The Best Northern Italy Bike Tours
The Best Cycling Destinations in Northern Italy
From gentle lakeside roads to the legendary climbs of the Giro d’Italia
Whatever your riding ability, and whatever you want to get out of your cycling tour, there is no better place to experience open roads, peaceful cycle paths and extraordinary landscapes than northern Italy.
Northern Italy is extremely well connected by international airports such as Milan, Verona and Venice, making the region ideal for long weekend escapes as well as longer cycling holidays.
Once you arrive, you have the choice of some of Europe’s most picturesque rides.
You might choose leisurely touring around the unspoilt paradise of Lake Iseo or seriously challenge yourself on some of the mythical climbs made famous by the Giro d’Italia.
Northern Italy truly has something for everyone.
It was difficult to leave any route out, but this is our guide to some of our favourite rides across the most beautiful regions northern Italy has to offer.
Northern Italy offers everything from unhurried lakeside rides to the most demanding and legendary climbs in professional cycling.
Trentino–Alto Adige
Home to the spectacular saw-toothed Dolomites, Trentino–Alto Adige has long been a coveted destination for cyclists from all over the world.
Its iconic mountain passes and climbs are steeped in the history and folklore of the Giro d’Italia.
It is not only cyclists who make pilgrimages here. The region has long attracted hikers, climbers, poets and travellers drawn to its wildflower meadows, shimmering Alpine lakes and breathtaking landscapes.
The Sella Ronda
Frequently described as one of the world’s most beautiful cycling circuits, the Sella Ronda crosses Passo Campolongo, Passo Gardena, Passo Sella and Passo Pordoi.
The Best of the Alps and Dolomites
A handcrafted ten-day journey combining the majesty of the Dolomites with the region’s rich and varied culture beyond the saddle.
High passes, dramatic peaks and cycling roads written into the history of the Giro d’Italia.
Veneto
Most visitors to Veneto devote their time to the iconic and unique city of Venice, but there is far more to the region than gondolas and the Basilica of San Marco.
Only a short distance away are cities such as Padua, with its pre-Renaissance frescoes, Verona and its Romeo and Juliet associations, and the Palladian architecture of Vicenza.
Then there is the wine. Veneto is the home of Prosecco Superiore, while Bassano del Grappa is renowned for the stronger and more intense flavours of grappa.
With the snow-capped Dolomites to the north and the Adriatic coast to the southeast, Veneto offers an extraordinary variety of cycling landscapes.
From mountains to the sea
Ride through Prosecco vineyards, historic cities, gentle hills and landscapes stretching towards the Adriatic coast.
Art, architecture and wine
Combine cycling with Renaissance art, Palladian villas, traditional cuisine and some of Italy’s most celebrated wines.
Lombardia
Lombardia combines iconic cities such as Milan, with its cutting-edge fashion and Italian high society, with medieval towns, steep mountainsides, vast plains and some of the world’s most famous lakes.
Cities and towns including Brescia, Cremona, Crema and Lodi retain their historic medieval centres.
However, it is the region’s great lakes – Como, Garda and the lesser-known but equally beautiful Lake Iseo – that attract travellers from around the world.
We may be slightly biased about Lake Iseo, as it is also the place Italy Bike Tours calls home.
North of Bergamo, the picturesque Orobie Alps provide a playground for cyclists of every ability.
Passo Gavia and Passo Stelvio
Two legendary mountain passes in the far north of the region. The Stelvio offers more than 21 kilometres of relentless climbing, while the Passo Gavia is another defining ascent of Italian cycling.
Luxury Lakes and Vineyards
A seven-day journey exploring Lake Garda, Lake Como and Lake Iseo, combining endless cycle paths with magnificent scenery and authentic lakeside culture.
From the hairpins of the Stelvio to the quiet shores of Lake Iseo, Lombardia reveals a different landscape around every corner.
Piemonte
Italy’s second-largest region is a land of slow food and fine wine, regal palazzi and refined elegance.
Piemonte also has a rich modern history. The movement towards Italian unification began here during the 19th century, while the House of Savoy provided the young nation with its first royal family.
It is also home to Turin, a city famous for fashion, football and the Italian automotive industry.
With a lush and fertile landscape often compared to Tuscany, Piemonte offers rolling hills, vineyards and internationally acclaimed wines.
Barbaresco, Barolo and Nebbiolo are joined by truffles, chestnuts and other exceptional products of the forest.
It is a destination made for in-saddle scenery and off-saddle indulgence.
Alba, Barbaresco and Barbera
A 63-kilometre route passing Castello di Guarene, the picturesque medieval town of Neive and some of Piemonte’s finest vineyard landscapes.
Perfect Piemonte
A six-day journey along quiet roads and through small villages, past historic castles, ancient bridges and the vineyards of northern Italy.
You do not need to be a world-class cyclist to experience the beauty, culture and unforgettable roads of northern Italy.
Discover your perfect northern Italian cycling adventure
From relaxed lakeside riding to legendary Alpine climbs, our team can create a handcrafted journey suited to your ability, interests and ambitions. Get in touch and begin planning your next Italian cycling experience.
Contact our team