Italy Bike Tour Reviews
- Albania
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia and H…
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- England
- Estonia
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Holland
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Scotland
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Turkey
- United States
- Vietnam
- ★★★★★ John
Nice route, good bikes, great hotels, flakey FunActive app
Dolomites to Trieste via Lake Bled at the Foot of the Julian Alps
Very nice route. The instructions at times were too terse so that we did not know that we had a private ride at one point and thought it to be public transport. The exit from Bled went very smoothly but again we did not know quite what was planned beforehand. Initial pickup of the bikes and documents also was not clear and we had to go to the FunActive office to arrange that.
The final leg to Trieste could be improved, we took both the recommended and our improved route so know this to be so (I can supply the GPX if wanted).
The FunActive App is comprehensive but often stops functioning and uses a lot of battery. It would be better if it had less functionality but always worked.
Bikes were great. The front-box supplied did not fit the guidebook supplied!
Hotels and their meals were all great.
- ★★★★★ Ray Friedman
Excellent routes. Beautiful. Some issues with service.
Dolomites to Trieste via Lake Bled at the Foot of the Julian Alps
The trip, overall, was wonderful. Beautiful views and great trails. We had a few problems communicating with the staff, which I’ll come back to.
The first day was gorgeous. Going through the Dolomites, on dedicated bike trails that were full of everything from serious riders to families with kids on bikes. Nice graduate downhill. Our ebikes used only 2 out of 5 bars on the battery indicator. Ended at a very small town, Oberdrauburg, which had a grocery, a few restaurants, and one of the best cake shops I have ever been to! But now much else to do.The second day to Feistritz was a bit less exciting, we were on (mostly empty) roads about half the time, and again you end in a very small town. If it is warm, bring your swimsuit with you! You pass a lake with nice beaches and hundreds of people out sunning themselves. Closer to the Feinstritz, there was wonderful local outdoor swim club. After getting our swimsuits, we backtracked about 15 minutes to that swim club. A nice way to spend the late afternoon.
The third day was spectacular! The scenery was amazing, and the dedicated bike trails were also amazing. There is some uphill on this day, and a bit of easy road riding, but it ends a Bled which is stunning. We got to swim again.
The fourth day took a bit more concentration, with some time on bigger roads. Not too much traffic, but there were a few trucks. Ended at Cividale, which is a UNESCO World Heritage town that I had never heard of. Seeing Cividale was the big payoff for this day.
The fifth day was a lot on gravel roads through flat fields. Think Nebraska corn fields, but with grape vines. The biking was good exercise, but not so beautiful. However, Udine was another big surprise. A small town that was very much worth the time. Don’t take the shortcut that misses Udine! We ended at The Franz hotel, which has a pool that was very much appreciated after a hot day of biking.
The last ride was to Trieste. We decided to play it safe and do the inland route. It was actually quite beautiful, and we were happy to avoid the stress of cars on the coastal route. Once in Trieste, it was very hard to follow the route and to navigate the city. We loved the city, but just not on bikes. We stayed an extra day in Trieste and really enjoyed it. A beautiful city, that was not nearly as crowded as more well-known tourist spots in Italy.
Overall, the hotels were OK. The first three did not have A/C, and two of those had no elevator. We managed to carry our luggage to the third floor, but we were tired and hot. This is an issue only in the summer months. The heat while biking was not so bad, but some of the hotel rooms were around 80 degrees.
The app worked well for guidance except I had to learn that when it said “In 90 meters…” it really meant about 20 or 30 meters. And it occasionally got left and right backwards (I just followed the map on my phone). Still, it worked well. Do beware that it needs to be running constantly, so burns through power on your cell phone. I learned to be careful to stop it when we took breaks, and we switched to my wife’s phone mid-day. SHOW MORE
My only big annoyance was communication with the staff. There was no one to meet you and show you how to control the ebike when you arrive (there was a video introduction in German). We found our way to the bike shop, but they were clearly unhappy to be dealing with us. We had arranged to rent helmets, but these were not with the bikes, and there was no explanation of what to do. We called the contact number, they told us the bike shop would have them. But the bike shop initially said that they don’t do that (it got cleared up with a call to the office). I had problems with the seat, and the shop said they couldn’t swap seats. Fair enough, but then I had to push them to adjust the seat (slide it back on the rail a bit) to make it better, and they were clearly unhappy doing that simple adjustment. They warned us that we were responsible for the bikes, so I was surprised they only provide one lock for two bikes. The office told us to pick up a second one at the shop, but the shop refused. I found out that at the first hotel, the plugs are spread apart, so you couldn’t plug them in and lock them together. It was not clear if that would be the case at the other hotels, so I asked if we can leave one unlocked in the hotel, if needed. They said it “should” be OK. I was hoping for a clear answer, since they emphasized that we are responsible for the bikes.
