Explore Italy's Best Gravel Roads with Premium Support
Self-Guided Gravel Bike Tours in Northern Italy
When it comes to gravel cycling, Northern Italy's diverse terrain is hard to beat. From spectacular hidden valleys of the Dolomites to coastal paths along the Po Delta, our supported self-guided gravel bike tours unlock landscapes that road bikes cannot reach.
Ride the legendary "strade bianche" (white roads) of Eroica fame, or take on sections of the 2023 Gravel World Championships that took place in the UNESCO-protected Prosecco Hills. Our premium self-guided gravel tours combine the freedom of independent exploration with comprehensive support, allowing you to focus on the adventure while we handle every logistical detail.
Choose Your Bike Tour
Gravel and Glory: the Dolomites Adventure | Epic Gravel Bike Tour
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The Dolomites are renowned for being a premier destination for road cycling, skiing, mountain biking and hiking. This UNESCO Heritage gem attracts people from all over the world to its fantastic roads and trails. But it could be argued that the best way to explore the Dolomites is on a gravel bike.
This 7-day bike tour begins with gravel explorations around Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Pearl of the Dolomites, situated along the Colalzo-Dobbiacco bike path, which could well rank as one of the most spectacular sections of gravel riding in the world, with views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the idyllic Lake Misurina.
Next stop: the charming town of Brunico in Valpusteria, a spectacular valley seemingly made for exploring by bike. Following a steady uphill into Corvara, you’re free to ride the Sellaronda road loop, the most beautiful bike ride in the world. Every day, choose between different route options, enjoy boutique luxury lodging and premium support.
Tuscany Gravel Adventure: On the Trail of Strade Bianche | Gravel Bike Tour Exploration
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Starting and finishing in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Siena, this 5-day gravel bike tour takes you through some of the very best Strade Bianche in Tuscany. Overnight stays include Gaiole, the sacred home of the Eroica vintage bike event, as well as the picturesque hilltop towns of Asciano and Pienza—so you can enjoy the post-ride experience just as much as the rides themselves.
We’ve hand-picked exceptional accommodations for this journey, from historic castles to charming agriturismi. Along the way, you’ll ride many of the most iconic gravel sectors featured in the Eroica and Strade Bianche routes, and explore Tuscany’s renowned wine regions, including Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. All while leaving plenty of time to savour the culture, cuisine, and scenery that make Tuscany a must-visit destination for cyclists and travellers alike.
Venice Lagoon to Po Delta Gravel Adventure | Gravel Bike Tour Exploration
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Experience the essence of gravel cycling in the Land of Venice on a 5-day journey from Treviso to Chioggia, where vineyards, pinewoods, and lagoons meet the sea. From the rural serenity of Treviso’s countryside, you’ll follow quiet gravel roads toward the Adriatic coast, reaching the colourful seaside town of Caorle, your base for two nights of coastal exploration.
Continue south across the Venice Lagoon, riding through the islands of Lido and Pellestrina with breathtaking sea views, and arrive in Chioggia, the Little Venice of fishermen and canals. Here, your final rides take you deep into the Po Delta Natural Park, a paradise of dykes, lagoons, and birdlife, one of Europe’s most captivating cycling environments. This self-guided gravel bike tour combines adventure, nature, and boutique comfort as you ride through the ever-changing landscapes of Northern Italy.
Veneto Gravel Adventure: Prosecco Hills to the Asiago Plateau | Epic Gravel Bike Tour
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This 7-day gravel adventure includes the exploration of the magical Prosecco Hills gravel roads and takes you up to the Asiago Plateau, an emerging hotbed for gravel riding. This expansive grassy plateau situated above the River Brenta is famous for both its cheese and the critical role it played in World War I. It has been the field of the 2024 European Gravel Championships, solidifying its place as a gravel riding destination. Although not far from the more industrious flatlands to the South, the Asiago plateau feels like it's in another world. This unique region, also known as the Sette Communi, has been shaped by its strategic location on the front lines of World War I. There are still residents who speak the unique Cimbrian language, which is a derivation of German. In addition to being great for cheese (the area is home to the Burlina cow, an increasingly rare breed known for its quality milk), the Asiago Plateau is emerging as an alternative destination for outdoor activities.
How Our Gravel Bike Tours Work
Our premium self-guided gravel bike tours in Northern Italy typically span 5-8 days, combining the region's most spectacular off-road routes with overnights in beautiful towns and stays in boutique accommodation. Our gravel bike tours include:
Authentic Boutique Stays: Enjoy carefully selected accommodation, from charming agriturismi in wine regions to cozy mountain chalets and coastal inns, all offering secure bike storage and generous breakfasts.
