ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours, a family-owned and operated business founded in 1972, has introduced six new self-guided tours that explore the Italy’s culture, landscapes and cuisine.
Maria Elena Price, co-owner, ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours, said “These tours combine the flexibility of independent travel with the support and expertise that ExperiencePlus! is known for. With carefully curated routes, hand-picked accommodations, comprehensive digital guidebooks, seamless daily luggage transfers from start to finish, and options for culinary and cultural activities, cyclists can immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of Italy while enjoying the peace-of-mind that comes with our more than 50 years of experience in creating exceptional cycling adventures.”
Here’s a look at the six new self-guided tours:
- “Southern Tuscany – Cycling Cortona to Siena:” This self-guided tour covers Tuscany’s landscapes, including Val d’Orcia, recognized by UNESCO as a “World Heritage Landscape” for its unique blend of human and natural environments. With three two-night stays over the course of the eight-day tour, the itinerary allows guests to take a day off, if desired, and explore each destination a little deeper. Highlights include the towns of Cortona, Montepulciano and Pienza; Siena and its historic city center; and option for a wine tasting in Montalcino and/or cooking class organized by Le Cesarine.
- “Bicycle Romagna – Heartland of Italy’s Homemade Pasta:” This seven-day self-guided tour starts in Ravenna, and travels through the Romagna region all the way to Bologna. Highlights include the medieval town of Brisighella with its pastel-hued houses and rolling vineyards; the planned Renaissance town of Terra del Sole built by the Medici family in 1564; two nights in Faenza, one of Italy’s ceramics towns; and option to take part in a cooking class. Travelers can link this tour with the “Taste of Italy” tour.
- “Taste of Italy, Cycling Emilia-Romagna Culinary:” Highlights of this eight-day self-guided adventure include behind-the-scenes visits to a local parmesan cheese producer or historic balsamic vinegar mill; opportunity to stop and explore the 15th-century Torrechiara Castle, located close to Langhirano; discover the cities of Bologna and Modena; and option to take part in a cooking class.
- “Cycling the Majestic Dolomites! Cortina to Bolzano:” On this flexible, eight-day itinerary, guests get to choose their own adventure in the Dolomites. Highlights include the chance for in-depth exploration of the eastern corner of the Italian Alps; experiencing South Tyrolean culture; exploring Cortina d’Ampezzo, a mountain destination/ski resort; and visiting the Brenner Pass, a popular and historic Alpine crossing that forms that border between Italy and Austria.
- “Italy’s Alpine Valleys – Sud Tyrol, Lake Garda and Verona:” Starting in Silandro, close to the Austrian border and deep in the heart of the Sud Tyrol, this eight-day self-guided itinerary is home to some of the country’s best bike paths and backroads. This is a great tour for couples, friends or multi-generational travel (families of mixed cycling abilities, including children) as it provides options for all—epic mountain climbs and passes with options easily reachable from the main route. Highlights include the vineyards and fruit orchards of the Caldaro wine region; a boat ride on Lake Garda; and the option to take part in a cooking class.
- “Umbria – Cycling the Green Heart of Italy:” This eight-day exploration of Umbria starts in Perugia, the region’s ancient capital, and makes its way through hilltop towns such as Spello, Spoleto and Todi, before wrapping up in Orvieto. Highlights include the town of Deruta, known since the Renaissance for its production of maiolica (painted tin-glazed earthenware); the Civita di Bagnoregio, a historic village, home to the 7th century Romanesque San Donato Church; and an option to participate in a guided visit of Assisi and Orvieto, as well as olive oil tasting in Bevagna.
For more information, visit ExperiencePlus.com.
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