CycleItalia
Their motto is "Pedala Forte, Mangia Bene" which translates to "pedal hard, eat well". And that basically sums it up. The company is owned and run (VERY hands-on) by two ex-racers, and their trips are anything but wimpy. The shorter Tasting Serives trips (7 days) are an average of 70km, and the longer Classic Road and Legendary Climb trips average 100km as well as climbs, plenty of climbs. However, CycleItalia take s food and wine just as seriously. The owner-guides are experts in all-things-Italian and as the name suggests, this it the only country they tour in.
However, they have many options. Companions - It is interesting that a company that advertises some of their rides as having daily climbs of 5-9,000 feet, also advertises the fact that they encourage couples that may have different riding abilities. In other words, they won't make you feel bad if you are in the SAG van for part of the ride, in fact, they providing some tours that cater to non-riding spouses. However, with the Classic Road and Legendery Climb series, you can be sure that the majority of your traveling companions will be very very strong riders. The emphasis on food and wine ensures that there will be plenty of fun in the evenings. According to our sources ... sometimes at lunch, too! .
- Operator Type:
Full-Service Operator - Website:
http://www.cycleitalia.com/ - Price Tier:
$$$ - Avg Price Per Day:
$456 - Services:
- Country:
Italy
16 Reviews
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This is the way to see Italy. Larry and Heather ( the owners and tour leaders) are VERY passionate about Italy. This fact is reflected in their bicycle routes, lodgings, meal selections and the proper wine to accompany the food. We have used many different tour operations and found CycleItalia to be the best. Their group size is small, rental bikes are well maintained, and it is very easy to relax and enjoy La dolce vita in biciciletta. We will use them again to explore more of the good life on the bicycle.
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I chose CycleItalia after a lot of research and had the best cycling experince of my life to date. I picked a very challenging 2 week trip in the Northern passes of Italy. … They were encouraging when it was needed but let each of us experience the days as we wanted. It was great to ride right beside them or know the van would be looking out for us if needed. The courses/itenerary they have are the ultimate for a self challenge and the scenery was the greatest. They have formed very special relationships at our accomodations and this added to the ambience of the Italian cycling experience. It was also nice the way they have it set up that some days we had multiple nights at the same place. I felt like family or a close friend after a day and they made the “hard work” of cycling VERY fun!! There were lots of laughs! They leave no stone unturned to provide for the details from the time they pick you up until you’re dropped off at the airport…
My husband and I have taken six cycling vacations with Cycle Italia and have had a great trip each time. Our trip this past summer was their Mountains to the Sea trip that started from their headquarters hotel in the Piedmont area and ended along the Ligurian coast. We’re intrigued by their new tour in Sardinia, but do not plan another trip to Europe until 2012. My husband is an avid cyclist, loves to climb and is always up for another challenge. He’s smiling even when he’s toiling up some fierce grades. In contrast, I am not a high performance cyclist in the least but still love every minute of being in Italy. Larry has an opening line at the first dinner of each trip when he states that ‘the only competition on Cycle Italia tours is to see who can have the best vacation.’ It’s up to you to define what that means…
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I have been on three consecutive tours with this company and have signed up for a fourth. The groups are small and friendly, the trip planning is meticulous, the lodging and food are phenomenal and the rides are sensational with varied terrain and superb scenery. If you like to ride hard and eat well, this is your tour!
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The perfect combination of style and substance. A classy tour of the Italian countryside with climbs so hard that you may only see the tops of your shoes! If you want to eat yourself silly, this is the way to do it… after a 50 km ride to lunch you swear you will never eat again, then 50k more to dinner and you are starving. The hosts end up like family and I can’t imagine going on a trip like it with anyone else. I have also met some friends who will remain so for life.
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I would recommend CycleItalia to anyone who is looking for a combination of riding (with plenty of challenges) and an Italian experience to remember. Heather & Larry love Italy and really know their stuff. Well researched rides, good accommodation, fantastic food and incredible local knowledge make for a holiday to remember. Without experienced operators like these guys you’d never find these rides or great little places. I’ve been with them on a number of occasions and will be back for more.
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I have done a number of trips with Cycle Italia,… Each one has been a great experience. Larry and Heather are knowledgeable riders and food and wine connoisseurs. The size of each tour group is kept at a readily manageable level so you’re never stuck on a large bus. The routes chosen are superb. If you love to ride and love to eat well, this is the tour company for you.
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The fact that they arrange travel from the airport, is a HUGE plus. I have traveled with some of the most expensive bike tour groups, and had a terrible (and often expensive) time trying to get to the starting point as they are often hotels in small out-of-the way towns.
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One stop shop for great riding and GREAT food! Just show up and it is all taken care of. Owner/operators are nice as they have a real interest in your satisfaction. Not a wimpy tour. Good stuff! Cycle Forte; Mange Bene! or something like that…
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This specialized operator has a wealth of knowledge about cycling in Europe. They are former racers, who have been operating tours for over 16 years. Both speak Italian anf French, and the tour size is small-no more than 12, so that everyone gets a seat in the van or car, should that be necessary. Accommodations are first rate, happy hour every afternoon with a brief description of the next days ride. And, no one gets beat up through cutthroat challenges to crest the pass first.
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Overall, an excellent tour — well thought-out itinerary, challenging yet fun rides, and lots of great food when off the bike. Best of all, there’s no pressure to ride (which is especially important if your significant other isn’t into cycling as much as you are). Larry and Heather really do their homework in setting up a great tour.
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Would HIGHLY recommend CycleItalia for Italian Tours. Their motto is “Pedala Forte, Mangia Bene,” which roughly translated means pedal hard, eat well. Their tours fit this motto well – the rides are challenging, the accomodations are excellent, and the tour support is excellent.
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My wife and I did a self-guided tour of Piedmont with CycleItalia and had a fantastic time. Heather and Larry did everything to make our trip an adventurous and satisfying experience. We would highly recommend CycleItalia to anyone thinking of doing a cycling trip in Italy. We would would also commend the staff and services at Hotel Arrioto. The food and lodging were first rate.
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We have been on eight trips with CycleItalia (starting in 2002) and looking forward to our 9th in 2015. It would be impossible to find two people besides Larry and Heather who have such passion for the entire experience of Italian bicycling, food, wine, regional charms and a biking experience for everyone. They are the owners of CycleItalia and your companions throughout your trip. I am not a strong cyclist while my husband loves the daily 100 km challenges. CycleItalia meets both of our expectations in a bicycling vacation.
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Intimate accommodating flexible and challenging – it delivers what it promises: pedala forte, mangia bene (pedal hard, eat great).
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My husband and I went on the Grand Alpi tour with Cycleitalia. I do not bike, but still thoroughly enjoyed the trip. I rode in the van each day so I saw the same marvelous scenery and had a chance to eat the same delicious food at lunch with the wonderful people on the trip along with Larry & Heather the leaders. I highly recommend this trip, even if you don’t bike.
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I did a self-directed tour of Monferrato area of Italia. The area is gorgeous with many rolling hills and small villages through wine country. The Hotel Ariotto recommended by the tour group was a great place to stay.
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