Whether you’re drawn in by spectacular scenery, relish the challenge of serious mountain climbs or just want a more active and interesting way to explore the country, our cycling holidays in Italy are for you. Holidaymakers may flock to the country for its sunny climes, but you’ll be surprised how quickly you can escape the crowds on two wheels.
Within minutes, you could be cycling Tuscany’s serene countryside, delving deep into the fascinating history of the heel of Italy, or exploring the culinary identity of the dramatic Amalfi Coast. Away from the mainland, Sicily boasts miles upon miles of beautiful routes that weave through charming towns, quaint villages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From famed food markets to cultural landmarks, you’re never far from an intriguing pit-stop on one of our cycling tours in Italy.
We offer guided and self-guided bike trips in Italy. Or, if you’d prefer, you can set off on a dedicated e-biking trip instead. Ready to book your cycling holiday in Italy? Get in touch today.
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.
This Jordan adventure was the perfect blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. We cycled through stunning landscapes, from the rose-red canyons of Petra, where ancient wonders appear around every corner, to the vast, cinematic desert of Wadi Rum, under a sky full of stars. Along the way, we enjoyed gems like Aqaba, with its warm Red Sea waters and vibrant coral reefs, and the Dead Sea Resort, where floating in the salt-rich water was the ultimate reset after days of exploration.
The trip was thoughtfully designed, combining active adventure with cultural immersion.
We did this tour after a week in the North doing the golden triangle so it was nice to sample the north and the south of India – they are very different. The cycle routes were fabulous and as were in the main flat within most people’s ability. The tour should be named cycling the backwaters and coast of Kerala as more time is spent in the backwaters than on the coast – not a complaint as the backwaters are fabulous. The night on the houseboat was amazing and the home stay was better than we expected. A great way of seeing the area.
From the day I met Claudio in San Pedro to my last day in Salta.
I have seen so many different landscapes, cycling on so many different roads.
Was great to cycle on a salt lake, in narrow canyons, in a the devils’s throat on a road above 4000m in the middle of the puna among lamas and vicunias, in a forest along lakes or in the middle of vineyards and cactus !
Our experts have provided advice and tips to answer the most common questions cycling holidays in Italy. Get in touch if you need any more information. Â
What makes your cycling holidays in Italy unique?
Our expert local guides know the scenic backroads, the best viewpoints, and the quieter ways into even the busiest spots. With perfectly paced routes and charming stays, this is Italy by bike as few ever experience it. We know just where to pause for the best view of the rolling lemon groves and glittering bays – and the perfect photo stops with friends, old and new.
Are there small group cycling tours available in Italy?
Yes. All our Italian cycling trips are small group tours with 5 to 16 people , so you’ll enjoy a sociable yet personal feel throughout. Whether you choose an e-bike adventure or a traditional road cycling trip, our guides know how to adjust a derailleur, recommend the best post-ride spritz, and explain the history of a ruined monastery – in one breath.
What is the activity level required for your cycling holidays in Italy?
Most of our cycling holidays in Italy are graded Moderate (Activity Level 3), ideal for those with a decent base fitness. Expect a mix of flat, hilly, and occasionally demanding terrain, with distances averaging 30 to 37 miles (50 to 60km) per day. For example:
Cycling Puglia & Matera: Mostly paved roads with two hilly days, plus time to explore UNESCO-listed towns like Matera and Alberobello.
Cycling in Sicily: Rolling countryside, coastal climbs and flat stages, plus optional dips in the sea to cool off.
Cycling in Sardinia: A blend of scenic coastlines and inland hills, with some gravel and sandy sections to keep things interesting.
Cycle Cilento & Amalfi Coast: Undulating routes, longer climbs, and thrilling descents, with views that reward every uphill.
Can I join a cycling holiday in Italy as a solo traveller?
Absolutely. Many of our cyclists travel solo, and our small group format is ideal for sharing the road and the ride with like-minded people.
What are the highlights of your cycling tours in Italy?
Cycling in Italy is a carefully designed blend of landscape, culture and connection. Some favourites include cycling from Puglia to Amalfi Coast on an e-bike, crossing the country from the cave dwellings of Matera to the clifftop villages of Amalfi. Cycling in Sardinia leads you past flamingo-filled wetlands, ancient Phoenician ruins, and gleaming beaches like Portixeddu. On Cycle Cilento & Amalfi Coast, you’ll ride to 2,500-year-old Paestum and follow one of the world’s most scenic coastal roads. Cycling in Sicily takes you through the baroque jewels of the Val di Noto, past citrus groves and canyon landscapes. But the real highlights happen apres-cycle: the shared dinners and drinks, the sneaky ocean dips and the swopping of numbers of new friends from all over the world.
Do your cycling holidays in Italy include cultural or culinary experiences?
Always. We like to think they’re baked in like a good focaccia. You might wander the whitewashed alleys of Ostuni before dinner, visit an olive oil mill in Puglia, or stand among ancient Greek columns at Paestum. Local cuisine, family-run wineries, and traditional cooking (or chocolate tastings in Modica) form the heart of each day. One traveller shared: “The cave room, the trulli stay, the Masseria with its own wine and oil, the morning swim in Otranto — every stop had a story.”
Which regions and landmarks are visited on your cycling tours in Italy?
We carefully choose each route for its wow-factor – and some surprises along the way. Our tours explore a mix of Italy’s most spectacular and lesser-known regions, from the heel to the toe, the coast to the hills. In southern Italy, you might ride across Puglia, with its trulli-roofed villages like Alberobello and stone city of Matera. On the island of Sicily, you’ll pedal through the baroque towns of Modica and Noto, with ample photo stops among the citrus groves. In the southwest corner, Sardinia’s Costa Verde offers a wild landscape of dunes, Phoenician ruins and sea breezes. Meanwhile, the Cilento and Amalfi Coast, south of Naples, rewards riders with more than just great drinks spots – vineyard-covered hills, sparkling bays and ancient temples.
What type of accommodation is included in your cycling holidays in Italy?
We choose stays that add local flavour to every ride – and not just at mealtimes. In Puglia, Masseria Bosco offers vaulted ceilings, a cooling pool and olive grove views, while Sicily’s Feudo Bauly surrounds you with heritage and home-cooked dishes from the Corsino family. On the Cilento Coast, Agriturismo Zio Cristoforo serves up rustic charm and in Palinuro, you might check in at Santa Caterina – home to the town’s oldest ice cream shop. It’s rest, reward and regional flair – rolled into one.
Are e-bikes available for your cycling holidays in Italy?
Yes, and they’re a game-changer. Our Italy Coast to Coast by E-bike tour lets you cross from the Adriatic to the Tyrrhenian without breaking a sweat (unless you want to). You’ll still earn your views – like the cinematic arrival in Sorrento – but with a little extra power on the climbs. Prefer pedal power? Ask our team about standard road bikes.
What is the best time of year for cycling holidays in Italy?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal. You’ll enjoy warm temperatures, quiet roads, and landscapes in full bloom or golden glow. Summer brings the heat, great for coastal dips and longer days, but perhaps a little sweatier inland. Whatever the season, we’ve timed our cycling tours to make the most of it.
