What is a ‘Cycling Adventure’ in Italy?
Adventure cycling is something that challenges you, something that is exciting and different to your normal, daily life. It is trying something new. A cycling adventure is using a bicycle to explore new terrain. It is a journey, a tour and in our case, it means using Italy’s famed Strada Bianche to travel to the more rural and historical areas of Tuscany and Umbria.
Am I The Right Person for A Cycling Adventure?
Can you remember your first cycling adventures?
Can you recall, as a youngster, the thrill, joy and excitement of jumping on your bike and pedalling beyond your local area accompanied by one or two of your pals?
These were your first cycling adventures. If like me these memories come easily, then you are the right person for a cycling adventure in Italy. You can recapture those feelings all these years later no matter how long it is since your first two-wheeled breakaway.
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The Joy of a Cycling Adventure
Visit places out of time and far from the rest of the world
There is the sense of pure freedom while travelling under your own steam, which in itself, is its own reward.
The routes that we plan for you take you into the deep Umbrian valleys where the sun warms the road but fails to dominate the colours of the oaks woods and there are places out of time and far from the rest of the world. Since ancient times, peoples and warriors, merchants and pilgrims, people of all kinds passed through these roads.
In cycling along these roads, you are open to the world. People will find you interesting. They’ll want to know what you’re doing, where you’re going, how far you ride each day. Because these are not the usual routes taken by foreign cyclists.
Your sense of accomplishment is tangible.
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What Happens To My Luggage?
Each day that you ride to your next destination – at some hotels you’ll spend more than one night – your luggage is transported for you. You only carry what you need for the day’s ride.
You have a pannier and or a small back-pack which is provided, so there’s plenty of space for items such as your camera, sun cream and maybe a jacket or something warmer to slip on if needed.
I Want to Meet the Local People, Drink the Wine and Eat Traditional Italian Food.
We take the lesser-known roads
Inspired ITALY itineraries take the lesser-known roads where you’ll find quieter villages. There are opportunities to visit vineyards, enjoy wines tastings, pizza, pasta and ice cream!
You will fall in love with rural Italy.
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How Fit Do I Need to Be?
Whilst this is an adventure, you’re still on holiday. The itineraries are designed to give you enough time to enjoy the places that you pass through, to take a coffee, swim in the lake, soak your feet in the wild spa water and sip a beer in the village bar. Typically, there are between 2 and 4 hours of cycling per day.
What Style of Bicycle Will Do I Ride?
.. enjoy your adventure together ..
You will ride either a Haibike or a Raleigh electric bicycle powered by a Bosch pedal-assist system.
Why Electric?
Electric bicycles help ‘level the playing field’. They mean that you can ride and enjoy your adventure together with your partner, family and friends and so long as they have a basic level of fitness, you will have a great adventure together.
Electric bikes enable you to ride further, climb higher and take on more than you can on a muscle bike. Inspired ITALY itineraries are designed for electric bikes, which is important. These are not routes designed for muscle bikes where you have the option for an electric bike. You will pedal further and climb higher steeper hills and have more fun than you would on a non-electric bike. We guarantee it!
How Does An Electric Adventure Bike Work?
Our electric bikes are bicycles. They are not motorbikes, scooters or mopeds. To get the bicycle to move, you must pedal. If the power assist is set to off, the bike is entirely powered by your own effort. There are four power settings, each providing more assistance than the previous. Once you are travelling above 26/27 kmh the assistance stops automatically.
Our itineraries are designed for e-Bikes.
🔴 VIDEO: Best Bike Rides in Umbria
What Support Is Provided?
We are here, on the ground to meet and support you.
7 to 10 days before arrival you are invited to join a closed, private WhatsApp Group – we call it your ‘virtual guide’. Through this group, you receive reminders and useful information and we get to know each other. You can ask anything that you like!
The WhatsApp group remains live throughout your time with us and each day you’ll receive a daily itinerary with highlights, and local weather updates. We love to receive your photos too!
Whilst you are cycling, you can call on the emergency vehicle or use the Virtual Guide to ask questions.
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How Should I Prepare for my Cycle Adventure?
Take as many preparation rides before your holiday as you can. Your bum and your legs will thank you and your cycling adventure will be so much more enjoyable.
All cycling will helps, whether on an electric bike or not!
