Leisure cycling in Italy is all about enjoying the journey and savouring the freedom that exploring by bike offers. Unlike road cycling holidays or mountain biking adventures, these trips focus on shorter daily distances, gentle r gradients, and quiet roads or dedicated cycle paths. Perfect for families , beginners , through to more challenging options for experienced riders, or anyone who wants to combine cycling with sightseeing without feeling pressured to tackle long climbs or challenging terrain. A leisure holiday lets you absorb Italy’s stunning landscapes, charming towns, and delicious local cuisine at your own pace.
Road Cycling in Italy
Experience Italy’s quieter roads and scenic routes, ideal for those who love classic road rides as well as challenging climbs.
Leisure Cycling In Italy
Ideal for beginners, casual and more experienced riders, covering gentle terrain, dedicated cycle paths, and plenty of time to enjoy towns, culture, scenery as well as a bit of a challenge.
Gravel Riding in Italy
Discover Italy’s hidden lanes and unpaved countryside trails at a comfortable pace , blending adventure with accessible riding.
Mountain Biking in Italy
Explore forest trails, rolling hills, and off-road routes designed for fun and challenge, with options for all skill levels.
Best destinations for leisure cycling in Italy
Italy offers a range of regions perfectly suited to leisure cycling, with quiet roads, gentle gradients, and scenic routes that let you enjoy every moment in the saddle. These destinations are ideal for beginners, casual riders, as well as those looking for more of a challenging cycling holiday in Italy.
Tuscany: Famous for its rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval towns, Tuscany offers gentler, scenic routes where you can stop for coffee in a piazza or enjoy panoramic views
Lake Garda: With flat lakeside paths and quiet country lanes near Venice and Padova, Lake Garda and Veneto provide accessible rides, perfect for cycling in Italy for beginners.
Veneto: From the gentle vineyard-lined roads of Valpolicella to challenging mountain climbs of the Dolomites, scenic routes along Lake Garda, Veneto offers a diverse mix of landscapes and terrain
Sardinia: Coastal roads and low-traffic lanes make Sardinia a relaxing island destination, ideal for enjoying long, gentle rides and spectacular scenery.
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Tuscany - Pisa to Florence
Self-Guided Leisure Cycling Holiday
Daily departures available. The season prices below are per person and are applicable for all start dates between and inclusive of the stated dates.
2026 29 Mar – 26 Oct (excluding dates throughout July and August)
Season 1 – £1295 29 Mar – 14 Jun and 09 Sep – 26 Oct
Season 2 – £1495 15 – 30 Jun and 01 – 08 Sep
Alternatively for a great value holiday select one of our scheduled departures below.
To ensure you have the best experience possible, we’d recommend travelling in the Spring or in the Autumn. We don’t as standard offer this tour in the hotter, more humid, busier summer months of July and August. If however your dates are set in July or August, please call us for a chat and we’ll do what we can to accommodate you.
