This
morning you leave Urbino cycling along quiet panoramic country
roads, which often provide spectacular views reaching as far as
the Adriatic coast. Today’s ride finishes in the medieval
village (or 'borgo') of Bargni (265m a.s.l.), where your
overnight stay is in a nice, friendly Country House. Tonight’s
dinner is included.
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Day
3
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From Bargni to Mondavio
(miles 31-35 / km 50-55 )
Today
brings another relaxed and not too strenuous ride through the
‘marchigiane’ hills. You could take a break at Cartoceto to
admire its pleasing architecture. Cartoceto is famous for its
extra virgin olive oil. Your overnight stay is at Mondavio, a
beautiful fortified ‘borgo’ which has recently been very
tastefully restored. The castle dates back to the 15th
century and is also in a good state of repair, never having been
seriously damaged by enemy troops.
Your
overnight stay and dinner are in a three star hotel whose
restaurant is well-known for its good ‘marchigiana’ cookery.
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Day
4
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From
Mondavio
to
Ostra Vetere (miles
37 / 60 km)
Today
involves a pleasant tour crossing the hills of the Bianchello
del Metauro DOC vineyards. You pass the village of Barchi, which
stands above the surrounding hills, so from here you will have a
splendid view. The old centre is built according to a town plan
designed by the architect Filippo Terzi. From Barchi you cycle
to Ostra Vetere, which will envelop you in its wonderful
calmness. The town is of medieval origin, surrounded by old town
walls with gates, but its most eye-catching landmark is the
impressive dome of the S. Maria di Piazza church.
Overnight
stay in a holiday farm with swimming pool. Dinner is not
included.
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Day
5
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From
Ostra Vetere
to
Morro d’Alba (miles
31 / 50 km)
Another
relaxed ride, crossing the hills of Morro d’Alba, a village
well-known for its delicious ruby red quality wine (D.o.c.),
which can easily be compared with other famous red wines. You
will be welcomed into one of the small wineries, mostly
family-run businesses, to try the wine along with tasty crusty
bread drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.
Your
overnight stay is in a Country House at Morro d’Alba. Dinner
isn’t included, but it is possible (and recommended) to dine
in the restaurant run by the family who own the country house
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Day
6
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From Morro d’Alba to
Sirolo (Monte Conero
at the adriatic coast; 37 miles / km 60)
Today
a somewhat more challenging ride will take you through the hills
of the well-known marchigiano white wine; il Verdicchio. A soft sea breeze will accompany you into the lovely town of
Sirolo, a pearl of the Conero Riviera, with its well-conserved
historical centre.
Overnight
stay in a country house with swimming pool. Dinner is not
included.
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Day
7
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A
circular route in the surroundings of Sirolo (miles 25- km
40) or a rest day
Today
you can go for a nice tour in the area around Sirolo.
Alternatively you can have a rest day on Monte Conero, perhaps
enjoying some nice walking in the National Park or relaxing on
the beach of Sassi Neri (meaning 'black stones'). From May to
September it is possible to take a boat trip from here to the
cliffs known as the ‘Due Sorelle’ (two sisters). There are
many legends connected with these two sea stacks, like the one
telling of the mermaid who used her enchanting singing to
bewitch sailors and take them prisoner in the cave.
Overnight
stay in the same country house like yesterday. Dinner is not
included.
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Day
8
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Departure after breakfast.
At
the end of your stay you will be taken to the station or
Falconara airport.
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The
tour includes:
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7
overnight stays with breakfast
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2
diners
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transfer
from and to the airport of Falconara or the station of Pesaro/Urbino
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Tour
information
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Maps
and road book
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Luggage
transportation
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Backup
service
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1
wine-tasting in Morro d’Alba
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medical
and luggage insurance
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Period
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daily
from 1st April till the end of October
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Level
3
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Hilly
landscape with average distances of 24-37 miles / 40-65 km. Some
cycle experience needed. Cycling over quiet asphalted
or dirt country roads. Not suitable for children under 12 years.
Total miles / kilometres:
187 miles - 300 km
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Participants
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Minimum
two persons ( a single person on request)
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Price
2012
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Per
person double room sharing € 895,00
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single
supplement € 166,00
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Supplement
p.p. for full half board (+ 5 dinners) €
100,00
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bike
rental € 100,00 per bike
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On
request
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Extra
overnights stays in Urbino, Sirolo and in all the towns of the
overnightstays in between.
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Do you have
still some questions or doubts, please don't hesitate to contact
us.
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