La Piazza Blog & Stories
Test Drive a Ciclismo Bike Tour
Test Drive a Ciclismo Bike Tour
Are you relatively new to the world of cycling vacations? Afraid a longer bicycle tour might be too much for you? Perhaps you don’t have enough vacation time to spend two weeks on the road or you’d prefer a hiking adventure instead? Why not take a 6 day spin and see what you think.
We understand that many of you might be intimidated or unable to commit to a longer trip – that is why we have revised many of our best selling tours and are now offering abbreviated versions.
Don’t worry, we haven’t sacrificed quality…just reduced the quantity. Every 6 day tour is packed with plenty of active adventures and cultural experiences – it’s just a condensed version. And never fear, you’ll still have plenty of free time to relax and enjoy your vacation.
Here are a few options to consider:
Tuscany countryside
Assaggio Toscana
Get a taste for all things Tuscan on this popular bike tour riding through this storied countryside filled with cypress lined byways and sprinkled with Etruscan treasures. Begin your journey pedaling in the upper Val d’Arno on a series of terraced foothills and continue through la Val di Chiani to the stunning hilltop town of Cortona. Discover the fortified village of Lucignano and ride into the green heart of Italy, as you enter the lush and verdant hillside region of Umbria. You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back in time with the Ponte a Buriano as your backdrop as you cycle through this town made famous in the background of the Mona Lisa. This cycling vacation in Tuscany is the perfect introduction to this magical region.
Venice canals
To Venice con Gusto
This bicycling adventure takes you through three regions of Italy and culminates with a climatic finish in the the romantic and scenic city of Venice. Explore the Etruscan town of Mantova, a UNESCO heritage site, ride along the Po river through the Emilia-Romanga region into Ferrara, the historic town famous for its Renaissance treasures. Cycle through the preserved natural landscape of Parco del Mincio and ride along the narrow streets and canals of Chioggia. Along the way, sample regional specialties like taleggio cheese and tortelli di zucca while you get an insider’s perspective on the various local cultures that span this area.
Harborside in Sicily
Sicily: La Bella Sicilia Mini
This intriguing bike tour of Sicily takes us on a cultural journey through history, exploring the different civilizations that have ruled this Mediterranean island. Begin in the town of Caltagirone, famous for its azulejos (Spanish glazed tiles that adorn the homes), and climb on undulating terrain into the hillsides before a glorious downhill into the town of Ragusa. Explore the Necropolis of Pantalica, the famous archaeological site featuring 5000 tombs carved into its steep rock walls. Discover the influence of Greek settlers in Siracusa, enjoy a walking tour of the Baroque town of Ragusa Ibla, and revel in a scenic hike up Mt. Etna, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the island atop this famous volcano.
The colorful hillside homes in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre Hiking
For those of you who prefer to hike rather than bike, this unique hiking tour in Cinque Terre is the perfect combination of cultural excursions and active adventures. Climb into the hills above Portofino for spectacular views of the Mediterranean below, then descend into the bay of San Fruttuso to visit the 12th century medieval Benedictine monastery. A day trip by boat takes you to Punta Chiappa where you can explore beautiful hidden fishing villages like Camogli. Delight in the amazingly bright colors of the hillside homes, hike pine-scented ancient trade routes around Punto Mesco, and enjoy a cooking lesson with our friend and expert chef, Felicina. The final hike up to Santuario Montenero will have you reveling at the incredible views overlooking the Gulf of La Spezia. This hiking vacation in Cinque Terre allows you to explore some of the best vistas in the region and is packed with local flavor.
White buildings in Puglia
La Bella Puglia Mini
Discover this fascinating southern region of Italy as you cycle through farmlands rich with Greek, Norman, and Arab history on a bike tour of Puglia. Begin your bicycling adventure in Lecce, the Baroque capital of the Salento area. From here, travel south and discover the famous wine region of the Salice Salentino. Enjoy quiet roads dotted with fig trees and olive groves as we pedal toward the sea and encounter the coastal town of Savelletri. In Alberobello, you’ll be captivated by the unique clusters of fantastic conical dwellings called trulli. Sample local favorites like homemade orecchiette and grilled calamari pulled fresh from the sea and taste the powerful red wine made from the local Negramaro grapes.
