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- Advice
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Every season has its charm for cycling enthusiasts, but there’s one that really provides special emotions: cycling in autumn is a pleasure for all the senses. The vineyards turn yellow and red, the forests smell of mushrooms and chestnuts, and the tourist routes are quieter after the summer rush. Cycling among the foliage and quaint villages, often accompanied by festivals, with a stop for a glass of wine or a typical dish, is enjoyable even for those less accustomed to cycle tourism.
For this reason, we’ve selected 3 autumn cycling routes that meet a few simple criteria: nature at its finest thanks to the autumn colors, delicious food and wine stops, not too technical paths, and the possibility of completing them in one or at most two days. All routes also have good online information to help you plan your trip.
Barolo Hills by Bike: The Loop of Castles and Vineyards
This route is perfect for those who want to experience the essence of the Lower Langhe in a condensed form: in just a few hours by bike, you’ll visit the most beautiful villages and castles, pass through landscapes that look like paintings, and stop where some of the world’s most famous wines are born.
Starting from Monforte d’Alba, you’ll be guided by the picturesque rows of vineyards of the Lower Langhe all the way to Serralunga, with its medieval castle overlooking the hills and its historic center. The descent toward Gallo d'Alba leads to the climb up to the Grinzane Cavour Castle, once owned by Camillo Benso, now home to the Regional Wine Cellar: a stop that tells the story of Piedmontese wine.
From here, you reach La Morra, a panoramic viewpoint over the Lower Langhe, and shortly after, Barolo, the homeland of the noble wine, where it’s almost a must to visit the famous interactive wine museum WI-MU or one of the historic cellars.
The loop ends with a return to the beautiful village of Monforte after about 40 km and 650 m of elevation gain: two main climbs, easy to tackle at a leisurely pace, and plenty of beauty to enjoy between a glass of wine and a breathtaking view.
Pedemontana Cycle Path FVG: From Sacile to Gemona
If you want to experience Friuli by bike, this is the perfect stretch of the Pedemontana FVG3. The FVG3 is a route that starts from Sacile (Pordenone) and goes all the way to Gorizia/Nova Gorica (Slovenia), covering about 180 km in total, passing through authentic villages, gentle nature, and tempting food stops. This route is at its best in autumn and in 2024 it won the Green Road Award, the most important Italian recognition for sustainable cycle tourism. In one day or over a weekend, you can tackle the almost 100 km stretch from Sacile to Gemona. Here’s a possible itinerary.
Starting from Sacile, the “garden of the Serenissima” on the Livenza River, you cycle on secondary roads or bike paths to Maniago, world-famous for its knife-making tradition. A stop at the Museum of Craftsmanship will tell you all about this ancient craft.
From here, you continue towards Toppo and Meduno, among the most beautiful villages in Italy, where the hills are lit up in shades of yellow and orange. Just beyond, the bike path runs through forests and clearings until you reach Lake Cornino, a nature reserve inhabited by griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus)—a magical spot for a break. The last kilometers lead to Artegna and then to Gemona del Friuli, with its cathedral and the medieval village rebuilt after the earthquake.
The terrain is smooth, with gentle climbs and never excessive elevation gains, making it suitable even for those who aren’t training for granfondo events. The best part is that you can comfortably return by train, taking your bike along and enjoying a glass of Friulano or a plate of frico without a care in the world.
Assisi – Spoleto Cycle Path: Cycling in the Green Heart of Italy
It’s one of the most beautiful and accessible routes to experience Umbria by bike: about 50 km of flat, well-marked paths suitable for everyone, connecting two symbolic cities, Assisi and Spoleto, passing through villages and countryside with olive groves, vineyards, and waterways.
A simple yet beautiful and flavorful route, perfect for a leisurely day or two, with stops for a tasting of new olive oil or a glass of Sagrantino. Below is a possible itinerary.
Starting from Assisi, you’ll cycle along quiet secondary roads and bike paths that follow the Marroggia and Timia streams, as well as the Topino River. After a few kilometers, you’ll encounter places linked to Saint Francis, such as the Sanctuary of Rivotorto and Santa Maria degli Angeli, before crossing the countryside to Cannara, famous for its red onions, and arriving in Bevagna, with its beautiful medieval square and Roman heritage.
From here, the route continues alongside vineyards and olive groves with views of Montefalco, the homeland of Sagrantino wine, and Trevi, the olive oil capital, before reaching the Clitunno Springs and the picturesque Clitunno Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The final stretch leads to Spoleto, recognizable from afar by the Albornoz Fortress and the profile of the Ponte delle Torri.
The path is almost entirely paved and flat, making it ideal for families or hybrid/trekking bikes. Along the route, there are bike-friendly grills and detours to visit the villages. For those looking for more adventure, the connection to the former Spoleto–Norcia railway opens up the possibility of a second day of exploration.
Autumn is waiting for you!
Three different routes, but with the same spirit: to offer you the best of autumn by bike. Each itinerary is an invitation to slow down, enjoy the colors, and savor the products of the season. And if you want to set off with the right gear, in our online shop and store you’ll find everything you need for autumn outings: from gravel bikes to e-bikes, from saddle bags to lights for those shorter days.