Capturing special experiences and moments in time, is an artform. If you’ve been on an Italian cycling tour with us, you would know the lengths Damian goes to, to capture those special moments of our riders on the bike, together with shots of post ride celebration, shared experiences with non-riding partners, and of course our food and wine journey in each region.
The formidable Passo Giau in the Dolomites and David powering to the top. This represents everything that is beautiful about cycling, and the physical and mental challenges in stunning locations.
Post ride L’Eroica and before the celebration in the piazza began. Damian’s 10th edition of this iconic ride was just as memorable as his first roll on the Strade Bianche, and it was again on his birthday!
Orecchiette from Puglia, with a fresh tomato and basil sauce, and salted ricotta. Puglia’s cuisine is based on fresh produce grown locally and this dish is literally Puglian perfection on a plate…….. and when we enjoy this mid ride, it is something else!,
The pinnacle of riding in Puglia is where you roll around the coast from the Ionian sea to the Adriatic. The changing seas and landscapes are dramatic. Every time we ride this road, it’s a special day on the bike and everyone’s favourite.
Sicilian puppets were used in opera during the nineteenth century, with only a handful of artisans keeping the puppet making tradition alive. The puppets are now object d’art in their own right and it was a memorable experience to purchase the first of our collection this year from a traditional artisan father and son.
Hilltop stone hamlets are a quintessential part of the Tuscan landscape and it’s just a spectacular scene when you pop out of a forest and round the corner to find a perfectly manicured and silent little village ahead. It’s one of the many magical feelings experienced when riding in Tuscany.
The enchanting Luminaria. These festivals of summer bring colour and magic to the south of Italy, converting the local piazza to the venue to celebrate religious days and food festivals of every shape and size, amongst family and friends. This Luminaria and festival was near Napoli and definitely captured Nancy’s heart.
Sharing the tour experience with our diverse groups is always memorable. However, this special group of women took the enjoyment of sharing to another level. Their daily energy, positivity and appreciation for the experience created, both on and off the bike, made for a lot of fun and this tour in September was a joy for us to lead. Grazie SOTS!
We loved the rustic stall of a man with his homegrown Sicilian oranges in Catania. A simple set up with his electric scales and with oranges picked straight from his trees that morning, the flavour was dolcissimo. Simple pleasures.
When non-riding partners join us on tour with a curious spirit, an openness to engage and learn, and an energy to embrace the adventure in its fullness, it’s always a pleasure. Thank you Sharon for sharing many memorable moments in the magical Dolomites, including hiking to the top of mountains that you never thought you would or could.
This is the first open corner after 7kms of seriously hard pushing during La Fausto Coppi Gran Fondo in Piedmont. The landscape opens up and you can see up the valley to the top of the pass. The adrenaline fuelled descent is in reach.
Climbing Mt Etna from the south side this year was superb. At 26km long, it’s a serious challenge, especially the first couple of km’s on the lower slopes before we ‘level out’ to a 6.5% average gradient. Riding up and descending through the old lava fields that are devoid of vegetation, is like rolling through a landscape in another world. It’s the perfect culmination to our tour.
Schiacciata di uva, this is only made in the late days of September when the sangiovese grapes are being harvested in Tuscany. We look forward every year to one little trattoria’s version where we stop for our mid ride coffee. This is an absolute taste sensation.
One of our most amazing guests, at 70+ is still pushing up big mountains with a determination and tenacity that was inspirational. Chapeau Rob, hope to be doing the same!
The colours and contrasts of Puglia’s landscape are even more surprising when they seem to unexpectedly pop up in the middle of nowhere. We love the sense of discovery and adventure that unfolds on the backroads of each of our tours.
Old laneways where locals still shop with the green grocer, the butcher and the fish monger rather than the supermarket. Always interesting and entertaining to hear the lively banter between the stall holders and their customers.
The beautiful Tuscan landscape where the Crete Senesi transition to the Val d”Orcia. We roll along a ridge line with an open landscape on either side and depending on the season, the colours will be either vivid green, golden yellows or chocolate brown. In every season, it’s a stunning road to ride.
Truffles, vino, local cheese and home made salami and bread. All served and shared with us in the shed of a truffle hunter, post hunt. It’s these rustic slow food ingredients and experiences in Piedmont which are at the very heart of the cuisine and which are as enjoyable for us as those experienced in the region’s very gastronomic restaurants.
The Dolomites. Utterly unique and mesmerising, and creating a calming effect on you as you ride. For sure the riding is challenging, but that’s all part of the charm as you test yourself in one of the most beautiful natural environments in Italy. Every ride here is memorable.
The mesmerising waters off the rocky coast of Puglia with the vivid blues and greens of the Ionian sea, and with a water temperature that can see you in the water for hours. It makes for a very memorable dip post ride and for us this year, a wonderful and relaxing holiday experience.
There is beauty everywhere you turn in Italy. It’s the history of the buildings, the architecture and the art and design that is in nearly everything you see. It’s an absolute joy to soak it in, whether you are on the bike or off it.
The Tuscan landscape was made for riding. Open, beautiful and with challenging rolling hills…..throw in a few cypress trees, some vineyards and a stone hamlet or two, and it is nothing short of perfection. It’s Damian’s favourite place to ride.
We explore the Puglian landscape in great depth and it’s an amazing adventure as we take the little, rock lined back roads that are dotted with conical shaped trulli. No matter who you are or where you’re from, the first sighting of these trulli always brings a smile. There is something very fairytale-like about their presence and we love our 3 days riding amongst them on tour.
The sweetness of an Italian grown zucchini is like no other you have tried before. Nothing screams summer, like the light green and vibrant yellow. Available throughout the entire country, the flowers are prized and stuffed with ricotta and fried, from the north to the south. One of our favourite ways to eat zucchini is a dish from Campania, Spaghetti alla Nerano, which is with a delicate sauce and slices of zucchini. Buonissimo!
If you’d like to create memorable moments with us in 2025, visit our tour page outlines for more information and for spots available. Plces are limited.
