First time?
A guide to joining a cycling tour in Italy
Interested in a Cicloposse tour but not sure it's right for you?
This page answers the questions first-timers ask most.
About Cicloposse tours
Cicloposse tours are not only about riding. In beautiful regions such as Tuscany, Sardinia and Puglia, you enjoy local food, wine, cooking and encounters with people, together.
Distances vary by tour, but every tour is designed to help you feel Italy more deeply. The bike is simply the way to travel: riding slowly through the landscape, you discover small villages and local roads that you would drive straight past in a car. That is the Cicloposse way.
You don't need to be an experienced cyclist
"I don't ride much at home. Is that OK?" Don't worry. Riders with all kinds of experience join our tours, and first-timers on a guided tour are very welcome.
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You can join as long as you can ride a bike, even without much experience
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Most guests ride for pleasure; these are not competitive tours
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First guided cycling tour? You are welcome
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Guests have a wide range of fitness and experience
Distance and difficulty vary by tour. See the level descriptions here:
Worried about hills or fitness?
The Tuscan hills are rolling, but that is no reason to give up.
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E-bikes are available, giving you a strong assist on the climbs
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A support van is always with the group, so you can hop in whenever you are tired
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Even if you are unsure about your fitness, an e-bike plus the support van means you can join with confidence
Wondering "can I make it up that hill?" Just ask us and we will suggest the best option for you.
Choosing the right bike
Cicloposse offers five types of bike. Choose based on your fitness, the type of tour and the roads you want to ride.
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E-bike: for those worried about hills or long distances, or who want to enjoy the views slowly
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E-gravel: for those who want to try the white gravel roads with help on the climbs
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Gravel bike: for experienced riders who want to ride unpaved roads
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Road bike: for those who regularly ride a road bike
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Hybrid bike: for riders who value comfort
Full details (comparison, recommended heights, who each bike suits):
More than riding: experiencing Italy
What stays with you on a Cicloposse tour is not just the cycling. A trip to Tuscany offers much more.
Food & wine
Cooking classes with local ingredients, winery visits and dinners around a Tuscan table: the real taste of Italy is part of every day. At the wineries you can also buy your favourite bottles.
Shopping at local shops
The cobbled lanes of Pienza are lined with small local shops: Pecorino Toscano (sheep's milk cheese), local olive oil, herbs, and T-shirts and souvenirs printed with the wild boar, symbol of Tuscany. Easy gifts to take home. On the last day there is also time to buy olive oil and cheese at a local farm shop.
Landscape & culture
Ride through the UNESCO-listed Val d'Orcia, pass through medieval villages and glimpse everyday local life. Cicloposse trips give you a feeling of being inside Italy that no tour bus can.
Before you go
No special preparation is needed, but a few things will make your trip more comfortable.
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Cycling clothes and gloves (not essential, but comfortable on long rides)
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Sunscreen and sunglasses
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Comfortable walking shoes (for sightseeing and dinners)
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A credit card and some euros in cash
Helmets, water bottles and tool kits are provided. You can arrive almost empty-handed.
See the full packing list here:
FAQ
What language are the tours in?
All tours are guided in English by our Italian guides. If you are travelling from Japan, our Japan office helps you before departure, and Japanese-language support is available. On some departures Japanese staff join the group.
Can I join on my own?
Of course. Many guests travel solo, and the small groups make it easy to get to know the others. A single supplement may apply. Please contact us for details.
Is it suitable for women in terms of fitness?
Yes. Many of our guests are women, and they enjoy the tours comfortably with e-bikes and the support van. Women's saddles and step-through frames are also available.
What if I get a flat tyre or a problem with my bike?
Don't worry. The support van is always with the group and a mechanic takes care of it. You don't need to fix anything. There is a repair kit in the saddle bag, but the staff will help right away.
Who usually joins the tours?
Mostly couples and groups of friends in their 40s to 60s. Bike lovers, people interested in Italian food and culture, people looking for a new way to travel: everyone comes from a different background.
What is the accommodation like?
Carefully chosen agriturismi (farm stays) and boutique hotels with local character, clean and comfortable, with private bathrooms in every room. The atmosphere is different from hotels in Japan, but many guests tell us they loved staying there.
For other questions, see our full FAQ page:
What our guests say
Here are a few words from guests who were glad they came.
"No traffic lights, forest roads, gravel roads. The kind of roads you simply can't ride in Japan."
"The scenery changed every day. I loved it so much I wanted to live there."
More guest reviews:
Finally
Cicloposse tours are not only for strong cyclists.
With e-bikes and the support van, fitness worries can be solved.
Above all, this trip is about more than cycling: Tuscan food, wine, landscapes and people will stay in your memory.
No question is too small. Travelling from Japan? Just ask us.
Let's find the right trip for you, together.
Questions? Get in touch