The Best Bike Tours in Italy

It’s a country the Freedom Treks team knows from top to bottom having collectively enjoyed pedalling in the north, south and centre of Italy over the past ten years. Using our first-hand knowledge, we have narrowed down the best tour across each region to help you discover which would suit you most.

For personal advice about seeing this beautiful country from the saddle, call our friendly team of cyclists on +44(0)1273 224066 or enquire online.

South Tyrol is a region blessed with a dynamic blend of rugged mountain scenery (courtesy of the Dolomites) and shimmering lakes which extend to the horizon. The Austrian influence has added a unique splash of colour to the buildings across the region's historic villages, making your cycling backdrops even more breathtaking.

The ultimate way to immerse yourself in the panoramic mountain views and fine Austrian architecture is on our Bolzano Bike Tour From One Hotel. Using the beautiful mountain city of Bolzano as your base, you'll pedal through the city's narrow streets past colourful buildings before venturing further into South Tyrol's vineyards and apple orchards. Despite being in the heart of the Dolomites, there aren't an overwhelming number of climbs, making the route reasonably easy-going.

For a more challenging ride, pedalling from one picturesque lakeside town to another, the Around Lake Garda Bike Tour would certainly fit the bill. Although the climbs are by no means easy, the reward of exquisite local food and long swims in the lake are your reward after an enjoyable cycle. The seven day route is self-guided and follows the lake's dazzling shoreline through the Lugana wine region to fortified towns and historic landmarks whilst always keeping the spectacular mountain scenery in view.

The three tours we've picked from central Italy swap the rugged mountain scenery found in the north for peaceful adventures through rolling hills, olive groves and quiet countryside. But what sets them apart from each other?

History and art enthusiasts will want to head west to Pisa for a week of pleasant pedalling through gentle Tuscan terrain towards Florence. As well as laying eyes on some of the world's most famous works of art in Florence, the relaxing Tuscany - Pisa to Florence Bike Tour takes you to the birthplace of da Vinci and historic farmlands in the countryside.

Umbria is one of our favourite areas for an authentic Italian experience. The rustic hilltop towns bursting with culture, fresh Italian produce and wine make it a wonderful region to explore on two wheels. The Umbria Discovery Bike Tour is a delightful showcase of all of the above. The rolling terrain through Italy's 'green heart' is best suited to confident cyclists and the views after completing the gentle inclines make the effort well worth it. Bright orange sunsets bounce off the lake below, plus you'll be at the perfect vantage point to view the palaces, theatres and mountain monasteries nestled in the green valleys.

If you're struggling to choose between cycling Tuscany or Umbria, the Florence to Rome Bike Tour could be a welcome solution. Starting in the capital of Tuscany, you'll hop on a train to Arezzo before cycling south through Umbria towards Calvi and concluding in the iconic city of Rome. Autumn is a wonderful time for a two-wheeled traveller to soak up the beautiful valleys, cobbled hill towns and rolling countryside found between two magnificent cities.

This tour is a hit amongst our customers and staff. Sales Consultant Andy Evans joined Marketing Manager Craig in October 2022 to embark on the Florence to Rome Bike Tour and they had the time of their lives pedalling through Italy's green heart. Read their trip report for a better understanding of the tour.

Puglia's pristine coastline helps form the heel of Italy's "boot" and is the perfect destination for those aiming to strike a balance between cycling beside sun-drenched olive groves and crystal clear waters lapping sandy beaches.

See the best that southeast Italy has to offer on our Puglia Bike Tour as you spend seven nights residing in unique coastal villages, including a magical night in your very own trullo in Alberobello. The beginning of the week is a tranquil ride south through rural countryside, stopping off in small, off the beaten track, towns for midday cappuccinos. In contrast, your designated stops in the second half of the week are for cooling dips in the Ionian Sea and to admire iconic coastal landmarks like the Aragonese Castle.

To better understand the route, you can read my first-hand account of the Puglia Bike Tour from when I visited in 2014.

Although Italy's mainland is full of charm, the surrounding islands are a treat for nature and history buffs. Sicily's Baroque Routes Bike Tour will immediately expose you to a region of outstanding natural beauty. You'll arrive in the UNESCO city of Ragusa on your first day before pedalling to your next UNESCO site, the villages of Buccheri. The leisurely tracks will also lead you to white sands, pink flamingos and beautiful gorges. As you would expect on a coastal island, the seafood is spectacular and pairs beautifully with a splash of local white wine.

For those who want to get away from it all and cycle quiet coastal roads next to shimmering turquoise waters, there's Sardinia, which is perfect for doing just that. The Sardinia Leisurely Bike Tour allows you to revel in the relaxed pace of island life by rolling to world-class vineyards, Nora's pre-Roman ruins and deserted white sandy beaches which look like they belong on a postcard. Our favourite stretch of beach comes on day eight at Costa del Sud, boasting gleaming white sand, unspoilt natural landscape and imposing cliffs. You finish most days by tasting the local wine and freshly caught seafood whilst watching the sun slowly dip into the horizon.

If you would like to learn more about the delights of Italian cycling, enquire online or speak to one of our team on +44 (0) 1273 224066. These are some of our favourites, but we have another 30 for you to choose from!

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