The Cammino di San Benedetto (Saint Benedict's Way) is a long-distance cycle route that combines cultural highlights, historic roads and legendary paths. The adventure links key places in the life of the patron saint of Europe: from his birthplace in Norcia to his final resting place in Cassino via Subiaco, where he lived and worked.

This route in Central Italy is waymarked and covers 369 kilometres (229 mi) over 16 stages. It was originally designed as a hike, and you can view a Collection on the walking route here: komoot.com/collection/2234396. This Collection, however, has been adapted for cyclists and deviates slightly from the original where conditions require it. As there are unpaved sections, a touring bike, gravel bike or mountain bike is the best choice for the route.

The Camino di San Benedetto follows low-traffic secondary roads, dirt tracks and paths between the valleys and mountains of the beautiful regions of Umbria and Lazio. The route is very accessible, with no prohibitive gradients or overly technical sections. What's more, you'll come across places that were home to Saint Rita of Cascia, Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Thomas Aquinas.

Don't forget to stock up on water and snacks along the way, as you won't always be able to refuel. When passing through small villages, be sure to fill your water bottles and stock up on food.

You can ride the Camino de San Benedetto year-round, although I recommend that you choose the warmer months to avoid the cold air and fog of the winter months at altitude.

There’s a wide range of accommodation available along the route, both commercial (B&Bs, agritourisms, family accommodation) and ‘donative’ (religious or secular). You can find a full, up-to-date list of establishments on the dedicated website camminodibenedetto.it/accoglienze (in Italian). For overnight stays in donative establishments, don't forget to bring your sleeping bag and toiletries, as well as your ‘Credential’, a pilgrim identification passport.

Your Credential is stamped at every place you pass through, and when you present it at Montecassino you’ll receive the ‘Testimonium’, a certificate of your pilgrimage. You can get your Credential by visiting camminodibenedetto.it/credenziale and filling in the form.

To reach the starting point in Norcia, take the train to Spoleto and then cycle along the old Spoleto-Norcia railway line, now a cycle path. You can also leave your car in Norcia in the free car park reserved for guests of the Capisterium inn and pick it up again at the end of the journey. To return from Cassino, take the train on the Rome-Caserta line.

If you cycle the Camino di San Benedetto, you'll return with a wealth of emotions and unforgettable views.