|
Home > Holidays > Cycling > Italy
Italy
 The regions of Italy are astonishingly varied,
each with its own distinctive culture. Two of the most outstanding - certainly in terms of exploring by bicycle - are Tuscany and the Veneto, both boasting benign climates, historical and art treasures, enchanting landscapes and, perhaps best of all, excellent wines and culinary traditions. Basilicata and Romagna are spectacularly beautiful and unspoiled, while Sicily displays an extraordinarily rich culture developed over centuries of influence from many different Mediterranean civilisations.
• Tuscany
• Puglia/Basilicata
• Romagna
• Umbria
• The Veneto
• Sicily
• Sardinia
 Tuscany
Cypress trees that frame a stone farmhouse, hill-top towns above rolling vineyards and olive groves, village
churches that reveal Renaissance masterpieces ... Tuscany constantly delights. Add to this
the winning combination of Tuscan regional cooking, with its hearty soups, steaks
and pasta dishes, and such world-class wines as Chianti and Brunello, and you have the
formula for a memorable holiday. Cycling here, you wind from one
beautiful village to another along quiet country roads. Take in the timeless beauty of the
Crete Senesi south of Siena, explore the gently rolling hills that surround the famous towers of San Gimignano, or discover the undiscovered Maremma in the west, where a great sense of ancient spirituality pervades the gloriously quiet hills.
> Secrets of Western Tuscany (grade 2) Enjoy the contrasting landscapes and beautiful hill-top towns of the little-visited Maremma region on your way to the coast.
> San Gimignano & the Sienese Plains (grade 1-2) Explore archetypal Tuscan landscapes as you cycle between high-quality 3- and 4-star hotels.
> Siena & Southern Tuscany (grade 2) Quiet country lanes wind across unspoiled Tuscan scenery, passing numerous intriguing villages and places of interest.
 Puglia/Basilicata
Situated at the northern end of Italy’s ‘heel’, the rural provinces
of Puglia and Basilicata are largely unspoiled and unknown to
many, although they hide a truly astonishing wealth of artistic and
historic treasures. From the coast at Bari, the undulating countryside
of Puglia, dotted with the historical remains of myriad invaders, gradually
climbs up into the hills of Basilicata, where local customs and traditions have survived for
centuries in seemingly timeless hilltop towns protected by spectacular fortresses.
> Vineyards & Castles of the South (grade 2) Starting from Trani, with its amazing
cathedral and harbour, you’ll see Castel del
Monte, an octagonal and enigmatic hilltop
fortress, and the ancient Roman town of Venosa before reaching UNESCO-protected Matera, with its unique
Sassi houses.
 Umbria
Landlocked in the centre of the Italian peninsula, the Umbrian
countryside is green and lush, where a timeless and spiritual quality
pervades. It is unspoiled and wild, with churches, secret hermitages and
wayside chapels dotted along ancient trails. Summers are long, but the
mountain air is fresh, and the green meadows are filled with spectacular flowers
in May and June. Enjoy the earthy Umbrian cuisine, famed for its use of black truffles, and the
robust reds of Torgiano and Montefalco.
> Umbria's Plains, Valleys & Medieval Towns (grade 2) This ride starts in world-famous Assisi
before cycling through
national parks on your way to the medieval towns of Spello, Spoleto and Bevagna.
 The Veneto
The great arc of the Veneto Plain holds many contrasts, and beyond the
magnificence of Palladian Vicenza and dazzling Venice is a landscape which is
infinitely rewarding to discover. You are never far from beautiful countryside,
including the green Euganean Hills, calm lagoons and the undulating foothills of
the Dolomites, which provide a magnificent backdrop. Our two wonderful cycling routes both begin in Vicenza,
but then explore very different sides of this fascinating region.
> Vineyards, Venice & Vicenza (grade 2) A discovery of the timeless Veneto countryside, visiting charming medieval towns in the foothills of the mountains. Our 9-night option gives you the opportunity to visit Venice.
 Sicily
Sicily is a mosaic in many senses - the rich diversity of cultures contributing to its lifestyle and buildings over centuries, the patchwork of its landscapes, the palette of warm colours characterising its hill-top villages, and the exquisite golden mosaics of its cathedrals and palaces. Each of our cycling routes offer a colourful journey glimpsing these different aspects - imposing Elymian and Greek ruins, mountain ridges and rolling hills, towns characterised by the exuberant Baroque style - along with varied cycling terrain, and plenty of opportunity to relax over delicious food and fine wines.
> The Realm of the Baroque (grade 1) Cycle through gently rolling hills to discover Baroque cities so perfect that some have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
> Golden Cities (grade 2-3) Enjoy the peace and quiet of Sicily's north-west corner, with plenty of time to visit intriguing towns, superbly preserved antiquities and family-run wineries.
 Sardinia
A landscape that is rich and diverse, ranging from rugged mountains to dense woodland, lush meadows and a coast of hidden coves and expansive dunes awaits you on your journey. Discover the very essence and unique character of the quieter corners of this beautiful, little-known island on a leisurely cycling holiday while staying in comfortable and authentic surroundings. Explore the coast and spectacular offshore islands in both the north west and south west corners.
> Alghero, Coast & Lagoons (grade 2) Immerse yourself in the
unique character of this land as you discover the very essence of this
rugged and mysterious island.
> Islands, Lighthouses & Memories (grade1) After exploring idyllic islands, your journey continues around the dramatic southern tip of Sardinia, taking you to the bustling town of Pula.
< To the top of this page
< Back to Cycling Index
 |
