Hi, It has been a long time since I visited Italy. I have an opportunity to do a bike trip in Piedmont staying in different towns for a week or riding from Mantova to Venice and spending each evening on a boat. Which should I choose. I do love food and the trip in the Venice area means eating on the boat each day.
I also wondered what area people find most beautiful. I will go to see Venice no matter what trip I choose. thanks very much! Jane
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1883 posts
We did a self guided bike trip in the Piedmont region a few years ago. We've explored a lot of Italy on a bike! (we go back in May for another adventure, can't wait!) While the food was good, and the riding not too hard, personally, I didn't think it was the best of trips. Our route took us through really small towns, but unlike the rest of Italy, not a lot of things to see...i.e. Roman ruins, beautiful churches, etc. But it was enjoyable to visit the really small hamlets, stopping in bakeries and eating lunch on a bench in a town square. If you would enjoy a nice quiet trip away from most tourists, do Piedmont! The way we choose trips is to look at the towns you will visit and research for history and things to see/do. Always think that when you travel, you will be able to go back, so picking one of the other is easy...next time you will do the other place. If you are already going to see Venice, then bike the Piedmont!
Posted by
OP
Vancouver
3 posts
Thanks Ellen!! Jane
Posted by
OP
Vancouver
3 posts
Ellen, where are you going in May and what company do you like doing bike trips with? It might help me make a decision! Thanks Jane
Posted by
Granite Bay, CA
111 posts
Hi Jane -
I have done 3 self-guided rides in Italy (Tuscany, Umbria, and Puglia); all with Cicloposse (www.cicloposse) and each was very rewarding. I think self-guided is the best way to immerse oneself in the culture and see how the Italians live. I'm doing a 4th ride in September in Piedmont with a different company (Breakaway Adventures), so I hope Ellen posts about her experiences.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15269 posts
Mantova to Venice is flat flat flat, going through a lot of farmland and irrigating canals in the Po valley.
As a bike ride would be definitely easier than hilly Piedmont, but I'm not too fond of the flatness of the Po valley. I think Piedmont would be a prettier itinerary. Lots of hills, mountains and if you want the flat Po Valley, that's in Piedmont too.