There are practically an endless number of self-guided bike tours in Italy, all offered through various companies like BikeTours.com and LifeCycleAdventures.com. A self-guided itinerary generally includes your routes and accommodations, a handbook, trip planner, maps and more. It allows travelers a lot more flexibility and independence compared to the typical guided tour, and costs a lot less too. Whether your travels take you through charming small towns or some of Italy’s more historic cities, these fabulous options offer some of the best opportunities for exploring this spectacular country on two wheels.
Apulia and Basilicata: Castles and Wine Tour
Apulia, officially known as Puglia, is a region in Italy’s southeast that includes the heel part of the country’s famous boot. Bordered by the sea on two sides, with the Ionian on one and the Adriatic on the other, the region is characterized by incredible scenic beauty, including endless olive groves and vineyards. Apulia is also known as one of the most unspoiled regions, retaining much of its ancient culture. This seven-night tour will take you through its amazing scenery and rich history, departing from the Alta Murgia region, featuring Trani with its enchanting cathedral, the ancient Roman city of Venosa, and Matera, with its ancient cave dwellings, as well as Castel del Monte that boasts a fascinating medieval castle.
Bolzano to Venice Tour
This seven-night tour begins in Bolzano, known for its stunning mountain landscape of the Dolomites as well as its world famous archaeology museum that hosts the alpine iceman, “Otzi.” From here, you’ll travel to Trento in the Adige River Valley, continuing past the glistening blue waters of lakes and gentle streams, through charming medieval towns with historic castles and churches. When you reach Lake Garda, you can take a journey by boat to enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Europe – and, some of the finest wines. Visit the famous cities of Verona and Padua as well as the vineyards in South Tyrol. Sooth those sore muscles by relaxing in the hot springs at Abano before reaching the romantic city of Venice and its picturesque canals.
Dolomites to Lake Garda Tour
You’ll start this six-night tour by taking in jaw-dropping views of the jagged peaks of the Dolomites in the Pustertal Valley in the Italian Alps. From here, ride downhill along the Rienz, Eisack and Adige rivers taking in more beautiful scenery. Once you reach the city of Rovereto, the scenery landscape begins to change as Lake Garda’s north bank comes into view. Along Italy’s largest lake, you’ll pass picturesque Italian cities like Trentino, built in the Tyrolean style with magnificent arches. Some of the other highlights include domes, fortresses and monasteries. If you’re here during the summer months, you might want to jump into the clear, fresh waters of Lake Garda or enjoy relaxing on one of its many beaches along the shoreline, each offering its own unique atmosphere.
Florence to Rome Tour
Pedaling across the Italian countryside from Florence to Rome offers a great way to get an up close and personal look at the country’s history and culture. This seven-night tour reveals some of the unexplored parts of Italy, including the cities of Assisi, Narni, Perugia and Spoleto, where you’ll discover an abundance of history, art and treasures in these places that have hardly changed over the centuries. Cycle along small side roads through the Apennines Valley, and over the gentle hills of Lake Trasimeno. This is where you’re likely to spot roaming flocks of sheep and roaring rivers, with numerous picture-postcard moments along the way. Finally, you’ll arrive at the city of Rome, with the opportunity to explore magnificent attractions like the Roman Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Trevi Fountain. Or, just put your bike aside and enjoy people watching while sipping a glass of red wine or cappuccino.
Piedmont: The Italian Garden of Eden Tour
Piedmont, in Italy’s northwest, bordering Switzerland and France, is a land filled with mountains, surrounded on three sides by the Alps, home to the highest peaks and largest glaciers in the country. The region is home to Turin, nicknamed “Little Paris,” where you’ll wander through numerous medieval alleys and small villages with a ton of French flair. Medieval castles also abound, like the imposing fortress at Ivrea, as well as magnificent works of architecture and famous spa resorts. Foodies and wine enthusiasts will be in heaven, with the area’s top-notch wines, incredible truffles and sweet chocolate as well as an abundance of gourmet fare. This seven-night trek begins and ends in Turin, allowing cyclists to explore this incredible region in-depth.
