Fully immersive into the local culture, the trip takes in the ways of life across a hugely populated and relatively underdeveloped state of Tamil Nadu and the more prosperous and relatively developed state of Kerala. It is not for the faint heated as long cycling days end with relatively modest accommodation and throughout the local food is the only option, and toilet stops basic.
Cycling Holidays in Italy
5 of the best places to go cycling in Italy
Lake Garda: Stowed away in northern Italy, Lake Garda is among the most sparkling settings in this beautiful part of the world. The southern part of the lake is home to diverse landscapes that weave in and around the Mincio River, making it an ideal location for your Italy cycling holiday. Think vineyards, medieval towns and a chance to explore the Sirmione peninsula and its colourful alleyways.
Puglia: Situated in the heel of Italy’s famous ‘boot’ shape, Puglia is an understated gem. It’s the perfect destination if you want coastal views of the Adriatic Sea, as well as beautiful scenery inland. You’ll pass ancient olive groves and fennel fields, stopping at quaint villages en route. Highlights in this region include the UNESCO-listed town of Matera, the historic coastal city of Monopoli, and Gallipoli with its island off the mainland.
Tuscany: Central Italy is a glorious place for a bike trip – and Tuscany’s landscape offers so much. It’s a notoriously romantic place, with olive groves, vineyards and hilltop towns scattered across the region. From Montepulciano to Siena and the Chianti hills, you can take in endless serene landscapes. You’ll also pass through the Renaissance-rich city of Florence, which holds the greatest concentration of museums, churches and artworks in the world in its city centre.
Sicily: As the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is a playground for anyone embarking on a cycling holiday in Italy. A plethora of civilisations once settled here, including Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and more, giving you plenty of history to take in. The southernmost part of the island will see you pedalling through Baroque marvels like Ragusa, Modica and Noto as you work through farmlands and soak up exquisite coastal scenery.
Amalfi Coast: The UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast is growing in popularity – and for good reason. Expect a colourful array of hilltop towns as you cycle on some of the most scenic routes in Europe, passing through Positano and Amalfi as you go. With a cycling tour, you’ll have the great advantage of being able to stop by livelier destinations but still have the freedom to whizz over to more secluded spots.
Sarah Chesser Southern India Coast to Coast Ride
Oren Blindell Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica & PanamaI had a great trip, despite unfortunately not being able to visit Panama due to the ongoing protests. We had 5 days in Nicaragua and 10 day in Costa Rica, every day was different and the wildlife was out of this world. The first week was very busy, cycling a lot with many hills, the second week was a lot more relaxed but still with cycling and activities. We went on 2 crocodile safaris which were great fun as well as some free time in La Fortuna, which came at a great time after a hard weeks cycling. Our Leader, Guilermo (Memo) was great, he had a wicked sense of humour as well as being a great cyclist, i unfortunately wasn’t as fast but enjoyed it all the same!
Claire & Andrew Pattison Cycle Chile & Argentina: Atacama to SaltaA thoroughly enjoyable and amazing experience involving some of the most varied and awe-inspiring scenery within Northern Chile and Argentina. We felt that this trip was a cost effective and immersive way of enjoying the scenery. I would re-iterate a previous comment that although the distances often don’t appear that long the combination of altitude, heat, road surface and transfers made for long and tiring days. As a result of our group size a number of the hotels were changed, notwithstanding this we were generally disappointed with the standard and cleanliness of the hotels we stayed in bar a few notable exceptions. Despite the more negatives aspects we have outlined we would definitely recommend the trip as the experience more than overcame any downside.
FAQs on Italy Cycling Trips
Is Italy good for a cycling holiday?
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.
When is the best time to go cycling in Italy?
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.
What is the difference between a guided and non-guided bike trip in Italy?
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.
What are the best cycling tours in Italy for families?
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.
What should you pack for a cycling holiday in Italy?
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.
What should you wear for a cycling holiday in Italy?
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.
What accommodation can you expect during your Italy bike trip?
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.
Is it safe to cycle in Italy?
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.
Do you offer e-bike holidays in Italy?
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.
How fit do I need to be for a bike trip to Italy?
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.
Italy Cycling Tours
Why choose an Italy cycling tour from Exodus?
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