Italy is an amazing country for a holiday, so planning an Italian bike tour is especially exciting.
However the truth is that there are a lot of Italy bike tours to choose from – and comparing them when you’re bouncing from website to website isn’t easy. In fact it can be pretty frustrating!
So, we’ve picked out six of the best Italian cycling tours that we know of from both working with cycling tour operators in Italy and our own research, and we’ve put together this article. We hope it will make it much easier for you to plan your getaway.
Before you dive into this, make sure you’ve read our destination guide for Italy as well as our pick of favourite places to cycle in Italy, so you know where you want to go. And we’ve got a separate article on self-guided cycling tours in Italy, cycling hotels in Italy – and also a different guide for luxury tours if that’s more what you’re looking for. Finally, if you’re looking for a women-only bike tour of Sardinia, read this.
Otherwise, here are the top cycling Italy tours that we’ve come across.
This article includes details of services that we have used ourselves or which we would consider using. Some are paid adverts. Please read our disclosure policy for further information.
The information in this guide is based on each tour operator’s website. We’ve done everything we can to make sure it’s accurate, but please double-check any details with them when you book, as something may have changed or the website may be inaccurate.
Prices are typically based on two people sharing a room, and a single supplement may apply if you travel alone. We’ve summarised what is normally included but individual tours may vary.
Since 2023 we have worked with Gusto Cycling on our guide to cycling Tuscany.
Italy cycling tours – a comparison
Gusto Cycling
Where do the tours start?
The company runs a number of tour of Italy cycling options, some of which are based around races/events including Maratona dles Dolomites, Strade Bianche, and L’Eroica. The main cycling holidays are 7-night self-guided tours of Tuscany beginning in either Lucca or Siena.
Just Italy or other destinations too?
Gusto Cycling purely focuses on cycling tours in Italy (and Tuscany to be precise!).
How many years have they run cycling tours in Italy for?
The website states that Gusto Cycling has “over 10 years” experience in running tours.
How many tour dates do they offer each year?
There are no set dates, except for those based on cycling events/races. You can choose whenever you wish to book.
What’s the maximum group size?
The biggest group size that you can select when making an online enquiry is eight, although it’s worth emailing the team if you have a bigger group as they may be able to accommodate you.
How much does a 4 day trip cost?
A 4-day trip around Montecatini Terme starts at £417 per person, based on two sharing a room.
How much does a 7 day trip cost?
A 7-day trip around Tuscany starts at £1,359 per person – the prices are the same whether you book the Tuscany North or Tuscany South itineraries.
What’s included?
On every tour you’ll enjoy quality accommodation, carefully chosen by the Gusto Cycling team. Each hotel will include a buffet breakfast. You’ll get a hybrid bike to use for the duration, including helmets, water bottles and repair kits. A luggage service is included, and you’ll be given tailored GPS routes. Every day you can check in with Marco, who runs Gusto Cycling, for tips and guidance.
Do they offer bespoke trips?
Every trip offered by Gusto Cycling is bespoke – there are no set days, and if you have any special requests then Marco will do everything he can to cater for you.
Any other notes?
There are a number of special one-day tours available if you happen to be in Italy and want to go exploring, or you could add them onto your itinerary when you plan a longer cycling break.
Marco, the owner of the website, was born in the UK but his family are from Montecatini Terme and so he has a deep understanding of the region.
If it’s a Florence bike tour, you’re after, you’ll need to go bespoke – the Tuscany itineraries stick to smaller towns nearby.
Road Bike Tours Italy
Where do the tours start?
Road Bike Tours Italy offer cycling holidays in the centre and north of Italy.
This includes the northern lakes area (Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Iseo), the Dolomites, Tuscany and Stelvio Pass area. They also offer a “Coast To Coast” tour across Tuscany, Umbria and the Marche.
Just Italy or other destinations too?
The company offers a trip from the French Alps to the Dolomites. This takes in the Izoard, Galibier, Alp d’Huez, Stelvio, Mortirolo, Sella Ronda, all in one cycling tour.
How many years have they run cycling tours in Italy for?
Since 2017.
How many tour dates do they offer each year?
There are lots of departure dates between April and October. They can offer private departures as well.
What’s the maximum group size?