- Riding between two of Italy’s most iconic cities
- Exploring Pisa, home of the world-famous Piazza dei Miracoli
- Cycling along quiet country lanes through Tuscan countryside
- Cycling past fairy tale Renaissance palaces and villas
- Visiting Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci
- Spending a free day in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance
Venetian Waterways (Venice to Mantova)
Bike and Barge holiday
E-BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE
This tour is well-suited to both regular bikes and pedal assist e-bikes, and you can choose to hire either when you book your tour with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities
| Start Date | End Date | Price p.p. |
|---|---|---|
| 28/03/2026 Ave Maria | 04/04/2026 | £1,395.00 |
| 04/04/2026 Vita Pugna | 11/04/2026 | £1,755.00 |
| 11/04/2026 Ave Maria | 18/04/2026 | £2,225.00 |
| 18/04/2026 Vita Pugna Fully Booked | 25/04/2026 | £1,755.00 |
| 25/04/2026 Ave Maria Fully Booked | 02/05/2026 | £2,225.00 |
| 02/05/2026 Vita Pugna Fully Booked | 09/05/2026 | £1,885.00 |
| 09/05/2026 Ave Maria Fully Booked | 16/05/2026 | £2,455.00 |
| 16/05/2026 Vita Pugna Fully Booked | 23/05/2026 | £1,885.00 |
| 23/05/2026 Ave Maria | 30/05/2026 | £2,455.00 |
| 30/05/2026 Vita Pugna Fully Booked | 06/06/2026 | £1,755.00 |
| 06/06/2026 Ave Maria | 13/06/2026 | £2,225.00 |
| 13/06/2026 Vita Pugna | 20/06/2026 | £1,755.00 |
| 20/06/2026 Ave Maria | 27/06/2026 | £2,225.00 |
| 27/06/2026 Vita Pugna Guaranteed | 04/07/2026 | £1,635.00 |
| 04/07/2026 Ave Maria | 11/07/2026 | £1,855.00 |
| 11/07/2026 Vita Pugna | 18/07/2026 | £1,635.00 |
| 18/07/2026 Ave Maria | 25/07/2026 | £1,855.00 |
| 25/07/2026 Vita Pugna | 01/08/2026 | £1,635.00 |
| 01/08/2026 Ave Maria | 08/08/2026 | £1,855.00 |
| 08/08/2026 Vita Pugna | 15/08/2026 | £1,635.00 |
| 15/08/2026 Ave Maria | 22/08/2026 | £1,855.00 |
| 22/08/2026 Vita Pugna | 29/08/2026 | £1,635.00 |
| 29/08/2026 Ave Maria | 05/09/2026 | £2,595.00 |
| 05/09/2026 Vita Pugna | 12/09/2026 | £1,995.00 |
| 12/09/2026 Ave Maria Last Spaces | 19/09/2026 | £2,595.00 |
| 19/09/2026 Vita Pugna Fully Booked | 26/09/2026 | £1,995.00 |
| 26/09/2026 Ave Maria Fully Booked | 03/10/2026 | £2,595.00 |
| 03/10/2026 Vita Pugna | 10/10/2026 | £1,995.00 |
| 10/10/2026 Ave Maria | 17/10/2026 | £2,595.00 |
| 17/10/2026 Vita Pugna | 24/10/2026 | £1,755.00 |
| 24/10/2026 Ave Maria | 31/10/2026 | £2,225.00 |
- Cycling through some of Northern Italy’s most enticing cities
- Staying on board the modern, bright and spacious Ave Maria or the traditional Vita Pugna
- Exploring the beautiful city of Venice
- Riding alongside the River Po, the longest river in Italy
- Experiencing the fishing valleys of the Po Delta, one of Europe’s largest wetlands
- Spending the day discovering Mantova and its historic centre; a Renaissance jewel
Venetian Waterways (Mantova to Venice)
Bike and Barge holiday
E-BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE
This tour is well-suited to both regular bikes and pedal assist e-bikes, and you can choose to hire either when you book your tour with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities.
