The Skedaddle team will meet you on arrival at Pescara airport (PSR) and we will transfer together to Loreto Aprutino, on the lower hills of the Appennines. This small town, set like a diamond between the Pescara coast and the Gran Sasso, is one of the most beautiful in Abruzzo and is steeped in culture and history. On arrival at our hotel we will build and fit bikes, and after an initial briefing we’ll head out and explore the medieval town before sitting down to indulge in a mouth-watering meal.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Ascent: 1,600 Metres Approx.

Our first ride is designed to warm us up and break us in gently for what lies ahead for the rest of the week. We leave the town and head into the seemingly endless rolling slopes that lead from the Apennine mountains and quiet country roads that take us through a landscape of pretty rolling vineyards and olive groves.

Our route proceeds in a westward direction and a gradual climb leads us to the dramatically located medieval hamlet of Corvara d‘Abruzzo, where we stop to admire the impressive views across the Majella range. Next we move south, dropping down and crossing the plain of the Pescara and Orta rivers to then head onto a gradual climb towards the Majella range.

Our destination is Abateggio, a small town within the national park, designated one of the prettiest towns in all of Italy.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 2,600 Metres Approx.

We’ll take on the first big challenge of our tour as we head higher into the Majella National Park.

The day begins with a short descent to Lettomanopello from where the climb officially commences. Initially the road weaves upwards through a forest, leading us onto an open plain from where we can see the Blockhaus and its summit ahead of us. 11km and averaging almost 8%, it delivers us to Passo Lanciano, where our efforts are rewarded with magnificent views of the Majella mountain range. We roll on for a further 7.5km to the summit from where can enjoy some stunningly beautiful views of the Adriatic below us.

The thrilling descent which follows leads us through Roccamorice and onto Caramanico Terme where we stop for a well-deserved picnic lunch, after which we commence a beautiful and gradually-winding climb up to Passo San Leonardo. Averaging around 3.5%, the riding this afternoon is gentle compared to what we did this morning, however with amazing views of Mount Morrone and Mount Amaro on either side of the valley as we climb, it is no less rewarding.

A jaw-droppingly beautiful switchback descent follows and leads us finally to Pacentro, a medieval hamlet perched precariously on the ridge line which will be our home for the evening.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 2,600 Metres Approx.

We begin gently today as we enter Valle Peligna, riding firstly to Sulmona, a bustling Italian town with a charming historical centre. The flattening valley forms a natural border between the Majella National Park and the Parco Nazionale dell‘Abruzzo, which we will explore during today’s stage. After leaving Sulmona, we reach Anversa degli Abruzzi, situated at the entrance of the Gole del Sagittario – a deep gorge that leads the way into the park and mountains.

From here we embark on a beautiful climb through the twisted canyon which takes us high into the mountain range. We pass through Colle San Michele, a tiny hamlet perched on the side of the rocky canyon and then Scanno, where we might well stop for a coffee in one of the little piazzas where the gentle pace of life doesn’t seem to have changed for centuries.

From here we continue climbing steadily up the valley as the landscape gradually becomes more alpine and the forests give way to open meadows and views of distant mountains. We’ll wrap up a little at the summit of Passo Godi (1,630m), surrounded by floral pastures and high peaks, before we embark on the long descent to our lunch stop in Barrea.

Once back in the saddle our second climb of the day will lead us back towards the perimeter of the Majella Park and the towns of Castel del Sangrio and Roccaraso where the road eases into a beautiful glacial valley. After one final small climb we reach the picturesque village of Pescocostanzo which will be our home for the evening.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,600 Metres Approx.

Once again we start the day with a short descent before joining a quiet road that gradually climbs through the valley below the ridgeline of Mount Porrore. We’re rewarded for yesterday’s efforts by a wonderful 35km descent back to Sulmona into Valle Peligna where we’ll re-group and enjoy a coffee before we start heading north towards the Parco di Velino and Silente. Next up is the beautiful San Venanzio Gorge and then a series of traditional villages such as Castel Vecchio Subequo and Gagliano Aterno, perfectly situated for lunch and a little contemplation of the surrounding mountains.

Travelling further into the National Park we reach the limestone massifs and ride in the shadows of the frequently snow-capped and alpine-like Mount Velino and Mount Silente. Reaching the town of Rocca di Mezzo, where we will spend the evening, is like stepping back in time and here we will have an opportunity to enjoy traditional local mountain fayre such as truffles and wild boar – usually washed down with the locally-made house wine!

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Ascent: 1,100 Metres Approx.

As we leave Rocca di Mezzo we have the option of extending the ride up to Ovindoli (1,400m), in the heart of the National Park. It’s an ideal location for a morning coffee before heading back down the winding roads that leads us to the undulating agricultural land of the lower valley and the Parco del Gran Sasso.

Today is an intentionally shorter stage, designed to allow extra time to enjoy Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a unique village perched like an eagle’s nest on top of a rocky outcrop in the middle of a green valley.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,600 Metres Approx.

A fantastic last day on the bike awaits and one which sees us ticking off a true Italian classic. Campo Imperatore, in the heart of the Gran Sasso will take us high into Apennines, via the highest road in central Italy.

The steady climb on a single lane road leaves the town of Santo Stefano turning to a series of switchbacks before leveling out onto a plateau. Here we ride through open pastures with stunning views of the rocky pinnacles of Corno Grande. Eventually we turn off the road and head for Campo Imperatore, a somewhat deserted ski station during summer months which at a remote and rarefied 2,100m above sea level can leave you quite literally breathless. The views are incredible.

After re-tracing our tracks for a short section, we carry on east, riding along the high open plain where cattle and wild horses graze peacefully in the colourful meadows. All that remains now is 20km of joy as we descend through the forest and vineyards, back towards Loreto Aprutino where our adventure began one week ago.

Sadly it is time to pack the bikes but we before we do so, we might enjoy and glass or two of Montepulciano d‘Abruzzo before one final Italian dinner. We can celebrate the end of a great trip, sharing the sense of satisfaction of having explored some lesser known climbs and a stunningly beautiful, yet hidden, region of Italy.

• Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, dependent on flight times, there may be some time to relax, before it’s time to pack our gear up for the last time and take the transfer bus to Pescara airport and say our final farewells.