Road Bike Tours Italy have a maximum of 7 guests per tour. Each tour includes a van and a bike guide.
For private departures of more than 7, Road Bike Tours Italy offers an additional van and guide.
How much does a 4-day trip cost?
The company doesn’t offer 4-day tours, but are happy to prepare these for clients looking for a tailor-made trip.
How much does a 7-day trip cost?
7-day tours start from €2,600 per person.
What’s included?
3 and 4-star hotels, chosen after a thorough selection process.
Dinners in acclaimed restaurants; they say they only choose typical restaurants to ensure an unforgettable wine and food experience.
Private transfers from/to the airports and stations.
Do they offer bespoke trips?
Yes, you can book a bespoke cycling tour (both guided and self-guided tours).
Any other notes?
Road Bike Tours Italy is a small Italian company that offers a high level of personal care to its clients and huge attention to detail. They say “Our goal is to provide the best cycling experience in Italy!” and their reviews are excellent.
Cyclists are led by professional guides in very small groups (max 7 per guide/van).
Bike rental is available, including high-end road bikes equipped with electronic shifters and disk brakes, as well as other kinds of bikes.
Italy Bike Tours
Where do the tours start?
Italy Bike Tours has a huge selection of tour options right the way through the country, including on Sardinia and Sicily.
Just Italy or other destinations too?
Despite the company name, they do offer cycling breaks around the rest of the world too, including the French and Austrian Alps, tours of Slovenia, and a Colombia cycling tour.
How many years have they run cycling tours in Italy for?
Their website doesn’t reveal this information, although they’ve been in existence for more than three years, based on their reviews on Google.
How many tour dates do they offer each year?
There are many tour dates throughout the year between March and October – individual tours have different seasonal times, but most have at least the option of three different months.
What’s the maximum group size?
Most of the tours have a maximum group size of 12, but some can accommodate 16 or 18 riders.
How much does a 4 day trip cost?
There are no 4-day trips – the shortest is a 5-day/4-night trip across the Alps that starts from €1,099 per person.
How much does a 7 day trip cost?
Marked as the company’s “Best Value” trip, a 7-day Climbers Week tour through Lombardia starts at €1,649. Some of the other 7-day trips do cost twice that, though.
What’s included?
You’ll stay in 4* (or better) accommodation with breakfast and dinners included. Bike hire is included, and you’ll be led by an experienced guide, with mechanical support and a support vehicle to back you up. Off-bike programmes are included too, along with private transfers.
Do they offer bespoke trips?
Yes, you can book a bespoke cycling tour of Italy – just drop the company an email to start planning your trip.
Any other notes?
You’ll get a gift bundle when you book your Italy bike tour, including branded water bottle, cycling jersey and cap, a bag, a fruit bar and an energy drink.
The company is based in Italy and led by a former Grand Tour winner.
Gran Fondo packages are available.
Ciclismo Classico
Where do the tours start?
There are over 30 tour itineraries available covering some of the best bike tours Italy has to offer, including a huge range of destinations across Tuscany, Umbria, the Dolomites, Sicily and more.
Just Italy or other destinations too?
The company offers cycling breaks across Europe and in several locations around the US east coast and into Canada.
How many years have they run cycling tours in Italy for?
Ciclismo Classico has been running cycling tours since 1989.
How many tour dates do they offer each year?
There are a wide number of dates available for each tour through the spring, summer and autumn.
What’s the maximum group size?
There isn’t any information on the site about maximum group sizes.
How much does a 4 day trip cost?
There are no 4-day trips, but a 5-day trip starts from $4,500 per person.
How much does a 7 day trip cost?
Prices vary but the cheapest 7-day tours start from $4,295 per person.
What’s included?
You’ll always stay in 4* or 5* hotels, B&Bs and family inns. Breakfast is always included, along with some lunches and most dinners. You’ll be provided with snacks and drinks throughout. Luggage handling and private transfers are included too. You’ll be offered a choice of bike suitable to your tour, with a Garmin GPS. Van support is given where needed and you’ll benefit from an experienced guide. Tours also include off-bike experiences such as wine tasting, museum visits and cooking demos.
Do they offer bespoke trips?
Yes, bespoke trips are available.
Any other notes?
