22/04/2026 / Giulia Gasparotto / to cycle to discover travel by bike

Cycling in Italy, 8 bike tours to try

From the Alps to the heel of the boot, Italy is one of the world’s great cycling destinations — and exploring it by bike is simply the best way to take it all in. Coastal paths, rolling hills, historic villages and UNESCO World Heritage sites: every route tells a different story, at your own pace. And if you travel with Girolibero on a fully organised cycling holiday — luggage transfers, accommodation and support all included — there’s really no excuse to keep putting it off! Here are our 8 favourite routes for a cycling vacation in Italy: all you have to do is choose where to go. We’ll take care of the rest.

Cyclist near the Prato della Valle and basilica, Padova

Villa La Rotonda, Vicenza, Veneto cycling tour

Veneto, art, wine and hidden gems

A cycling journey through the heart of the Veneto region, where art, history and nature come together in one of Italy’s most rewarding landscapes. Pedal through the university city of Padova and Vicenza, the city of Andrea Palladio — the Renaissance architect whose work inspired buildings as far away as the White House and the US Capitol — then lose yourself among the vineyards and thermal springs of the Colli Euganei Regional Park. Along the way, discover some of the region’s most charming villages: Asolo, one of Italy’s most beautiful small towns; Bassano del Grappa, famous for its covered bridge and the local grappa-based aperitivo mezzo e mezzo; and Marostica, home to a stunning chess-themed piazza where the pieces are played by living people. Don’t miss Arquà Petrarca — the medieval village where the poet Petrarch spent his final years — for a tasting of local olive oil and wine, or the remarkable Ville del Brenta, the grand Renaissance villas that line the Brenta Riviera. A final hidden gem: the Burci Cemetery near Treviso, a quirky and fascinating stop that few visitors ever find. Want to know more? Read our guide to what to see in Veneto and explore all our cycling holidays in Veneto.

Red boat Ave Maria sailing near St Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, Venice

Cyclists dining on the deck of a hotel barge, bike and barge tour Italy

The waterways between Venice and Mantova

A bike and barge adventure off the beaten tourist track, cruising between Mantova and Venice (or the other way around) aboard a comfortable hotel barge with a warm, family-like atmosphere. This is the perfect way to slow down, connect with local life and discover a side of northern Italy that most visitors never see. Along the way, we’ll take you to some genuinely unexpected places: the Museum of Amusement rides and Popular Entertainment in Bergantino, the tiny village of Zelo with its 300 or so inhabitants, and the lagoon island of Pellestrina — a long, narrow strip of land between the Adriatic Sea and the Venice Lagoon, worlds away from the tourist crowds.
Food on board is just as rooted in the territory: the onboard chef prepares dishes inspired by the places you pass through, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Expect great Italian wine and artisan coffee, made according to the ancient Neapolitan tradition. And throughout the journey, the local crew will be there to share their knowledge and passion for this extraordinary corner of Italy. What are you waiting for? Read more about this unexpected journey and hop on board for the tour The waterways of Venice.

Cyclist overlooking the rolling hills of the Langhe, Piedmont

Fresh tagliatelle being grated with Parmesan, Italian cuisine

Piedmont, through Langhe and Monferrato

A moderately challenging cycling holiday through some of Piedmont’s least-touristy corners, where rolling vineyards, medieval villages and world-class food and wine await at every turn. Hop on your bike — e-bikes available! — and explore historic Asti, then lose yourself in the green hills of the Langhe. The route takes you through the tree-lined avenues and vineyards of Nizza Monferrato, the panoramic streets of Alba, and the hazelnut groves surrounding Barolo — the undisputed king of Italian red wines. Stop for a tasting in one of the wine bars of Monforte d’Alba or Dogliani, take in the sweeping views from La Morra (known as the balcony of the Langhe), and visit the medieval castle of Grinzane Cavour, perched above an endless patchwork of terraced vines.
And then there’s the food: expect outstanding local cuisine, exceptional wines, and regional specialities ranging from the prized Tonda Gentile hazelnut to the legendary white truffle — one of the most sought-after ingredients in the world. Want to know more about Piedmont’s food and wine scene? Read our guide to what to eat in Piedmont and discover our cycling holiday in Piedmont, Langhe and Monferrato.

