Italy

One of the best things about Italy (apart from pizza of course!) is that in a country smaller than California you'll find almost endless variety. You might only have a week or two to explore, but we believe it's best to immerse yourself fully in the culture of one area rather than rush manically from point-to-point seeing 'everything' yet experiencing nothing. Besides, once you have visited once you're likely to yearn to return year after year. So embrace a slower pace of travel and really discover Italy's landscapes one region at a time ...

1) Tuscany - Italy's most storied region ... Sandwiched between the Baroque splendour of Florence and the Ligurian Sea to the west, Tuscany has inspired generation after generation of artists and writers seeking to capture the essence of this iconic region. In Tuscany expect winding roads, Medieval hilltop villages and fascinating cities with bustling streets set against a backdrop of rolling hills, forests and the vineyards of Chianti. 

2) Veneto, Lombardy & Trentino - Including cities with international pull like Venice and Verona. These three regions stretch from the Dolomite mountains in Italy's NE, to the turquoise waters and spa towns surrounding Lake Garda to the Prosecco vineyards, and finally across nature-rich wetlands to Venice and the Adriatic Sea. Hugely varied, our trips in these regions cover the lower slopes of the Brenta-Dolomites, easy-going riverside cycle routes and relaxed rides among the vineyards and olive groves that stretch down the Adriatic. Further east along the coast, as you approach the Slovenian border you can enjoy, largely flat, sea-side pedaling. 

3) Puglia - Located in Italy's SE, and known as the "heel", Puglia is a timeless landscape of gently rolling inland plains surrounded by a coastline of rugged limestone and peppered with stunning white-sand beaches and rocky coves of azure waters. Punctuating the rural landscape are gleaming white-washed towns, and cities boasting Roman, Baroque and Byzantine architecture. Not only that, but local menus abound with the freshest of seafood!

4) Sicily - The inhabitants of Sicily also have a penchant for seafood, and for food in general, so make sure to miss out on the local specialties - cannoli, arancini and swordfish to name just a few! Located off the SW coast of Italy's "toe" this vibrant island makes for the perfect Italian escape. Discover a varied landscape of coastal plains, surprisingly lush valleys, olive groves, beaches and Baroque towns. 

5) Amalfi Coast - The name inspires images of colourful towns clinging to steep cliff faces above the Mediterranean Sea. Just an hour south of Naples, Pompei and Mount Vesuvius this UNESCO-protected 50 km stretch of coastline on Italy's west coast is a jaw-dropping combination of steep mountains and woodland dropping into the sea. Dotted along the coastline are fishing towns painted in delightful shades of terracotta, pink, yellow, blue and pistachio. Escape the crowded towns for rural roads and spectacular sea-views. 

6) Umbria - Known as Italy's green heart Umbria is a less touristed region than it's neighbour, Tuscany, to the west and is bound by the Apennine Mountains on it's eastern border. Renowned for it's cuisine from chocolate to foraged truffles and fine wines. Explore the rolling green landscape, lake-side villages and it's fortified hilltop capital Perguia. 

Italy's cuisine is world-renowned and for good reason - it's delicious! Dig down beneath the surface of regional differences and it won't be long before you encounter an undercurrent of the country's turbulent political history. Unified in the 1870s Italy, as we know it today, and the food that has come to define it benefits from the influence of many European and Mediterranean neighbours. No cycling holiday in Italy is complete without indulging in, not just the food but also the produce of the local vineyards! Some foods have become synonymous with Italy as a whole, such as pizza, pasta, olive oil and gelato, and while we recommend sampling these on your trip we have also listed some regional highlights. 

Tuscany - Home to traditional peasant dishes Tuscany's magnificent natural larder allows it's simple cuisine to shine. Sample hearty bean and vegetable stews and pasta dishes, or try the local game - wild boar is especially popular - and a topping of truffle is a seasonal addition in the autumnal months. 

Puglia - Apuglia is a productive growing region of Italy and produces all manner of Mediterranean vegetables, chickpeas and lentils. With a large proportion of coastline seafood is popular is a key element of the local diet. Orecchiette pasta, translating literally as 'little ear', is the region's most well-known pasta, it's often served with fresh vegetables and mussels. You may follow a plate of orecchiette with zeppola, small doughnut-like pastries with cream or jam toppings. 

Campania - This region, encompassing the gulf of Naples, consumes the greatest amount of pasta in Italy and is of course renowned for the Neapolitan pizza (the modern pizza was invented in Naples towards the end of the 18th century)! Taking in the Amalfi coast seafood also features heavily on most menus. 

Veneto - The area between Venice and Lake Garda is famous for it's silky risottos, and the iconic Italian dessert tiramisu. While cycling here you'll pass many Prosecco producing vineyards - sip a glass (or two) beside the Venetian canals to celebrate your trip. 

Sicily - Adrift in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily's focus is largely on simply cooked, super-fresh seafood, straight from the sea to your plate in as little time as possible. Arancini are also a popular street-food on the island, these deep-fried parcels of risotto-style rice are delightful - and are easily portable so they'd make an excellent picnic food. The island is also renowned for a dessert called cannoli - a ricotta filled tube of fried pastry dough often adorned with candied orange, chocolate chips or crushed pistachios (delicious!).