Premium Support, Every Day: Access multiple gravel route options (ranging from 40-120 kilometres) through the CyclingHero Companion App, with vehicle assistance en route, mechanical support, water and nutrition delivery, and pickup service when you’ve had enough.
Real-Time Guidance & Safety: Benefit from live tracking on trails and expert advice about local conditions directly through the app.
Seamless Travel Logistics: Every gravel tour includes airport transfers, daily luggage transport, and detailed route documentation for a smooth, worry-free experience.
Created by True Gravel Appassionati: Our premium self-guided gravel bike tours are crafted by passionate riders who share a combined passion for exploration and a taste for exceptional food, wine, and hospitality.
Top-Quality Gravel Bikes: Bring your own gravel bike, we’ll handle storage and setup, or rent from our premium fleet equipped with ideal tires, gearing, and components for Italian gravel terrain.
What Makes Italian Gravel Cycling Special
Strade Bianche Heritage
It could be argued that Italy essentially invented gravel cycling, as cycling predates paved roads in the country.
Fantastic History
Ride on Roman roads connecting medieval villages, abbeys, and historic sites on gravel surfaces that have carried travelers for over a thousand years.
Alpine Gravel Adventures
Conquer spectacular mountain gravel roads, including historic military paths, remote valley explorations, and high-altitude passes offering technical challenges and breathtaking Dolomite vistas.
Diverse Terrain
From flat coastal lagoon paths perfect for beginners, through technical Alpine routes, there is gravel riding for every taste.
Climate and Best Season for Gravel Riding
Northern Italy's gravel cycling season extends from April through October, with conditions varying significantly by elevation and region. Spring (April-May) offers ideal gravel conditions at lower elevations with firm surfaces, mild temperatures, and blooming landscapes—though higher Alpine routes remain partly snow-covered until June.
Summer (June-August) provides predominantly dry conditions and access to high-altitude Alpine gravel routes, though valley rides can be hot during the midday hours. Morning starts are recommended in the hillier areas, while coastal and lagoon routes benefit from sea breezes. Afternoon thunderstorms occasionally affect mountain routes from July to August, so earlier starts are recommended.
Autumn (September-October) represents prime gravel cycling season with stable weather, harvest season colors transforming vineyard landscapes, comfortable temperatures for all-day riding, and firm trail conditions. September in particular offers an optimal combination of weather reliability and trail conditions across all elevation zones.
Gravel Cycling in Northern Italy
Northern Italy offers an incredible variety for gravel cyclists, with each region revealing its own network of strade bianche, the iconic white roads of Italian gravel riding.
Veneto & Prosecco Hills
Ride the UNESCO-listed Prosecco Hills, where white gravel roads wind through vineyards and villages. The Asiago Plateau, Euganean Hills, and Po Delta offer routes ranging from rolling countryside to coastal and wildlife trails, perfect for every gravel rider.
The Dolomites
The Dolomites combine steeper gravel ascents with scenic valley rides. From Cortina d’Ampezzo to Corvara and Brunico, riders can explore alpine trails and legendary loops like the Sellaronda, surrounded by breathtaking peaks.
Tuscany
In Tuscany, the famous Strade Bianche connect Gaiole in Chianti, Pienza, and Siena, offering classic gravel routes through vineyards, olive groves, and timeless rural landscapes.
Piedmont (coming soon)
Piedmont blends the Langhe hills of Barolo fame with high-alpine gravel passes like the Passo delle Finestre, delivering pure Italian cycling adventure.
Additional Info
What makes a gravel bike tour different from a regular road cycling holiday?+
Gravel-bike tours combine road-cycling efficiency with off-road adventure. The drop-bar gravel bikes feature wider tyres (35–50 mm) and gearing suited for unpaved tracks, compact gravel and light trails. You’ll ride in a familiar position but unlock access to scenic “strade bianche,” forest paths and rural lanes inappropriate for a road bike. In Northern Italy, that means rolling through vineyards, volcanic hills, Alpine valleys and quiet farm roads devoid of traffic — all in one week. It’s road-cycling freedom, expanded into nature.
Do I need previous gravel-bike experience to join your tours?+
No prior gravel experience is required. If you’re confident on a road bike, you’ll manage our entry-level routes through the Prosecco Hills or Po Delta with ease. For more technical Alpine rides, some off-road experience is helpful. Each tour page clearly lists the surface types and required ability. Our app also flags challenging sections and provides easier route alternatives, so you can always ride within your comfort zone while building new skills on mixed terrain.
What bike specifications work best for Northern Italy gravel terrain?+
We recommend a gravel bike with:
Tyres: 40–50 mm, medium tread profile
Gearing: wide range (e.g. 11–42 cassette with a 38 t chainring for 1x)
Brakes: disc (mechanical or hydraulic)
At CyclingHero, our premium rental fleet features Italian-made gravel and e-gravel bikes, tuned to your fit and equipped with repair kits. Whether you bring your own bike or rent ours, you’ll have the ideal setup for Northern Italy’s diverse terrain.