When Is The Best Time of Year for a Cycling Adventure in Italy?
Spring or Autumn (Fall, if your Stateside)???
Most people prefer Spring or Autumn (Fall, if your Stateside) for a cycling trip. But these two seasons are significantly different in themselves. Daylight hours in April, May and June are considerably longer than in September and October. Personally, my favourite time abroad is from mid-May to early June. The flowers, temperatures and crops in the field are all alive and the sun has yet to reach its hottest.
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Can You Help Me Find Flights, Airports & Transfers?
Yes!!! ✈️ 🚂 🚕 🚲 We help you with guidance on airlines, airport options and transfers from the airport to the hotel. Just let us know your preferred outbound airport and we’ll put you on the right track! Our bonding does not allow us to sell flights.
Cycling in Warmer Weather
Drink a little and often, that’s the key!
Make sure that you keep well hydrated with regular drink stops and carry plenty of water on your bike. You dehydrate much quicker when cycling in warm conditions and because of the cooling effect of the self-generated breeze, you won’t realise that you are losing body fluids. Ideally, take something like a banana or a snack bar to enjoy along the route.
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Can I Drink The Tap Water?
We recommend that you stick to bottled water. This is only because the tap water you have at home and the water in your destination will not be the same! The only way to be sure that you are drinking water that won’t upset your stomach is to drink bottled water.
How Will I Navigate?
We provide a full GPS itinerary with turn by turn navigation
If you are used to detailed maps such as the OS maps available in the UK, you may be disappointed with the maps that are available in some countries and Italy is no exception.
To add to the challenge road signs and road numbering is also not as you might expect!
We provide a full GPS itinerary with turn by turn navigation. You are welcome to have the .gpx files in advance so that you can use your own bike computer as well and search the route beforehand.
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Do I Need Insurance?
Make sure and check that your holiday insurance covers cycling abroad as well as the standard holiday coverage such as medical, security and travel disruption. And here is something that is often overlooked – make sure that your holiday insurance is in place from the moment that you book your holiday!
🔝 TIP: In the EU (except for UK, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus and Romania), the rule of ‘presumed liability’ applies which means that, “The motor vehicle driver is responsible, for the risk created by driving such vehicles, damage to persons or property caused through his driving.” The driver is liable unless it is proven that the incident occurred solely due to the conduct or negligence of the other party.
Who is There, On The Ground, to Help During My Ride?
We plan, support and deliver our own itineraries.
We provide you with a full briefing, from information on cycling in Italy to how to use the bike and the GPS. We are available via the WhatsApp Guide 24/7. Despite what we have said about local maps, we still give you the best possible map so that you have some sense of where you are, where you’re going and where you’ve been.
Your itinerary is no more than a 2-hour drive from our base and we will always respond to you in an emergency situation.
We plan, support and deliver our own itineraries. We do not subcontract. You are always dealing with an Inspired ITALIAN!
ALL: Inspired ITALY Cycling Experiences
SPECIAL Dolomites Ski Safari
Skiing the Dolomites | North, South, East & WestSPECIAL Dolomites Ski SafariDolomites Ski Safari for Solo & Single Skiers
SMALL GROUPS & LIKE MINDED PEOPLESINGLES & SOLOS Ski SafariThe Da Vinci Road
Cortona | Montepulicano | Val d'Orica | Montalcino | ChiantiSINGLE CENTRE | SELF GUIDEDLake Trasimeno | Umbria | Easy Cycling
Lake Trasimeno | Castigleone del Lago | PassignanoSINGLE CENTRE | SELF GUIDED“We are reasonably keen, but ‘mature’ leisure cyclists and at first we were a little apprehensive about our abilities. Tim and Roberto gave us advice and encouragement so that we were able to pace ourselves and complete each of the daily rides with confidence.”
Graham Stanley
“This was my first cycle holiday and can’t be more positive about the equipment, route planning and guiding. Thank you Tim and Roberto for being wonderful hosts.”
Andrew Le Poidevin
“..my confidence grew; and, though I had been a bit worried about the longest ride, by the end of that day, I didn’t want the 100km ride to end.”
Barbara Stanley
“..definitely go for a guided option. Tim’s knowledge of the area is sublime and he always has a random fact or story about wherever you are. He just makes the whole trip even better. Can’t wait to come back again.”