Overall, a great trip. We loved the route. The bikes and app worked fine. The hotels were good except for the heat in a few of them. Communication with the company was the main issue. (By the way, the bike shop staff in Trieste were wonderful.)
I’m glad we did the trip. Wish they could have made it easier on the first day.
SHOW LESS - ★★★★★ Kaitlin N
Beautiful, unique
Florence to Rome
This tour was a great distance, deal, and experience. We loved visiting the small towns and exploring the unique parts of the countryside. The app was helpful for navigation and the accommodations were nice, although they varied a lot in their offerings and quality in each place. I wish we had more information about food and town stops along the way - many restaurants were closed as we moved through the towns, and in 105 degree F heat, the lack of access to rest stops and water was very challenging!
- What was the date of your tour?
- June-July 2026
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ Margaret McDonagh
What An Adventure!!
Florence to Rome
It was an amazing way to experience Umbria! We were on the self-guided tour from Florence to Rome. There were four of us, all women, and we had the BEST time! It was beautiful, we saw things we could not have seen any other way. We had random experiences that couldn’t have happened on a train or in a car. It was HOT!! The first two days were around 100° F and that was tough. Two of us were on E-bikes and we were super grateful for that! The E-bikes were pedal assist, so we still were pedaling all the time. Considering how hilly it was, including one legitimate mountain pass, combined with the heat I don’t know that I would’ve survived on a regular bike. The hotels were all nice, having our luggage moved each day for us was great. We had an app that gave us turn by turn directions, which was also its own adventure. I think the only really tricky part is that it can be very difficult to find places open for lunch in the midday in Italy. We weren’t as ready for that! Thank goodness for the kebab shop that saved us the first day and for Panini Despetti the second day! Overall, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever asked my body to do; it was also the greatest adventure!! A dream come true for me and I’m so grateful for all of it! Most of all I’m grateful for the friends I convinced to join me on this wild ride!!!
- What was the date of your tour?
- June/July 2026
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was my first one
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ Sharon Bergren
European destination which is a mix of well defined bicycle paths and options for hiking.
Bicycle Paths of the Dolomites (based in one hotel)
Our self-guided bike trip app provided excellent scenic bicycling routes which we coupled with hiking trails, gondola rides to mountain tops, and informative tours of castles and historic sites.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2026
- How many tours have you completed?
- more than a dozen
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ Linda london
Amazing adventure
Bicycle Paths of the Dolomites (based in one hotel)
This trip far exceeded my expectations. The bike tour staff was available and helpful prior to the trip. The hotel Lauren where we stayed was immaculate and the meals were those of a Michelin star restaurant. We hadn’t expected dinner to be included so that was a really nice surprise. The app for our phone was very useful and the routes we rode were each unique and allowed us to explore different parts of the dolomites. We rode E. bikes and were appreciative of the assist. The bikes arrived at our hotel in perfect, well maintained condition. I have recommended this trip to our friends who ride. I can’t imagine how it could have been improved.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ Nils Sellgren
Most interesting tour through Puglia's historic towns, olive groves and vineyards
Cycling in the Heart of Puglia
We cycled through the heel of Italy, from northeast to southwest, and experienced a different Italy than in the north. Charming stays in small and ancient towns, where the hosts were very hospitable. Wine and olive oil tastings were very interesting. The experience with "Trulli" houses was very special. In general, it was easy cycling, on local country roads.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ Linda london
Amazing adventure
Bicycle Paths of the Dolomites (based in one hotel)
This trip far exceeded my expectations. The bike tour staff was available and helpful prior to the trip. The hotel Lauren where we stayed was immaculate and the meals were those of a Michelin star restaurant. We hadn’t expected dinner to be included so that was a really nice surprise. The app for our phone was very useful and the routes we rode were each unique and allowed us to explore different parts of the dolomites. We rode E. bikes and were appreciative of the assist. The bikes arrived at our hotel in perfect, well maintained condition. I have recommended this trip to our friends who ride. I can’t imagine how it could have been improved.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ Jen Cos
Dolomites
Bicycle Paths of the Dolomites (based in one hotel)
I had a great trip with friends. The ebikes were amazing. The Hotel Laurin's was fabulous, centrally located. All our pickups or dropoffs were good. The information about our rides was very helpful and accurate. I would highly recommend this trip!
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2026
- How many tours have you completed?