How much more challenging are gravel rides compared to road rides?+
Gravel riding usually feels tougher than road cycling due to surface resistance and handling demands — a 60 km gravel ride often equals an 80 km road ride in effort. We grade our tours as:
Entry: smooth gravel, gentle climbs, distances up to 70 km/4 hrs
Intermediate: moderate technical sections, distances up to 100 km/5 hrs
Advanced: steep Alpine climbs, rough descents, distances up to 120 km/6 hrs
The CyclingHero mobile app includes elevation profiles, surface breakdowns and daily route choices, allowing you to match your level and energy each day.
What happens if weather or trail conditions deteriorate?+
Our routes generally follow compact, well-draining gravel roads, so most remain rideable in changeable weather. However, if conditions worsen, we adapt quickly:
Real-time updates and reroutes delivered via the CyclingHero app
On-call support van for pickups or bypasses
Paved-road alternatives when needed
Our local team knows which trails handle rain best and adjusts routes accordingly, ensuring your ride remains safe, enjoyable and scenic — whatever the forecast.
Are e-gravel bikes suitable for your tours?+
Absolutely! E-gravel bikes are perfect for riders who want to enjoy longer or hillier routes with less fatigue. Their electric assist smooths out big climbs while leaving energy for the fun descents. We offer high-performance e-gravel rentals with charging stations at every stop. Typical battery range: 50–80 km on mixed terrain. While they’re slightly heavier and require mindful handling on rougher descents, e-bikes open up Alpine adventures to a wider range of cyclists.
What’s included in your gravel bike tour packages?+
Our tours are fully supported cycling experiences, including:
Boutique, cyclist-friendly hotels
Secure bike storage and bike washing stations
Generous, varied breakfasts are included on all trips
Daily luggage transfers and vehicle support
Nutrition stops, and mechanical help
Curated GPX routes, live location tracking and local recommendations via our mobile app
Airport transfers and local logistics.
You ride, we take care of the rest.
Can I combine gravel and road cycling on the same tour?+
Yes. Many of our Northern Italy itineraries offer the option to ride both gravel and road routes. Some days you’ll ride scenic dirt paths, others you’ll tackle classic paved climbs or valley stretches. Each stage shows the surface split (e.g., 70% gravel / 30% paved) in the app, allowing you to decide daily which to ride. It’s an ideal setup for mixed groups or riders who enjoy both worlds.
How should I prepare for a multi-day gravel tour?+
Gravel tours require a solid fitness base and confidence on uneven terrain. Aim for:
Entry: 60–80 km road rides at least 2 days a week + light gravel practice
Intermediate: 2 -3 hr rides at least 3 days a week with some off-road climbing and descending
Advanced: regular rides totalling up to 6 hrs in the saddle, experience with tougher gravel climbs and downhills
Add in some optional core and upper-body strength work to improve control and reduce fatigue on bumpy tracks.
Why is Northern Italy ideal for gravel biking?+
Northern Italy is a dream destination for gravel riders — blending adventure, culture and cuisine. Highlights include:
Vast “strade bianche” networks through vineyards and hill towns
Ancient pilgrimage and military roads in the Alps
Terrains ranging from coastal plains to mountain passes
Intimate, stylish accommodations and a thriving local cycling culture
It’s a place that rewards exploration, where every turn reveals fascinating history, stunning views and world-class riding. And it goes without saying that the cuisine is, well, Italian.
What’s the best time of year for gravel bike tours?+
The prime gravel season runs from late April to early October. Spring is mild in the lower elevations; summers are ideal for mountain exploration; early autumn brings colourful vineyards and perfect riding temperatures. We constantly monitor trail conditions and adjust routes if needed after heavy rainfall. Early booking is recommended, especially for Spring and Fall, when our preferred boutique accommodations fill up fast.
How do I book, cancel or modify my tour?+
Booking is easy through our website or by contacting our team directly. We work with WeTravel for booking processing, a leader in travel payment processing. Once confirmed, you’ll receive payment confirmation and pre-tour information. Our flexible policies allow date changes, bike upgrades, or group-size adjustments where possible. Cancellations follow our published terms, which often offer credits toward future tours. You’ll also find payment-plan options, insurance advice and single-room supplement details in the booking checkout. Feel free to reach out with any questions by phone, WhatsApp or email.
Let Us Help You Create the Perfect Cycling Adventure
Tell us about your dream tour, and we’ll send you customised recommendations. Let us show you why CyclingHero is one of the best cycling tour companies in Italy for avid cyclists.