Self-guided cycling tours

Travel when and where you want

Self-guided cycling is perfect for those who want flexibility and who love the idea of not having to plan the routes or hotels themselves while still being able to choose their own dates and go at their own pace. We book the hotels, provide route information and transfer all your luggage. All you do is follow your biking bliss (and the GPS directions!) and manage your own daily schedule. Self-guided tours are perfect for couples and groups of family and friends who have an independent spirit and thirst for adventure.

But keep in mind: self-guided means self-supported. When it rains, you should have rain gear because there isn’t a van to pick you up. If you get a flat, you or someone in the group should know how to fix it. We provide highly detailed navigation tools (our digital “roadbook” includes both GPS routes and step-by-step navigation instructions, along with all types of helpful information), as well as additional activities that make for a richer experience (like a private tour of a parmesan cheese factory or learning how to make – and taste – Italian gelato!)

We also offer the possibility to personalize, and in some cases customize, our self-guided itineraries. For example, past travelers have stacked different self-guided tours back-to-back for an extended cycling vacation through multiple regions of Italy.

What’s Included

Lodging: Accommodations on our self guided tours are generally 3 and 4-star hotels. We look for locally-owned accommodations that give you a feel for regional history and culture. Location is key and you’ll stay near interesting sites in the center of town or in picturesque rural settings.
Meals: All breakfasts are included and will almost always be at the hotel. Other meals listed in itinerary.
Bikes: Choose a high-quality, lightweight titanium hybrid or road bike, or tandem. E-bikes are also available with a surcharge. Review the options on our bikes page.
Navigation & digital guide: Daily routes are accessible through provided GPS units. Additionally, detailed tour information and route navigation tracks, including daily routes, maps, elevation profiles, ride descriptions, schedules and hotel itinerary, cultural and sightseeing information, visit suggestions, emergency numbers and more, are provided through through the free Ride With GPS Experience mobile app.
Luggage transfers: every day we transfer your luggage so you don’t have to travel with panniers. We set a certain time when we ask you bring luggage down and we aim to have your luggage at the next hotel by early afternoon.
Terrain: Routes are on paved roads and fine gravel paths. You’ll find specific information about the tour level, the daily terrain, mileage and elevation gain on each tour’s itinerary page.
Daily Mileage Options: For those folks who just can’t get enough cycling, we’ll suggest optional routes and can provide additional tracks. If you know you will want to add miles you can request more before your date and we will provide them in your GPS routes.
Local Experiences: Special activities and cultural and artisanal visits as described in the trip itinerary. Some can be added on as you wish to customize your trip
Trip support: We will meet you and provide a full trip briefing and bike fitting on the first day. We will also provide local emergency numbers and details in case you have any questions during your tour.
Complimentary gift.

Self-guided FAQs

What’s not included:

Travel to and from the tour start and end
Entrance to museums or other activities not indicated as included
City hotel tax (2 to 5 euro per night per person, to be paid locally by traveler)
Any meals or beverages not indicated as included
Trip Insurance – learn more about trip insurance at our travel planning pages.