Cycling tours of Italy? Trek Travel?

[bluebug32]

I'm getting married this summer and my fiance and I would love to explore Italy (at least partially by bike). Has anyone done a cycling tour of one of the regions? We're looking at Tuscany or the Dolomites (though the latter seems to contain a little more climbing than this bride...or the groom, for that matter, can handle). We really like what Trek Travel offers and they seem to have a nice balance between relaxation and time in the saddle. Any other recommendations or companies that you like/don't like?

[shootingstar]

Ok, hopefully this suggestion is not too radical but valuable for those living on the eastern side of the continent:

Velo Quebec not only has a great signed bike network in Quebec, but they have organized bike tours overseas for a number of years annually. (Yea, can you imagine a cycling advocacy organization with a business arm like that??)

http://www.explorebybike.com/europe-bike-tour A good friend plans to cycle in Italy with Velo Quebec this summer. She's going to join the tour on her own. She lives in Ontario.

And don't worry, there would be enough people in the group who would know English.

So you would have a real multi-dimensional experience, Italy plus learn fellow cyclists who might be abit different. :)

[Thorn]

Hands down for the best riding, dining and Italian experience, CycleItalia.com. The groups are smaller and dining will not be a pre-arranged American-style group dinner. Larry and Heather are not just cyclists, but foodies. They pick out the best restaurant or cafe in the city by local standards. Never have I dined as well as I dined on a CycleItalia trip. Oh, and needless to say the riding and support is also top notch.

[Crankin]

I went on Trek Travel trip to Austria and Prague a few years ago, as well as a long weekend in VT.
They are very professional, the guides are great, and the hotels,food, cultural stuff was awesome.
Our ride was listed as "moderate." While it was not cycling in the Dolomites, there were several days of climbing with 12-15% grades for a few miles. Some of this was not clearly stated. We had several very strong riders in our group, a few sort of in the middle like me, and a few newbies. It seemed like a tough trip for people on hybrids who hadn't done much riding. I didn't feel bad about cutting my day short a couple of times and taking the van. The one day we should have, was a flat day of riding along the Danube. However, the temperature had gone up to like 95 degrees and several people took a cab back to the hotel to relax. We didn't and ended up getting lost on the bike path. and me stopping and dumping my water bottle over my head to cool down.
The best cycling trips to Italy, hands down, are done by Ciclismo Classico.

[Mr. SR500]

We went to Tuscany with Trek Travel for our 10 year anniversary. It was awesome. Everything is first class, and a great balance for the hard core cyclist and not so hard core. Our group bonded extremely well, when we finished the tour, we would wonder what so and so were doing today. On the tour we enjoyed hearing about the different adventures people would have each day. We really enjoyed the group. Trek is a little pricey, but we were very pleased.

[Blueberry]

The best cycling trips to Italy, hands down, are done by Ciclismo Classico.

I've heard really good things about this company as well. Someone I know locally has done numerous trips with them.

[annielynn]

Oh wow, these trips sound amazing!

[Ritamarie]

In September 1990 my husband and I did a two week European tour for our honeymoon, but we did it on our own. We went with 2 bikes, some Michelin maps and no itinerary except a flight into Paris on day 1 and a flight out of Munich Germany on day 14. My husband is one of those independent sorts that can get you out of any jam and is a good mechanic with a good sense of direction so I will follow him just about anywhere!

We flew into the Paris airport with our bikes in boxes. You could check them free back then as a piece of luggage. We put our bikes together in the airport and off we went. We nearly got killed in the Paris traffic :-) but quickly found our way to more rural roads. We spent a few days in southern France then hopped on a train to get over the Alps into Italy and spent the majority of our time in northern Italy then eventually (using trains) ended up with a little time in Switzerland and Germany before heading home.

Both my husband and I know a little bit of high school French but no Italian whatsoever, but that was part of the fun. We used our little English-Italian book a lot! Everyone in Germany spoke English so that was a bit of a disappointment, but the beer there made up for it!

