For these six British cycling enthusiasts, May 2024 was the month for exploring the best of what Northern Italy has to offer. For nine days, we snaked our way from the picturesque shores of Lake Garda, up through the dramatic mountainscape of Trentino, and down through the foothills towards our destination in the lesser-known paradise of Veneto’s volcanic wine hills.
This group requested a mix of traffic-free roads and light gravel, a variety of unique stays, and ample food and wine to recharge the batteries. It’s fair to say that this trip ticked all these boxes in equal measures!
Traffic-Free Exploration
Thanks to the incredible network of designated cycle paths and peaceful military roads in this area, we could immerse ourselves in the sounds of wildlife, flowing rivers, and the background chatter of locals ordering their next Aperol Spritz. Riding side-by-side, without the concern of approaching cars or dangerous manoeuvres, meant that we could relax into the rhythm of conversation and truly enjoy our environment. Some of the cycle paths chosen for this tour look as if they were carved by Michelangelo himself; narrow, winding lanes cut through thick vineyards, and elevated ridges host butter-smooth tarmac that carries you above serene lakes, turquoise rivers and vibrant poppy fields. It’s fair to say that riding on busy roads is a thing of the past out here; once you know where to look, you soon realise that remote and peaceful cycle paths are the future!
‘Tutti Insieme!’ (Everyone Together!)
Cycling is now 100% inclusive, and we LOVE IT! We’ve entered an era in which choosing a group to cycle with is no longer limited to fitness levels and ability. E-bikes prevent anybody from being left behind – on the climbs, or the holiday itself – and provide a safety net for those who want to savour Italy’s delights, but with a helping hand on the steeper stuff! This group rented a variety of gravel bikes from our friends at Basso Bikes: the quick and comfortable Tera (for long distances), the adrenaline-inducing Palta (the gravel racer), and the beautiful, pedal-assisted Volta (a discreetly electric gravel bike with a range of 220 km). We are extremely excited about this new chapter in cycling holidays, where the boundaries of athleticism and training time no longer decide whether you can come or not. E-bikes put the power back into your hands: decide when to employ the battery, how much to challenge yourselves, and when to leave everyone else in your dust. Cycling holidays should be inclusive and stress-free, and this is finally the reality.
Heavenly Hospitality
SURPRISE! We love to keep some of the most remarkable parts of the trip secret for our guests; it brings us great joy to see the looks on their faces as we roll up to the next breathtaking, undisclosed location. To keep this group on their toes, we carefully selected hospitality that contrasted with anywhere previously visited and boasted something unique and authentic that connected them to the local area.
Ready to Roll?
If our May adventure has inspired you, why not let us create a perfectly personalised cycling holiday just for you? Whether you crave serene lake swims, exhilarating mountain climbs, or the taste of local wines, we can tailor every aspect of your trip to match your desires. Our goal is to make your dream cycling holiday a reality, with all the unique experiences and hidden gems Northern Italy has to offer.
Get in touch with us today to start planning your bespoke cycling holiday.