The landscape there is just spectacular, still cannot get over how beautiful it is. The villa was perfect, not too fancy, plenty of room and felt very comfortable. Loved getting the local view of Sarnano and its food and drink. The cycling was challenging but fun. Quality of rental bikes was well beyond my expectations. Given the climbing, daily distances of 35 – 45 miles seemed about right. Loved the mid ride cafe stops in the local villages, a real highlight. Would/will certainly go back.

1. Pre-Trip Experience

From the moment we booked, Fabio’s communication and attention to detail were exceptional. His website was comprehensive and easy to navigate, providing every bit of information we could need before our arrival. Directions from the airport to Sarnano were clear and enhanced by thoughtful recommendations for stop-offs — a local sausage and cheese shop, and a charming café where we enjoyed espresso and croissants after our overnight flight.

Fabio’s pre-trip packing suggestions were spot-on for our cycling adventure, helping us prepare for any weather conditions. The bike rentals he arranged exceeded our expectations — the equipment was top-notch, nearly brand new, and perfectly fitted to each of us. Every detail was handled with care, setting the tone for an exceptional week ahead.

2. Welcome to the Villa

Our arrival was met with an outstanding orientation that set the tone for a fantastic week ahead. The villa itself was beautifully maintained, comfortable, and tastefully furnished. The highlight was the second-floor patio, which offered breathtaking views of the valley below and the surrounding rolling hills — the perfect spot for breakfast, evening meals, or simply relaxing with a glass of wine.

Fabio provided a well-organized itinerary for our six-day stay, including five days of cycling, and offered excellent local guidance — from where to stock up on groceries to recommendations for restaurants and cafés around Sarnano. Every detail made settling in effortless and enjoyable.

3. Support at the Villa

Fabio and his brother Dan were the ultimate hosts — gracious, attentive, and genuinely kind. One of their best suggestions was to hire Josephina, who came each morning to prepare breakfast before our cycling excursions. Her meals were absolutely delicious and perfectly balanced to fuel our days on the road. It was worth every penny (and honestly, double that!).

She also prepared an unforgettable dinner one evening featuring local cuisine — the lasagna was the best I’ve ever had, and the rabbit dish was cooked to perfection — flavorful, tender, and authentically local. Fabio’s additional suggestions for drinks and dining in town rounded out the culinary experience beautifully and what can only be described as five-star hospitality.

4. Immersion in the Town

Fabio and his brother Dan went above and beyond to make us feel welcome in their hometown and truly experience the charm of Sarnano. Each evening, they joined us for drinks at delightful outdoor cafés, introducing us to locals and helping us truly experience the heart and soul of Sarnano.

They even arranged for a local historian to guide us through the town one night. It was a magical experience — from hearing opera sung in the streets to being invited into a bed and breakfast for espresso and tea, to exploring a private courtyard and its charming gardens. The warmth and authenticity of Sarnano’s people made a lasting impression.

5. Cycling Adventure

Our five days of cycling were nothing short of spectacular. Fabio and Dan meticulously planned each route, balancing challenge and enjoyment. We climbed over 22,000 feet in total — tough but immensely rewarding. Fabio and Dan ensured that every ride was perfectly organized — from mid-ride espresso breaks and café stops to careful pacing and safety briefings.

The scenery was breathtaking, and while the climbs tested our endurance, the stunning views and thrilling descents made every effort worthwhile. Fabio and Dan emphasized safety throughout, setting clear expectations each evening and tailoring the pace to match every rider’s ability. Their professionalism and encouragement made the entire experience feel both exhilarating and secure. The combination of stunning scenery, camaraderie, and expert guidance made it one of the most memorable cycling experiences I’ve ever had.

Conclusion

Sarnano is a gem of a village — steeped in history, rich in culture, and full of warmth. It is vibrant and you can feel the deep connection between the people and their heritage.

Staying at Fabio’s Villa offers not only comfort and charm but also an authentic connection to true Italian village life. The hospitality, the scenery, the food, and the cultural immersion all combined to create a truly unforgettable experience.

Our group of four avid cyclists could not have asked for a more genuine, memorable, or rewarding experience. Whether you come for the riding, the food, or simply the joy of Italian hospitality, Fabio’s Villa in Sarnano is the perfect choice.

Biking – The 5 days of biking was just right. I do not think I would have been gung-ho for a 6th straight day of biking. After being there I would have liked to do a good hike in the mountains, but would not want to give up a day of biking to hike, so maybe ideal trip has a day more than we did. Biking and hiking in same day would have been too much. The routes were perfect, great sights and perfect number of miles and climbing. Stopping halfway at cafes was fantastic.

Eating – Food was awesome from breakfast spread on terrace to dinners at home to meals out at the casual restaurants to the upscale one on the last night. Having a beer/wine at the local bars was a nice touch. And of course Don’s meal was unforgettable in a good way. I would recommend having dinner earlier in order to unwind after dinner before going to bed. I am used to having late dinner at 8, most nights it was just too late after big day of biking. So overall, eating earlier would have made the great meals more enjoyable

Villa – The villa was perfect for a group. It was spacious, clean and comfortable with great views.

Guidance – Fabio and Dan did a great job leading the group, showing the way, providing guidance and showing warm, gracious and outstanding hospitality.

Group Size – probably could have absorbed 1-3 more riders. Our group of 4 seemed to be perfect especially since we have been riding together for a long time.

Overall – I had a wonderful time, as stated before, I had very high expectations and they were easily met.

Sarnano Cycle Italy was an unforgettable experience! The villa was beautiful and comfortable, with great amenities and stunning views. The cycling routes were spectacular, perfect for all skill levels, and the bikes were top-notch. The coaching and support from Fabio, Daniell, and they made every ride enjoyable and safe. I loved the local café stops and the chance to explore charming medieval towns. The trip blended adventure, relaxation, and authentic Italian culture—highly recommended!