Why is accommodation not specified?

Our priority is to find the ideal accommodation that suits your needs. We collaborate with several lodging providers that meet our criteria, but please note that availability can be limited, particularly during peak seasons. Furthermore, we can tailor your holiday to align with your preferences and budget , and are committed to finding a more suitable alternative that matches your taste.

How challenging are your tours?

Our tours are categorized into three difficulty levels: leisurely, moderate, and challenging. Although each may include both easier and more demanding days, our rating system reflects the average difficulty level for a typical day. Leisurely tours take place primarily on flat, paved cycling paths, asphalt roads, or easy gravel tracks, and they are suitable for all fitness levels. Moderate tours may include some uphill climbs or technically more demanding terrain, but they are manageable for individuals of average fitness. Challenging tours entail either long distances and numerous climbs or technical terrain, possibly featuring downhill sections requiring proficiency with a mountain bike.

What kind of a bicycle is the best for your tours?

Our tours can be adapted to any bike type, whether road, gravel, or mountain bike . We are in constant communication with you to find the optimal conditions for your cycling holidays in Italy. The most versatile option is a gravel bike , even if you are coming on a road cycling holiday. It does not really affect your road performance while allowing you to take some scenic backroads that can be in a slightly worse state than the main ones. A gravel bike is usually more comfortable as well.

Do you offer bike rentals?

If you are not bringing your own bike and equipment, we can certainly arrange that for you. We have a wide selection of bikes at our disposal and we will choose the ones that best fit your tour. All we need from you is your usual bike size and any other relevant information or preferences so we can make sure you will be comfortable throughout your trip.

I have food restrictions

The availability of food options in Italy depends on the extent of your dietary restrictions . While it is relatively easy to find vegetarian dishes, locating vegan meals can be challenging, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. Additionally, the traditional lunch stops we make may have limited ability to accommodate special requests beyond their standard menu. We recommend considering this when planning your meals.

Will I have some time to myself?

Absolutely, the choice is yours! We understand that some travelers enjoy group activities while others prefer a more solitary experience. Therefore, we want to offer you the flexibility to personalize your trip to suit your preferences. After all, it is your holiday! As long as you adhere to the designated group timings and locations outlined by your guide, please feel free to customize your itinerary and embark on your own adventure. If you want to have a completely independent holiday , you can always opt for a self-guided tour , which is possible on most of our tours!

What is the best season for cycling in Italy?

The optimal time for our tours varies depending on the specific trip. However, typically late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are ideal. Of course, summer is also an excellent time to travel. Additionally, some of our holidays can be enjoyed in winter too!

What if the weather forecast is bad?

With proper attire, most of our tours can still be enjoyed even in light rain. During the summer months, afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon, so it’s recommended to start your day early. If inclement weather is forecasted, we will do our best to modify the tour or arrange for shuttle transportation to skip a particular stage.

How much in advance should I book?

To ensure availability, we advise booking your tour as early as possible. Our tours typically pass through highly popular tourist destinations where lodging options are restricted. Many of these desirable locations become fully booked for the summer season well in advance, often filling up by spring.

How does luggage transfer work?

On cycling trips, luggage transfer allows you to ride without carrying heavy bags. Each morning, you leave your luggage at the designated spot—often the hotel reception—and it’s transported to your next overnight stop. Your bags are usually waiting for you when you arrive. Weight limits and pickup times can vary slightly depending on the service provider.

Do you transfer bikes too? How does it work?

Yes, bike transfers are often available when needed—such as before, after, or during your trip. Bikes are typically transported in secure vehicles or trailers designed for bicycles. You may need to notify the provider in advance, and some services require the bike to be clean or partially disassembled. Exact procedures vary depending on location and logistics.

Cyclist in black and neon yellow kit leaning into a turn on a road bike.

Hardcore Bike Tours

Push your limits on hardcore cycling tours across Italy's most challenging terrains, designed for those who seek the ultimate ride.

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Hardcore

5 Tours

Bucket list tour

Cyclist riding a road bike on a mountain road with green slopes and blue sky

8 days

About Hardcore Bike Tours in Italy

Hardcore Bike Tours in Italy are crafted for the cycling enthusiast who seeks the thrill of conquering challenging terrains and pushing their limits against the backdrop of Italy’s most breathtaking landscapes. These tours are an adrenaline-fueled journey through Italy’s rugged mountains, steep climbs, and exhilarating descents, offering an unmatched experience for those who dare to tackle the road less travelled.

