Cycling Tours in Italy

What Are the Best Regions for Cycling Tours in Italy?

Italy offers a diverse range of excellent regions for cycling tours, catering to various skill levels and preferences. Leisure cyclists will love Tuscany and Umbria whilst the best family cycling holidays Italy has to offer includes Puglia and Sardinia, both of which offer flat roads, stunning views and incredible pasta. The Dolomites and the Italian Alps are ideal for climbers and experienced riders whilst the blue waters of Lake Garda enchant every type of cyclist.

The High Alps The Famous Climbs

Cycling vacations in Italy don't come much better than Alps bike tours and the Italian Alps in particular, offer iconic cycling. The legendary Passo Stelvio, with its 48 hairpins from Prato, will challenge you to ride harder and further.

Our Stelvio trips are self guided but most people come for for 5–7 days, more if you want to cover some of the other incredible passes in the region. This trip is only for road cyclists and climbers as the Stelvio is one of the toughest ascents in Europe. You need to have trained properly and be prepared for long, sustained climbs at altitude.

The pass usually opens from late May through late September, though this is always weather-dependent. For those chasing something unforgettable, our top tip is to ride the Stelvio as soon as it opens, when the year has been rich in snowfall. It means pedalling between towering snow walls on either side of the road, an epic and surreal sight.

Prices for the trip generally start at around $795, nearly doubling in the peak summer months. One insider tip: hiring a car can cut costs significantly, as airport transfers are often the priciest part of the package.

Head north to the Dolomites, where craggy peaks and sheer cliffs define this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. From late May through September, once the high passes are open, you can tackle legendary routes where every bend reveals sweeping mountain views. This is a trip that is ideal for experienced road cyclists and climbers. There is no flat, just epic ascents and thrilling descents! Weather in the Dolomites is notoriously changeable, so our top tip for those long days on the bike, even in sunshine, a windbreaker is essential.

For those seeking unforgettable Dolomites bike tours, the Sella Ronda is a must-do, with the annual Sella Ronda Bike Day transforming the region into a traffic-free cyclist’s paradise. If you’re planning self guided bike tours Italy, keep in mind the Maratona dles Dolomites, the first Sunday of July. Either join this world-class event or avoid that week if you're not riding the event. With epic climbs, thrilling descents, and a true sense of adventure, the Dolomites deliver a cycling holiday like no other.

Consider too whether you hire a car from Venice airport, it can drastically reduce your price.

Lake Garda's Shorelines And Hillsides

Lake Garda cycling holidays are hugely popular for those riders looking to explore Italy. Lake Garda offers everything from scenic lakeside rides to vineyard-draped climbs on the surrounding slopes. Trips start from around $995, though it’s best to avoid the busy summer peak when both crowds and prices soar.

For those joining self-guided Lake Garda bike tours, the real highlights are often away from the shoreline. Ride into the mountains for 70–100 mile routes with epic climbs and breathtaking views. If you’d rather keep things relaxed, electric bike tours Italy open up the same landscapes, making vineyard routes and hilltop rides accessible to every type of cyclist.

The Best Cycling Climbs in Italy

Italy is synonymous with climbing. With the highest paved road in the Alps and climbs burned into the consciousness from the Giro d'Italia, Italy is climbing heaven. Here are our five favourite cycling climbs in Italy.

Passo Stelvio The 48 Hairpins

Iconic and legendary, the Passo Stelvio offers breathtaking Alpine views. Ride from Prato or Bormio to experience its epic 48 switchbacks.

Passo Giau The Dramatic Dolomites

A must-ride mountain pass, the Passo Giau challenges cyclists with its dramatic switchbacks and steep gradients. Featured in the Maratona Dles Dolomites, it's a bucket list climb.

Madonna del Ghisallo The Pilgrimage

More than a climb, it's a pilgrimage to the soul of cycling near Lake Como. The chapel atop holds cycling memorabilia, honouring the sport's legends.

Passo Mortirolo The Relentless Ascent

Renowned for its relentless gradients, the Mortirolo is a test of endurance. The ascent from Mazzo is memorable, passing the Marco Pantani memorial before in amongst Alpine views.

Passo Gavia The Giro d'Italia Icon

Steeped in cycling history, the Passo Gavia is a challenging climb with routes from Bormio or Ponte de Lego.