We spent less than $100 a day for the two of us on rooming, food and other expenses and that met our newlywed budget. It was the best trip of my life!

[Biciclista]

sadly some things have changed since 1990 when Rita took her trip. It has become outrageously expensive to ship bikes in airplanes. And good luck spending less than $100 a day for the two of you unless you're willing to travel in the south.
Time of year is VERY important in Italian travel. you say "the summer" but if you can avoid August in Italy, you will be doing yourself a great favor. Everyone in Italy goes on vacation in August and the popular vacation spots are inundated with tourists from all over Europe. Road travel is nightmarish because everyone in Italy is trying to leave home and go on their own vacation.
Good luck. i'll be there in late september myself.

[tulip]

...We went with 2 bikes, some Michelin maps and no itinerary ...

Ritamarie, I did that two years ago (in France only) and it was absolutely wonderful. Michelin maps are the best. (So are Bike Fridays because they don't require the extra airline fees).

[michelem]

The best cycling trips to Italy, hands down, are done by Ciclismo Classico.

We LOVED our Ciclismo Classico experience in Tuscany. Here's my report from 2007: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showpost.php?p=221364&postcount=1

Of course, I can't compare/contrast with any other tours 'cause this was our one and only adventure of a lifetime! :D

[bluebug32]

Thanks, everyone!! Lots of reading and researching to do. I've been to Italy, but my finance has not, so I'm hoping to find some new things to discover myself, and to extend a trip a bit to get to some of the touristy places for him.

I also think fall would be the best time to go. Plus, we'll be in good cycling shape by then.

[Ritamarie]

sadly some things have changed since 1990 when Rita took her trip.

Yes, of course it has. But I am sure you can do a self guided tour for a fraction of a packaged tour, especially if you stay out of any tourist areas like we did. The towns are so close together, and we never got to a town for the night where we weren't able to rent a cheap room. Admittedly, a few were dives, but we never had to sleep under a bridge!


Ritamarie, I did that two years ago (in France only) and it was absolutely wonderful. Michelin maps are the best. (So are Bike Fridays because they don't require the extra airline fees).

My husband just about has his "suitcase bike" finished. I'm thinking about a Surly Travelers Check myself (is that not just the coolest name?!?)

[Biciclista]

Yes, of course it has. But I am sure you can do a self guided tour for a fraction of a packaged tour, especially if you stay out of any tourist areas like we did. The towns are so close together, and we never got to a town for the night where we weren't able to rent a cheap room. Admittedly, a few were dives, but we never had to sleep under a bridge!




yes, exactly. Stay out of the touristy areas. Unfortunately the less touristy a place is, the less english comprehension you are going to find. The good news is Italians still love us and unlike some other places, they will enthusiastically
help you learn their language.

[michelem]

. . . are the best. (So are Bike Fridays because they don't require the extra airline fees).

Here's some more info on airline travel w/bikes (from RoadBikeRider.com 2/25/10 newsletter):

United We Grumble

Now that some airlines are making passengers pay for using a pillow or blanket, maybe it's not surprising that the fee for flying with a bike has risen too.

A protest page on Facebook is taking United Airlines to task for charging $175(one way) to check a bike as luggage on a U.S. domestic flight.

That sky-high fee has been in effect for more than a year. United's regulations require the bike to "be contained in a durable, protective case, bag or box" and the whole shebang can't weigh more than 50 lbs. (23 kg).

Protests or boycotts notwithstanding, in these hard times for airlines it's unlikely United is going to lower the fee. It's not just picking on cyclists, either.

United charges the same $175 to check a surfboard, vaulting pole or set of antlers (no kidding).

If you're flying with your kayak or caged pooch or kitty, it's $250 -- each way.

If you don't like United's bike fee, you could fly Southwest. America's No. 1 airline charges $0 for a bike that weighs 50 lbs. or less and fits in a hard case no larger than 62 in. (length + width + height).

Says the Southwest website, "A $50 each-way charge applies to bicycles that don't meet the above criteria. Bicycles packaged in a cardboard box or soft-sided case will be transported as a conditionally accepted item."

