Bike tours in Italy
28 tours see all tours
In brief
Self-guided cycling vacations to discover Italy
We have carefully selected routes on bike paths and low-traffic back roads for your cycling vacation in Italy, with your choice of regions from north to south. Choose your itinerary, while we take care of all the logistics: comfortable hotels, luggage transport, rental bikes, an app with maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks, and a helpline at your disposal every day during the tour.
Why choose Girolibero for Italy?
Italy is where we live and work. Our headquarters are in Vicenza, and we have been organising cycling holidays across the country for over 20 years, and that experience shows in every detail — from the routes we select to the hotels and local partners we work with. These are not just suppliers: they are long-standing relationships built on trust, which means better service and a more authentic experience for you on the road.
To discover
From the Alps to the sea
From the Dolomites to the heel of the boot, Italy offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes for cycling holidays. Ride through forests and alpine meadows along the rivers of Trentino and South Tyrol along the River Adige Cycle Path, explore the Palladian villas and lagoons of the Veneto, pedal through the rolling hills of Tuscany between Pisa, Florence and Siena, or discover the whitewashed towns and olive groves of Puglia and Salento. Whatever region you choose, you’ll find that Italy rewards the slow traveller.
Not only pizza and gelato
One of the great pleasures of cycling in Italy is what awaits you at the end of each stage. A glass of local wine, a plate of fresh bigoli or orecchiette, a slice of tiramisù in a medieval piazza…the food changes with every region, and so does the experience. In Italy, the table is never just a meal: it’s part of the story.
Travel experiences to try
Some of our bike tours in Italy have become firm favourites with our guests year after year. Cycle from Mantua to Venice aboard one of our own barges on our unique bike and barge tour along the Venetian waterways. Head south to Salento for a round tour between Lecce, Otranto and the coast, one of the most loved itineraries in our catalogue. Or push beyond the Italian border on our tour from the Venetian lagoon all the way to Porec in Croatia — a journey that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.
Tours
Northern Italy (17 tours)
Admire the peaks of the Dolomites from valley-floor bike paths, pedal past Palladian villas in the Veneto, and finish the day with a glass of Amarone or a Spritz on the shores of Lake Garda. Further west, Piedmont tempts you with Barolo, truffles and the gentle hills of Langhe and Monferrato. However you slice it, northern Italy is very hard to leave.
Bike tours in Italy
Northern Italy
17 tours see all tours
Central Italy (7 tours)
Tuscany is a feast for the eyes and for the stomach. Ride through cypress-lined roads between Pisa, Florence and Siena, stop for a bowl of pici al ragù in a hilltop village, and let the electric bike do the talking on the steeper climbs. Just across the border, Umbria offers a quieter, greener side of central Italy: medieval villages, ancient forests and a slower rhythm that suits cycling perfectly. Further south, the Roman countryside opens up into a world of ancient roads, volcanic lakes and hilltop towns like Civita di Bagnoregio that feel completely off the tourist trail.
Southern Italy (2 tours)
Down in Puglia, the light is different, the pace is slower, and the food is extraordinary. Cycle past centuries-old olive trees and trulli in Valle d’Itria, arrive in Lecce for a plate of orecchiette alle cime di rapa, and cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic. Salento in particular has become one of our most loved destinations and once you’ve been, it’s easy to understand why.
Themes
For families (3 tours)
Our family tours follow dedicated bike paths and quiet roads, with shorter stages so little legs never feel overwhelmed. Lake Garda, the Adige cycle path through South Tyrol and the Euganean Hills are three of our most loved destinations for families: easy riding, stunning scenery and thermal baths to round off the day. Family-friendly hotels, discounts for children and teenagers, and bikes and attachments for every age mean you can focus on the fun part. Learn more about our family cycling holidays.
FAQs
How does a bike tour in Italy with Girolibero work?
Our promise to those who travel with us is this: cycle easy, travel light. These words capture the essence of what we do. Choose your favourite cycling holiday and leave the rest to us: itinerary, handpicked accommodation, luggage transfer between stops and multilingual dedicated assistance. If you choose a self-guided cycling tour, you follow the stages at your own pace with route maps; if you join a group tour, just follow your guide.
What are the most beautiful bike routes in Italy?
