Cycling Northern Italy: how to plan a cycling holiday in Northeast Italy

Why choose Northeast Italy for a cycling holiday

Northeast Italy is an exceptional destination for a cycling holiday; packed into this corner of Italy are some of the country’s most beautiful cities and dramatic landscapes. Exploring by bike is a great way to get out of the busy tourist hotspots and explore some lesser visited areas.

Here are a few reasons why it’s worth considering Northeast Italy for your next cycling holiday:

Iconic landscapes

The Dolomites

This extraordinary mountain range offers some of the most dramatic and striking mountain landscapes in the world. As a testament to its spectacular scenery, the Dolomites have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009.

With its towering peaks, deep valleys, and Alpine lakes, it’s the ideal location for cyclists who want to push themselves on some of Italy’s most challenging climbs and rewarding descents. More on that below.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest and deepest lake; it’s also one of its most picturesque.

For anyone hoping to experience it from the saddle, you’re in luck! The lake has scenic cycling routes that hug the shores, boasting views of crystal-clear waters and lakeside towns like Riva del Garda and Malcesine.

The surrounding hills provide more challenging terrain for those who want more demanding cycling options. More on this below.

Plain and hills

This is a great area for leisure cyclists looking for manageable cycling with beautiful views.

The flatter plains around cities like Venice, Verona and Vicenza are perfect for anyone looking for easy, gentle routes. Alternatively, for those looking for a little more of a challenge, the surrounding hills offer gentle inclines through some of Italy’s most renowned wine-making regions.

Both the Prosecco Hills and Colli Euganei Hills boast green rolling landscapes that are covered in terraced grapevines and dotted with pretty medieval towns.

A rich cultural experience

Italy’s culture is world-renowned, and Northeast Italy is home to some of its most alluring cultural gems.

World famous cities

The Northeast’s star attraction is the city of Venice; this floating city is a firm tourist favourite and unlike anywhere else. Although cycling in Venice’s historic city centre is strictly forbidden,  the quieter surrounding islands are great options for starting or finishing your cycling trip, including Murano, known for its glass-blowing tradition and Burano’s colourful houses. FunActive’s Dolomites to Venice trip finishes in Mestre on the mainland where guests can easily access the historic city centre from.

Be aware! The centre of Venice is pedestrianised and alongside no cycling, you are also not permitted to walk with your bicycle. If you plan to head into Venice for the day, it is possible to store your bike in the BiciPark in Mestre, which is located near the Venezia train station, or in the BiciPark in Piazzale Roma (one of the main access points into Venice. These are bookable online.

But Venice is only the beginning! A short distance from Lake Garda is the beautiful city of Verona, made famous by Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet.

More impressive Italian architecture, art and picturesque piazzas can also be found in the noteworthy cities of Vicenza and Trento.

Food and wine

As we have already mentioned, Northeast Italy is well known for its wine regions. This makes it an excellent option for wine connoisseurs.

Wine lovers will be delighted to know that the popular sparkling drink Prosecco originates from here. The Prosecco Hills region has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019.

Do you prefer red wine? Valpolicella is located east of Lake Garda and is famous for producing Amarone wine, one of the country’s most famous wines.

Experiencing these famous vineyards on a cycling tour enables you to learn more about the delicious drinks produced here. You can also enjoy memorable wine tastings.

You’ll not find it hard to pair this wine with delicious food. Fresh seafood is easily found along the Adriatic coast and near Venice. Whilst in the mountains you can savour hearty flavours, including speck, a local cured ham and dishes made with polenta. Find out more below.

Giro d’Italia

One of the world’s greatest cycling races, the Giro d’Italia, regularly passes through this region.

The Giro d’Italia made its inaugural visit to the Dolomites in 1937 and has returned over 40 times since. Legendary Italian cyclists, including Bartali, Coppi, and Binda, all forged their reputations on the challenging climbs and scenic routes in these mountains.

Many of the Grand Tour’s most iconic mountain stages are found in the Dolomites, including the Passo di Gavia and Passo Pordoi.

Road cycling enthusiasts cannot fail to be inspired by the chance to follow the tyre tracks of the pros and experience these legendary mountain stages up close for themselves.

Cycling-friendly infrastructure

Many areas in Northeast Italy are well equipped for cycling; marked bike paths, bike-friendly hotels, and bike hire are generally available in most cities and several towns.