We understand that many of you might be intimidated or unable to commit to a longer trip – that is why we have revised many of our best selling tours and are now offering abbreviated versions.
Don’t worry, we haven’t sacrificed quality…just reduced the quantity. Every 6 day tour is packed with plenty of active adventures and cultural experiences – it’s just a condensed version. And never fear, you’ll still have plenty of free time to relax and enjoy your vacation.
Here are a few options to consider:
Tuscany countryside
Assaggio Toscana
Get a taste for all things Tuscan on this popular bike tour riding through this storied countryside filled with cypress lined byways and sprinkled with Etruscan treasures. Begin your journey pedaling in the upper Val d’Arno on a series of terraced foothills and continue through la Val di Chiani to the stunning hilltop town of Cortona. Discover the fortified village of Lucignano and ride into the green heart of Italy, as you enter the lush and verdant hillside region of Umbria. You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back in time with the Ponte a Buriano as your backdrop as you cycle through this town made famous in the background of the Mona Lisa. This cycling vacation in Tuscany is the perfect introduction to this magical region.
Venice canals
To Venice con Gusto
This bicycling adventure takes you through three regions of Italy and culminates with a climatic finish in the the romantic and scenic city of Venice. Explore the Etruscan town of Mantova, a UNESCO heritage site, ride along the Po river through the Emilia-Romanga region into Ferrara, the historic town famous for its Renaissance treasures. Cycle through the preserved natural landscape of Parco del Mincio and ride along the narrow streets and canals of Chioggia. Along the way, sample regional specialties like taleggio cheese and tortelli di zucca while you get an insider’s perspective on the various local cultures that span this area.
Harborside in Sicily
Sicily: La Bella Sicilia Mini
This intriguing bike tour of Sicily takes us on a cultural journey through history, exploring the different civilizations that have ruled this Mediterranean island. Begin in the town of Caltagirone, famous for its azulejos (Spanish glazed tiles that adorn the homes), and climb on undulating terrain into the hillsides before a glorious downhill into the town of Ragusa. Explore the Necropolis of Pantalica, the famous archaeological site featuring 5000 tombs carved into its steep rock walls. Discover the influence of Greek settlers in Siracusa, enjoy a walking tour of the Baroque town of Ragusa Ibla, and revel in a scenic hike up Mt. Etna, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the island atop this famous volcano.
The colorful hillside homes in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre Hiking
For those of you who prefer to hike rather than bike, this unique hiking tour in Cinque Terre is the perfect combination of cultural excursions and active adventures. Climb into the hills above Portofino for spectacular views of the Mediterranean below, then descend into the bay of San Fruttuso to visit the 12th century medieval Benedictine monastery. A day trip by boat takes you to Punta Chiappa where you can explore beautiful hidden fishing villages like Camogli. Delight in the amazingly bright colors of the hillside homes, hike pine-scented ancient trade routes around Punto Mesco, and enjoy a cooking lesson with our friend and expert chef, Felicina. The final hike up to Santuario Montenero will have you reveling at the incredible views overlooking the Gulf of La Spezia. This hiking vacation in Cinque Terre allows you to explore some of the best vistas in the region and is packed with local flavor.
White buildings in Puglia
La Bella Puglia Mini
Discover this fascinating southern region of Italy as you cycle through farmlands rich with Greek, Norman, and Arab history on a bike tour of Puglia. Begin your bicycling adventure in Lecce, the Baroque capital of the Salento area. From here, travel south and discover the famous wine region of the Salice Salentino. Enjoy quiet roads dotted with fig trees and olive groves as we pedal toward the sea and encounter the coastal town of Savelletri. In Alberobello, you’ll be captivated by the unique clusters of fantastic conical dwellings called trulli. Sample local favorites like homemade orecchiette and grilled calamari pulled fresh from the sea and taste the powerful red wine made from the local Negramaro grapes.