Italy has a wealth of places to explore by bike, from north to south. In the north, the Adige cycle path from the Dolomites to Lake Garda is one of the most scenic and well-loved routes in the country, and the Veneto region offers a world of its own: Palladian villas, the Euganean Hills, the Venice lagoon and a network of quiet roads that reward slow exploration. Tuscany offers iconic landscapes between Pisa, Florence and Siena, while Umbria delivers a quieter, greener alternative with medieval villages and ancient forests. Down south, Puglia and Salento are hard to beat for atmosphere, food and the colour of the sea. And if you want to combine cycling with a bit of sailing, our bike and barge tour from Mantua to Venice is in a category of its own. For those who love to travel through taste as much as through landscapes, Piedmont is another perfect fit. We’ve gathered in this article the best food to try while cycling in Piermont
When is the best time of year for a cycling vacation in Italy?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal almost everywhere in Italy: pleasant temperatures, beautiful light and fewer crowds. Summer is perfectly manageable in the north and along the Adriatic coast, where sea breezes keep things comfortable, but can be demanding in Tuscany and central Italy if you are not used to the heat.
July can also be a special time to travel if you enjoy local traditions and lively atmospheres: cities and towns come alive with festivals and events, such as the Festa del Redentore in Venice, with its spectacular fireworks over the lagoon.
Puglia and Salento are wonderful in May, June and September. If you are flexible, avoiding August is a good idea.
How do I follow the route?
On self-guided bike tours, we provide everything you need to find your way: detailed maps and route descriptions, in printed or digital format depending on the trip. Some trips also include the Ride with GPS app, with GPS tracks and route content, available offline too. On guided group tours, your guide takes care of everything — you just follow along.
Can I rent a bike or should I bring my own?
You can rent the bike that suits you best — it will be ready and waiting at your starting point. You can choose between an e-bike and a standard bike and, if you’re travelling with family, there are plenty of accessories for children of all ages, from child seats to bike trailers. On some trips you can also bring your own bicycle. Check the trip page for full details on available bikes.
Do you offer both guided and self-guided tours?
We offer self-guided tours that are perfect for cycling at your own pace and in total freedom. We provide all the necessary information, materials, maps, and route descriptions. All you have to do is pedal! If you prefer to ride within a group and follow the tour leader, check out our bike and boat tour from Mantua to Venice.
Do you provide e-bikes?
Yes, on almost all our trips you can rent an electric bike — a great help when the stages are hilly or when the heat kicks in. If you want to find out more before deciding, our blog has everything you need to know about e-bikes: how they work and why you might want to choose one.
Is a helmet required?
Wearing a helmet while cycling is not required by law. For your safety, we always recommend wearing one, so make sure to bring yours.
How does the luggage transfer work?
Every morning you leave your luggage at the reception desk and we take care of transporting it to your next accommodation. We will provide you with luggage labels and drop-off times. During the day, you can carry your essentials in the side bag provided with your rental bike. The service is always included in the price. Cycling light makes all the difference.
What kind of accommodation do you provide?
Accommodation varies depending on the trip. It can range from hotels and guesthouses to B&Bs and private rooms, or even boats if you choose a bike and barge tour. We handpick every property with care, favouring those conveniently located along the route. Breakfast is always included. For full details, check the “Comfort” section on the trip page.
What is included in the price?
Every bike tour includes: handpicked accommodation with breakfast, luggage transfer, route materials and multilingual assistance. Depending on the trip, you can add extra services to your quote, such as bike rental, meals, extra nights and transfers.
Can I choose my own departure date?
Yes, and that’s one of the best things about self-guided tours. You pick the date that suits you, within the tour’s season (usually April to October). A few tours have fixed start days for logistical reasons — this is always flagged on the tour page.
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend it. A good policy should cover medical expenses, trip cancellation and cycling-specific incidents. Travel insurance is not included in the tour price and must be arranged independently before your trip.
How can I book a bike tour in Italy with Girolibero?
It is simple: select your trip, get your quote, and book directly online by filling in the required details and paying a deposit by credit card or bank transfer. Within 3 working days we will send you a confirmation email or an update. If you have any questions or doubts, get in touch. We are available by phone or email.
THE BARGES
For bike and boat vacations in Italy, you can stay aboard Vita Pugna, a cozy Dutch boat, or Ave Maria Italia, a modern-design riverboat. Both sail between Mantua and Venice, with on-board cuisine worth the trip!
Ave Maria Italia
- comfort Gold
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- air conditioning in the whole barge
- WiFi available in common areas
- 17 cabins
- 31 guests in low beds plus additional guests in bunk beds (on request)
Ave Maria Italia
- comfort Gold
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- air conditioning in the whole barge
- WiFi available in common areas
- 17 cabins
- 31 guests in low beds plus additional guests in bunk beds (on request)
Ave Maria Italia is a comfortable river cruise ship made in Italy, built with innovative solutions and where materials were chosen with aesthetics and comfort in mind. It is also a small barge capable of passing under low bridges and sailing on shallow water, typical of Italian waterways. The barge was custom-built using the salvaged hull of a Po River dredge.