The popular EuroVelo 8 Mediterranean route also passes through northern Italy. This long-distance cycling route heads east towards Slovenia and connects the city of Venice with several regional towns. This corner of Italy is also home to the long distance bikes rides, the the Via Claudia and the Alpe Adria. Find out more below.

Accessibility

Northeast Italy is well connected by roads and trains, making it easy to reach from major cities in Italy and other European countries.

The close proximity between cities like Venice, Verona, Trento, and Trieste provides convenient starting points for cycling tours.

Public transport is often bike-friendly, enabling cyclists to explore different areas without hassle. Bus travel is possible with bikes. However, regional trains are usually better equipped with space for bicycles and are a good option for travelling within the Veneto region, always check the bike rules ahead of booking, for exmaple a reservation may be required to carry a bike on board.

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What are the best areas of Northeast Italy for cyclists?

Cycling Friuli Venezia Giulia

Overview of cycling in Friuli Venezia Giulia

Friuli Venezia Giulia is a lesser-known region of Italy that’s tucked away in the far Northeast of the country. Sandwiched between Slovenia and the Adriatic Sea, it has terrain ranging from coastal cycling to rolling Fruilian hills and mountains in the Fruilian Dolomites. On the coast, the cycling routes are generally flat and easygoing, for example near the town of Grado. Things get lumpier the further inland you go, where you can experience the Collio wine region and, beyond that, challenging mountain terrain. Monte Zoncolan anyone?!

Where is it?

Friuli Venezia Giulia borders the countries of Austria to the north, Slovenia to the east and the Italian region of Veneto to its west. The Adriatic Sea is to the south.

Highlights

• Grado and the Lagoon of Marano are home to many flat, scenic cycling routes along the coast. It’s great for relaxed coastal cycling and views of the Adriatic Sea. Grado is a charming, historic town for a relaxing pit stop.
• Collio Wine Region: home to rolling hills, vineyards and peaceful rural landscapes, the Collio wine region is an ideal place for white wine lovers and scenic bike rides.
• Trieste and the Karst Plateau: Trieste is a beautiful port city with a rich history, it’s also tantalisingly close to the border of Slovenia. The city’s location at the bottom of a dramatic and rugged karst plateau adds to its sense of isolation from the rest of Italy.

The most famous cycling route in Friuli Venezia Giulia

The Alpe Adria cycle route starts in Salzburg in Austria and finishes in Grado in Italy. It takes cyclists on a long-distance cycling journey of approximately 410 kilometres from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea. In Italy it passes through the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, exploring the region’s beautiful vineyards and medieval towns, before finishing at the seaside port town of Grado, located on a beautiful lagoon island.

Cycling holiday in Friuli Venezia Giulia

You can cycle the famous Alpe Adria with FunActive Tours.

This cycling holiday sounds like hard work but is feasible for a range of cycling abilities. The toughest section in the first half of the trip which includes an ascent into the Alps, is divided into two daily stages and also includes train travel. This cycling holiday uses a mix of bike paths and quiet, low-traffic roads and is a great way to experience a cross-border adventure that’s packed with contrasting landscapes.

More information

Head to FunActive Tours website to find out more about this tour.

Cycling Veneto

Overview of cycling in Veneto

Veneto includes the Dolomites to the north and fertile flat lands to the south. In between lies some of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions, including the beloved cities of Venice and Verona. The popular Lake Garda is also found in the Southwest of Veneto.

Beyond these well-known tourist hot spots, Veneto is also home to lesser-explored natural gems. The Prosecco Hills is a beautiful wine-growing region located about an hour north of Venice; its slopes are covered in vineyards and the region has many historical buildings to admire, including the medieval castles of Conegliano, Asolo and San Salvatore.

There are also several impressive rivers in Veneto, including the River Po and Adige; sections of these rivers can be enjoyed from the saddle on peaceful river paths.

Where is it?

Veneto borders the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia to the east, Emilia Romagna to the south, Lombardy to the west and Trentino Alto Adige to the north. A southeastern portion of Veneto runs along the Adriatic Sea.

