The itinerary was very interesting. I learned a lot about Sicilian history and culture. The riding distance each day was perfect, considering the challenging hills and heat. Wonderful riding leader and driver. We were well taken care of!
Bike Tours in Italy
Our Best Bike Tours in Italy
Top 5 Best Bike Trips in Italy
1. Cycling Puglia & Matera: Southern Italy’s Puglia region is known for its unique blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and culinary excellence. With verdant olive groves, white washed trulli houses, and picturesque coastline, it is a bike rider’s dream. On this tour, you’ll cycle from the UNESCO-listed town of Matera through Italy’s heel to the baroque beauty of Lecce, sampling fine seafood and wine along the Salento coast and staying in comfortable hotels and a traditional masseria. It’s a moderate intensity six-night cycling tour with six days of riding, perfect for those seeking a balance of cultural immersion and natural beauty.
2. Cycling in Sicily: Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, boasts a tapestry of cultural influences, from Greek and Roman ruins to Arab and Norman architecture. Its diverse landscapes encompass azure coastlines, fertile plains, and the iconic Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe. This six-day, moderate intensity ride will take you through six UNESCO-listed baroque towns in the Val di Noto, Marzamemi, and Syracuse, with plenty of opportunities for trying the superb regional cuisine.
3. Dolomites, Lake Garda, & Venice Ride: With dramatic landscapes, towering peaks, and challenging trails, the jagged limestone Dolomites make for a memorable cycling backdrop. From the relatively easy roads and trails along the Adige River to Lake Garda, one of the most famous lakes in Italy, to the beautiful cities of Verona, Padova, and finally Venice, this unforgettable ride is filled with stunning views and incredible scenery. It’s a moderate intensity seven-night cycling tour with five days of biking.
4. Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast: Discover the rugged nature of Cilento National Park and the iconic Amalfi Coast on this cycling tour that takes you to all the stunning natural and cultural treasures of Campania. From quaint fishing villages to the Greco-Roman city of Paestum through to Minori, Positano, and Amalfi, you’ll ride some of the most scenic routes in the world, and enjoy the warm hospitality and delicious cuisine of Italy along the way. It’s a seven-night tour with five days of moderate intensity cycling and plenty of opportunities to explore the wonders of this incredible region.
5. Italy Coast to Coast by E-bike: Puglia to Sorrento: Combining highlights from two of our best cycling tours in Italy, this tour takes riders across the whole of southern Italy, with the added support of an e-bike. From the coastal city of Monopoli, venture through the mountains of the Basilicata and Campania regions before making your way to Sorrento on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Along the way, explore ancient cave dwellings in Matera, picturesque Castelmezzano, and the Amalfi Coast. It’s a seven-night trip with six days on the e-bikes, or for experienced cyclists looking for an added challenge, road bikes.
Jeanine Hartnett Cycling in Sicily
Judy Lavery Porto to Lisbon Atlantic RideThis was our first trip with Exodus and will not be our last! This company is very organized down to every detail. The description of the itinerary is very accurate, the hotels very nice , the Trek bikes were great and each bike had a handlebar bag for phones, sunscreen, snacks etc.
Our leader João was superb and made each participant feel welcomed, and cared for no matter the skill level.
João stopped to show us things of interest along the way each day, giving us the history and facts of which we would not have learned if we had travelled on our own.
João did briefings each day, so we knew exactly what to expect and a debrief at end of each day with a well organized power-point presentation.
He helped with dinner suggestions and even made the reservations for us.
His enthusiasm and love of his job made it a very enjoyable experience.
Also, Ricardo who was our other Exodus support person was superb! He cycled at the end of the group providing encouragement and support! Ricardo was always smiling and always available for our needs as well. He was a fabulous back up for any individual who needed help. We cannot say enough about Ricardo and how he helped to make this such a great experience for us!
The third Exodus support person was Toni! He was so kind and thoughtful and made the most elaborate picnics for us. He drove the van and met us at various check points so we had access to our belongings if we needed anything. He had water to fill our water bottles and was available incase someone needed to have a van drive if they weren’t able to bike any portions of the day.
These 3 individuals made the trip so wonderful for us!
The itinerary is accurate in that the description of the steep hills toward the end of day 3 , really were steep! Also the long steep hills on day 6 were as described.
We used pedal bikes and managed fine, we are mid 60’s but we are runners and in good shape. The first two days were flat and very easy for any skill level. The steep hills on day three at end of day were challenging on a pedal bikes, despite our good fitness level. However, we would do pedal bikes again despite the steep hills, it gave us a sense of accomplishment! E-bikes are available to people to sign up for prior to the trip.
The views were stunning along the ocean.
We were so impressed by this company, their attention to detail , their efforts to decrease their carbon footprint and we highly recommend Exodus to anyone.
We are already looking at idea for our next Exodus trip !
Where can I cycle in Italy?
Italy boasts diverse and breathtaking landscapes, each offering a unique and captivating experience. Tuscany, famous for its rolling hills and vineyards, invites bikers to explore charming medieval towns along scenic routes. The Amalfi Coast features coastal paths, offering panoramic sea views, postcard-perfect villages, and lush terraced hillsides.In Puglia, you’ll cycle through towns of fairytale-like houses, picturesque farmland, and quaint villages, while Sardinia is one of the wildest and most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. The Dolomites are renowned for their towering peaks and dramatic landscapes, making for excellent views for intrepid cyclists. From alpine adventures to seaside pedals, Italy offers plenty of excellent places to cycle.
