A pilgrimage cycling tour follows historic sacred routes through Italy, combining active cycling with cultural and spiritual discovery. Rather than walking, you cover the route by bike, moving at a pace that still allows you to absorb the landscapes, medieval villages, monasteries, and UNESCO-listed towns along the way. Italian Bike Tours' pilgrimage routes all follow the italian section of the Via Francigena, one of Europe's oldest and most significant long-distance paths, stretching from Canterbury to Rome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before choosing your Italy cycling tour
What is a pilgrimage cycling tour?
Which pilgrimage cycling tours does Italian Bike Tours offer?
There are four dedicated routes, each covering a different section of the Via Francigena:
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Aosta to Ivrea - Alpine gateway via the Saint Bernard Pass. 5 days, 3 cycling days, from €681.
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Via Francigena in Tuscany - San Miniato to Buonconvento. 5 days, 3 cycling days, from €688.
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Parma to Siena - Northern Apennines through Tuscany. 9 days, 7 cycling days, from €1,462.
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Via Francigena Siena to Rome - Tuscany to St. Peter's Square (EuroVelo 5). 9 days, 7 cycling days, from €1,581.
You can choose a single section or combine stages for a longer journey.
How fit do I need to be?
The tours are rated Comfort level and are suitable for riders with a reasonable base of cycling fitness. The 5-day tours (Aosta to Ivrea and Tuscany) have 3 cycling days each. The 9-day tours (Parma to Siena and Rome) have 7 cycling days. Daily distances typically range from 50 to 80 km, with some elevation gain on the mountain and Apennine sections.
A practical benchmark: if you can comfortably ride 50 km on a day out, the 5-day tours are a good fit. For the 9-day routes, regular rides of 60-70 km with some hills are recommended before departure. E-bikes are available on all tours.
See more information in our dedicated page
When is the best time to go?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the ideal windows. Temperatures are comfortable for cycling, the Tuscan landscape is at its most photogenic, and the routes are not at peak summer congestion.
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July and August: hot, especially in Tuscany and Lazio. Possible but demanding.
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November to March: atmospheric and quiet, but some mountain stages (particularly Aosta) carry weather risk and reduced services.
For most travelers, May and September offer the best combination of weather, scenery, and road conditions.
Can I book as a solo traveler?
Yes. The Via Francigena is widely considered a safe route for solo travel, including for women, particularly on well-traveled sections like Tuscany and Lazio.
As with any long-distance cycling trip, good preparation makes a real difference. Realistic daily stages, clear navigation, and reliable accommodations all contribute to a safe and enjoyable experience.
With Italian Bike Tours, solo walkers also benefit from:
- Carefully selected and vetted accommodations
- GPS navigation and offline route tools via the Mobile App
- Detailed local route documentation
- 7/7 support if something goes wrong during the trip
That support does not take away the independence of the journey. It removes a lot of the friction and uncertainty that can make solo travel feel stressful.
What is included in the price?
Our packages are designed so you can focus entirely on cycling.
Standard inclusions across most trips are:
- Carefully selected accommodation (typically 3-star hotels, agriturismi, B&Bs, and guesthouses)
- Luggage transfer between stages
- Detailed route notes, maps, and a digital information pack
- GPS navigation via our mobile app
- 7/7 support and emergency assistance throughout your trip
- Basic medical and luggage insurance on most itineraries
Bike rental is optional.
Check the individual trip page for the exact inclusions on your chosen route.
How do I book?
Booking your cycling holiday is simple. You can reserve your trip directly through our website in just a few steps. Once your request is received, our team will review all the details and get in touch with you to confirm availability and guide you through the next steps.
If you have any questions before booking, we’re here to help. Our team is happy to advise you on fitness levels, bike rental options, and any possible itinerary adjustments, so you can choose the trip that truly fits you.
You can e-mail us at info@italian-biketours.com or call 0039 055 234 0736.
Can I rent a bike, or do I need to bring my own?
Bike rental is available on all our pilgrimage tours. We offer a range e-bikes, and hybrid bikes to suit different preferences and fitness levels. You can select your rental option when booking.
How difficult are the Pilgrimage cycling routes in Italy?
Difficulty depends on the section you choose. Northern stretches are mostly flat and easier, while Tuscany, Lazio, and the alpine passes are more demanding with rolling hills and some climbing. A basic level of fitness is recommended, but because all IBT tours are self-guided, you can ride at your own pace and choose the stage lengths that suit you best.
How long are the Pilgrimage cycling tours in Italy?
Italian Bike Tours offers four pilgrimage routes, all following sections of the Via Francigena, ranging from short breaks to longer journeys:
- Aosta to Ivrea - 5 days total, 3 cycling days
- Via Francigena in Tuscany (San Miniato to Buonconvento) - 5 days total, 3 cycling days
- Parma to Siena - 9 days total, 7 cycling days
- Via Francigena Siena to Rome - 9 days total, 7 cycling days
The 5-day tours are ideal for a first experience or a shorter break. The 9-day tours suit those who want to cover a more complete section of the route. All tours are self-guided, so you move at your own pace - and sections can also be combined for a longer continuous journey.
How much do Pilgrimage cycling tours in Italy cost?
Prices start from €681 for the Cycling on Via Francigena From Aosta to Ivrea tour and go up to €1,581 for the Via Francigena Siena to Rome route. The final price depends on the route length, number of cycling days, and the season.
Can families join the Pilgrimage cycling tours in Italy?
Yes, families can join some of our Pilgrimage cycling tours, especially the shorter and easier sections. The best option depends on the age and cycling experience of the children, but the routes are self-guided, so you can travel at your own pace and choose the stages that suit your family best.
What if I need help during the tour?
We provide 7 days a week assistance throughout every tour. If you have a mechanical issue, a route question, or need any support along the way, our local team is reachable by phone. Emergency assistance and on-road support protocols are outlined in your pre-departure information pack.
