Italy on two wheels - Inspiring adventures

Inspiring Journeys Beyond the Ordinary

A trip to Italy hardly needs a reason, with its seductive appeal of a sunny climate, artworks in droves and incredible scenery – seasoned with some of the most delicious food and wine cultures around. What often amazes visitors – and impresses discerning travellers – is the boundless variety of activities that can be undertaken here. It’s not only leisurely lunches under a pergola, sipping wine while the sun sets behind the horizon, but a series of exciting adventures that stir the soul. Deeply ingrained in the Italian culture and part of its identity, cycling is a favourite as it suits all levels, keen riders and occasional tourers alike.

The choice is unique: from the picturesque mountain pastures and demanding passes in the Dolomites, tours around sublime Lake Orta and Maggiore, where the mountains meet the lakes, the unforgettable dramatic coastline of Cinque Terre and historic Carrara marble quarries, the epic Sienese countryside – think Gladiator beauty and the Palio appeal – to the gorgeous Puglia landscapes, dotted with trulli and olive trees, its stunning, bluer-than-blue Ionian coastline, along with Sardinia’s spectacular Costa Smeralda, another stunner with its emerald hues and natural wonders. The insider knowledge and expertise of talented tour guides will accompany you off the beaten tracks of this gorgeous peninsula, revealing one hidden gem after the other, for a unique experience.

1. The sweet beauty of Lake Maggiore and Orta

The Italian lakes of Northern Italy combine the ethereal beauty of superb shores, the rhythmic lapping of water a constant appeal, and are juxtaposed by towering peaks that crown the landscape majestically. Where to start? The choice seems endless. Lake Orta is a jewel that defies belief: think cycling around its shores and reaching splendid Isola di San Giulio, or going higher towards Mottarone while admiring Monte Rosa. Mergozzo, Comabbio and Varese are picturesque expanses of water close to Lake Maggiore that offer fabulous scenery, best enjoyed on your saddle. Combine all this with a visit to splendid Villa Taranto and its world-famous garden: the dream of Scottish captain Neal McEacharn ), its scents and colours are unique. A private tour of the Borromean Islands is unforgettable – Isola Bella and its Italian-style garden a surprise, while Isola Madre stuns for its English-style beauty. Add a horse-back riding tour, or a cheese and wine tasting, visit the Alessi Museum in Omegna and take up a ceramics workshop in Laveno. Plus a dash of luxury shopping in Italy’s fashion capital, Milan, home to world famous artworks and sublime art nouveau buildings, to have the experience of a lifetime. A sensational adventure awaits.

2. Mighty rock cathedrals: the appeal of the Dolomites

Dramatically rising from alpine meadows, the towering limestone peaks of the Dolomites are awe-inspiring. Imagine cycling along legendary routes - a challenging Sella four passes ride or easier routes around splendid Alpe di Siusi, a

mesmerising tour of the Odle – Reinhold Messner’s birthplace for unique scenery. This is classic Giro d’Italia terrain and you’ll be riding through history! Enjoy Val Gardena and the unforgettable Enrosadira experience at sunset – or Alpenglow – when the mountains burn with stunning pink, violet and red hues or try a deliciously scented hay bath on Alpe di Siusi: precious rewards after a day on the saddle. Discover the wine produced at the Novacella Abbey, or taste some delicious south Tyrol cheese. Nearby Bolzano is a treat, with its quaint streets and northern soul, and climbers will enjoy its state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor climbing wall. Finish off with a day in romantic Verona – the Roman arena is worth a trip – or venture to unique Venice – a masterpiece that defies belief and will leave you asking for more.

3. Where the mountains meet the sea: Tuscany and Cinque Terre

Capturing everyone over the centuries, from poets to writers and painters alike, the Cinque Terre combine pastel-like hamlets that plunge into the sea with stunning scenery: exploring them on your bike seems just divine. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore feel like a symphony that’s been played right in front of your eyes. You’ll be going through the Gulf of Poets and along the Road of the Monasteries, where every gaze is a gift from nature. Nearby Tuscany will add sensational charm, with the staggering Apuane Alps towering over the world-famous Carrara marble quarries: history was written here – the marble for Michelangelo’s David was chosen here – and you’ll sense its momentous legacy. Try out a delicacy like the Colonnata lard and the locally grown wine, the grapes grown between Liguria and Tuscany. Combine with a private boat tour of the Cinque Terre or a guided tour of Pietrasanta – the Athens of the north - and Lucca –with its stunning Piazza Anfiteatro and sensational San Martino Cathedral. Enjoy a ceramic modelling course or have a go at sculpting marble, then it’s off to luxury shopping in glitzy Forte dei Marmi, gazing the Apuane Alps from a distance.

4. The endless charm of the Sienese countryside

Step into a dream and you’ll have reached Tuscany. Beyond the famous rolling hills, art treasures and hilltop villages, this region is an international training ground for cyclists the world over, attracted by its extensive, hilly ascents and descents, combined with leisurely rides along evocative surroundings. Explore the famous Eroica Strade Bianche and the medieval gem of picturesque Monteriggioni, the renowned walled town that was already mentioned in Dante’s writings.

Visit lovely Gaiole in Chianti and Brolio castle, or enjoy riding along Siena and its unique Piazza del Campo, exploring its many contrade. Find some time to see delightful Pienza, a 15th c. masterpiece, the UNESCO treasure known as the ”ideal city”. Learn the secrets of Italian cooking or enjoy a pecorino cheese making workshop, then embark on a Chianti wine tasting or a truffle hunting session at sunset, revealing the joys of finding such delicacies. Opportunities are endless in this divine region, where medieval and renaissance charm is paired with sensational landscapes.

5. Sardinia and its stunning Costa Smeralda

A world apart from the rest of the country, Sardinia boasts its own soul, its layers of attraction best discovered on a cycling tour. Going from one beach to the other, tours along the Palau or Liscia Ruja beaches reveal the stunning jewels of an amazing region. Touch on glitzy Porto Cervo and reach Capo d’Orso along the northern, incredibly striking Costa Smeralda, sensational Licciola beach a stunner. See the lovely inner areas – dotted with nuraghi – and then ride towards the sea in a crescendo of emotions, exploring the Sardinian heritage while enjoying a Vermentino and Cannonau tasting – is this the secret to longevity? Learn how delicious, local Culurgiones or Maloreddus are prepared, experience a horseback ride at sunset or learn a new skill with a Wingfoil course – kiters and windsurfers will rejoice in this!

No experience would be complete without a La Maddalena boat tour, discovering the islands of Spargi and Santo Stefano in unique surroundings.

6. Puglia and its marvels

A region steeped in history that brings back memories of its eclectic past, Puglia has been governed by the Greeks, Romans and Spaniards over the centuries: this legacy has created a variety of traditions and contributed to its incredibly rich culture. As you’ll ride through its glorious landscape, along the Ionian and Adriatic coast, try a ceramics tour around the port of Taranto, go along the historic Apulian Acqueduct or explore the UNESCO Itria Valley and its incredible trulli, sensing the richness of a unique region and enjoying its unspoilt, magnificent beauty.

Narrow country lanes and vast expanses of olive groves lead to splendid towns like Grottaglie – enjoy a ceramics workshop here – the trulli town of Alberobello or incredible Matera in neighbouring Basilicata, another UNESCO treasure. Taste exquisite local wine and olive oil – touring a winery and learning about local knowledge – and enjoy local cheese – visit a dairy farm to see how mozzarella and burrata are made – to make this a full-on, extraordinary experience. Taste delicious local figs and gaze onto the sea for views that stretch beyond the horizon. Puglia is your next big adventure!