10 best one day rides in Italy
10 of the Best One-Day Rides in Italy
Ten unforgettable ways to experience Italy on two wheels
With so many routes to choose from and so much beauty on offer, Italy offers the perfect place to cycle, explore and inspire the soul. Our team have handpicked ten of the best one-day rides for cyclists of all abilities: routes that will take you beyond the guidebook and into the soul of Italy.
Exploring Bergamo and Città Alta
Discover the foothills of Bergamo, famous for its upper town and reminders of the Roman Age. A relaxing ride along cycle paths through lush greenery brings us to a 13th-century sanctuary.
A gentle climb with beautiful countryside views takes us into the historic centre of Città Alta. Once a Roman settlement, it is one of the most beautifully preserved old towns in Italy, protected by the 15th-century Venetian walls, now recognised as UNESCO heritage.
A well-deserved lunch awaits in an authentic trattoria with a view, where we taste Bergamasque specialities accompanied by local Valcalepio wine. After lunch, an expert local guide reveals the churches, squares, towers, narrow alleys and hidden gems of Città Alta.
Valle Brembana
Starting in Zogno, take in the wildly beautiful Brembana Valley on two wheels. The cycle path follows a disused railway line that once connected Bergamo to San Pellegrino Terme and Piazza Brembana.
Riding through the old railway tunnels adds a special atmosphere to this relaxed route. In San Pellegrino Terme, a coffee stop at the famous Pasticceria Bigio is a must, followed by a glimpse of the spa and casino that once welcomed Europe’s aristocracy.
In Piazza Brembana, we enjoy a typical Italian aperitivo before riding to a unique agriturismo for a memorable slow-food lunch. On the way back, we stop in Camerata Cornello, where the Tasso family developed the postal system later copied around the world.
Lake Iseo East Coast
This is one of our favourites: an easy and spectacular ride along the eastern coast of Lake Iseo, combining beautiful views, enchanting villages and dramatic mountain scenery.
After exploring Iseo’s old town, we ride to Sulzano for coffee overlooking Monte Isola. Further north, rocky mountains drop steeply into the lake and the route passes through impressive cycle-path tunnels carved into the rock.
Pisogne welcomes us for an Italian-style aperitivo before we continue to Lovere for lunch in its beautiful main square. Riders may return to Iseo along the western shore, while those choosing a more relaxed day can enjoy a tasting of the area’s exceptional olive oil.
Lake Iseo is one of northern Italy’s best-kept secrets.
Franciacorta Vineyards
From Adro, we set off on a journey into the heart of Franciacorta, surrounded by vineyards, gentle hills and some of northern Italy’s most refined landscapes.
We visit the Torbiere del Sebino Nature Reserve before riding to Borgo Santa Giulia, a beautifully restored cascina, for a memorable lunch overlooking the vineyards.
Our final destination is the Barone Pizzini winery, renowned for its organic production. A walk among the vines and a guided cellar visit introduce the winemaking process before a tasting of several Franciacorta wines.
Milan to Vigevano
We begin in Milan’s Piazza Duomo and travel through historic streets to the Roman Columns of San Lorenzo before joining the cycle path along the Naviglio Grande.
The route follows the canal through the Lombardy countryside to Vigevano, whose Renaissance Piazza Ducale is one of Italy’s most architecturally significant squares.
There is time to explore the Sforza Castle, climb the Bramante Tower and discover Leonardo da Vinci’s legacy in the Leonardiana museum. Lunch is enjoyed in one of our favourite hidden gems, accompanied by excellent local wines.
Lake Garda
Discover the southern coast of Lake Garda along cycle paths and quiet roads surrounded by flowering bougainvillea and oleander. The lake’s mild climate creates a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere.
Starting in Desenzano, we pass the Sirmione peninsula, its castle and Roman thermal ruins before continuing east towards Lazise, often described as a little Venice because of its canals and elegant main square.
After free time in Bardolino and a lakeside lunch, we transfer into the Valpolicella hills for an olive oil tasting with homemade bread and local cheese.
Prosecco Loop
A journey through the heart of Italy’s most famous sparkling wine region awaits. The route passes through a succession of beautiful landscapes, revealing the history, art and nature of the Prosecco hills.
After a short climb to Refrontolo, we descend towards Solighetto before passing Col San Martino and Colbertaldo.
In Valdobbiadene, the city of wine, we enjoy the local specialities before visiting Fasol Menin for a wine tasting accompanied by salami and regional cheese.
Monforte d’Alba to Barolo
A spectacular day awaits through the rolling hills of the Langhe. We ride among seemingly endless vineyards used to produce the celebrated Barolo wines.
During the ride, we visit the medieval castle above Barolo and learn about the history that shaped this extraordinary area.
The day ends with a visit to the family-owned Diego Pressenda winery, whose vineyards offer beautiful views towards Turin. The tasting includes several wines, truffles and homemade olive oil.
Endless vineyards, medieval villages and some of the finest wines in the world.
Faenza to Brisighella Loop
This ride combines landscape, history and culture in Faenza and the unique town of Brisighella. Beginning in the city of ceramics, we visit local craft shops before riding into the peaceful Romagna hills.
The route crosses the Chalk Vein Park, where several challenging climbs reward riders with extraordinary views.
Brisighella is built around three chalk pinnacles and is famous for its medieval centre and elevated Donkey Alley. The day also includes a tasting of Brisighella’s distinctive olive oil at the outdoor oil museum.
Rimini to Verucchio
Before setting off from Rimini, the Bridge of Tiberius introduces the city’s Roman heritage. Riding inland, the landscape unfolds into a succession of hilltop villages and medieval castles.
Our destination is Verucchio, a city of art and wine where the landscape feels like a painting. Lunch at the celebrated Oste del Castello offers extraordinary views across the surrounding hills.
Riders seeking a longer challenge can continue to San Leo, reached by a road carved through the rock. The return to Rimini includes Santarcangelo, a timeless hilltop village built over a mysterious network of tufa caves.
Discover the Italy that lies beyond the guidebook
Nothing beats the smell of fresh coffee as you cycle through enchanting lanes, the sight of sunlight across vineyards or the taste of a local wine after a beautiful ride. Awaken your senses and fall in love with Italy on one of our handcrafted cycling experiences.
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