Southwest specifically mentions Bike Friday and Co-Motion Co-Pilot travel bikes as qualifying for the $0 fee when checked as one of 2 free pieces of baggage. Other airlines might waive charges for them too.

Tip: When checking in, if you're asked what's in your hefty travel-bike suitcase, say "exercise equipment" rather than "a bicycle." You're not lying and maybe it'll save you a hassle as well as significant coin.

Tip 2: How to Travel with Your Bicycle, an eBook by world traveler Alan Bragman, has loads of information about packing bikes and how to transport them on planes, trains or automobiles.

http://www.roadbikerider.com/431.htm#DISPATCH

[AnnieBikes]

My DH and I celebrated our 32nd anniversary with Experience Plus

www.experienceplus.com/

They are also a bit pricey but they are fantastic. We could not have been more happy with the bikes (we did not take our own...no rental fees, you have a choice of road, hybrid or comfort bikes) We took our own pedals, but you do not have to unless you use clipless. My husband took his own seat. The mileage was just right for me as a newbie at the time. We had wine tasting and a tour of an olive oil pressing place, with tasting. Most meals were included and all breakfasts. There were mileage options each day and no cue sheets! They chalk the road with arrows in the morning and you follow them! They even used arrows to point to sites to see, museums, and occasional picnics they provided! What fun!! We had lived in Italy for 2.5 years while he was in the service 25 years ago(in Tuscany) so wanted to ride somewhere different. We went to Puglia, the "heel" of the boot. However, I would hesitate to go there in the summer as it would be very hot. We went in early May. As noted in another post, I also STRONGLY agree that going in August is a BIG mistake. The hotels are crowded, expensive, and unavailable. If you could possibly go in September, then you will be much more able to find places to stay if you are not on a tour.

Have an awesome time and congrats on your upcoming wedding.

[Mr. SR500]

Here is the write up I did on our Italy trip with Trek Travel:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?231808-Tuscany-Italy-Bike-Tour-Long-56k-Beware

[mthomsen]

Here is the write up I did on our Italy trip with Trek Travel:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?231808-Tuscany-Italy-Bike-Tour-Long-56k-Beware

Thanks for the feedback both here and on bikeforums Mr. SR500. I work for Trek Travel as a guide and this is always great to see.

[bluebug32]

Here is the write up I did on our Italy trip with Trek Travel:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?231808-Tuscany-Italy-Bike-Tour-Long-56k-Beware

Great write-up. Very cool, and I think this is exactly what we're looking for. I'm wondering if you know how early they encourage you to book to ensure a spot? Also, I saw that you saved 10% by booking through Trek? How does that work?

[Mr. SR500]

Great write-up. Very cool, and I think this is exactly what we're looking for. I'm wondering if you know how early they encourage you to book to ensure a spot? Also, I saw that you saved 10% by booking through Trek? How does that work?

I think we booked in the Late Winter/Spring for a Fall trip. Trek Travel has socials at larger dealers etc, to invite people to check out the tour. Our trip was hosted by our dealers and basically everyone was from around the same region. Because they made many of the arrangements, I guess the discount came from that. I'm not sure if you are booking online or via a Trek dealer, but I would just ask - can't hurt.

P.S. Let them know it's your honeymoon. Since we were celebrating our 10 year anniversary our guides gave us a large bottle of champagne on ice one afternoon. Ice is fairly rare in Italy, and my wife was so excited she opened a Coke and used the ice with it. We then went to share the champagne with the other members of the tour, us being typical Americans looked for some cheap/disposable glasses, but the manager of the inn insisted we use proper glasses. Made for great afternoon.

[Mr. BlueBug32]

Thanks for the info everyone.

Question: how much time would you recommend before and after the actual riding trip begins? We were thinking of 2 or 3 days on either side?

-Rob

[Grasshoppergirl]

My DH and I went on a trip to Tuscany with VBT tours, Vermont touring, about 5 years ago. The guides were super. One was an Italian and the other an American very fluent in Italian. Our group bonded really well too. Just the right amount of activities, tours, and time on your own. We rented their bikes which were comparable to what we had at the time. We still get the catalogs and you can't beat the prices which include airfare and beautiful places to stay. We added on three days in Florence at the end.

