The Abruzzo region, which is still considered off-beat Italy, offers an excellent combination of the Adriatic seaside and the highest Apennine mountains. The vast plains below the Gran Sasso range, a “Little Tibet”, are perfect for an unforgettable bike tour. You can expect scenes of shepherds moving their flocks of happy cows, sheep, and goats slowly along the pastoral countryside. Visit the fortress of Calascio, the location of the feature films “Ladyhawke” and “The Name of the Rose”, and enjoy the silence and astounding views of the surrounding mountains. And there is much more to see: rolling hills and some of the most charming villages in Italy, like Campli, Civitella and Ascoli Piceno. And last but not least, we ride along the seaside. The Adriatic coast offers some surprises of its own, like the numerous maritime nature reserves and the famous trabocchi – squid-shaped fishing docks that reach out into the sea.
