Dear Cycling Friends,

Welcome to Ciclismo Classico!  You will soon embark on what we hope will be one of the most fun, fascinating, spectacular, and educational vacations of your life.  We hope you’re getting excited; I know we are!

While, of course, you can expect that we will give you unsurpassed service as well as the most educational and authentic experience possible, we have also discovered that cyclists who have prepared themselves physically and mentally seem to have a richer and more personally satisfying experience.

The information here has been assembled both to prepare and to excite you about your Ciclismo Classico tour. There is a lot of information here to digest in one sitting… try to read it in small bites.  I only ask that you don’t cram it into the last two weeks before you depart or (heaven forbid) on the plane!

All cyclists should first carefully read the Introduction to a Ciclismo Classico Trip (this section covers transportation around, practical information and packing suggestions).  Please read Cycling Safety. as well.  The importance of this very thorough document on safety cannot be overemphasized; if you only read one section, it should be this one!

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced cyclist, we hope you will remember that the tour is not only about cycling through gorgeous countryside and eating some of the most delicious food of your life; the locals you come across along the way will be some of the most entertaining and expressive people you’ll ever meet!  Sharing a few words with them along the way will make your tour unforgettable.

Thanks for choosing Ciclismo Classico.  Happy Pedaling!

Lauren Hefferon
Director & Founder, Ciclismo Classico

You’ll want to start with the Introduction to a Ciclismo Classico Biking Trip . This document contains all the basics, from the daily schedule on tour to info on how to tip your guides. Additional information is provided in our Frequently-asked Questions .

Any cyclist can probably benefit from some tips on safe riding. Our Cycling Safely guide provides lots of tips on how to ride effectively, efficiently, and safely.

If you aren’t sure what to bring, you’ll want to refer to our Packing Guide . It describes what you’ll need to pack for use both on and off the bike. It also includes a list of equipment that’s provided with each of our bikes.

If you want to bring your own bike on tour, have a look at these Guidelines for Bringing Your Bike .

Our Training for a Bike Trip guide provides tips for preparing for several days in the saddle. If you’d like an individual training program customized for your level of fitness and your upcoming tour, you can’t go wrong with our partner Fit for Trips. You’ll find complete details here .

If you’re planning to stay in Italy before or after your tour, you may find our List of Recommended Hotels useful. When you’re ready to reserve a room, our travel planner Alessandra can help! Contact her at Alessandra@ciclismoclassico.com. For information on getting around in Europe, consult our Travel Tips . We recommend using our partner Destination Europe for air and car rental.


Consult our Terms and Conditions for all the practicalities, including information on accommodations, your responsibilities, traveling with children or groups, and what happens if you need to cancel your trip.

If you’ve bought our optional TravelGuard travel insurance, details about your policy are included in this Description of Coverage .

Finally, before you depart, be sure to note these important phone numbers:

In the USA:
Office hours (Mon-Fri) 9AM – 5 PM EST: 1-800-866-7314
After hours: 617-640-4837 Emergencies only

In Europe (Italy):
Office phone number: +39-055-983-599
Operations Director, Davide Marchegiano
Cell phone number: +39-333-453-7775 Emergencies only

If you have questions about anything that isn't covered here, please contact us !