All in strict compliance with new and stricter safety and eco-friendly standards.
Ave Maria Italia is an “environmentally sustainable” boat due to energy conservation on
board, purification of dark water, and navigation that does not damage the shores. View more details
Bike and barge tours
See all tours
Cabins
- 4 upper deck dbl/twin cabins 11 sq.m (D)
- 10 lower deck dbl/twin cabins 11 sq.m (B,C)
- 3 lower deck single cabins 7.5 sq.m (A)
- the two single beds can become a double bed and most of the double beds can be separated into two single beds
- possible additional bunk beds in some cabins
Features
- Comfortable low beds (2.00 m x 0.80 m)
- En-suite facilities
- Large windows
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- Safe deposit box
- Under the beds there is an empty space for luggage storage: H36cm x W112cm x D80cm
Common areas
- Cozy and bright restaurant hall with large panoramic windows
- Lounge area for relaxation with a wide selection of board games, books and travel guides, a 55” multimedia screen, and free WiFi
- Sundeck to enjoy sailing and outdoor dining
Vita Pugna
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- air conditioning in the whole barge
- sundeck
- WiFi available in common areas
- 10 cabins
- 21 guests in low beds
Vita Pugna
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- air conditioning in the whole barge
- WiFi in common areas
- 10 cabins
- 21 guests in low beds
After many years as cargo boat Vita Pugna has been totally renewed in the beginning of the 1990s in order to start her new life as floating hotel along the Dutch canals. After a famous long journey from Holland to Italy, this charming Dutch lady has been sailing with great success between Venice and Mantova since 2008. It is a small barge capable of passing under low bridges and navigating on shallow water, typical of Italian waterways. View more details
Bike and barge tours
See all tours
Cabins
Cozy and typical wooden furniture design.
10 cabins
- 9 lower deck twin cabins 7-8 sq.m (B)
- 1 lower deck twin/triple cabin 7-8 sq.m (C)
- one cabin can accommodate 3 people (3 low beds)
Features
- Comfortable low beds (1.90/2.00 m x 0.75/0.80 m)
- En-suite facilities
- Opening portholes
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- Safe deposit box
- Under at least one of the two beds there is an empty space for luggage storage: H40cm x W150cm x D75cm
Common areas
- Spacious air-conditioned restaurant and lounge bar area with free WiFi
- Sundeck to enjoy sailing
Bikes
You can rent the bike type that suits you best. You will find it at the starting point of the tour and you have to return it at the end of the last cycling stage: easy, isn’t it? Touring bikes, electric bikes, tandems, accessories: our mechanics know them down to the last bolt, assemble them and continually overhaul them at our headquarters or at the nearest base of operations. The rental of Girolibero bikes includes insurance against theft and irreparable damage. See Girolibero bikes in detail.
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour. Furthermore, thanks to the step-through frame, getting on and off your bike is easier.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- lock
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Our e-bike is the right choice if you do not feel trained enough to spend more days on a saddle. You can easily adjust the assistance of the electric motor: from a mild pedaling support, to a more intense boost, which is especially useful on starts and uphill climbs. The battery charge covers an entire cycling stage, or even more if you don’t use it at full power all the time, and you can recharge it at the end of the day at the hotel .
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- frame lock
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- battery charger
- battery key
- repair kit
- lock
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Men's touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Men's touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- lock
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Hybrid Bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- suitable for individuals with a body height of 165 cm and above
Hybrid Bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- suitable for individuals with a body height of 165 cm and above
A sportier, lighter model with thinner tires than the touring bike. Straight handlebars allow a comfortable stance while pedaling.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- bottle holder
- rear rack
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- lock
Child bike 24"
- age: 8-10 years old
- body height: min 135-max 148 cm
- 24” wheel
- 7 speed
Child bike 24"
- age: 8-10 years old
- body height: min 135-max 148 cm
- 24” wheel
- 7 speed
Equipped with anti-puncture tires and comfort gel saddle.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- rear rack
Accessories included
- repair kit
Child bike 20’'
- age: 6-8 years old
- body height: min 120 cm -max 135 cm
- 20″ wheel
- 7 speed
Child bike 20’'
- age: 6-8 years old
- body height: min 120 cm -max 135 cm
- 20″ wheel
- 7 speed
Equipped with anti-puncture tires and comfort gel saddle.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- rear rack
Accessories included
- repair kit
Family tandem
- 1 adult + 1 child 6-8 years old
- 26” wheel
- 11 speed
Family tandem
- 1 adult + 1 child 6-8 years old
- 26” wheel
- 11 speed
Tandem to carry an adult and a 6-8 year-old child. The adult sitting in the back rides, while the child sits in the front and may not pedal.
