Molise Gravel Tour

Morning arrival. Independent departure from the picturesque Old Town and Swabian Castle of Termoli to begin the inland climb along coastal gravel roads, low-traffic secondary asphalt, and agricultural dirt paths. The route connects to the L’Aquila-Foggia Royal Sheep Track before branching onto the Centurelle-Montesecco Sheep Track, arriving at Larino for a self-guided visit to the Roman Amphitheater of Larinum.

Terrain & Type: Gravel / MTB Cycling | Coastal gravel roads, secondary asphalt, and agricultural sheep tracks | Difficulty: Easy / Intermediate
Sheep Tracks Covered: L'Aquila-Foggia Sheep Track and Centurelle-Montesecco Sheep Track
Activities: Self-guided scenic ride from the Termoli coast along ancient transhumance routes, exploring the Archaeological Park and Roman Amphitheater of Larino
Gourmet Food Stop (INCLUDED): Tasting session in the medieval hamlet of Larino featuring PDO Gentile di Larino Extra Virgin Olive Oil, warm traditional Pampanella frentana, and a glass of Tintilia del Molise DOC wine
Logistics: Bed & Breakfast stay (overnight stay and breakfast). Overnight stay at the selected accommodation in Larino

Breakfast at the accommodation. Ride along the vast grass meadows of the Castel di Sangro-Lucera Royal Sheep Track, traced along the inland ridges of Molise. The route offers panoramic views over Lake Occhito before climbing toward the hill village of Sant’Elia a Pianisi, known for its historic Capuchin Convent connected to the life of Padre Pio.

Terrain & Type: Gravel / MTB Cycling | Grassy sheep tracks, farm dirt roads, and rolling hill tracks | Difficulty: Intermediate
Sheep Track Covered: Castel di Sangro-Lucera Sheep Track
Activities: Self-guided ride along ancient transhumance paths, scenic cycling above Lake Occhito, and independent visit to the Capuchin Convent in Sant’Elia a Pianisi
Recommended Food Experience: Refreshing lakeside snack featuring traditional Treccia cheese from Santa Croce di Magliano, regional cured meats, and rustic bread (not included)
Logistics: Bed & Breakfast stay (overnight stay and breakfast). Overnight stay at the selected accommodation in Sant’Elia a Pianisi

Breakfast at the accommodation. Today's journey follows the famous Pescasseroli-Candela Royal Sheep Track, crossing the plain on quiet country lanes and low-traffic rural asphalt. The highlight of the stage is a triumphant entry on your bike directly into the Sepino Archaeological Park (Altilia), an extraordinarily well-preserved Roman city complete with monumental city gates, the ancient decumanus, forum, and theater.

Terrain & Type: Gravel / MTB Cycling | Compact dirt country lanes, quiet rural secondary asphalt, and sheep tracks | Difficulty: Intermediate
Sheep Track Covered: Pescasseroli-Candela Sheep Track
Activities: Self-guided ride along one of Italy's most celebrated transhumance routes, cycling through and exploring the ancient Roman city of Sepino (Altilia)
Gourmet Food Stop (INCLUDED): Rustic tasting stop near the Sepino archaeological site featuring stone-aged Agnone Caciocavallo cheese, authentic Molisan Ventricola cured meat, and a glass of local red wine
Logistics: Bed & Breakfast stay (overnight stay and breakfast). Overnight stay at the selected accommodation in the Sepino / Bojano area

Breakfast at the accommodation. Ride upward toward the heart of the region following the Celano-Foggia Royal Sheep Track. Skirting past Bojano (the ancient Samnite capital Bovianum), the route climbs toward Frosolone, a medieval village famous for its centuries-old knife-forging tradition and nestled among the scenic karst landscapes of the Montagnola Molisana.

Terrain & Type: Gravel / MTB Cycling | Mountain sheep tracks, easy high-altitude singletracks, and limestone forest tracks | Difficulty: Advanced / Challenging
Sheep Track Covered: Celano-Foggia Sheep Track
Activities: Self-guided high-altitude ride along transhumance trails, crossing the Montagnola Molisana karst plateau, and independent visit to the artisan knife workshops in Frosolone
Recommended Food Experience: Traditional mountain lunch in Frosolone featuring grilled Molisan Scamorza cheese, Matese Soppressata cured meat, and crostini topped with local black truffle (not included)
Logistics: Bed & Breakfast stay (overnight stay and breakfast). Overnight stay at the selected accommodation in Frosolone

Breakfast at the accommodation. A scenic ride along the minor sheep tracks of High Molise and the Celano-Foggia Royal Sheep Track to reach the monumental Samnite Sanctuary of Pietrabbondante, featuring its iconic Hellenistic theater-temple complex overlooking the Apennine peaks. The route then continues toward Agnone, the "city of bells," renowned worldwide for the ancient Marinelli Pontifical Bell Foundry.

Terrain & Type: Gravel / MTB Cycling | Forest roads, clay paths, and quiet mountain asphalt | Difficulty: Intermediate / Advanced
Sheep Tracks Covered: Celano-Foggia Sheep Track and High Molise minor sheep tracks (tratturelli)
Activities: Self-guided high-altitude cycling through High Molise, exploring the Pietrabbondante Samnite Archaeological Site, and independent stroll through Agnone with a visit to the Marinelli Bell Foundry
Recommended Food Experience: Sweet break in Agnone featuring traditional Ostie Ripiene (wafers stuffed with honey, walnuts, and chocolate) paired with a glass of Pentro di Isernia DOC wine (not included)
Logistics: Bed & Breakfast stay (overnight stay and breakfast).  Overnight stay at the selected accommodation in Agnone

Breakfast at the accommodation and check-out. Long and exhilarating final descent followed by rolling scenic sections as you rejoin the coastal sheep track branches heading toward the Adriatic. The route passes through Castelmauro and the fortified village of Guglionesi—offering an opportunity to visit its famous Romanesque crypts—before completing the grand loop with a triumphant arrival on the Termoli seafront.

Terrain & Type: Gravel / MTB Cycling | Low-traffic secondary roads, farm tracks, and riverbank paths | Difficulty: Easy / Intermediate
Sheep Tracks Covered: Coastal and riverbank sheep track branches (bracci tratturali)
Activities: Scenic descent from High Molise to the coast, independent visit to the historical hamlet of Guglionesi, and loop completion on the Termoli promenade
Recommended Food Experience: Seaside celebration toast in Termoli featuring authentic Termoli-style fish stew (Brodetto alla Termolese), fresh Adriatic fried seafood, and a chilled glass of Biferno Bianco DOC wine (not included)
Logistics: Bed & Breakfast stay (breakfast included). Luggage transfer to the final drop-off point in Termoli.

Breakfast at hotel, check-out, and end of services.