| Start Date | End Date | Price p.p. |
|---|---|---|
| 21/03/2026 Ave Maria Fully Booked | 28/03/2026 | £1,395.00 |
| 28/03/2026 Vita Pugna Fully Booked | 04/04/2026 | £1,165.00 |
| 04/04/2026 Ave Maria | 11/04/2026 | £2,225.00 |
| 11/04/2026 Vita Pugna Fully Booked | 18/04/2026 | £1,755.00 |
| 18/04/2026 Ave Maria | 25/04/2026 | £2,225.00 |
| 25/04/2026 Vita Pugna Fully Booked | 02/05/2026 | £1,755.00 |
| 02/05/2026 Ave Maria Fully Booked | 09/05/2026 | £2,455.00 |
| 09/05/2026 Vita Pugna Fully Booked | 16/05/2026 | £1,885.00 |
| 16/05/2026 Ave Maria Fully Booked | 23/05/2026 | £2,455.00 |
| 23/05/2026 Vita Pugna Fully Booked | 30/05/2026 | £1,885.00 |
| 30/05/2026 Ave Maria Guaranteed | 06/06/2026 | £2,225.00 |
| 06/06/2026 Vita Pugna | 13/06/2026 | £1,755.00 |
| 13/06/2026 Ave Maria | 20/06/2026 | £2,225.00 |
| 20/06/2026 Vita Pugna | 27/06/2026 | £1,755.00 |
| 27/06/2026 Ave Maria | 04/07/2026 | £1,855.00 |
| 04/07/2026 Vita Pugna | 11/07/2026 | £1,635.00 |
| 11/07/2026 Ave Maria | 18/07/2026 | £1,855.00 |
| 18/07/2026 Vita Pugna | 25/07/2026 | £1,635.00 |
| 25/07/2026 Ave Maria | 01/08/2026 | £1,855.00 |
| 01/08/2026 Vita Pugna | 08/08/2026 | £1,635.00 |
| 08/08/2026 Ave Maria | 15/08/2026 | £1,855.00 |
| 15/08/2026 Vita Pugna | 22/08/2026 | £1,635.00 |
| 22/08/2026 Ave Maria | 29/08/2026 | £1,855.00 |
| 29/08/2026 Vita Pugna | 05/09/2026 | £1,995.00 |
| 05/09/2026 Ave Maria Fully Booked | 12/09/2026 | £2,595.00 |
| 12/09/2026 Vita Pugna Fully Booked | 19/09/2026 | £1,995.00 |
| 19/09/2026 Ave Maria Fully Booked | 26/09/2026 | £2,595.00 |
| 26/09/2026 Vita Pugna Fully Booked | 03/10/2026 | £1,995.00 |
| 03/10/2026 Ave Maria Fully Booked | 10/10/2026 | £2,595.00 |
| 10/10/2026 Vita Pugna Fully Booked | 17/10/2026 | £1,995.00 |
| 17/10/2026 Ave Maria | 24/10/2026 | £2,225.00 |
- Cycling through some of Northern Italy’s most enticing cities
- Staying on board the modern, bright and spacious Ave Maria or the traditional Vita Pugna
- Spending the day discovering Mantova and its historic centre; a Renaissance jewel
- Riding alongside the River Po, the longest river in Italy
- Experiencing the fishing valleys of the Po Delta, one of Europe’s largest wetlands
- Finishing your trip in beautiful Venice
Classic Tuscany
Self-Guided Leisure Cycling Holiday
E-BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE
This tour is well-suited to both regular bikes and pedal assist e-bikes, and you can choose to hire either when you book your tour with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities. You may choose to hire an e-bike on a group or supported tour but bear in mind that the pace will be set to riders without an e-bike.
| Start Date | End Date | Price p.p. |
|---|---|---|
| 06/05/2026 | 13/05/2026 | £1,495.00 |
| 25/09/2026 | 02/10/2026 | £1,495.00 |
Daily departures available. The season prices below are per person and are applicable for all start dates between and inclusive of the stated dates.
2026 29 Mar – 26 Oct (excluding dates throughout July and August)
Season 1 – £1695 29 Mar – 14 Jun and 09 Sep – 26 Oct
Season 2 – £1995 15-30 Jun and 01-08 Sep
Alternatively for a great value holiday, please select one of our scheduled departures below.
To ensure you have the best experience possible, we’d recommend travelling in the Spring or in the Autumn. We don’t as standard offer this tour in the hotter, more humid, busier summer months of July and August. If however your dates are set in July or August, please call us for a chat and we’ll do what we can to accommodate you.
- Staying at Tuscan farms overlooking stunning countryside
- Visiting the famous towns of Monteriggioni, Buonconvento, Asciano and Siena
- Riding through wonderful landscapes, wide open fields, cypress-lined hills and vineyards
- Trying delicious, regional dishes
- Sampling the best wines of Chianti, Montepulciano and Montalcino
- Absorbing the atmosphere of San Gimignano – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Lake Garda to Venice
Self-Guided Leisure Cycling Holiday
E-BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE
This tour is well-suited to both regular bikes and pedal assist e-bikes, and you can choose to hire either when you book your tour with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities.