Our Hardcore Bike Tours are not just about testing endurance; they are about immersing yourself in the raw beauty of Italy’s diverse geography—from the soaring peaks of the Dolomites to the wild trails of Sicily and Sardinia. Each route is carefully selected to challenge even the most experienced cyclists, providing an opportunity to achieve personal milestones while exploring Italy’s hidden corners.

These tours go beyond the ordinary, combining the intensity of hardcore cycling with the rich cultural tapestry of Italy. Cyclists will navigate through historic towns, past ancient ruins, and across landscapes that tell the story of a land shaped by nature and history. It’s a journey that connects the physical challenge of cycling with the spiritual reward of discovering Italy’s soul.

We understand the needs of the serious cyclist. Our support teams are always on hand to provide technical assistance, logistical support, and encouragement. We ensure that every aspect of the tour is optimized for performance, from the selection of routes to the provision of high-quality bikes and gear.

Ratings & Reviews

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Gašper Kolenc

Verified customer · 9 months ago

Exploring Tuscany on a self-guided cycling holiday was pure joy. The carefully curated routes took me through vineyards, olive groves, and picturesque towns like Siena and Pienza. I loved being able to stop whenever I wanted to soak in the views or enjoy a cappuccino in a quaint café. The GPS and route notes were spot-on, and the logistics, from luggage transfers to charming accommodations, were seamless. Tuscany’s beauty is best experienced on two wheels, and the freedom to set my own pace made it unforgettable.

Mystie Pineda

Verified customer · 3 months ago

I found this place with a simple Google search, and I never could’ve expected the custom experience I received. They provided options to help my husband and I hone in on exactly what we wanted to do for our honeymoon. We had perfectly curated GPS-lead rides all across the country, they booked all of our hotels, and planned all of our transportation. Every place that we went was so beautiful. I’m so grateful that we found this company to help us plan our honeymoon, couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

Mountain bikes parked near blue and white crosswalk in European alpine village street

Wet, narrow street in a European town leading to a church spire, backed by a forested mountain.

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River flowing through a European town with historic buildings and forested mountains in the background.

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Bill Wright

Verified customer · 3 months ago

I was able to tailor a bike tour itinerary along the Adriatic coast that suited our group during the shoulder season. We added individual pre and post-trip activities which went smoothly. Our trip included stops in Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. The trip planner, guide and support team were great.

Group posing in front of Pula Arena with a stone wall and parked car.

barney barnhart

Verified customer · 3 months ago

Brilliant planning, great communication, terrific hotels and accommodations, interesting cities and beautiful scenery plus amazing routes.

Black and white cat with green eyes looking up from light gray tiled floor

Maroon gravel bike resting against a low stone wall in grassy terrain

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Gravel bike with rear rack and phone mount resting against a dry-stacked stone wall outdoors.

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John Woeste

Verified customer · 4 months ago

Highly recommend the bike trip from Bled to Pula. It was well planned. We did a small group self-supported. Big fun. Bikes, hotels, route selection and communication with the company was great.

Cyclist riding on dirt path under green leafy archway toward open field

Cyclist with panniers riding up a narrow cobblestone street in a historic town.

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Toasting with white and red wine glasses outdoors with greenery in the background

Alison Booth

Verified customer · 4 months ago

I would highly recommend anyone doing this tour take the e-bike option. There were only 3 of us on our tour who completed this on regular bikes. Four others who started out on regular bikes swapped over to e-bikes after the first day. The climbs are long and steep. There is pretty much only up or down, not much flat or undulating road. It is doable, but very challenging. If you are on an e-bike then this also helps with the group staying together and no-one having to wait too long for others to catch up. The bikes were really good and had great gearing that was capable of handling the steeper climbs. When we booked we were unaware that we would be riding in a group of 20plus at all time. Thankfully our group had prior group riding experience but we did observe other large groups with less than desirable riding behaviours.Others in our group were extremely understanding and supportive. Our guide, David, was very adamant about staying safe on the road. He was flexible with the itinerary and made changes to suit the weather conditions and to ensure we got in as much riding as possible. He was vey knowledgeable about Croatian history and agriculture and taught us lots about the country he is so passionate about. Our captain, Tolma, was also amazing and along with his awesome crew, made our cruise an enjoyable experience.

View from sailboat bow approaching coastal town with white buildings and green hills under blue sky.

Sailboat on the water during a vibrant orange and yellow sunset over the sea.

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Large sailboat named Toma loading bicycles from a dinghy near a forested coastline.