Calvin Booker | Raleigh Bicycles, UK
“Tim [the guide] actually rode with us, pointing out lots of very interesting fact and figures along the way. All our luggage was transported between hotels so all we had to carry were the things we needed for the ride”
Leonard Lee | Club Cyclist & Youtuber
“... a wonderful experience and I would have no hesitation recommending Inspired Italy to anyone thinking of a cycling holiday in Italy.”
Leonard Lee | Club Cyclist & YouTuber
“I thoroughly enjoyed my week and can highly recommend experiencing Italy to anyone looking for a cycling holiday, and I'm hoping to book another holiday with them next year.”
Alan Parkinson, Road Cycling in Italy
“I am a fairly experienced cyclist but I've never ridden an e-bike so had no idea what to expect. My inner roadie wanted to do the climbs without assistance. But it was just easier to use the motor to push you up the many Tuscan hills and enjoy the views and the ride rather than push yourself to exhaustion. The routes varied from a relatively easy 45 km/700 metres vertical to a challenging 100km/1300 metres.”
My First Ever Ride on an Electric Bike by Leonard Lee
“Thank you for the most fabaroonie Ski Safari ever! I’ve enjoyed them all, but this one was the best in my opinion.”
DOLCE TEMPO Ski Safari by Manda Bennett
“We are enjoying every moment! Last night treated with a live Italian music show in the piazza - what a wonderful and beautiful day it was!!! The routes are so beautifully thought out!”
Rochelle Joubert, South Africa
“This trip is crazy beautiful, we enjoy every moment thx 👏”
Rochelle Joubert, South Africa
“I would ride this day everyday of the year and never get bored, thank you 😊”
FJ Joubert, South Africa
“Although we researched the tour, we underestimated how hilly the terrain was in Tuscany. However, this trip will remain in our memory for a long time to come. We will definitely be back! Thank you Inspired Italy, you made our holiday so much fun...”
Colin & Heather, Canada
“Got to our destination early to find our luggage already in our room. That set the tone of the adventure. Seamless logistics happening in the background.”
John H, Zimbabwe
“Had a fantastic 4 day adventure cycling around lake Trasimeno. We departed after a late breakfast the next morning with a lot of excitement and a little trepidation. We soon relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful countryside.”
John H, Zimbabwe
“We are a family of four from the USA; 2 young adults and 2 older adults in our 60's. Inspired Italy exceeded our expectations providing us with a lifetime of memories of beautiful cycling scenery, fairytale medieval towns, fabulous meals, fantastic wine tours and beautiful, intimate boutique hotels.”
Montanino Family, USA
“The route had been thoughtfully put together, it was incredibly varied. It did put us through our paces, both physically and mentally (one of us is in our late seventies)”
Alistair M, Canada
“Inspired Italy - it is their first-hand personal experience and knowledge which allows you to eat and stay at the most amazing places ..”
David C, UK
“The cycling was fun and I felt calm and exhilarated at the same time with a chance to feel the breeze, take in the views of the beautiful countryside”
Mary Thomas, UK
“Stunning Hotels, amazing dining, breathtaking scenery and all enabled by the fantastic team at Inspired Italy and their outstanding e-bikes!”
Andrew M
“We had a terrific week in Umbria and Tuscany. The 'e' was certainly popular on the steeper hills. Nothing was too strenuous.”
Jonny Woods & Family
“What surprised me was how relaxing it was and how you just switch off and enjoy the beauty of it all.”
Hazel Dumore
“I started e-biking after a hip operation. I had an initial idea that biking would involve staying in youth hostels. Far from it! This was really up market - great hotels, fantastic food and serious wine.”
Paul Gregory
“My wife and I wanted a holiday with a difference and a bit of an adventure - and that's what we got. From start to finish the management, arrangements and attention to detail for this e-cycling holiday were excellent.”
Ashely Blackett
“eBikes were amazing and enabled the whole family with different levels of cycling experience and fitness to enjoy a really memorable holiday. Thanks Tim and the team at Inspired Italy!”
Phil Dunmore
“What an amazing time! From the bike rides, to the hotels and the food, everything was perfect. E bikes are my new favourite thing!”
Georgia Dunmore
“What an amazing holiday! From someone who hadn’t been on a bike for years and was a bit nervous about the week it way surpassed my expectations! E bikes are the way to go!”