The company has a reputation for quality, creativity and providing authentic holidays that immerse riders in the culture of the region.
If a tour doesn’t reach a minimum of 6 participants, you’ll either be offered to remain on that tour and pay a $500 supplement, or you’ll be offered the chance to move to a different tour.
Tours are graded either Easy, Athletic Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced.
Despite the company name, not all tours are cycling breaks – be sure to check as some are exclusively hiking tours.
Trek Travel
Where do the tours start?
There are several tours available across the Dolomites and the Alps, some of which cross into Slovenia. The starting point varies for each tour.
Just Italy or other destinations too?
Trek Travel offers tours all over Europe, and around the rest of the world as well, including North and South America, and Asia Pacific.
How many years have they run cycling tours in Italy for?
It’s not clear exactly how long they’ve been running tours in Italy, but the company has existed as part of the Trek Bicycle Corporation since 1975.
How many tour dates do they offer each year?
There are a large number of dates you can choose from throughout the year.
What’s the maximum group size?
Typically group sizes are around 12 to a maximum of 24, but some trips may go up to 30 or more.
How much does a 4 day trip cost?
The shortest trip offered by Trek Travel for a trip biking through Italy is 5 days/4 nights, and that starts at $1,499 per person.
How much does a 7 day trip cost?
Most of the bike tours of Italy organised by Trek Travel last 6 days, but a 7 day trip starts at $5,499 per person.
What’s included?
Every tour includes your hotel stays in minimum 3-star hotels, although many are 4-star or better. You’ll get breakfast every day, and most of your breakfasts and lunches along with snacks. You’ll be given a bike to use, and you’ll get any transfers for yourself and your luggage that you need. Guided tours come with expert guides, while self-guided tours offer you a selection of riding routes with a GPS.
Do they offer bespoke trips?
Yes – if none of the existing dates or itineraries work for you then you can request a tailor-made trip, although bear in mind the prices may be higher.
Any other notes?
Trek Travel is well known, and has been named as one of the World’s Best Tour Operators by the Travel & Leisure Magazine on several occasions, including in 2022.
There are different styles of holiday to suit those looking for a luxury break or something a little cheaper and more rugged.
The company is based in the US (Wisconsin, specifically) but does work across the world for its tours. There’s also a loyalty program if you intend to use them for multiple trips.
Backroads
Where do the tours start?
Backroads has a huge number of itineraries, including some of the best bike tours in Italy. Explore famous cities like Verona and Venice, climb the Alps, or cycle along the beautiful Amalfi coast.
Just Italy or other destinations too?
The company is based in the US and offers cycling tours all over the world, including many popular destinations around Europe, Asia and both North and South America.
How many years have they run cycling tours in Italy for?
The company has been offering cycling tours since 1979.
How many tour dates do they offer each year?
There are well over 15 different tour options, and each of them have a variety of dates available throughout the spring, summer and autumn seasons.
What’s the maximum group size?
Backroads will be able to cater to any group size, but the usual limit is around 20 people.
How much does a 4 day trip cost?
There aren’t any 4-day Italian cycling holiday options.
How much does a 7 day trip cost?
All of the biking tours offered by Backroads last for 6 days/5 nights. The cheapest options start from $3,999 per person, ranging up to around $5,500 per person. Single person supplements range from $600 upwards.
What’s included?
You’ll get your accommodation (some tours are designated as luxury and will have better-quality hotels), breakfast, some lunches and dinners, your bike hire and luggage transfers. You’ll also get a support vehicle and there will be special events included on most tours.
Do they offer bespoke trips?
Backroads can cater to bespoke bike Italy tours for group sizes up to 30 people.
Any other notes?
As well as straightforward cycling holidays in Italy, the company offers multi-adventure tours which can include walking and boating. You can book an itinerary that includes a cruise around the Adriatic, with various shorter cycling trips at different destinations in Italy and Croatia.
The company is US-based.
Final thoughts
If you want to tour Italy by bike, these companies offer some excellent choices. However, we’re conscious that most of the companies on our list aren’t based in Italy – and many are focused on the North America market.
We’d love to add others to this list!
What is the best tour company for Italy cycling holidays in your opinion? Comment below and let us know!
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Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels – and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they’re there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.
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