Autumn is the ideal time to explore Italy's treasures. As the landscape glows with warm hues and the grape harvest is in full swing, the Veneto and Tuscany regions offer unforgettable cycling adventures. In our autumn special, we feature two exceptional tours: the Veneto's Villas & Wine with Charm cycle tour (will be replaced this season by the cycle tour Veneto - based in one hotel) with Michaela, and the Tuscany tour based in one hotel with Hannes.
On his cycling tour in Tuscany, Hannes shows us the region at its finest. From rolling hills and lush vineyards to the impressive medieval towers of San Gimignano, this tour captures the very best that Tuscany has to offer.
Michaela, on the other hand, guides us through the picturesque Prosecco hills during her cycling tour in Veneto, past stunning villas and charming towns like Vicenza and Marostica. This region enchants visitors not only with its cultural treasures but also with the hospitality of its residents and its culinary delights.
Join Hannes and Michaela on the highlights of these diverse cycling tours in Italy and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of Italy in autumn. Whether you prefer leisurely wine rides or challenging climbs, there's something for everyone.
Hannes
A glance out the window brings a smile to our faces—the reason? Beautiful, warm weather awaits us today. After a hearty breakfast, we eagerly hop on our bikes, fully motivated to start the day and finally, we're off. The Val di Nievole is a scenic gem, and our ride takes us past lush vineyards. Gentle hills appear frequently, but with our e-bikes, they pose no problem. As far as the eye can see, the landscape is dotted with numerous villas, some well-hidden along the route. Now we understand why the valley is called the 'Valley of Flowers.' With more than 1,500 nurseries in the area, it's easy to see why. We continue cycling and, after 50 kilometers, return to the hotel in the late afternoon. In the evening, we head into town, eagerly anticipating pizza and a glass of wine, which we enjoy in the garden of a cozy osteria.
Michaela
Today's stage takes us on a completely flat route to our destination, Vicenza. After riding through the Prosecco Hills, this is a welcome change. The city is famous for its rich art and cultural scene, as well as the architectural masterpieces of the renowned architect Andrea Palladio. We park our bikes and explore the narrow streets and historic squares of Vicenza on foot. We are particularly enchanted by the Teatro Olimpico. One of the most fascinating features of the theater is its illusionistic set design. The sets are crafted to create a three-dimensional perspective, giving the impression of an expansive cityscape. Our day in Vicenza is unforgettable. The combination of a relaxing, flat ride and the city's cultural richness makes this outing a true pleasure.
Hannes
We've struck gold with the weather this week. Today brings another day of perfect sunshine, even warmer than yesterday. Alex, the manager of our Eurobike station in Tuscany, is transporting us and other guests by Eurobike bus to Casciana Terme. According to him, this will be the most beautiful stage of our tour. We ride along picturesque paths through vineyards and rolling hills, steadily climbing. After a short but steep ascent, we get a delightful surprise: in the quaint village of Iona, we suddenly see our Eurobike flag. Station manager Alex is there with a bottle of Prosecco, signaling that it's time for a celebratory toast.
After a brief break, we face one final climb before catching our first glimpse of the iconic medieval towers of San Gimignano. Known as "the Manhattan of Tuscany," this city is definitely worth a visit. Amid the bustling crowds, we push our bikes through narrow streets in search of a nice spot to enjoy the atmosphere. We take in the vibrant scene for a while before we need to head back, as Alex will transport us to the hotel. Our station manager didn't exaggerate—the day has given us a true taste of Tuscany. With nearly 1,000 meters of elevation gain and 60 kilometers under our belts, we've definitely earned a fine dinner tonight.
Michaela
The hilly drive to Marostica was definitely worthwhile, as we arrived in a picturesque and charming town renowned for its chessboard in the main square. Every two years, the town hosts a spirited chess game with life-sized pieces, involving the entire community in this unique tradition. Marostica is also famous for its delicious, juicy cherries. The imposing ring wall, visible from afar, is one of Veneto's most significant medieval fortifications, reminiscent of the majestic Great Wall of China.
Despite the rain, this day is an unforgettable experience. The arcades and street cafés not only provide us with shelter but also offer a perfect opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in Italian culture and hospitality.
Our cycling week with friends in the Prosecco Hills of Veneto was a celebration of the region's beauty and diversity. The mix of charming towns, delightful Prosecco, excellent cuisine, and the chance to explore by bike made our tour, which was based in two hotels, truly unforgettable. We experienced so much and covered so many kilometers that by the end of the week, it felt like we had been on the road for at least 2-3 weeks. We would eagerly do the tour again right away.
During our cycling week in Tuscany, my wife and I saw and experienced so much. One spot, in particular, captivated us: Upon reaching Monte Pisano, we followed the descent for about 200 meters on our bikes. Here, we encountered a spectacular vantage point with an incredible view of both the sea and Pisa. Even with the speed of the descent, it's impossible to just ride past—one must stop and take in the breathtaking panorama.
A more challenging climb awaited us on the way to Asolo. Fortunately, we had booked e-bikes! Our efforts were well worth it when we finally arrived in the picturesque town of Asolo. The narrow, winding streets, historic buildings, and charming atmosphere captivated us immediately. We parked our bikes and explored the town on foot, discovering fantastic viewpoints and enjoying the panoramic views over the impressive rolling hills of the region. It was the perfect blend of landscape and culture.