Hazel Dunmore
“I have just finished a 6-day bespoke ski safari with the wonderful Tim. I thoroughly enjoyed our adventures on the slope and meeting new people within the group. Everywhere we looked we were provided with another jaw-dropping view, and the conditions were perfect for me all week. Our rifugi were so homely and the hosts made us feel welcomed and special. The food provided was excellent and varied. Tim was an amazing leader and has so much knowledge of all the areas we covered. His commentary was a great addition to our coffee stops!”
Lark Ash-Wheeler
“The Umbrian route was stunning - the land that time forgot, the Italian drivers courteous, the roads in the main very quiet. The food and hotels were great and we felt, even self guided, fine. The SAT navs really were very good - I always get lost!
Inspired Italy made it fun, hassle free and personalised. So, in a nutshell, I couldn't recommend it more.”
Nicola Odey on a Private, GPS Self Guided Umbria Electric Bike Adventure
“Fantastic experience! Sleeping at the top of the mountain and early morning untracked corduroy or powder.”
Grant Milne
“The memory of that day will stay with me forever……it started with 2 fresh runs down Marmolada and ended with a blissful stay at Averau! Unreal!”
Karen White on a Family Dolomites Ski Safari
“it was without a doubt the best week of our lives so far (except perhaps our wedding week!)”
Bethany & Dan O’Mullane
“… we had all had an ABSOLUTE BALL ...”
Felicity ‘Billy’ Clark on a Private Dolomites Ski Safari
“10 out of 10 - a wonderful unique experience. Skiing perfectly groomed pistes at 8:30 in a foot of fresh powder before anyone else”
Lizzie Norton, former owner of Ski Solutions Ltd.
“Ian and I loved your guided e bike holiday around Tuscany. It was beautifully organised with every little detail thought of, including the most perfect lunch stops and, of course amazing hotels!”
Sir Ian & Lady Collett
“We were very uncertain whether to opt for the guided or the self-guided, but having opted for the guided tour we now realise that there are some significant advantages.”
Nigel & Alwyn Vaughan on a Guided Umbria Electric Bike Adventure
“Writing [the Google review] pulled on my heartstrings and made me want to do it all over again.”
Marion Clare Williams, USA on a Guided Umbria Electric Bike Safari
“Bikes always enable their riders to be ‘at one’ with the environment and these electric bikes, by removing the really hard effort normally required, allow one to progress through difficult terrain while still enjoying the trip.”
Christian Wolmar. Award Winning Writer & Broadcaster Specialising in Transport
“.. we were always a little hesitant because of the hills, but Ebike rentals from Inspired Italy solved that problem and then some! We felt like we were in Tour d'Italia without the effort. The bikes are fantastic, and all the equipment is first-class.”
John Sweazey, USA
“.. with the eBikes, we powered effortlessly up hills that would have been otherwise painful in the hot sun. Less time sweating meant more time to enjoy the stunning scenery. I've spent countless days on the lake but cycling around it was a totally different experience and I'd do it again in a heart beat. Highly, highly recommended!”
Anna T-B, London, UK. Lake Trasimeno eBike Tour
“I rushed home to tell my cousin, all about our bike holiday. They booked immediately! It was one of the best holidays that I have ever had..”
Suzanne Dale, UK. Umbria and Tuscany eBike Safari
“Out of interest, Christian and I rode our ordinary bikes up to Castel Rigone a few days later. The difference was astonishing: I felt the hill would never end”
Deborah Maby, UK. Umbria eBike Tour
“Don’t imagine an e-bike will do all the work for you ..”
The Oldie Magazine
“Fantastic way to bike-ride in Italy without worrying about the hills
”
Mark Dale, UK. Guided Umbria & Tuscany eBike Tour
“Puts the joy back into cycling”
Graham Adamson, Canada – Guided Tuscany eBike Tour
“...so great to have a leader. No stopping at the top to look where to go. No worrying about when or where to eat. Just great skiing and great new friends...”
Missey Zlotcha, USA. Dolomites Ski Safari
“... all we had to do was enjoy some of the best skiing we've ever had ...”
Jo Metcalfe, Tailor-Made Dolomites Ski Safari
“We had the most marvellous Dolomites Ski Safari, it was beyond anything I had ever expected. Such an adventure in such an awe inspiring landscape, all so well planned and executed. Our guide wasn't half bad either, in fact he was terrific.”