[Biciclista]

Thanks for the info everyone.

Question: how much time would you recommend before and after the actual riding trip begins? We were thinking of 2 or 3 days on either side?

-Rob

Take the remnants of your first day there to recuperate, then the next day if you're out on a bike all day in the sun you're going to be better off than if you did anything else anyway.

[PinkBike]

just wanted to add my +1 to Trek Travel.

we had the best vacation EVER at the tour of california in 2008. everything about trek travel was professional, well organized, well-planned, the guides gave individual attention all the time, it was the best, i cant say enough good things about that trip!!!

[Crankin]

We booked 3 days on either end of our trip. You need it to adjust to the time zone changes before you are actually riding. At least I did.

[Mr. SR500]

I think we got there a day ahead, and stayed 2 days. Many of the others traveled on their own after, but with young kids we needed to get back. I think it worked great great for us. Trek arranged our before and after hotels, so that helped as well.

[michelem]

For us, we did not bookend our trip at all, and it was HARD!!! 20+ hours travel time each way takes a lot out of a person (drive to BART, BART to SFO, SFO to Philadelphia, Philadelphia to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Florence, bus to train station, train to another train station, and then a cab to our final destination -- and then the same in reverse to go back home -- yikes!!!). I set my watch to Italy time as soon as we boarded our plane in SF and made sure I kept myself awake during Italy daytime hours and made myself "sleep" during Italy night-time hours. Still woke up rarin' to go at about 2 or 3am the first morning! Getting on the bike and getting going that first day helped a lot and I had no problem with jet lag or anything while we were there. My DH had it harder because he didn't sleep at all during travel.

We were only in Italy for 5 days. Returning to the States was MUCH HARDER. Upon return we both slept like rocks for umpteen hours straight. I had one full day to recuperate and then back to work. That whole week I felt like I'd been run over by a Mac truck -- felt like I had the flu or something. I wanted to crawl under my desk and fall into a coma.

If I had to do it again, I would have taken the week after off of work to rest and reacclimate.

[Crankin]

Exactly why it's important to plan the extra time. It's not particularly good to fly long distances after you've been doing a lot of hard riding. Makes you ripe for dvts. That's why I will be lying on a beach and playing tourist in Malaga after my tour in Spain this May.

[Mr. BlueBug32]

So 2 days on either end wouldn't be unheard of.

I've got a large concern over the type of components that they use. The older style 10 speed Shimano parts causes a lot of wrist and hand pain for me, and did no matter what position I had them in. Supposedly the 6 series Madones use the new Dura Ace (better ergonomics,) but exactly how anal retentive are they with their fitting? And are they able to adjust things throughout the week if problems crop up?

Thanks for all the information everyone, it's very helpful.

[Mr. SR500]

They used 5.2 Madones when we went. They were only slightly used and in excellent condition. I believe they were current year, and they turn them over every year or every other year - I forget. Sizing is better then most bike shops. The first day they have lunch and a bike fit. Before the trip you gave them your frame size, so your bike is ready to go the first day. They have about every stem size available, and set you up on a trainer to get a rough fit. I wanted a bigger frame the second day and they were able to get to the warehouse and swap it out for me no problem. I'm guessing your bikes will be Ultegra.

[bluebug32]

I wonder if TSA would confiscate a box full of SRAM components :D

[PinkBike]

you can special request a madone 6.5 for extra $. my DH was too tall for the 5.9 madones they brought, so he got a free upgrade to the 6.5 - suh-weet.

[Mr. BlueBug32]

According to their representative, the 6 Series bikes are equipped with the new D/A gruppo and the 5 series has older Ultegra SL.

They also seem fairly keen on sizing, and if worst came to worst, they do allow you to bring the bike of your choice, but you're entirely responsible for it. Hrm...

Thanks again for all the info, it's looking like it could be a really sweet trip.