Etruscan Umbria – From the underground tomb of the Volumni family to Bettona

Discovering the Etruscans. The second stage on the itinerary, an easy route in search of the oldest settlements

The second stage of our journey on the trail of the Etruscans starts from the Ipogeo dei Volumni, the underground tomb of an important Etruscan family dating back to the 3^rd century BC, and terminates in the ancient Etruscan stronghold of Bettona, one of the ‘Borghi più belli d’Italia’ (The most beautiful villages in Italy). The route is short (18 km) and, despite the two fairly tough uphill spurts in the final stage, it can be considered moderately easy. Setting off from Ponte San Giovanni on the outskirts of Perugia, we will cycle following the signs for Montercorneo and the A1 and, retracing part of the route that’s included in the first stage of this itinerary, we will head towards San Martino in Campo and then Torgiano. Here we will face the first short climb that will take us to the centre of the village. Here we recommend seeing the numerous artistic and architectural attractions but also the museums, which house significant Etruscan remains. We will set off in the direction of Bettona tackling a short downhill stretch, pass the Chiascio river and begin to climb the slopes that will take us to Bettona. This 3-km climb has gradients between 5-7 % but we can take a break by stopping about halfway (at km 16.1) to stop near a bend on the left and visit an ancient Etruscan burial chamber. We will leave for Bettona, skirting its ancient walls of Etruscan origin and enjoying a magnificent panorama of Assisi, Perugia and Mount Subasio and then, once in the centre, we will reach our arrival point in Piazza Cavour.

Plan

1
briefing
2
first part of the trail
3
break
4
second part of the trail

Recommended clothing

For this activity we recommend comfortable clothing that does not restrict your freedom of movement.
Bring a windcheater/anorak with you, even if the activity takes place in the summer months.
We recommend wearing the right footwear for the type of bike you are going to use.
We strongly recommend the use of a crash helmet suitable for biking.

We also recommend you bring:

A comfortable backpack suitable for cycling/walking
A warm sweater, such as a technical sports shir, for sudden drops in temperature
A change of clothes (especially socks) in case of sudden rain
Hat with a sun visor
Warm hat
Gloves
Sunscreen

Included

Expert guide
Mechanical assistance for repairs in case of punctures, problems with brakes or other malfunctions that can be dealt with on the spot.
In most cases a car will be on hand to provide any complex assistance or to keep drinks and food chilled.

Not included

Bicycles and related accessories are not included in this itinerary.

If you wish, you can choose bike hire from amongst our additional options. We will provide you with the bike that’s best suited to the type of route, taking your preferences into consideration, including helmets, pedaling accessories and spare parts for ordinary repairs. We have various types of bikes available, including e-bikes.

Time

The activity will last about 2,5 hours, including small stops. However, the duration may vary depending on the pace of the group and the need to take fewer or more breaks.

Languages

Italian
English

When

You can enjoy this experience throughout the year.

Children

This activity is also open to children provided they are accompanied by their parents.

Pet policy

We are sorry but no pets will be allowed to accompany you in this activity.

Requirements

To do this activity it is essential to have a good level of physical fitness and to be in good health.

Additional information

This activity lasts half a day, so lunch is not provided. In your itinerary you can still select the lunch option, above your timeline. We will be able to recommend one of the best places to eat when you return.

Important

This activity can only be undertaken in favourable weather conditions, which will be evaluated by our partner and confirmed 48 hours in advance. In case of poor weather conditions we will immediately contact you and propose an alternative activity or a refund of the price paid.
This activity is subject to our operators’ availability. We have a large selection of collaborators capable of leading this activity, but if on the day you selected we do not have operators availabile, we will immediately, or in any case within 48 hours of booking, suggest an alternative activity you might wish to do or the choice of receiving a full refund of the price paid.
The times shown in the program are indicative and may vary according to your requests or those of the other participants in the group. These are always and in any case previously agreed with our staff or with the guide.

Data sheet

Recommended clothing

We recommend comfortable clothing

Warm hat

Hat with a sun visor

A change of clothes (especially socks)

Crash helmet suitable for biking

Windcheater/anorak

Gloves

Right footwear for the type of bike you are going to use

Backpack suitable for cycling

A heavy sweater, a technical sports-style sweater is ideal

Sunscreen

Included

Expert guide

Car on hand to provide any complex assistance or to keep drinks and food chilled

Mechanical assistance for repairs in case of punctures, problems with brakes or other malfunctions that can be dealt with on the spot.

Not included

Bicycles and related accessories

Everything that’s not listed under the heading ‘what is included’.

Time

The activity will last about 2,5 hours, including small stops. However, the duration may vary depending on the pace of the group and the need to take fewer or more breaks.

Languages

Italian

English

When

You can enjoy this experience throughout the year.

Requirements

To do this activity it is essential to have a good level of physical fitness and to be in good health.

Suitable for children

Provided they are accompanied by their parents

Pets are not allowed

We are sorry but no pets will be allowed to accompany you in this activity.

Additional information

Important

This activity can only be undertaken in favourable weather conditions, which will be evaluated by our partner and confirmed 48 hours in advance. In case of poor weather conditions we will immediately contact you and propose an alternative activity or a refund of the price paid.

This activity is subject to our operators’ availability. We have a large selection of collaborators capable of leading this activity, but if on the day you selected we do not have operators availabile, we will immediately, or in any case within 48 hours of booking, suggest an alternative activity you might wish to do or the choice of receiving a full refund of the price paid.

The times shown in the program are indicative and may vary according to your requests or those of the other participants in the group. These are always and in any case previously agreed with our staff or with the guide.

Always communicate through Exploring Umbria to ensure you receive the best bespoke service to suits your requirements. In order to protect your payments, never transfer money via channels outside the Exploring Umbria website.

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