Belinda Callaway on a Dolomites Ski Safari
“A huge thank you for a really fabulous week. Once my first day nerves had calmed down I really enjoyed the skiing!!”
Katie, a solo skier from the UK
“Thanks everyone for putting up with the lone Yank. Y'all were way too much fun to travel with.”
Paul Dowler, a solo skier from Utah, USA
“A great “thank you” to Tim and Louise, for the inspiration to do this, in this way.”
Tim Ferrari, a solo skier from Scotland
“It made such a lovely change to be skiing on such empty slopes and in such good snow conditions, and the views were, of course, superb. A lovely holiday, and great company. Thank you.”
Patricia, a solo skier
“This is a fantastic opportunity to never ski the same run twice, to be guided by an expert not only on the slopes but on the ‘watering holes’ too! To be the only people at the top in the morning is a real treat. Skiing with a small pack seemed to make no difference, much to my surprise! All I would say is it is worth getting fit before you go. I thoroughly recommend this wonderful original ski holiday.”
Lavinia Shaw-Brown on a Dolomites Ski Safari
“I did endless research beforehand wondering whether it would work out as a holiday, was Italy the right spot and Inspired Italy the right company? All I can say all 8 of us loved it. There was a pretty wide range of fitness levels, but with the 4 speeds on the eBike it was not a problem.”
Nicola Odey on an Umbria eBike Safari
“The Inspired ITALY Dolomites Ski Safari was not only the best ski holiday but the best holiday we have ever had. Tim’s local knowledge and rapport with the locals added an extra dimension to the trip. We really felt that we got to know this beautiful part of Italy as well as enjoying some incredible skiing on uncrowded slopes.”
Jo & Adam Metcalf on a CLASSIC Dolomites Ski Safari
“The Umbria eBike tour was fantastic, the bike technology, sat nav and organisation brilliant. Dee said she would book it again next year, which is the best endorsement”
Robin Welch, Umbria eBike Tour
“What a great feeling it is when you stood there on the top of the mountain and pointed to the piste saying: "Guys, the piste is yours!" And we skied down, on, a totally fresh and empty slope, in the morning sun. THAT is something no other operator can provide!”
Karl Lintner on the CLASSIC Dolomites Ski Safari
“An enormous 'thank you' for all that you did to ensure that we had one of the best, if not the best, skiing holidays ever.”
Ally Gregory on a Dolomites Ski Safari
“Once again, many thanks to you and your team for an excellent week.”
John Daines on a Dolomites Ski Safari
“… it is seriously the best ski trip we have done for a long time … possibly ever.”
Diane Farmer on a Dolomites Ski Safari
“Fantastic experience! Sleeping at the top of the mountain and early morning untracked corduroy or powder”
Grant Milne on a Dolomites Ski Safari
“Huts don't have to be hardcore, especially when your staying in the jewel of the Dolomites darling!”
Fall Line Magazine
“I cannot now imagine a skiing holiday that does not involve those early morning runs and watching the sunset at 2,800 metres.”
The Times: Christian Wolmar
“A scene that is quiet the most idyllic I've seen in any winter landscape”
SNOW Magazine
“These are not the kind of places you stumble upon by chance and perfectly illustrate the wisdom of tapping into local knowledge.”
SNOW Magazine
“Just a short note to say thank you for everything last week. All 6 of us had a fantastic time. Everything worked like clockwork from arrival to departure. Our three days guiding were terrific. The Paul Simon duo (call me Betty and you can call me Al) are amazing as of course is Tim!! Willies for steak and vino will be a long term memory. Hotel Grones is brilliant and staff are the best around. Thanks again. Hope to see you all again next year ...”
Eamonn B; Dublin on a Tailor-Made Dolomites Ski Safari
“We were always a little hesitant because of the hills, but eBike from Inspired Italy solved that problem and then some! We felt like we were in Tour d'Italia without the effort. The bikes are fantastic, and all the equipment is first-class.”
John Sweazey on an Umbria eBike tour
“An utterly, utterly fab ski holiday and thank you SO much for organising it all. We could/would NEVER have experienced such a thing had it not been for you. I honestly NEVER want to ski anywhere else again and we would LOVE to do it again next year.”
Deborah Maby, UK