Guided Road Cycling Holiday - Appennini d'Abruzzo - Abruzzo

25 Years of Pedallin' Passion

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Holidays that move you

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Holiday Highlights

Riding through and over the 4 National Park areas of the Abruzzi
Taking on the challenging Blockhaus in the Majella Park
Cruising through the Gorge of San Venenzio
Re-fueling with the hearty regional mountain food of Abruzzo
Riding through the big scenery of Campo Imperatore in the heart of the Gran Sasso
Riding down endless sweeping descents after the challenges of stunning climbs

View Holiday Schedule

Day	Description	Distance	Ascent	Meals
1	Arrival: Pescara Airport	Non Riding Day
2	Loreto Aprutino to Abateggio	50 Miles / 80 Kms Approx.	1,600 Metres Approx.	B L D
3	Abateggio to Pacentro	50 Miles / 80 Kms Approx.	2,600 Metres Approx.	B
4	Pacentro to Pescocostanzo	68 Miles / 110 Kms Approx	2,600 Metres Approx.	B L
5	Pescocostanzo to Rocca di Mezzo	60 Miles / 100 Kms Approx.	1,600 Metres Approx.	B L
6	Rocca di Mezzo to Santo Stefano di Sessanio	37 Miles / 60 Kms Approx.	1,100 Metres Approx.	B L D
7	Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso to Loreto Aprutino	59 Miles / 95 Kms Approx.	1,600 Metres Approx.	B
8	Departure: Pescara airport	Non Riding Day		B

Meals: B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner | Please keep in mind the distances and ascent information provided are intended to be indicative and may vary from the actuals due to accommodation changes or when compared on different GPS devices and software

For more information download our trip notes

Holiday Information

Abruzzo, tucked away between Lazio and Umbria, is one of Italy’s most hidden gems. The region will captivate, not only lovers of anything Italian, but also any serious cyclist looking for something a little bit different. With its four National Parks, high mountain passes, deep gorges and medieval villages it really does have all the ingredients for a perfect road cycling trip.

The adventure starts relatively gently as we spend time riding through the terraced vineyards and olive groves on the lower slopes of the Gran Sasso range. Our second day on the bikes will include the infamous Passo Lanciano and Blockhaus of Majella where Nairo Quintana took an infamous victory in the 2017 Giro d’Italia.

The challenges keep coming as the week progresses as we head into the higher ranges of the Majella National Park and the Parco Nazionale dell'Abruzzo. Finally we visit Parco Velino, returning to the stunning Gran Sasso where our adventure began, but this time we climb into the Campo Imperatore, the scene of Marco Pantani’s 1999 pink jersey-winning challenge and possibly one of the greatest mountain rides in Italy.

Throughout our journey we will stay in carefully-chosen, locally-owned hotels and agriturismi where we can enjoy rich regional cuisine all washed down with a glass or two of the local Montepulcino d'Abruzzo.

For more information download our trip notes

Holiday Feedback

A very special experience...

Exploring the region of Abruzzo was a very special experience, a place hidden and off the beaten track. It was wonderful to ride on roads which were almost exclusively ours and learn about the region from our wonderful tour guides. Skedaddle always provide lots of help, support and guidance along the way from the moment you book the holiday to the day before departure. This really puts your mind at ease throughout the whole process. The guides had brilliant local knowledge and this made the holiday provide more than just a cycling experience. The hire bikes were of an extremely high quality, luggage transfer was faultless, transfer to and from the airport was seamless and the service was of a very high quality throughout.

All the accommodation provided a comfy bed, a warm shower and was close to somewhere to get an evening meal – all you require after a long day in the saddle! I couldn’t possibly pick a favourite day as each day was fantastic for a different reason. Cycling through the gorges was absolutely stunning, reaching the top of Blockhaus and Campo Imperatore was incredible, passing through abandoned villages was really eye opening and cycling above the clouds just amazing! Bike provided was like riding my bike from home – just fantastic! I cannot sing the praises of our Italian chief guide enough, she was absolutely amazing. Her local knowledge was brilliant and I really enjoyed finding out about the area from her. She was always extremely calm and composed and nothing seemed to phase her, despite the many hiccups along the way. She provided encouragement and support at every point which I know was appreciated by every member of the group.

The holidays may not be the cheapest around but when you consider the quality of the accommodation, the care and guidance of the Skedaddle team, the luggage transfer, the routes and so much more…you cannot even begin to think it is not good value! This was the second Skedaddle holiday enjoyed with the group I met on the Introduction to the Alps last year, and we are hoping to meet again next year on another trip!

Kate, West Yorkshire
Guide was the ultimate professional!

Italian chief guide was the ultimate professional throughout the trip. She was organised and kept us well informed about the routes/ any changes and time for meals, leaving etc. Every decision she made put us first and herself last. She always had time for everyone and worked tirelessly to ensure the holiday was the best it could be. All the guides worked hard to make sure that lunches were delicious and snacks and water available whenever we needed them. They were also excellent company throughout the trip. I just want to add, that I actually have very high expectations/ standards of most things (including of myself) whether holidays, service etc. I don’t think I have ever been on a holiday before where I have given so much excellent and positive feedback. Thank you to everyone involved!

Angela, Leicestershire
As seen in the press...

A new, eight-day road cycling tour from Saddle Skedaddle, this trip goes through Abruzzo, with its high mountain passes, deep gorges and four national parks. The route offers a serious workout, starting with a 2,600-metre ascent, with views of the snow-capped Monte Velino and Monte Sirente.

The Guardian (2018), 12 months of fitness holidays for 2018