Top tours for food lovers
Posted: 23/01/17
What could be better after a long day’s cycling than a hearty meal consisting of delicious and intriguing regional cuisines? In a continent ...
Read moreItaly Bike Tours
What to expect when cycling Italy?
Cycling holidays in Italy allow you to explore the stunning countryside and world-famous culture easily by bike. It’s no surprise that Italy has produced some of the world’s greatest artworks and a host of respected artists, the country is truly inspiring. From ancient Roman ruins and diverse landscapes to delicious cuisine and passionate locals, every aspect of a cycling holiday in Italy is enchanting.
The highlight for many is the food and wine. Local dishes vary throughout the country; the cuisine is heartier in the north and more Mediterranean along the Amalfi coast. Visit the wineries of Chianti in Tuscany, see how Parmesan cheese is made in Parma and balsamic in Modena.
Cycle through vineyards and olive groves, delve into the Renaissance art scene and take in the spectacular countryside. Our e-bikes are a great way to get around the hilltop towns in Tuscany and Umbria, as well as enabling you to travel further without getting too tired.
Call our experts today to find out more about our cycling tours in Italy.
What's included?
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Delicious restaurant meals each night
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Bed & breakfast accommodation
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Unrivalled on the ground assistance
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Luggage carried between your hotels
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Fully serviced bikes, option to e-bike
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ABTA & ATOL protected
George, Cycle Expert
Rolling hills stretch as far as the eye can see in Tuscany, crowned with hilltop villages. In between cycles, play the connoisseur at a Prosecco or wine tasting, admire the towering peaks of the Dolomites or taste the regions finest delicacies on a Softies cycling holiday.
Cycling in Italy
Take in the postcard-perfect views of vine-covered valleys, hilltop villages, cypress-lined Roman roads and the shores of Lake Garda's emerald waters on a cycling holiday in Italy. Have a break when you reach historical sights, scenic viewpoints and wineries, olive oil farms or local delicacy tastings.
We have e-bikes for those that would rather conserve their energy for exploring churches, monasteries and sweet villages. Electric bikes offer battery-powered assistance to help you up inclines or allow you to travel further distances.
Italian cuisine and wine
Our favourite aspect of Italian cuisine is cucina di nonna – the tried and tested recipes passed down through generations of Italians. A common misconception is that Italian cuisine revolves around pizza and pasta when it is centred around meat, fish and vegetables.
After exploring the area by bike, start your meal with a small plate of pasta. Then try the fresh seasonal ingredients of vegetables, seafood, meat and grains with a generous douse of olive oil. The full-bodied Chianti red wine is a perfect accompaniment to any dish.
When to visit
Our cycling tours run between April and October, which tend to be the drier and warmer months. We can tailor your trip so you aren’t cycling during the heat of the day and still see the sights.
Historical sights
Dating back to the 6th and 7th century, the ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii at the foot of Mount Vesuvius are an absolute must-see in Campania as you cycle along the Amalfi Coast. Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, Ravenna is home to Dante’s tomb, Sant’Apollinare Nuovo and the UNESCO-listed mosaics of San Vitale.
In Venice, admire the city’s Gothic architecture from a gondola as you weave along the city’s canals. Delve into the Renaissance masterpieces in Florence’s Uffizi, the incredibly lavish Pitti Palace and the 360-degree view from the bell tower of Santa Maria del Fiore.
Our insider tips
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Taste dry, medium-bodied Chianti wines at local wineries while you learn about the grape harvest and wine production.
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Cycle around the stunning lakes of northern Italy – Lake Trasimo and Lake Garda are our favourites – then park your bicycle up for a picnic on the shore.
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Learn to make home-made pasta in Umbria with Gianna, who is an expert in old fashioned Italian home cooking.
Featured Tours
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![Classic | South Tyrol, Lake Garda and Verona | Self Guided]()
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Cycling Holidays in Italy
Classic | South Tyrol, Lake Garda and Verona | Self Guided
This incredibly scenic tour is one of great contrasts: dramatic mountain terrain and the shimmering flat waters of Lake Garda. You'll discover old-world villages in the...
- Magnificent lakes of the South Tyrol
- Historical towns
Offer available
Book early for 2021 to claim a £150 John Lewis voucher
From£1,465ppEaseDuration7 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now View DetailsTravelFlights and transfers available -
![Classic | Valleys of the Dolomites | Self Guided]()
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Cycling Holidays in Italy
Classic | Valleys of the Dolomites | Self Guided
An incredibly scenic tour through the dramatic mountain landscapes in the South Tyrolean Alps, this tour helps you to get a feel for rural Italian life. You can either stick to...
- Italian mountains
- Italian wine
Offer available
Book early for 2021 to claim a £150 John Lewis voucher
From£1,145ppEaseDuration7 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now View DetailsTravelFlights and transfers available -
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Cycling Holiday in Tuscany
E-Bike | Gubbio, Assisi & Umbria | Self Guided
Pedal your way gently along quiet side roads and tracks and feast on wondrous Italian fayre and delicious Italian wines on your Tuscan E-bike self guided cycling holiday.
- Self Guided E-bike tour
- Guided route available
- Dramatic scenery
- Historic towns and chateaux
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Vineyards and wine tours
Offer available
Book early for 2021 to claim a £150 John Lewis voucher
From£955ppEaseDuration5 or 7 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now view detailsTravelFlights and transfers available -
![E-Bike | The Tuscan Experience | Guided Group]()
Cycling Holidays in Tuscany
E-Bike | The Tuscan Experience | Guided Group
This guided group e-bike tour takes you deep into the most enticing Chianti wine territory - your guide will reveal the region's secrets and recommend the very best local...