Highlights

• Venice is considered one of Italy, and indeed the world’s, most beautiful cities. It’s home to a treasure trove of fascinating history, artwork, bridges and canals. It cannot fail to fill you full of wonder; just prepare to be joined by lots of tourists!
• Sampling sparkling wine in the gorgeous, green UNESCO Prosecco Hills. The ultimate option for lovers of Italian bubbly!
• Explore the historic city of Verona, home to an impressive ancient amphitheatre, pretty piazzas and several beautiful bridges over the River Adige. Literary lovers will also enjoy a visit to Juliet’s balcony near the historic centre.
• Lake Garda’s eastern shore sits within the region of Veneto. Italy’s largest lake is known locally as Lago di Garda and has many gorgeous towns and villages dotted along the lakeshore that make a great base to explore this beautiful region, including Bardolino and Garda.

The most famous cycling route in Veneto

Munich to Venice is a long-distance cycling route that crosses the Alps and three countries: Germany, Austria and Italy. This  584-kilometre border hopping journey is a bucket list ride for many and offers a rewarding challenge traversing the highest mountain range in Europe, as well as the opportunity to ride through the beautiful landscapes of Italy’s Veneto region, home to some of Italy’s most beautiful cities.

Cycling holiday in Veneto

You can cycle from Munich to Venice with FunActive Tours.

Following scenic paths and quiet roads, cyclists explore diverse regions, rich in natural and cultural beauty, starting in Munich, the capital of Bavaria in Germany. The route winds through picturesque Bavarian lakes and Tyrolean rivers, passing through the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, and the region of Veneto, before reaching the city of Treviso, and finally finishing in Venice.

This tour offers varied challenges including some difficult sections over the Alps. However, these can be bypassed by train or bus. The last few days feature a gentle descent towards the coast.

More information

Head to FunActive Tours website to find out more about this tour.

 

Cycling the Dolomites

Overview of cycling the Dolomites

This mountain range is the ultimate destination in Italy for serious road cyclists and mountain bikers in search of challenging mountain roads and technical Alpine trails.

The staggering scenery found here is some of Italy’s most mind-blowing. It’s a place where colossal, jagged limestone peaks tower above you and feels out of this world. It’s no surprise that cycling in the Dolomites is extremely popular. Alongside regularly hosting the world’s professional cyclists each May as part of the Giro d’Italia race, thousands of cyclists head here each year to take on the Sella Ronda Bike Day and Maratona dles Dolomites in July.

Where is it?

The Italian Dolomites lie south of the Austrian border and north of the Venetian plain. These mountains are a segment of the Southern Limestone Alps, spanning three regions: Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, and Trentino Alto Adige.

They span approximately 90 kilometres north to south and 100 kilometres east to west. The entire range consists of 15 separate mountains, each reaching around 3,000 meters high.

Highlights

• Ticking off legendary mountain climbs, made famous by the Giro d’Italia Grand Tour. There are many to choose from but some of the best include the Passo Giau which boasts no fewer than 29 hairpin bends, the drop-dead stunning Passo Gardena and the Passo Sella, known as the ‘castle of the Dolomites’.
• The beautiful Pusteria Valley has many easy cycling paths along the valley floor that are perfect for relaxed rides.
• The Dolomites also boast many challenging mountain trails through forests and valleys that are perfect for mountain biking
• The cycle path on the old Dolomite railway line from Dobbiaco to Cortina Pieve di Cadore.

The most famous cycling route in the Dolomites

The Sellaronda is the Dolomites’ biggest amateur cycling event if not one of the best cycling routes in northern Italy. The event enables cyclists to take on iconic mountain passes on closed roads. It takes place annually every June and September and attracts over 20,000 riders.

Cycling holiday in the Dolomites and Julian Alps

 

FunActive Tours offers a road cycling holiday that enables you to cycle some of the most famous mountain passes in the Dolomites, including the Monte Grappa and Kreuzberg Pass. This is a great option for cyclists seeking some big mountain days and breathtaking mountain views.

This eight-day cycling tour starts in the Northeast of the Dolomites and includes some big days of elevation gain so is best for fit road cyclists looking for a challenge. After ticking off several Dolomite climbs, you’ll reach the rolling Prosecco hills, before finally reaching the plains of Veneto and the cities of Treviso and Venice.

More information

Head to FunActive Tours website to find out more about this tour.

