Gravel Riding and Tree Camping in Italy

It's no secret that we love cycling and many of us at HQ think it's the best way to see a country, however, we realise that organising your own trip can be a total faff. On our cycling trips, we've found a local guide who has put together a perfect route and will navigate for you all the way. We even send a van that transports your overnight luggage and provide high-quality bikes and delicious snacks to keep you going. Faff eliminated! All you have to do is turn up, pedal and take in the landscape with your fellow tourers. You don't need to be a lycra-clad 'roadie' although they're welcome too!

Gravel riding means embracing the variety of mixed-terrain cycling routes to allow a deeper exploration into, and connection with, the natural environment, as opposed to being confined to only following the road network. A range of bike styles can be used for this blend of very accessible off-road riding, but purposely designed gravel bikes are typically rigid frame models with drop handlebars and knobbly tyres, with their geometry and gearing somewhere between a mountain bike and a road bike.

Far from being unscripted, the hand-picked routes have been pre-ridden and risk assessed by the host, with daily ride safety briefings giving you advance knowledge of the specific terrains and ride characteristics to be encountered each day. This is an undulating route, but group will stick together at a steady pace throughout and re-group at regular strategic points along the way, including at any intersections and for any mechanical problems. There may be moments when you might prefer to get off your bike and walk for a short section, and the weather could have an impact on the condition of the terrains encountered.

Ride #1: approx. 70% off-road unpaved on forest trails and some single track, 30% on a mixture of gravel and asphalt road.

Ride #2: approx. 70% on gravel backroads, 30% on quiet asphalt roads

Ride #3: approx. 50% on gravel backroads and 50% on asphalt roads

Ride #4: approx. 40% on unpaved rough tracks and 60% on asphalt roads

A good level of fitness is required. You should have some experience cycling off-road on mixed rough surfaces and be comfortable with riding a gravel adventure bike (rigid frame, drop handlebars). Whilst the distances covered are not huge, the route profiles are very undulating and as a result, the total elevation gains and losses each day are large. You should familiarise yourself with the ride statistics and it is recommended that you train appropriately in the weeks prior to this trip, in order to arrive prepared and to maximise your enjoyment.

Gravel adventure bikes are included for all bookings, and you will be allocated one pre-trip based on your height. They are well maintained by the host team and you'll be guided through the bike's characteristics before you commence riding. The host has a fleet of Cinelli Zydeco GRX gravel bikes. If you would like to bring your own pedals or saddle these can be fitted to the bikes, just let the host know in advance and check the compatibility.

No. You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you by vehicle each day, and then a small daysack or similar to carry personal items during each day of cycling. The host will provide a small frame bag, useful for keeping a few small items handy during the rides - if unsure about what bags to bring then you can ask the host any questions prior to travelling.

No, as the trip is a point A to B journey, there isn't the option of leaving excess luggage anywhere.

Sure can! Over 50% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion and are non-compulsory on this trip. Of course, if you feel that your guides provided an exceptional experience then you are welcome to tip as much as you feel is appropriate.

You should bring refillable water bottles to carry on your bike, and a Camelbak or similar should you wish. You'll have the chance to refill and stay hydrated and several points throughout the rides.

The season of departures spans the spring and autumn months when this region of Italy typically has very pleasant conditions in which to cycle, with temperatures sitting in the mid-20s (degrees Celcius). From late June the typical temperatures rise into the high 20s, and the mid-summer months of July and August can get very hot (mid 30s) so extra precautions to stay hydrated and protect skin from the sun are important. July and August do also have a slightly higher probability of occasional rain. In the more mountainous inland region at the beginning of the trip, the temperature fluctuations between day and night are significant, whilst on the coast the temperature tends to remain stable.

We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.