Recommended for body height: adult min 155 cm and max 200 cm; child min 120 cm and max 135 cm.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12.5 l)
- lock
- repair kit
Pino hase bike
- 20/26” wheel
- 27 gears
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Pino hase bike
- 20/26” wheel
- 27 gears
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Two-person tandem: driver sits in back, passenger in front (and may not ride).
Thanks to the reclined front seating position, the passenger is more relaxed during cycling and communicates easily with the driver. Both riders enjoy panoramic views.
Recommended for body height: driver min 155 and max 195 cm; passenger min 130 and max 195 cm.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12.5 l)
- water bottle
- front map holder
- lock
- repair kit
Child trailer
- Age: between 11 months and 4 years old
- weight: max 35 kg
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Child trailer
- Age: between 11 months and 4 years old
- weight: max 35 kg
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Appendix to be attached to the back of the adult bike. Complete with belts to secure the child, windproof semi-waterproof fabric cover, clear pvc window.
Recommended for carrying a child 11 months-4 years old, max 35 kg. Upon request, the “hammock” seat can be included to carry a baby younger than 11 months old. Can only be mounted on unisex touring bikes.
FollowMe tandem + 20" bike
- age: 6-8 years old
- height: min 120, max 135 cm
- weight: max 30kg
- includes hitch + baby bike 20″
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
FollowMe tandem + 20" bike
- age: 6-8 years old
- height: min 120, max 135 cm
- weight: max 30kg
- includes hitch + baby bike 20″
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Accessory consisting of a hook (to attach to the back of the adult bike) and a 20″ child bike.
If the child wants to ride independently, the hook detaches from the toddler bike and folds onto the adult bike.
Recommended for carrying children 6-8 years old, min height 120 and max 135 cm, max weight 30 kg. Can only be mounted on unisex touring bikes for hire.
Rear seat
- age: 1-5 years old
- weight: max 22kg
- reclining backrest
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Rear seat
- age: 1-5 years old
- weight: max 22kg
- reclining backrest
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Accessory to be attached above the rear rack of the adult bike. The backrest reclines, which is useful when the child falls asleep.
Approved for a child 1-5 years old, maximum weight 22 kg. Can only be mounted on unisex touring bikes.
Adult tandem
- 26” wheel
- 8 or 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Adult tandem
- 26” wheel
- 8 or 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Tandem for two adults: the driver sits in the front and both of them pedal.
Recommended for body height: min 155 and max 200 cm.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- front bag (7 l)
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12.5 l)
- lock
- repair kit
Handlebar bag
- dimensions: 27cm x 18cm
- depth: 6cm
- 4 velcro straps
Handlebar bag
- dimensions: 27cm x 18cm
- depth: 6cm
- 4 velcro straps
Ortlieb bag
- material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
- dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
- weight: 1300 g
- capacity: 12,5 l
Ortlieb bag
- material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
- dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
- weight: 1300 g
- capacity: 12,5 l
Waterproof side bag whose compact size makes it the ideal partner for short trips or shopping. Through the QL1 mounting system, it can be quickly and easily attached to the bike.
Assistance
Luggage transportation
Traveling light makes all the difference! All travel itineraries come with our signature luggage transport service: simply leave your bags at the front desk each morning and we’ll drop them off at your next lodging.
Tour information
We’ll send you all the tour information before you set off on your adventure. It contains practical information, instructions on how to reach the starting point, a list of hotels, and answers to frequently asked questions. For our self-guided tours, we’ll also hand over detailed maps and roadbooks, in either physical or digital format, so you can follow the route on your own.
No need to worry about figuring out which turn to take if you opted for one of our group trips; in this case, your chaperone will gladly tell you where to go next!
Need help?
We plan your trip carefully to prevent any mishaps, but in case you need assistance, we’re available for support 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Discover more
Girolibero cycling holidays
Holidays on cycle paths and the best cycle tourism routes in Italy and Europe, featuring accommodation in selected facilities, luggage transport services, informational materials, bike rentals, and dedicated assistance.
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