Ride your way through Italy

Italy: a passion for bikes

Italians and the humble bicycle: a love affair that goes back a long way. One of the most important cycling competitions worldwide is held in Italy – the Giro d’Italia – and this means a thorough passion made up by effort, sacrifices and reward has been nurtured ever since its very first 1909 edition.

This passion unites enthusiasts from all walks of life who share a love for a sport that is unique, enjoyed on the winding, scenic roads of the Belpaese; the elevation gain may be tough at times, especially in the Alps and Dolomites, but the sublime scenery is explored at our own pace. You don’t need to be a professional cyclist to enjoy the freedom, the joy and pleasure that a bicycle can bring: from unexpectedly alluring rides in captivating Piedmont to lovely tours along Lake Garda, epic cols in the Dolomites, fascinating Strade Bianche gravel paths in Tuscany, down to sun-drenched and olive-tree filled routes in Puglia, you’ll be guaranteed a unique adventure, cycling towards your dreams.

When sport meets culture

With the highest number of UNESCO protected places in the world, there’s no denying that Italy is a jewel box of art, culture, unique traditions and a stellar heritage. It would be a shame to come to this gorgeous country to cycle – albeit along marvellous scenery – without stopping to properly see and visit the places where pivotal pages in the history of mankind were written.

We’re talking about the mythical Arena in Verona, where every stone tells a vibrant story, elegant Siena and its unique Piazza del Campo, home to the famous Palio, along with its marble-clad cathedral and museum, or the many hilltop towns across the entire peninsula, like the ideal city Pienza, magic Montepulciano or Montalcino, celebrated for its Brunello wine. But also imposing Palazzo Te in Mantua, Matera and its mythical sassi, Alberobello and the mysterious trulli, or go truffle hunting, visit a dairy farm, an exclusive wine cellar to learn about skilled, talented, inventive souls that define a timeless heritage

Searching for marvels across northern Italy

Imagine riding along roads traversed by vineyards or strewn with castles, seeing the famous Barolo or Barbaresco grapes in vineyards that colour gentle hills and add vigour to the landscape: this is the UNESCO Langhe and Roero area of southern Piedmont and one you won’t want to miss, experiencing the profound heritage of a proud region where the celebrated Slow Food movement started. Move further east and get ready to see Lake Garda under a new light: Italy’s biggest lake dons its smarter appeal when seen from the appealing scenic roads contouring it.

Taste Valpolicella wine and see the many vineyards along the way, then cycle towards elegant Mantua along the Mincio river. No trip to northern Italy could be complete without the mighty Dolomites: head to Ladin Val Badia and ride via famous cols and compelling sights: Sella, Pordoi, Falzarego, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and then the Plose, packing in many Giro d’Italia climbs or simply admiring timeless, imposing rock cathedrals.

These roads where made for cycling - Tuscany dreams

Rolling hills, evocative hilltop villages, a golden haze enveloping cypress-lined lanes and one art treasure after the other: Tuscany defies all concepts of beauty. Even more so if you cycle along its picturesque roads, touching on famous sights, striking vineyards and tracing the geometry of perfection.

You’ll be amazed at how shiny the incredible Strade Bianche are, snaking around the Val d’Orcia and touching on cinematic places like the Madonna di Vitaleta chapel or the ideal city of Pienza, then the renowned Chianti hills or the Eroica roads via Montalcino and the Crete Senesi with their wide, open spaces. When it comes to visiting the art treasures hidden within the ancient city walls of the many medieval villages or walking in the footsteps of famous figures of the past, nothing beats these eternal masterpieces. Add a visit to exclusive wine cellars and then savour the delicious Chianina beef, handmade pasta or hearty soups: here, gusto takes on a new meaning

Southern soul – Puglia adventures

Unspoilt, wild landscapes shimmering under a pearly white light, turquoise waters in the distance, the cool breeze coming from the sea and vast expanses of wheat fields and olive groves: cycling is the perfect way to discover alluring Puglia. Home to a regional and national park, you’ll be cycling around the white city of Ostuni, along the Murgia hills, discovering the magic trulli with sea-views of Taranto and unique places like Locorotondo, Alberobello and Martina Franca. Then it’s nearby Basilicata for a journey discovering the ancient sassi in epic Matera, riddling visitors with its impressive story and unique composition.

