Vincigrassi lasagna, slow-braised rabbit with wild herbs, pecorino di Fossa aged in tufa caves, fresh brodetto fish stew from the Adriatic coast, hand-rolled passatelli in broth, porchetta from the hilltop villages.
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi from the vineyards we ride past, Rosso Conero from the slopes of Monte Conero, Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, craft beer from local Marche breweries, espresso at a hilltop bar with views to the sea.
Tucked between the Adriatic coast and the Apennine mountains, this is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets: a region of medieval hilltop towns, dramatic gorges, wild nature reserves, and roads that feel like they were built for the bike. It’s densely varied, relatively uncrowded, and genuinely stunning in a way that still catches you off guard. inGamba brings you here in May, when the light is perfect, the roads are empty, and the whole place is quietly at its best.
Six days of riding trace a route that moves between coast and mountains, sea air and pine forest, ancient city walls and open ridge roads. You’ll climb to Jesi, a walled city standing sentinel above the valley, its medieval fortifications so well-preserved they feel almost impossible. You’ll ride through the Gola della Rossa and Frasassi Natural Park, a vast protected landscape of dramatic limestone gorges and untouched forest. You’ll reach Monte Conero on the Adriatic headland and roll into Ancona, a city shaped by Greek colonists, Roman emperors, and centuries of seafaring. On the final day, you’ll loop back through landscapes that tie the whole week together.
The riding is honest and varied. Six days, 432km, and 7,600m of climbing, with a mix of long sustained efforts and punchier days. Nothing about it is predictable.
What is predictable is the inGamba experience around it. Your Pinarello Dogma F is serviced every morning. A professional soigneur works on your legs every evening. The dinners are at places we’ve chosen ourselves, with food and wine that make the effort of the day feel very well earned.
Le Marche rewards curiosity. This week is for cyclists who want more than another lap of a famous region, and who are ready to be surprised by something they didn’t see coming.
Routes with genuine climbing and rewarding descents. You'll work for the views, but nothing here requires a granny gear. A satisfying day in the saddle for cyclists who enjoy a bit of punch in their rides.
Our own 15th-century property in Lecchi — a haven of calm, comfort and smiling faces surrounded by rolling countryside.
The latest DOGMA F engineered for any road, equipped with the lightest electronic groupset available. E-bike option also available.
Every breakfast, lunch and dinner — from handmade pasta to Fiorentina steak grilled while you watch. Wine, espresso and aperitivi included.
Pick-up from Porta Romana (10:30) or Florence Airport (11:00). Drop-off arranged on departure day at 8:30am.
High-tech performance meets luxury for the optimal riding experience with our Custom 36.5 kit.
Professional soigneurs with peloton experience ease sore muscles and prepare you for the next day.
Five mechanics work meticulously to ensure your Pinarello is race-ready every single morning of your trip.
Don't worry about chores whilst you're away, all cycling kit is cleaned overnight, so it’s fresh, dry and ready to go each morning.
Make use a beautiful day bag from Ideal & Co. Yours to keep after the trip.
Fill your pockets with fresh snacks, or make use of an entire Enervit collection.
Bienvenuto! The Marche is a hidden gem. Situated between the Adriatic Sea and its more popular neighbor Tuscany, this peaceful and sparsely populated region has often gone unnoticed by travelers. However, with a series of delightful hilltop towns and a diverse landscape that includes snow-covered Apennine mountains, idyllic beaches, and enchanting caves, it’s the ideal place to explore Italy without the crowds. This is just a short ride to start an incredible week.
The biggest day of the week, and one that earns its reputation. Today's route climbs out of the Filodivino valley and heads north toward Cingoli, a hilltop town perched so high above the surrounding landscape that the locals call it the Balcony of the Marche. On a clear May morning, the views from up there stretch all the way to the Adriatic. It's the kind of place that makes you stop pedaling just to look. Getting there is the work. The route packs over 2,000m of climbing across 96km, threading through the rolling interior of the region on roads that alternate between long valley drags and sharp hilltop ramps. The descents are fast and rewarding. By the time you roll back into Filodivino, your legs will have earned every course at dinner.
Shorter in distance than yesterday but no less demanding in the hills. Today heads inland toward Genga and the extraordinary natural landscape that surrounds it. The route passes through the Gola della Rossa e Frasassi Regional Natural Park, where the terrain shifts dramatically: steep limestone gorges, dense forest, and river valleys carved deep into the rock over millennia. It's a reminder that Le Marche isn't just beautiful farmland -- it has a wilder side. The highlight is the approach to Genga itself, a small hilltop settlement that has overlooked this valley since the medieval period. The riding through the gorge is some of the most visually striking of the week, with the road hugging the cliff edge above the river below. Two thousand meters of climbing in 72km means the gradients are concentrated and punchy. Come with fresh legs and enjoy the scenery on the way up.
After all the climbing, we are now taking a slower pace ride. Today, we are stopping for a coffee at Ostra, a charming hilltop town standing at an elevation of 188 meters above sea level. Ostra has ancient origins, dating back to the Roman era when it was known as “Austrum.” Throughout history, the town has been influenced by various rulers, including the Lombards and the Papal States. During the Renaissance period, Ostra flourished as a center of art and culture and boasts several well-preserved historical landmarks from that time. The town’s medieval center is characterized by charming cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, and historical landmarks such as the Palazzo Comunale and the Church of San Giovanni Battista.