 

What is the best time to visit Northeast Italy?

The best times to visit Northeast Italy will depend on the region you want to explore.

Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto

Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto are great to cycle during late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these months you’ll experience pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists and see the landscapes in seasonal bloom.

Top tip! Autumn is a particularly lovely time to visit the wine regions with harvest season in full swing and the vineyards will be abuzz with activity.

Be aware! The coastal roads around Trieste experience the infamous Bora winds. These strong, forceful katabatic winds come down from the mountains and can make cycling extremely challenging. Check the forecast before setting off and plan accordingly.

Dolomites

For cyclists looking to head to the Dolomites, May can be a good time to visit but it can also be wet during this month so don’t forget to bring a rain jacket. The Giro D’Italia also regularly visits the region’s mountains in early May, so check ahead of booking and plan accordingly.

The best months to visit the Dolomites are from June to October. However, if you can avoid the school holidays you will likely experience less traffic on the roads. Winter in the Dolomites is best avoided for cycling due to heavy snowfall, ice and freezing temperatures – this is the region’s ski season.

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Do you need an organised cycling tour of Northeast Italy?

As previously mentioned, Northeast Italy is already popular with cyclists and has lots of cycling infrastructure. Many experienced cyclists can easily explore here independently.

However, booking with a tour operator such as FunActive Tours provides additional support and ease of logistics. This can be particularly useful in case of any unforeseen issues.

Guided cycling holidays

For even more support, our guided group tours are accompanied by an expert cycling guide and a support van. This is a great option for anyone who wants a social cycling experience with additional peace of mind that you can hop in the minibus if you need a break.

Benefits of booking with FunActive Tours

As part of our organised bike tours in Northern Italy we organise daily accommodation and luggage transfers, provide detailed daily route maps, full assistance throughout the trip and information about the best places to stop at each day.

How long do you recommend for Northern Italy bike tours?

Short cycling breaks

For those who are limited in time, a short cycling trip is possible from key cities in the Veneto region, such as Venice and Verona.

Good train connections from these cities mean you can quickly reach other key locations within the Northeast of Italy. For example, the train from Verona to Lake Garda takes around 20 minutes.

Longer cycling routes

Reaching the mountains and other lesser-visited corners of Northeast Italy is best done by those with more time.

FunActive Tours typically take place over 7 to 14 nights, stopping at 5 or 6 locations. Some also include crossing into neighbouring countries such as Slovenia, Austria, and Croatia. This helps to provide a deeper insight into this corner of Italy and a richer experience, enabling you to take on rewarding long-distance cycling routes such as the popular Parenzana route that heads into Istria in Croatia. Find out more about this route here.

What are your tips for cyclists visiting Northeast Italy?

What to pack

Comfortable cycling clothes and a lightweight, packable waterproof jacket are recommended.

We also suggest bringing your swimwear to make the most of the fantastic swimming opportunities in the sea and lakes!

If you plan to head to the mountains in Northeast Italy warm layers such as an insulated jacket and fleece, or a cycling vest are worth packing. You might also want to consider packing gloves and a buff for extra warmth.

Getting there

To reach Northeast Italy, you can fly into the airports of Venice, Verona, Trieste, or even Ljubljana in Slovenia. There are excellent train connections from each airport.

Food and drink

The region offers many culinary specialities worth trying!

Fish dishes are common in coastal locations and one of my favourites is Brodetto di pesce (a tasty tomato-based fish soup). Or for anyone exploring the region of Friuli-Venezia Guilia you should try Frico, a crispy, cheesy potato pancake.

Mountain specialities are typically based on polenta, meat, mushrooms, cheeses and vegetables. A local dish worth trying are canederli, these are bread dumplings that are commonly flavoured with speck (a cured local meat) and cheese, they usually come in a hearty stew or broth. Another local dish that is typically only found in the Northeast mountains of Italy is Spaztle, a simple and tasty noodle dish that’s great comfort food.

As for drinks, there are many local wineries in this region, including the famous Prosecco! The wine region of Collio also produces its own delicous white wine. If you prefer beer, try Birra Forst, Theresianer, Cittvecchia or Birra Castello.

Bike paths and roads

The region has a great network of bike paths that are safe to use and usually traffic-free. However, some sections are shared with roads and cars, extra care and caution should be taken on these sections.