Visiting a dairy farm is a must here, the juiciest burrata a worthy prize for your efforts and the perfect companion to appetizing southern delicacies, along with the delicious local extra virgin olive oil Did we mention exquisite Primitivo or Verdeca wines? Check out how they are produced with a trip to a local winery and toast to your adventures! many beach clubs and restaurants, where you’ll savour delicious food while admiring tropical-like waters. And don’t miss Gallipoli, the ideal combination of sandy beaches like Baia Verde, a natural paradise like Punta della Suina, with a funky, vibrant nightlife

Trattorias – your love story with food

There’s no denying that Italians love food, in all its varieties and in its purest form. One of the pleasures in life, food is a work of art in this country and you will find locals enjoying conversations about food at any given time, obsessing about the finest ingredients and how to best pair them.

Eating delicious food is an experience that is best enjoyed when shared with others, this is why you will try a different trattoria for every night of your cycling tour. What are trattorias though? This is where the souls of Italians unite under the banner of genuine, authentic food made with locally-sourced ingredients. And since every region is truly special and unique, you will find local variations that add zest and vigour to your dining experience. From prized truffles to juicy Chianina steaks, sun-drenched tomatoes to the delicate Garda olive oil, orecchiette or pici pasta, then many luscious sweet treats: every meal will be a journey of delight and memorable taste.

Dress the part

Every sport requires adequate clothing and cycling is no exception. If you ever wondered why professional cyclists wear tight lycra, well, the answer is that modern fabrics are capable of releasing the moisture away from your body, letting you feel fresh and protected from the elements. What’s more, you will need your clothes to be tight as this will keep the air coming in from all sides – trying is believing –. A buff or neck warmer is a good idea, whatever the season; as the sun shines bright – and strong all year round in Italy, even in the spring or early Autumn, don’t forget to pack in your shades and, especially, adequate sunscreen. A helmet is of course your lifesaver and a must – modern models come in all shapes and colours, and you’ll barely feel it. Gloves are also ideal companions, as they absorb any movement coming from bumps in the road that may be transferred to your wrists and hands, as well as giving you more grip on the handlebar – make sure you bring several spares of short and long models.

And the big news is that you will receive your very own Hi Rides jersey, choosing from a colourful selection of patterns and designs, to gleam along those marvellous Italian roads. Get ready to dress the part!

Gravel bikes – what are they?

All tours will be undertaken with gravel bikes, that blissful marriage between a road and a mountain bike, the ultimate cycling fashion that elevates any outing to a superlative one. Combining the lightness of a road bike with the sturdiness and mountain bike ones, gravel models are conceived to have the best of both worlds: they ride on all surfaces with incredible stability – from tarmac to gravel road –hence the name! - they possess wider tyres, for increased stability, safety and traction on uneven surfaces.

The geometry of this bike is similar to that of a road model, conceived for increased aerodynamics, but you’ll be sitting on a higher position, with enhanced control and comfort. Every tour offers both a traditional and an e-bike option – to keep some energy for the afternoon and dinner outings! – with further choices of advanced models. You may even have your own bike shipped to Italy with a place to store it before sending it back – if needed. That’s a dream for cycling enthusiasts!

Join the Best Cycling Experience

If you're looking for a cycling experience that goes beyond the ordinary, Hirides Cycling Tour is the name to know. These guys are 100% Italian, and their know-how is simply unmatched—years of experience, deep local knowledge, and a passion for two wheels that translates into tailor-made tours designed for true cycling enthusiasts.

From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the dramatic climbs of the Dolomites, from hidden countryside routes to the most iconic Giro d’Italia roads, Hirides creates unforgettable journeys, blending sport, nature, and culture like only Italians can.

Expert guidance & pro-level support
Breathtaking routes, from enthusiastic to advanced
Authentic Italian experiences off the bike

Whether you're chasing personal records or just want to soak in Italy’s beauty on two wheels, Hirides delivers cycling at its finest. Ready to ride?

Embark on your cycling adventure your way! Whether you prefer to travel light and let them provide the perfect bike for your journey or bring along your beloved two-wheeler, they’ve got you covered. Gravel Bike and E-bike. Each bike is customized to your preferences, and the preparation and rental costs are included in your tour package.

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