North Sardinia Tour
This seven-night tour begins in Olbia in north east Sardinia, a large island in the Tyrrhenian Sea between the Belearic islands and the Italian peninsula. From here you’ll head to Cannigione and Costa Smeralda, a sophisticated retreat for celebrities and Italy’s jet set with powdery white sands, quaint Mediterranean villages and elegant resort towns. Cycle along this striking stretch of coastline, occasionally taking a break to relax on the picturesque sands or take a dip in the azure waters before heading inland to the rocky, green hills of Gallura. Explore the eroded granite cliffs and wind-carved boulders in Moon Valley, the island’s best known landmarks, before crossing green pastures leading to red cliffs and hidden bays. Some of the very best views can be had at Castelsardo, a medieval town built atop a sheer cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. The tour winds up in the medieval streets of Alghero, one of the most attractive towns on the island, set at the edge of the sea, renowned for its beautiful beaches and incredible cuisine.
Sardinia's West Coast Tour
This 11-night tour is all about the coast with Sardinia’s wonderful powdery white sands and spectacular turquoise waters. It begins in the picturesque medieval town of Alghero, and heads through the flamingo-dotted wetlands of the Sinis Penninsula down to beautiful beaches on the south coast. This tour is ideal for those who are looking for a more easy-going trek, with fairly flat coastal paths and inland tracks. Cycle through the medieval streets of Bosa and the lush green interior before hopping onto a ferry to Carloforte on San Pietro Island, where locals fish for red tuna. You’ll continue onto Sardinia’s second largest island, Sant’ Antioco, spending the night in Calasetta. The highlights here include historic sites from megalithic landmarks to prehistoric palaces, as well as the island’s natural beauty of olive groves, fertile vineyards and pristine beaches.
Blanco Tour
If you’re new to cycling or just looking for a shorter tour, the Blanco Tour offers an introductory tour over four days. It begins with the opportunity to explore Bergamo, a scenic town tucked in the foothills of the Alps. The city is famous for its beauty and wealth of artistic treasures as well as its enchanting medieval atmosphere. Walk the quiet narrow streets of the old town, and explore the Piazza Vecchia, the heart of old town with its mix of medieval and Renaissance architecture. You’ll pedal around the shores of Lake Garda, enjoying the incredible views – and, perhaps a dip in its refreshing waters. Your journey will also take you along the river Mincio, on a traffic-free path to the Renaissance city of Mantova.
Diavola Tour
If you’re looking for a serious challenge, this tour is aptly named as the “work of the devil.” It’s for serious hill climbers – a tough ride with especially rewarding views, allowing travelers to take in the Italian Lakes from above. The five cycle days cover more than 280 miles with 21 categorized climbs – over 33,000 feet of climbing in total. You’ll head up, up and up again, all the way from Como to Verona, with a visit to the charming chapel of Madonna del Ghisallo, revered as the patron saint of cycling and a destination of pilgrimage for cyclists around the globe. The tour begins with an overnight in Milan, with the final day of pedaling around Lake Garda followed by a stay in Verona.
East Sicily Cycle Tour
This seven-night tour through eastern Sicily provides an in-depth look at the incredible mix of traditions and culture on this rugged, scenic island on the southern tip of Italy. You’ll take in a wide array of astonishing scenery as well as grand cities with Baroque-style buildings and monuments that came into being just after the great earthquake in 1693, when much of the towns and villages were destroyed. Begin in Caltagirone, best known for its ceramics and long ceramic-decorated staircase, cycling south to Vittoria and on to Modica, with its upper town is watched over by a majestic 18th century façade of the church of San Giorgio. From here, you’ll gradually descend alongside caves to Scicli and onwards to the marine center of Pozzallo. The fifth day of cycling traverses through Portopalo di Capo Passero, continental Europe’s southernmost point, while the final day of riding will bring you to Siracusa, the capital of Ancient Greece, once described by Cicero as “the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all,” noted for its rich Greek history, culture, architecture and amphitheaters.