Two cyclists with bikes at a harbour, bike tour Italy

Aerial view of Duino Castle and the Adriatic coast, Trieste

From Venice to Croatia, cycling the Adriatic coast

A coastal cycling adventure spanning three countries — Italy, Slovenia and Croatia — where every day brings a different landscape and a new discovery. Start along the lagoons of Jesolo and Caorle, then pedal inland to the Renaissance fortress town of Palmanova and the romantic hamlet of Strassoldo, before reaching Trieste: a city of castles, grand Habsburg architecture and unforgettable views over the Adriatic. Crossing into Slovenia, you’ll discover Koper, with its beautifully preserved Venetian old town; Piran, a dramatic medieval city perched on a narrow peninsula jutting into the sea; and Portorož, a lively seaside resort known for its thermal spas.The final leg winds through green hills, forests and quiet villages into Croatia, ending in the gorgeous town of Poreč — a place where Romanesque houses, Venetian Gothic palaces and a UNESCO-listed early Christian basilica sit side by side as if time stood still. Ready to ride? Join us for a cycling holiday from the Venice Lagoon to Croatia!

Cyclists riding past trulli houses, Alberobello, Puglia cycling tour

Cyclist on a coastal path, Salento, Puglia

Puglia, Salento, and the coast

Alberobello’s iconic trulli, Lecce’s extravagant baroque architecture, the crystal-clear waters of the Salento coast — Puglia wins you over from the very first pedal stroke. This cycling holiday takes you through a stunning mix of rural and coastal landscapes, from the rolling plateau of the Murgia to tiny fishing villages on the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
Along the way, discover Locorotondo — one of Italy’s most beautiful villages — and Cisternino, with its flower-filled alleyways, before reaching Ostuni, the dazzling White City perched above the olive groves. Further south, visit Otranto, the easternmost town in Italy; the dramatic natural caves of Romanelli and Zinzulusa; and Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet at the very tip of Italy’s heel. If you want to know more on the itinerary, check out the tour Puglia and Salento.

Cyclists riding along the shore of Lake Garda, northern Italy

Cyclists on a straight road through vineyards with mountain backdrop, Alto Adige

From Bolzano to Venice, along the Adige

The unique landscapes of the Dolomites, the shimmering waters of Lake Garda and the grand villas of the Brenta Riviera await on this cycling journey from Bolzano to Venice. From the gateway to the Dolomites, pedal along the South Tyrolean Wine Road, one of Italy’s oldest wine routes — stopping for a glass is a must! Pass through Trento with its elegant frescoed buildings, climb to Rovereto and descend to the southern shore of Lake Garda. Continue to romantic Verona, the vineyards of Soave, Vicenza — the city of Palladio — and Padova, with the magnificent Brenta Villas. A wine and olive oil tasting in the Colli Euganei hills is the perfect finale before reaching Venice. Discover the Bolzano to Venice bike tour and the Adige cycle path.

Cyclists posing next to a vintage Fiat 500 with mountain views, northern Italy

Tuscany, from Pisa to Florence

A circular cycling holiday from Pisa, exploring the very best of Tuscany: art cities, rolling olive groves and picturesque villages. From Pisa and its iconic Leaning Tower to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, the route winds through the romantic Tuscan countryside, including Lucca with its remarkable architecture and beautiful gardens. Pedalling along roads lined with ancient cypress trees, vineyards and gentle hills, you’ll also pass through villages tied to some of history’s greatest artists: Collodi, where the author of Pinocchio spent his childhood, and Vinci — yes, that Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci. And keep an eye out for Gigio and Gigia, the two iconic red funicular trains of Montecatini Terme — hopping on board for the panoramic views is not to be missed! Find out more about our cycling holiday from Pisa to Florence and all our cycling tours in Tuscany.

Two cyclists on a tree-lined road, cycling holiday in Italy

Sperlonga coastal tower and turquoise sea, Lazio

Rome, the Appian Way, and the Tyrrhenian coast

Where better to start than the Eternal City? From Rome, the route follows a stretch of the ancient Appian Way through the Roman countryside: vineyards, olive groves, medieval villages and the ruins of ancient villas and monuments. Heading south, you’ll reach the evocative town of Terracina, steeped in legend — this is said to be where the sorceress Circe once lived — and surrounded by lush natural scenery. Time for a swim? The seafront and beaches of Sperlonga, the pearl of the Tyrrhenian coast, are waiting. And don’t leave without trying the excellent DOC wines and fresh buffalo mozzarella from one of the farms of the Pontine Plain. Find out more about our cycling holiday from Rome along the Appian Way and the Tyrrhenian coast.

Group of cyclists on a mountain road, Trentino Alto Adige

Family with children cycling in the Euganean Hills, Italy

Cycling in Italy with kids: ideas for families

There are plenty of family-friendly cycling holidays in Italy, designed with easy daily stages, luggage transfers included and plenty of attractions along the way to keep younger riders happy! From the panoramic shores of Lake Garda to the castles of the Colli Euganei Natural Park, from the Adige Cycle Path — where in Bolzano you can visit the museum of Ötzi, the world’s oldest natural mummy! — to the fairytale landscapes of Umbria, the green heart of Italy. Explore all our family cycling holidays!