Is biking in Italy difficult?
Italian cycling routes range in difficulty, accommodating both novice and experienced bikers. When you select the Exodus tour that is the best fit for you, take note of the activity level rating. These ratings range from leisurely to tough and take into account the length of the ride, trail conditions, level of support, altitude, and more.
Many of our Italian destinations offer tours at different activity levels, so that no matter your experience or fitness level, there is a trip that is perfect for you. By selecting the tour that aligns with your fitness level, you’ll ensure that your Italian biking vacation is just the right amount of a challenge, and isn’t too difficult to manage.
FAQs on Bike Trips in Italy
When is the best time to cycle in Italy?
Cycling tours in Italy are available from April to November, and the best season to cycle depends on your personal preferences. The spring and fall months are usually the most comfortable for cycling, while in the summer, it’s best to depart early in the morning to avoid riding in the hottest part of the day. The weather also varies regionally, with northern Italy experiencing cooler temperatures compared to southern locations.
How should I prepare for my biking tour in Italy?
To ensure that you have the best time on your tour, review your specific tour’s trip notes for lots of details about essential equipment, joining instructions, the typical weather in the region, and more. You’ll also find information on the activity rating, which you can use to guide your fitness preparations. It’s important to begin a regular exercise routine leading up to your trip, focusing on cardiovascular fitness to increase your endurance and spending as much time on a bike as possible. Check out our cycling fitness guide for more advice on how to prepare physically for your trip.
Is the Amalfi Coast good for cycling?
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most stunning coastal routes in the world, and a popular destination for hikers and cyclists alike. With narrow, winding roads, steep climbs, and occasional heavy traffic, it can be a challenging but rewarding route. Our guides are experts in the area, carefully planning the itineraries to ensure excellent rides that include scenic views while maintaining your safety and well being.
Are e-bikes available in Italy?
E-bikes, or electric bikes, offer added assistance, making cycling more accessible to a broader range of individuals and allowing for longer distances and varied terrains with less physical effort. It can be a great option to make a specific trip more suitable for friends or partners with different fitness or experience, or make a tougher route a more realistic proposition. We offer the option to upgrade to an e-bike on many of our trips for an added fee, as well as e-bike tours of Italy, including our coast-to-coast ride.
Can you cycle Tuscany?
The vibrant vineyards and charming medieval towns of Tuscany offer a picturesque journey for cyclists of all fitness levels. The region offers a perfect blend of challenging climbs and leisurely rides, allowing cyclists to explore the timeless landscapes that have inspired artists for centuries. With its winding roads, iconic cypress trees, and vineyard-covered hills, Tuscany provides a captivating backdrop for cyclists seeking both a physical challenge and an immersion into the rich cultural tapestry of the Italian countryside.
What are the best regions for cycling trips in Italy?
Cruise along open roads and windswept coastal trails on our Italy bike tours. From the sun-kissed hills of Puglia and the ancient streets of Matera to the winding, hilltop roads of Sicily, Italy is filled with diverse biking opportunities.
Synonymous with colourful villages that adorn rugged cliffsides, and awe-inspiring sea views you’ll want to write home about, the Amalfi Coast is a strong contender when it comes to the best cycling trips in Italy. As well as enjoying some of the most scenic routes in the world, you’ll also have the chance to explore ancient sites and dine on traditional Italian food at Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. The Italian Lakes are made up seven beautiful lakes, each set against the dreamiest of backdrops with cycling trails that snake between medieval villages and towns, where you can take a break from the saddle to immerse yourself in the culture and swim in emerald waters.
What is included in guided bike trips in Italy?
Our guided bike trips in Italy are led by expert guides who go that extra mile to steer you to places you never knew existed, as well as more iconic, crowd-pleasing sights. They impart their unrivaled, local knowledge that goes beyond the typical travel guide, and provide you with authentic and immersive experiences that give you a true taste of Italy. As well as all of this, we also have the more practical aspects of your tour covered, which often include:
- Bike rental
- Charming countryside stays
- Breakfast and some dinners
- A support vehicle for transferring luggage and mechanical assistance
- Group transfers
For full details of what’s included in our cycling trips, take a look at the individual tour information.
Do I need to bring my own gear for cycling trips in Italy?
While we do provide a choice of bikes and helmets suitable for each individual tour, we do recommend bringing your own cycling shoes, gloves and any other personal gear. If you’re a seasoned cyclist, we also advise bringing your own saddle and pedals as they are what you’re accustomed to and they’ll likely be more comfortable for you.
Other essentials you should bring include:
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Padded shorts
- Cycling shoes
- Water bottles and cages
- Lightweight, rain gear
For any additional items you think you might need, check the trip notes in your itinerary.
What kind of terrain can I expect on Italy bike tours?
Each of our cycling trips in Italy will take you across widely varied terrain, from flat, tarmac coastal roads to undulating hillsides with steep ascents. While the quieter sections of roads tend to be in good condition, the busier sections may have potholes you need look out for. Italy’s coastal areas are generally flat and paved with some gentle ascents but as you head up into the hills, you’ll find much steeper ascents and descents. This is particularly true of the mountainous regions, which will need a greater level of fitness. We recommend taking a look at the Essential Info section of your chosen tour for more information about the terrain on our Italy bike tours.
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