Today’s ride will involve climbing in the second half of the day. We’ll pass by Monte Colombo and Monte Conero before reaching the city of Ancona, the capital of Marche. Ancona is situated on the headland of Monte Conero, hugging the Adriatic coast. The city’s elbow shape allows for stunning sunrise and sunset views over the sea. It is known for its ancient churches, breathtaking panoramas, art, history, and delicious seafood cuisine. Ancona was founded in the 4th century BC by Greek colonists from Syracuse and was later utilized by the Romans for its sheltered anchorage. In 115 AD, under Emperor Trajan, the present harbor walls were constructed. A ceremonial marble arch, named after Trajan, still stands at the end of the docks to commemorate this achievement.
On the last day of our trip, we have planned a picturesque cycling route starting from Ancona and heading south, then inland, before returning. This ride will take us through this beautiful region, offering a perfect mix of coastal scenery, historic towns, and scenic hills. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to explore charming villages and enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine as we bike through this enchanting landscape.
This is our final morning together and after a leisurely breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye, or at least arrivederci, until we meet again. Transfers to the airport will be arranged by our hard-working crew but if you’re planning on staying a few extra days, let us know if we can help with reservations or a few recommendations.
You may hear sweet clarinet notes wafting toward your window at Borgolecchi, as our resident aristocrat practises his newfound love. We’re never quite sure if all of his stories are based in reality, but they are without doubt highly entertaining.
Giorgio is a supportive presence, encouraging you during challenging climbs and joining you in races if you’re up for it. His philosophy revolves around embracing life to the fullest and seizing every moment.
”"We're specifically trying to give our guests the closest experience of what it means to be in a pro team, at any speed."
With years of experience in the professional peloton, our mechanics and soigneurs bring WorldTour-level care to every detail of your ride. Up to five mechanics work meticulously each day to ensure your Pinarello is perfectly tuned and adjusted for you alone—not just race-ready, but dialed to your precise preferences. Meanwhile, our soigneurs draw on their own experience as professional riders to anticipate your needs before you voice them: bottles filled and positioned exactly right, ride food prepared and timed to fuel you through the hardest climbs, post-ride massages that ease tired muscles, and the kind of quiet, confident support that prepares you mentally and physically for whatever the road brings next. This is the care that once belonged only to the pros. With inGamba, it’s yours.
For the final two nights of the week, you’ll be staying at the Grand Hotel Palace Ancona, a beautifully restored boutique property sitting right on the waterfront in the heart of the city. Housed in a 17th-century palazzo and fully renovated to a high modern standard, it strikes exactly the right balance between historic character and contemporary comfort.
The location is hard to beat. From the hotel you look directly out over the port and the Adriatic beyond, and the old city is on your doorstep. After two days of riding through the hills of the interior, arriving here feels like a genuine reward — the sea air, the buzz of a proper Italian city, and a hotel that knows how to take care of its guests. It’s a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice award winner, and it earns it.
Rooms are elegant without being fussy, and the wine bar is a natural gathering point for the group in the evenings.
”"An amazing travel experience. They make you feel like a star. I was blown away by the treatment that can only be likened to a professional athlete — just without the race."
Daniel B.Guest in 2024
”"The whole experience is magical. The rides are stunning. The care and attention to detail is first class. The massages are a lifesaver."
Lyn K.Guest in 2018, 2019 & 2023
”"The best in the industry. A once in a lifetime experience every time! The people that make inGamba are the reason you will want to travel with them again and again."
Victoria P.Guest in 2024
Single Supplement: $1,200 per person · Private Trips: Available on request for groups of 6+
Guests of inGamba are passionate cyclists who love the sport and the lifestyle that surrounds it. Most of our community are experienced riders of all ages and various abilities, who appreciate great roads, fine food, and unforgettable company.
While everyone enjoys a challenge, no one’s chasing a pro contract here. Instead, the focus is on sharing incredible rides at a comfortable pace, soaking in the scenery, and enjoying the journey. You’ll find more “middle of the pack” and “social” riders than hard chargers at the front, and with our exceptional staff-to-guest ratio, every rider is fully supported, no matter their speed or style.
Fly to: Bologna
Pick-up: Bologna Airport 11:00
Drop-off: Bologna Airport, departure day 8:30am
We recommend arriving the night before. Our concierge can help with hotel recommendations.
Gratuities are customary if you feel the staff delivered an exceptional experience. Most guests find 10-20% of the trip cost appropriate. All tips are split evenly among the entire team.
We recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your booking. View our cancellation policy →
Need to change dates? Contact us as early as possible and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Browse our extensive Journal, featuring world-class writers and photographers and a host of great content about food, wine, cycling, and so much more.
Slow Living: The Lifestyle Shift You Can Learn on the Bike, at Any Speed
The Perfect Springtime Pasta Recipe—Courtesy of inGamba Chef Tomi Morgade
The Faces of inGamba: Karina Maher and Michael Kovac Return to the Ride
The Scoop on 2027
The Perfect Springtime Pasta Recipe—Courtesy of inGamba Chef Tomi Morgade
