Italy has the reputation of having some of the world's greatest food and ancient ruins, but it is also exceptional for riding bicycles. On a cycling tour, you can see the real countryside, and go at your own pace. You become part of the landscape when you are cycling. There are tours for different parts of Italy, and you can often mix and match them to fit your tastes. There are tours that will allow you to ride through Rome and Venice, and others offer views and memories you can't get from a car or tour bus. Many of these cycling tours are ran by Italian companies. These tours are often small groups, but you can get your very own with a private guide. Is bicycling through Italy on your bucket list? Check out the following questions and answers to learn more!
Exodus Travels offers an eight-day tour from Dolomites to Venice starting at $1,855 per person. This tour offers stunning views of the Trentino mountains and the limestone Dolomites. You'll also ride a ferry, offering sweeping views of Verona, Padova and Venice.
Most tours offer three and four-star hotels. The tours all stop for the evening and your hotel is part of the package. Meals are also generally included, but you may go off on your own and sample local cuisine. The tours are designed often to stop for the day in the town, near nightfall, at your hotel.
Tour operators provide carbon-fiber road bikes. Most of them provide high-quality bikes, but it is good to check first. Most will not allow you to bring your own bike. A GPS that is pre-programmed with route maps is also provided.
Many travel companies offer bicylce tours through Italy, but our three favorites are Trek Travel, Exodus Travels, and Macs Adventure. These tour companies are known for their luxury and rides for people of all abilities and ages -- even senior riders.
Imagine riding through the rolling hills of Tuscany, stopping to taste delicious food and great wine. This can be your reality with the five-day Florence to Siena tour by Macs Adventure. Starting at just $820 per person, this is a cycling your you will not soon forget.
With a tour group, all you do is the ride. Everything else is provided. They will even make any repairs needed during the ride. "Fully supported" rides are those that take care of all the details.
Want to cycle the Italian Riviera? With the Cinque Terre Bike + Adventure Tour, you can! This tour is the most expensive of our top travel deals -- it starts at $5,295 per person -- but this six day tour includes rides along terraced vineyards, village transportation by road and rail, scenic coastal trails and amazing vistas. Riders also have numerous opportunities for fine dining and wine tasting.
Your small group will typically be accompanied by a bus or other vehicle that will have staff available to provide water and snacks, as well as lunch along the way. You may also ride the bus for awhile if you get too tired.