Daily departures available. The season prices below are per person and are applicable for all start dates between and inclusive of the stated dates.
2026 18 Apr – 26 Oct (excluding dates throughout July and August)
Season 1 – £1865 18 Apr – 14 Jun and 09 Sep – 26 Oct
Season 2 – £2095 15 Jun – 30 Jun and 01 – 08 Sep
If you‘re looking for a longer holiday, our Via Claudia route links into this tour perfectly; two self-guided tours of a similar grade that you‘re able to do back to back. Contact us if you’d like more info on this!
To ensure you have the best experience possible, we’d recommend travelling in the Spring or in the Autumn. We don’t as standard offer this tour in the hotter, more humid, busier summer months of July and August. If however your dates are set in July or August, please call us for a chat and we’ll do what we can to accommodate you.
- Enjoying a swim in Lake Garda
- Absorbing the hidden Renaissance gems of the ‘belpaese’
- Exploring Verona – a piece of art in itself
- Discovering the medieval fortification of Montagnana
- Taking a gondola ride along the canals of Venice
- Cycling along Pellestrina Island surrounded by Venetian lagoons and fishing boats
La Via Claudia
Guided Leisure Cycling Holiday
E-BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE
This tour is well-suited to both regular bikes and pedal assist e-bikes, and you can choose to hire either when you book your tour with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities. You may choose to hire an e-bike on a group or supported tour but bear in mind that the pace will be set to riders without an e-bike. You may choose to hire an e-bike on a group or supported tour but bear in mind that the pace will be set to riders without an e-bike.
| Start Date | End Date | Price p.p. |
|---|---|---|
| 20/06/2026 Guaranteed | 27/06/2026 | £2,495.00 |
| 18/07/2026 Guaranteed | 25/07/2026 | £2,495.00 |
| 22/08/2026 Guaranteed | 29/08/2026 | £2,495.00 |
- Waking up to beautiful views of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak
- Cycling beside the vivid blue waters of the River Inn
- Absorbing the history of an ancient trade route by bike
- Exploring Merano – The Jewel of South Tyrol
- Winding your way through the lovely Vinschgau Valley
- A post-ride, tasty gelato on the shores of Lake Garda
Not sure which trip's right for you? Just ask!
Get in touch and we'll help you find your perfect trip.
Leisure Cycling Holidays & Tours In Italy
Why choose Italy for your cycling holiday?
Welcome to the land of hilltop towns and vineyards, jagged mountains, white-sand beaches, and sparkling alpine lakes, not to mention world-famous wines and other mouthwatering local delicacies. Our Italy bike tours offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore these wonders at a pace that suits you. Our Italia team has spent more than 20 years seeking out the best leisure cycling across Italy, ensuring an exceptional experience for Italy cycle holidays and bike tours.
Top destinations for leisure cycling in Italy
Experience the best and most serene cycling Italy has to offer in Tuscany, Lake Garda, the Prosecco Region, Puglia, and Emilia-Romagna. Coastal cycling enthusiasts will fall in love with the picturesque routes in Sardinia and Sicily. Our bicycle tours and cycling trips in Italy promise unforgettable adventures through these stunning regions.
Decide how you ride
Our Italy leisure bike tours cater to various rider types and preferences, including electric bike holidays. Select your riding grade according to your fitness level. You can choose between a guided small group tour or a self-guided ride. There's something for everyone!