- Expert local leader
- Tasting Chianti wines
- Abbey of Sant'antimo
- Stunning Lake Trasimeno
- Wine tasting sessions
- The regions secrets
From£2,145ppEaseDuration7 NightsAvailableMay, SeptemberEnquire Now view detailsTravelFlights and transfers available -
![Villa Marsilli]()
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Cycling Holidays in Tuscany
E-Bike | Tuscan Valleys | Self Guided
A superb self guided E-bike adventure across a classic Tuscan landscape into the winelands. Starting high in the Tuscan hills, in the pretty town of Cortona, this tour takes you...
- Self Guided E-bike tour
- Helmets provided
- Dramatic scenery
- Historic towns and castles
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Vineyard and wine tours
Offer available
Book early for 2021 to claim a £150 John Lewis voucher
From£955ppEaseDuration5, 7 or 10 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now view detailsTravelFlights and transfers available -
![Classic | Italy's Art Cities | Self Guided]()
Cycling Holidays in Veneto and Tuscany
Classic | Italy's Art Cities | Self Guided
From the canals of Venice, the bridges of Comacchio and the early Christian mosaics of Ravenna to the Renaissance architecture of Florence, this self guided cycling tour...
- 3-star and 4-star hotels
- Fantastic vineyards
- Gourmet meals
- Rennaisance architecture
- Canals of Venice
- Romance and art
Offer available
Book early for 2021 to claim a £150 John Lewis voucher
From£1,465ppEaseDuration7 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now View DetailsTravelFlights and transfers available -
![Single Centre | Gianna's Agriturismo]()
Walking & Cycling Base in Umbria
Single Centre | Gianna's Agriturismo
Gianna’s, as we affectionally know this guest house in the village of Lisciano Niccone, is a renovated olive oil mill and tobacco drying tower dating from 1750. Offering...
- Self-guided E-bike tours
- Self-guided walking routes
- Stunning Umbrian scenery
- Delicious dinners of traditional dishes
Offer available
Book early for 2021 to claim a £150 John Lewis voucher
From£515ppEaseDuration3, 5 or 7 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now View DetailsTravelFlights and transfers available -
![Bike & Boat | Venice & Mantua]()
Bike & Boat Holiday in Veneto
Bike & Boat | Venice & Mantua
A one week Bike and Boat holiday to explore the bustling streets and magical waterways of Venice, and meander across the Po delta through idyllic fishing villages, all the way...
- Strolling through the backstreets of Venice
- Island hopping from Lido di Venezia to Pellestrina
- Magnificent scenery of Delta del Po
From£945EaseDuration7 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now view detailsTravelFlights and transfers available -
![E-Bike | The Umbrian Experience | Guided Group]()
Cycling Holidays in Tuscany
E-Bike | The Umbrian Experience | Guided Group
Get off the beaten track and up close to Italy's local history and habitat on this food focused, fully guided, E-bike Safari through the wide open valleys of rural Umbria.
- Guided Group tour
- Helmets provided
- Dramatic scenery
- Historic towns
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Vineyards and wine tours
From£1,995ppEaseDuration5 or 7 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now view detailsTravelFlights and transfers available -
![Classic | A Taste of Italy | Self Guided]()
Cycling Holidays in Emilia Romagna
Classic | A Taste of Italy | Self Guided
A self guided cycling tour from Bologna to Parma through a stunning region of Italy where history, art, culture combine with fantastic food - to provide an unforgettable Taste...
- Bologna & Parma
- Cooking demonstration
- Gelato tasting & museum
- Historic Modena
- Parma ham & Parmesan cheese
From£995ppEaseDuration4 or 6 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now View DetailsTravelFlights and transfers available -
![Classic | Cilento & the Amalfi Coast | Self Guided]()
Cycling holidays in Campania
Classic | Cilento & the Amalfi Coast | Self Guided
Cycling along the beautiful Campania coastline and into the heartland of the Cilento National Park. Finish your holiday off with a few days on the iconic Amalfi Coast.
- 3-star and 4-star hotels
- Great Italian cuisine
- Cilento National Park
- Fishing villages
- Quiet remote beaches
- Footpath of the Gods
Offer available
Book early for 2021 to claim a £150 John Lewis voucher
From£1435ppEaseDuration8 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now View DetailsTravelFlights and transfers available -
![Classic | Riding Real Romagna | Self Guided]()
Cycling Holidays in Emilia Romagna
Classic | Riding Real Romagna | Self Guided
Start in Ravenna - once the capital of the Western Roman Empire - and cycle through the Romagna region all the way to Bologna, the culinary capital of Italy. Easy, flat rides...
- 3-star and 4-star hotels
- Heartland of homemade pasta
- Gourmet meals
- Rennaisance architecture
- Sangiovese red wine
- Byzantine mosaics
From£1,085ppEaseDuration7 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now View DetailsTravelFlights and transfers available -
![E-Bike | Umbria & Lake Trasimeno | Self Guided]()
Cycling Holidays in Umbria
E-Bike | Umbria & Lake Trasimeno | Self Guided
There is no better way to enjoy the delights of the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside and the Italian lifestyle than by e-bike. This laid-lack tour takes you around the beautiful...
- Delightful hotels with pools
- Great local food
- Quality E-bikes
- Local support
- Welcome briefing
From£795ppEaseDuration5 or 7 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now View DetailsTravelFlights and transfers available
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