We were bike fitted with very comfortable bikes which we enjoyed riding. The GPS was excellent although we did misplace ourselves now and then. The rides went through very beautiful Tuscan country and lovely villages. My favourite was Lucca. Thanks for providing great equipment we enjoyed this week of our holiday in Italy.
The Via Francigena is well signed and has a lot of different scenery, wheat and hazelnut farms, forests old towns etc and great different accommodation each night.
If a visit to a prestigious champagne producer or cellar constitutes an unmissable part of your trip, uncovering the secrets of the vineyards and of wine, you will also ride through the 'other' Champagne following the Wine Route : more secret and intimate, whose rolling slopes are among the most beautiful riches the Champagne region has to offer!
Known around the world for its wines, Champagne is also a popular destination for cycling, offering an ideal playground. Ride among the vineyards and terraced hillsides where Champagne villages, chateaux, and churches are nestled. Enjoy panoramic viewpoints overlooking the vineyards and picturesque villages. The winemakers' open their doors to you, for tastings and tours of the cellars. They will passionately explain their know-how while showing you around their property.
It's no surprise that Lake Garda is northern Italy's most popular destination. Full of beauty and history, lush green hills frame the clear waters as each point around the lake has its own unique character and charm. We have chosen the southern tip of the lake as our base, perched on the edge of the Mincio River. Our routes take you through diverse landscapes and towns around Lake Garda and along the river, on both the Lombardy and Veneto sides of the water. Cycle through vineyards, medieval towns, and along the famous Sirmione peninsula with its ancient castle. There's plenty to see along the way as you can visit UNESCO Heritage sites, Roman ruins, and of course, relax lakeside. There are also opportunities to sample the local wines in Bardolino and Valpolicella, regarded as some of the country's finest reds.
This is not just a cycling holiday it is an immersion into local Tuscan life, from wine and oil sampling to hot thermal spa baths and the chance to taste local wines and olive oils. Sample the Vino Nobile of Monepulciano, rich Pecorino cheese in Pienza or take a bath in Roman Bagno Vignoni.
Fantastic 5-days of cycling in a beautiful part of Italy. Michele guided us through his home patch wonderfully with great choices for coffee (and cake) stops in the mornings and great lunch stops too. Loved the light-touch history and culture (especially the football). One pretty challenging day of cycling in the trip (Verona-Vicenza) but made it up the big hill in the afternoon and enjoyed the coasting downhill after our picnic. All the overnights were in cities which made for lots of choice over dinner options and Italian food didn't disappoint. Had such a variety over the week. Padua and Venice are both cities that would warrant further visits. Just amazing, and despite a horrible forecast the weather was very kind too.
Crete is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful destinations in Greece - and rightly so! Eastern Crete in particular has retained its genuine character and style and holds its place as the 'quieter' side of the island. With plenty to see and many local tavernas to enjoy, don't forget to sample the national drink Raki alongside your delicious Greek meze.
This trip offers a unique experience to explore Crete in the best way, on two wheels! You'll cycle the islands spectacular coastline, passing through the intriguing villages of Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra and Rethimno. With important archaeological sites to visit and tranquil golden beaches to relax on, there's heaps to admire in between your rides.
The accommodations on this trip are mostly family-run and traditionally Cretan. While Crete is typically home to more simple accommodations, these have all been chosen for their great location, services, and comfort.
We explore the very best of this captivating region from our start point in Alberobello, known for its UNESCO-listed Trulli houses, to the end point in Lecce, known as the 'Florence of the South'.
The daily routes take you through the Murghe plateau, the Salento plain or along the coast. Discover a landscape of ancient olive groves, long fields of grain and vineyards.
The architecture of the region takes you from the conical Trulli houses in Alberobello, the white city of Ostuni, past traditional masserie, coastal watchtowers and splendid Baroque towns. The region is filled with spectacular views; beautiful coastline and mouth-watering cuisine.
This holiday is offered with a choice of mainly 3 Star, or mainly 4 Star accommodation. The 3 Star accommodation is listed on the hotels page.
The Peloponnese is the Greece of myth and legend. Hera bathed in the Carathus spring near Epidaurus, the attack against Troy was led from Mycenae and it was in Lerna that Hercules killed the Hydra, a mythical beast with many heads. Aside from being the cradle of Greek civilisation, it is also astoundingly beautiful. The mountainous region of Arcadia has thick pine forests and meadows alive to the scent of wild mint and the gently sloping lowlands towards the coast are a tangle of vineyards and citrus and olive groves, bright with oleander bushes.
Embark on a timeless journey through Italy, where history, art, and natural beauty converge. From the ancient grandeur of Rome, with its iconic Colosseum and the Vatican's awe-inspiring masterpieces, to the romantic allure of the Amalfi Coast, where sun-kissed beaches and charming villages line the coastline. Immerse yourself in the heart of Tuscany, renowned for its world-class wines, picturesque landscapes, and historic cities like Florence and Siena. Discover the Cinque Terre, a collection of five colorful villages perched on cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea, offering breathtaking views and quaint charm. This extraordinary tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, promising unforgettable memories.
From Bastia to Calvi, discover the north coast with stunning landscapes, unspoilt beaches, heritage and rich tradition.
Discover the exceptional landscapes between sea and mountains, but also the authentic villages on the first leg of the new GT20 cycling route. Follow coastal routes, pedal from village to village, taking the time to stop for a drink in a cafe and chat with the locals.
Taste the Corsican unique flavours with its charcuterie: richly-marbled coppa, lonzu, prisuttu and figatellu. Fish and seafood are accented with local herbs including oregano, marjoram and mint. Honey and chestnuts are other staple island products. Other delights that should not be missed are the aromatic wines with their own strong identity from L'Ile-Rousse and Calvi.
Through the enchanting landscapes, this cycling route will introduce you to the authentic taste of Corsica.
Smell the delicate and fruity fragrances spreading from the famous wine properties bearing suggestive names, and dream about the glorious & turbulent past of the old properties you will cross.
The vines of Bordeaux are some of the most famous in the world. Blaye, Margaux, Saint-Emilion, 'Entre deux mer' : these are prestigious appellations and terroirs that you will explore. The diversity of the wine-growing districts allows for the production of many different types of wines such as reds, dry or sweet whites, roses, light reds and sparkling whites. The Bordeaux vineyards include 6,000 chateaux, historic villages, medieval cities, archeological sites and ancient Roman churches. The winegrowers open up their vineyards for wine tastings, wine courses and numerous cultural and gourmet discoveries.
Unbottle the Bordeaux vineyards and take off on a spirited discovery of this iconic wine-growing region.
This short break, gentle and unhurried cycling holiday follows a triangular route through the heart of the great Loire Valley. Highlights include the majestic chateaux of Amboise and Chambord, and the rich Renaissance splendour of Chenonceau. You'll pass vineyards, sunflowers fields and pretty, sleepy villages, before pedalling gently along shady riverbanks and out through open countryside abundant with wildlife.
On each cycling day, you'll have the opportunity to taste dozens of different wines - stopping at big wineries or village vineyards as the mood takes you - in a wine region more varied and diverse than any other in the world.
Enjoy the sweet and peaceful 'Art de Vivre' in boutique hotels and relax with a glass of local wine by the pool.