“Bikes have always been part of my life, giving me a sense of freedom since I was a child riding around the Sardinian countryside. Today, cycling through Italy – from the vineyards of Tuscany to the rolling hills of Piedmont – still gives me that same feeling. On a bike, you notice everything: the scent of herbs on the road, a chat in a village café, the warmth of people you meet. It’s the most genuine way to experience the country.” Naomi Lindfield, Skedaddle Italia
Leisure Cycling in Italy: A Range of Grades, Rides, Stunning Landscapes
Leisure cycling in Italy is all about enjoying the journey rather than conquering climbs or chasing speed records. These holidays are designed for riders who want to explore Italy’s landscapes, towns, and culture at a relaxed pace, with manageable daily distances and plenty of opportunities to stop, take photos, or enjoy local food and wine. Unlike road cycling or mountain biking holidays, leisure rides focus on quiet roads, dedicated cycle paths, and gentle terrain , making them accessible to beginners, casual riders, and anyone who prefers a less demanding cycling experience.
Regions across Italy provide the perfect backdrop for this style of riding. Tuscany is famous for its rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval towns, offering scenic lanes where gentle gradients make every ride enjoyable. Lake Garda and the Veneto region, including Venice and Padova, feature flat lakeside and countryside paths, perfect for leisurely exploration and beginner-friendly rides. In Sardinia, smooth coastal roads and low-traffic lanes allow riders to take in the island’s spectacular scenery without pressure. Piedmont and Emilia Romagna offer quiet vineyard trails, ideal for calm, scenic cycling through charming towns. Meanwhile, Puglia provides sun-soaked coastal routes that combine relaxed riding with stunning views of the Adriatic, whilst coastal routes in Sicily overlook the Ionian and Mediterranean.
Leisure cycling holidays in Italy are also highly flexible. Many tours are guided, while self-guided options let riders explore at their own pace. Daily distances are typically shorter than on other cycling trips, often 20–60 km, giving riders time to stop at local cafés, discover the sights or wander through villages, or simply soak up the landscape.
These holidays are perfect for riders seeking a stress-free cycling experience, as well as for families, friends, and couples who want a mix of activity and relaxation. The emphasis is always on enjoyment, comfort, and discovery rather than performance. You’ll experience Italy in a unique way: riding through vineyards, historic towns, lakes, and coastlines, all at a pace that suits you.
Whether you’re cycling through the rolling Tuscan hills, along the shores of Lake Garda, or on the quiet lanes of Sardinia, a leisure cycling holiday in Italy offers the perfect blend of gentle exercise, breathtaking scenery, and cultural immersion—making it a memorable and accessible way to discover more of Italy.
FAQs
Are the roads busy, and are there cycle paths?
Many leisure holiday routes in Italy use quiet country roads, scenic lanes, and dedicated cycle paths, especially in regions such as Tuscany, Lake Garda, and Puglia. Traffic is generally light outside towns, making these rides ideal for beginners or casual riders cycling in Italy. Guided tours often choose routes that maximise safety and enjoyment avoiding the busier roads where possible.
What kind of food can I enjoy on a leisure cycling holiday?
Italian cuisine is a highlight of leisure holidays in Italy. Riders can enjoy local specialities such as fresh pasta in Emilia-Romagna, seafood in Puglia, gelato in Tuscany, truffles in Piedmont and amazing regional wines in many parts of Italy. Leisure cycling allows plenty of stops to savour Italy’s rich culinary traditions while exploring towns at a relaxed pace.
When is the best time to go?
Seasonality varies across Italy. Northern regions, such as Lake Garda and Veneto, are best in spring or early autumn for mild temperatures, while southern areas, such as Sardinia and Puglia, are ideal in late spring and autumn to avoid peak summer heat. Leisure holidays in Italy are flexible, allowing riders to choose a season that suits their preferred climate and pace.
Are there festivals or celebrations to see while cycling?
Yes! Many leisure cycling tours in Italy coincide with local festivals, markets, and cultural events. These experiences add an extra layer of enjoyment. Get in contact and we can tell you what is happening during the dates of your chosen holiday , so you know what to look out for. Leisure cycling’s gentle pace gives you the freedom to stop, explore, and immerse yourself in Italy’s rich culture.
News, Reviews & Stories
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