Many of the famous long-distance cycle routes include sections on dedicated cycle paths, including Munich to Venice, Alpe Adria and the Pedemontana.

FunActive Tour bike tours always look for the best cycling options and update the routes based on maintenance work and suggested alternative roads.

Cities

Be aware! If you plan to visit Venice during the peak months of spring and summer there is a compulsory pass to pay which costs five euros per person. As mentioned previously, bikes are also forbidden in the historic city centre.

Top tip! For anyone hoping to visit any museums and attractions in the regions cities, it is best to be book these in advance on the main museum websites. If you want to book a guided tour we also suggest you pre book these in advance, or chat to us and we can help arrange this for you.

Highway code and travel information

As ever, it’s a good idea to check current travel information before you book and travel. For UK visitors, the UK government travel information pages for Italy are here.

You should also read and follow Italy’s highway code.

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Want help organising your Italy cycling holiday?

We’ve been organising bike tours in northern Italy since 2002 and would love to help you plan yours.

Get in touch and let's discuss the best holiday for you.

Head over to our website so we can start helping you plan your perfect northern Italy cycling trip.

Tell us more about your cycling tours in Northern Italy. What do you offer?

At FunActive Tours we meticulously plan every detail of our cycling tours in Northern Italy, so you can simply turn up and enjoy the ride. We are based in Dobbiaco in the heart of the Dolomites and specialise in delivering unforgettable cycling adventures in this varied and beautiful corner of Italy.

Inspiring cycling itineraries

Each journey has been crafted through thorough research and careful planning to provide you with an immersive cycling experience in the most exciting areas of Northeast Italy.

Our itineraries typically range from 7 to 14 days and include well-known long-distance cycling routes such as the border-hopping Paraneza bike trail and Alpe Adria bike route. Other options include mountain challenges in the Dolomites, gentle cycling around Lake Garda and cycling tours of wine regions. See the full range of FunActive Tours here.

On each cycling tour, you’ll receive comprehensive maps and detailed route descriptions, enabling you to navigate effortlessly each day. These descriptions come with useful information about points of interest, so you don’t miss out on anything whilst you are cycling.

Quality bike hire

We recognise the importance of bike quality in fully enjoying every route. Whether you are climbing mountain peaks or traversing tranquil countryside, we have a range of suitable bike hire options that are suitable for the terrain you are tackling.

These come with pannier bags, handlebar bags, bike computers and bike pumps, where appropriate. Find out more about our bike hire options here.

Authentic accommodation

We pre-arrange your accommodation for the duration of your trip. This will be selected based on a range of factors including, level of comfort, range of services and food options.

Luggage transfers

We’ll take care of moving your luggage each day and ensure it is waiting for you at each night’s accommodation. Perfect for anyone wanting to reduce their weight each day and enjoy cycling hassle-free.

24/7 customer support

The FunActive Tours team is available round the clock to provide you with essential support, guidance, and practical solutions (in the case of any issues). This exclusive service provides peace of mind for anyone travelling with us that we will take care of you, no matter what time of day.

Return transfers

Our flexible transfer services to and from the airport take the hassle out of planning this for yourself! We’ll take care of all the organising from booking to transportation so you can arrive and depart your cycling holiday stress-free.

Travel insurance

We provide comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for any unforeseen circumstances during your cycling tour in Northern Italy. This includes medical assistance, transportation delays and any lost luggage.

Travel app

Our FunActive Tours app is easy to use and easily stores all the relevant information you need. You’ll find detailed maps and useful information to help you get the most out of cycling in Northern Italy, including GPS navigation, points of interest, details of your hotels and emergency contacts, as well as a chat feature in case of any issues.

Please let us know how we can help you plan cycling tours in this Northeastern region of Italy. We’d love to help!

Ready to cycle in Northeast Italy?

A huge thanks to Freddy for sharing these useful insights into cycling in northern Italy. We think some of the best cycling routes in Italy can be found here! We hope you have an amazing time – and do let us know how you get on in the comments below.

Finally, if you are looking for more information about cycling in Italy, don’t miss these articles for more inspiration:

• Guide to Friuli Venezia Giulia
• Cycling the Alpe Adria route
• 4 best cycling routes in the Dolomites
• Cycling in Tuscany