Cycling Holidays in Italy

Owing to the meandering coastal paths, rolling hills and ancient villages, Italy is a fantastic country for cycling. As well as being able to cover more ground by bike, our cycling trips in Italy allow you to stop off at fascinating sites that you might otherwise miss.

We typically run our bike trips in Italy from April to November, giving you plenty of flexibility when it comes to booking.

It’s best to work with the weather during summer months, avoiding the hottest part of the day with early starts. The weather also varies regionally, with northern Italy experiencing cooler temperatures compared to southern locations.

Most of our cycling holidays in Italy are guided, which means you’ll have an expert leader showing you the way. You’ll be cycling in a group of 5-16 like-minded cyclists, and it’s a great way to meet others. However, we do offer private groups too.

If you choose a self-guided bike tour through Italy, we’ll ensure that you’re fully equipped to embark on your own adventure. You’ll get detailed route notes and the pace is completely in your hands. This means you can linger a little longer in your favourite places.

While much of Italy would impress families, Puglia is a great choice. Carefully planned routes that wind among pretty fishing hamlets, sun-drenched beaches and rural farms provide a wonderful mix of experiences for all age groups.

If you’re looking for a self-guided family cycling trip, Italy is the perfect place to go. You’ll follow quieter routes that avoid busy roads and you’re able to go at your own pace, allowing you plenty of time for beach days along the way.

Most importantly, you’ll need a helmet. And it’s also recommended that you bring bottle cages for your bike to carry two large water bottles. On top of this, it’s a good idea to bring front and rear lights, plus spare batteries.

A bike trip in Italy will likely expose you to a lot of sun, so it’s important to consider protection like SPF, sunglasses and a sun hat for when you’re not wearing your helmet.

We always recommend checking your itinerary and trip notes to get an idea of what you might need to bring.

For your cycling holiday in Italy, we recommend clothing made from moisture-wicking material or breathable athletic wear. Shorts that are comfortable and loose are also recommended, as well as quick-drying compression socks. Sunglasses and hats are also highly advised.

Be prepared for surprise showers with a waterproof, and factor in cooler departures early in the morning. Short-fingered cycling gloves, arm warmers and leg warmers might be wise. You should pack a couple of pairs of shoes with cycling cleats just in case any go missing.

While it’s easy to focus on cycling attire, remember to bring plenty of ‘downtime’ clothing for eating out and exploring in too.

In between peddling and sightseeing, you can unwind at hand-picked accommodation with plenty of charming Italian hospitality. Depending on the tour you choose, you could be staying in a converted farmhouse or a hotel, some of which have swimming pools.

While it’s considered safe to go on a cycling holiday in Italy, it’s important to remain diligent. Some routes can be steep and very windy, so adjusting your speed is important. If cycling on the road, stay aware of vehicles and pedestrians. Make sure you have a map or GPS device in case you get lost.

Yes, we do offer e-bikes on selected trips for an additional fee. However, we also offer dedicated e-bike cycling trips through Italy, where the cost of the e-bike will be included in your booking.

We understand that some people may require a little help during their Italy cycling holiday, which is why we try to make our offering more accessible.

All our Italy cycling trips have a rating and we recommend checking our activity level guidelines and fitness guides if you need more information. Generally, a ‘moderate’ rating is assigned to our bike trips in Italy. For some, an e-bike can be a good alternative to a conventional bike.