- three
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ James Allan Krause
Safe, well-marked trails, interesting stopover points, great accommodation and breakfasts, friendly culture
Bolzano – Verona – Venice
This was our fourth bike trip and second in Italy. Once again, it was rewarding. This ride began in Bolzano in a northeast region feeling more like Austria than Italy. With an extra day added at the beginning the Hotel Regina provided us with a gondola and train ride up to the mountain plateau to highland communities bordering the city. The nature and view there were worth the time. Back down in the orderly urban centre, we visited a museum devoted to Otiz, the 5000 year old iceman mummy discovered in the Alps several years ago. The exhibit accompanying this added significantly to our understanding of life in the region in former times and its development since. This all provided a wonderful start to the journey to follow we share with you.
The self guided bike tour itself was reasonable for the most part. We felt it was more aptly described as moderate for those choosing regular bikes, as we did. That being said, the equipment supplied was very good but only a single side pack limited carry along extras. One of the few drawbacks found was some of the legs of the journey were too long. Another irritant was the late checkin and early checkout times of hotels stayed in - still a carry over from the effects of covid. Really, the industry worldwide should revert back to former times in order to return some the value lost to consumers then.
One of the eight days was lost due to extreme rain and wind. Rather than brave hostile conditions, we decided to hop on a train and enjoyed a day touring Verona, a fascinating historical centre. Unfortunately, our suitcases were late in arriving so our time there was marked by having to walk about while still clad in our sports attire. Fortunately, this option was available to us on the day prior to a wildcat day long train strike - one of three such days occurring during the three plus weeks spent in Italy this May. The trains are really a great service but having a plan B in mind is a worthwhile travel strategy.
This bike trip had many unique features. A ferry ride on Lake Garda was one and took place on another day of (at time) heavy showers. The effect of this was the views could not be fully appreciated, but we dried off in a warm cabin after the four hour slog to the dock was completed. On board, the boat ride gave us more insight as to the lifestyle enjoyed and appeal of lakeside living on this massive body of water. Many stops were made on the lake to pick up and drop off passengers at communities on both sides of the lake and there was time for a few card games All in all, the added variety of the four plus hour long trip added to the overall experience.
Bike riding in May means being well prepared for all kinds of weather, from cool, rainy days to serious heat. As said, two days were affected by the former. However, the heat dome that followed began the day our trip ended and took temperatures into the 30s. Prepare well for the possibilities. Good rain gear is highly recommended and this includes waterproof jackets, shoe covers and shoes. All in all, there was enough just space in our bike bag to carry the basic equipment needed. SHOW MORE
Two other mentions would be to ensure navigation devices are capable of maintaining power for up to eight hours. Also, having a device carrier for phones on the handle bars is recommended. Although routes were well marked, having a single page backup map for each day stored in a waterproofed folder ensures no time is wasted staying on course.
The food was another reward. Continental breakfasts were rated good to excellent. A daily dose of Italian gelato found most everywhere added another highlight to each day. Every stopover point was well served with good restaurants and we supplemented meals with trips to supermarkets to add extras, such as fruit, nuts and other snacks. One advantage we found was being from northern lands we were used to eating earlier and restaurants were generally empty until after 7 pm.Italy has so much history and discoveries were made in all stopover points experienced. Venice was spectacular and worthy of the extra day spent there. We were able to take the tram directly from Mestre to Venice for a couple of dollars. The station was right around the corner from the hotel. Honestly, it is really hard to believe the city, with all its massive stone structures, was built on wooden pilings. Overall Italy, we found crowds were smaller in the mornings until around noon. Italians and other locals were generally found to come out en mass in the evenings. Tourist attractions and services can feel crowded then.
Italy is a favorite destination. All along the way, we found Italian people especially helpful and friendly, despite all the tourists. This was also a ‘major' highlight of the journey and experience. We highly recommend this tour to those valuing a warm culture in lands steeped with layers of history still so meaningful to the world at large. A memorable adventure.
SHOW LESS- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ Betty B.
Beyond expectations!
Cycling and Cooking in Tuscany
Every aspect of this trip was well planned and executed with relaxed precision. From the meals to the biking to the places we visited there was ample tome to enjoy every aspect of this adventure.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 12-18, 2026
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
BikeTours.com staff reply from Staff member
Hi Betty,
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed every aspect of the trip. Your photos are absolutely stunning, and your captions make them even more special.
