How about a pleasant ride through the rolling hills of Umbria and past the clear waters of a lake? We suggest an itinerary that starts from Castiglione del Lago and along Lake Trasimeno following long stretches the Trasimeno Hills Wine Route and the PDO Umbria Oil Route.

Leave Castiglione del Lago in the direction of Pozzuolo, but at 2.5 km and turn right towards Piana and Ferretto. Pedal for several kilometres on secondary roads with no traffic, which run through small pine forests and cultivated fields. Once past Ferretto, at 12.5 km we arrive in Pietraia and turn right towards Riccio. Here you can take the SS71 road, which is quite busy, for about 500 metres; leave it immediately by turning right in the direction of Tuoro.

A few slight uphill stretches among the olive trees lead you to Puntabella, a real window on Lake Trasimeno, from where you can enjoy a fantastic view. Continue on the SS75 bis, passing Tuoro and Passignano and at kilometre 38.5 turn right in the direction of Torricella (in this part of the itinerary, with a trekking bike you can take advantage of the dirt bike path that runs more or less along the main road and leads to Sant'Arcangelo).

Continue on the SP316 along the lake and cross San Feliciano. Note the typical harbour: San Feliciano has a strong fishing tradition. Shortly after San Savino get back on the SS71 where you turn right towards Chiusi. Once past the village of Sant'Arcangelo, a 500-metre climb leads you to Poggio di Braccio, with an ancient post-stage dating back to the 1500s and a wonderful view over the entire lake.

From here you start again following the main road up to 58.5 km, when you turn right following the signs for Arezzo and Castiglione del Lago, to which you return in less than 10 km. At the roundabout just before the village, turn right again and return to the starting point following the cycle path that runs along the lake shore. First, however, take the short climb that leads to the historic centre of Castiglione del Lago which, due to its position and its historical beauty, is worth a thorough visit.

If you have some time, go as far as Magione where you should visit to the Castle of the Knights of Malta there: it is a square structure with circular towers. The present structure, built on the nucleus of a hospice founded in the 12th century by the Knights of Jerusalem, is the result of an enlargement of the pre-existing castle which also incorporated an ancient abbey.

The route described is of medium difficulty, more because of the the distance than for the climbs.