The Best Northern Italy Bike Tours

Whatever your riding ability, and whatever you want to get out of your cycling tour, there's no better place to experience the open roads and cycle paths than northern Italy.

Northern Italy is very well connected with international airports such as Milan, Verona and Venice, so the region is perfect for long weekend getaways as well as longer stays.

And, while you're there, you have the choice of some of Europe’s most picturesque cycle rides.

Whether it be leisurely touring around the unspoilt paradise that is Lake Iseo or seriously challenging yourself on some of the famed, mythical climbs from the Giro d'Italia, the north of Italy truly has something for everyone.

It was difficult to leave any cycle route out, but here is our guide to our favourite rides across  the most beautiful regions that Italy has to offer. You’ll find a selection of our bespoke, handcrafted tours on our site here all curated by us, for you.

Trentino/Alto Adige

Home to the spectacular sawtoothed Dolomites mountain range, Trentino/Alto Adige has long been a coveted destination for cyclists from all over the world thanks to iconic mountain passes and climbs steeped in the lore of the Giro d'Italia. It's not just cyclists who have undertaken pilgrimages - the region has long seduced hikers, climbers, poets and lovers of wildflower meadows, shimmering alpine lakes and breathtaking landscapes.

Best rides:

The Sella Ronda. Often described as the world's most beautiful circuits, the Sella Ronda comprises four stunning passes: the Passo di Campolongo, the Passo di Gardena, the Passo di Sella and the Passo Pordoi all of which prove that there’s nothing quite like cycling the Sella Ronda.

Our trip:

The Best Of The Alps and Dolomites. A handcrafted, 10-day tour of a lifetime that not only allows you to experience the majesty of the Dolomites but also rich and varied culture when you are out of the saddle.

Veneto

Most visitors to the region of Veneto devote all their time to the iconic, unique city of Venice, but there's so much more to this area than gondolas and San Marco's basilica.

Only a short distance away are cities like Padua – with its pre-Renaissance frescoes – Verona and its Romeo and Juliet connections and the Palladio-inspired Vicenza.

And then there's the wine. The region is the home to Prosecco Superiore, while for a change of tact (and strength and flavour) Bassano del Grappa is famous for its, yes, Grappa.

With the snow-capped Dolomites to the north and the Adriatic coast to the southeast, Veneto really does have something for everyone.

Lombardia

Iconic cities like Milan with its cutting-edge fashion and Italian high society juxtaposed with medieval towns, as well as steep hillsides, vast plains, and some of the world's best-known lakes, Lombardia manages to fit a lot within its borders.

Cities and towns like Brescia, Cremona, Crema and Lodi all have medieval cores, but it's the province’s three lakes – Como, Garda and the lesser-known but equally as beautiful Iseo (we're biased because we're based there link: https://italybiketours.com/about-us) - that draw visitors from around the world.

North of Bergamo is the picturesque Orobie Alps; a playground for cyclists of all abilities.

Best rides:

Passo Gavia and Passo Stelvio. Two mountain passes in the far north of the region, and on the border with Trento, The Stelvio is over 21km of relentless elevation and Europe’s highest paved pass, while the Passo Gavia is also a legendary climb. (If you’re ready to test yourself on one of the most physically demanding climbs in Italy, check out our Grand Alps Tour

Our trip:

Luxury Lakes And Vineyards . This stunning seven-day tour allows you to ride along the region's three lakes and its endless cycle paths. The splendour and luxurious feel of Lake Garda, the stunning beauty of Lake Como and unheralded paradise of Lake Iseo all provide magnificent views and lakeside local, authentic culture.

Piedmont

Italy's second-largest region is a purveyor of slow food and fine wine, regal palazzi and refined elegance.

It also has a rich modern history, with the unification movement first beginning here in the 1850s, and the House Of Savoy providing the young nation with its first prime minister and royal family. It's also home to Turin, famous for its fashion, football and Fiats.

With a lush, fertile landscape that's been compared to Tuscany to the south, Piedmont boasts rolling hills, vineyards and world-class wines aplenty. Think Barbaresco, think Barolo and think Nebbiolo, as well as truffles and chestnuts and other fruits of the forest.

Perfect for in-saddle sights and off-saddle delights.

Best ride:

Alba – Barbaresco – Barbera. At 63km, this route takes in Castello di Guarene and the picturesque medieval town of Nieve, as well as some stunning oenophilic scenery.

Our trip:

Perfect Piemonte. Our six-day tour travels through quiet roads and small villages, past stunning castles and over ancient bridges. It’s hard to imagine a place so perfect to ride your bike and explore Bella Italia.

You don’t have to be a world class cyclist to enjoy our trips. Now you’ve read through our comprehensive list on the best northern Italy bike tours, get in touch with us today and together we’ll cycle the dream.

E: info@italybiketours.com  

T: +1 800 632 5190