Bozena
- ★★★★★ Scott Reuben
Biking along the Southwest cost of Sardinia
Sardinia: A Mine of Memories
This was a beautiful bike tour hugging the Mediterranean coastline along Southwest Sardinia. The scenery was spectacular and beaches incredible. We found several isolated beaches that we had all to ourselves. The Sardinian people were friendly and the food delicious. Each hotel was excellent and had a pool which was a welcome place to dip in after a day of biking. I would definitely recommend this trip.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2026
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
BikeTours.com staff reply from Staff member
Scott,
Thank you for your lovely review! We're so glad you enjoyed the stunning Sardinian coastline, beautiful beaches, welcoming locals, and delicious food. And your photos look absolutely stunning—they really capture the beauty of the trip! Thank you for the recommendation.
Bozena
- ★★★★★ Gord M
Fantastic trip with amazing hotels locations
Tuscany and Umbria: Cycling in the Heart of Italy
Did this trip unguided and my spouse and adult children (and significant others). While the hills were tough definitely doable for most (spouse was on e-bike). The hotel locations in historic city centers was the highlight. Scenery was spectacular. We did take the recommended day off in Oriveto which was a hit.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ Henry Furlott
Excellent organization, hotels and bikes provided.
Umbria’s Green Valleys From the Pilgrimage Town of Assisi
The Ride with GPS instructions were excellent and so well done. Some roads are close together and bike paths with are right next to roads. All was clear where we had to go. Paolo was terrific to work with, initially when he delivered the bikes, assisting with the routes, etc. He had to follow up as my wife's bike had shifting problems. This was dealt with immediately the next morning (she could still continue the first day, she was concerned that it might damage the bike).
It would have been good to have greater detail of what to expect on the routes we selected. For example, we took the ride only loop on day 5, rather than to Perugia. It was a hot day and the route did NOT go through towns with water available. (fountains particularly to cool off). We had enough drinking water with us, but no extra to pour over ourselves. Also, this route has a lot of loose gravel, even a long, scary, treacherous, winding descent on gravel. I was fine as I'm an experienced mountain biker, but my wife was quite upset with this. People should know ahead of time that you need much greater cycling skills than casual riders on simple bike paths.
I would also HIGHLY recommend that you take the eBikes. I am a strong road rider, but there were many steeper climbs that I expected, not to mention going up those narrow lanes in the hilltop towns. I sure was grateful for this extra power assist, esp. as I carried both panniers (and Paola gave us two extra huge heavy chain locks!!!) If you had your own light (empty) road bike, then you would be okay, but not in such heat. I really didn't want to take an eBike, but I admit it was an excellent decision (pushed by my wife, so that I wouldn't be cooked at the end of each day, even though the distances were quite short). I then had plenty of energy to enjoy the evenings after dinner.- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2026
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2 with companies, but many on my own or with a friend.
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ David Frac
Wonderful bike tour!
Innsbruck to Lake Garda Across the Southern Slopes of the Alps
For perspective, my wife and I are in our early 70's This was our fourth bike tour with BikeTours.com and we absolutely loved it. The scenery was gorgeous, and we loved how we progressed from the snow capped mountains around Innsbruck to the gentler slopes as we approached Lake Garda. The hotels selected for us were wonderful. The bike trails were so well maintained! It seems that this part of the world takes cycling very seriously, as the trails were well used by tourists like us, as well as local sport enthusiasts. The bikes provided were in excellent shape, and luggage transfer was seamless. There were many highlights on this trip, one I will mention in particular were the thermal baths at Merano. We really enjoyed this tour.
- ★★★★★ Svetlana Barsky
Beautiful scenery, fabulous hotel, good routes
Bicycle Paths of the Dolomites (based in one hotel)
It was a self-guided tour with residential stay at Belleview Hotel in Dobbiaco. Hotel boasts fantastic views and fine cuisine dining. Everyone was extremely helpful and welcoming. The routes were well-thought through, with a minibus taking us there or back on some days (saving the need to cycle uphill). Really enjoyed the scenery and the culture. The company app was a great help on finding the way too! The only thing that we were not absolutely happy about were the loose gravel tracks which at times were slippery and not safe for a less experienced cyclist - but the most of routes run (at least partially) on paved paths and are a joy to ride.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2026
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ Neil Bowles and Adele Hogg
Stunning beauty- enjoyed the best way...on electric bikes!
Dolomites to Trieste via Lake Bled at the Foot of the Julian Alps
The whole trip was absolutely wonderful! The tranquil, majestic scenery, lovely bike roads, freedom to cycle at our own pace, and meticulous organization of the whole trip were all perfect!
- ★★★★★ Neil Bowles and Adele Hogg
Glorious!
Piedmont Region: The Italian Garden of Eden
We loved this beautiful part of the world ! The scenery and people were amazing. Our hotels were very comfortable and accommodating, breakfasts were generous, and the organization by Cesare was great.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2026
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Email
Mailing Address
Office Hours