Pisa to Florence Tour
This six-night tour explores the north Tuscany region between Pisa and Florence, and is ideal for most fitness levels with an optional easier route as well as longer, more demanding routes available on most days. Begin in Pisa, the home of world famous monuments like the Leaning Tower in Miracle Square followed by a short climb to the great walled city of Lucca, with its current defensive walls designed by Leonardo da Vinci, and never breached. Its long history goes back to Etruscan and Ancient Roman times, and it still retains pieces of ancient architecture. On the way to Vinci, the birthplace of the Renaissance polymath Leonardo da Vinci, you’ll pass through one of Europe’s most important inland wetlands, Fucecchio, where a wide variety of bird species come to rest. Finally, you’ll pedal on to Florence, the capital of the Tuscan region and the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, with numerous museums, great eats and a multitude of shopping opportunities.
Coast to Coast Tour
This eight-night tour travels from the Adriatic coast in the east to the Tuscan coastline in the west, crossing the Appenine Mountains. You’ll pedal from the picturesque Roman town of Fano with its magnificent sea views and enter the rolling foothills of the medieval town of Urbino and its popular attraction, Palazzo Ducale, a Renaissance palace and one of the country’s most important monuments. Other highlights include one of Italy’s most beautiful hilltop towns, Montepulciano, best known for its Vino Nobile wine. From Montepulciano to Santa Fiora, you’ll enjoy an amazing ride on the slopes for Mt. Amiata, passing through olive groves and wheat fields to the chestnut woods in Amiata. Finally, the journey ends with a relaxing ride through the flatlands of Maremma to the promontory of Mt. Argentario at the edge of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The Best of Tuscany and Umbria Tour
This seven-night adventure offers cyclists the chance to enjoy the glorious Etruscan countryside in Tuscany and Umbria. You’ll explore historical villages and towns — including several towns most tourists never get the chance to see — as well as sample the local produce. The tour begins in Trevi, a scenic hilltop village and a theater town during Roman times. Next you’ll head to the neighboring town of Montefalco, preserved inside medieval walls with several churches featuring beautiful frescos. Spend the night in Cortona, famed for “Under a Tuscan Sun,” and your final night in Sienna, known for its oval shaped central square, the Piazza del Campo, crowned with the Mangia Tower.
Florence to Chianti
You’ll start this four-night journey in Florence, known for its museums, palaces and churches that are home to some of the greatest artistic treasures on earth, including The Accademia Gallery, one of the city’s s most visited museums that houses Michelangelo’s works housed here, including the imposing 13+-foot marble statue of David. Your first ride is into the Arno Valley and the rolling hills of the Florentine Chianti Classico. You’ll travel through the lovely village of Grassina and onto the vineyards and olive groves of Chianti, finishing up by arriving into the magnificent square of Greve in Chianti.
Tuscany Wine Villages Tour
This tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts, offering the chance to end each day of cycling with a glass of vino on the palazzos, watching locals go about their day-to-day lives in a simple, traditional way. You’ll want to make lots of stops to indulge in the fruits of the land – in addition to wine, you’ll find fantastic olive oils and pecorino cheese. You’ll start this Tuscan adventure in Sienna, visiting Montepulciano, Pienza, Cortona and other charming villages along the way. As the terrain tends to be hilly, this tour is a bit challenging, but well-worth the effort if you’re up to the task.
Innsbruck to Venice
This nine-night tour offers the chance to explore the breathtaking mountain city of Innsbruck in Austria with its beautiful medieval buildings and famous Golden Roof glistening in the sunlight, as well as the romantic canals of Venice. Along the way you’ll ride downhill past ancient villages and lush meadows in South Tyrol, visiting ornate cathedrals, Baroque castles and mountain fortresses. Enjoy a picnic on the banks of the Adige River before pedaling on to the shores of Lake Garda, where you can rest up with a ferry cruise across the sparkling waters. Other highlights include the 1,100-year-old town of Bressone, the romantic arcades of Egna as well as the waterside palaces in Verona and Venice.
