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Tuscany, Umbria and Almafi coast

My husband and I are flying into Rome on March 26th in the AM. We are interested in cycling at least part of our time in Italy. We have 14 total days and I was thinking of doing five days on a self-guided tour (the tour company sets up lodging and gives us the routes, luggage transfers) In the Tuscany area and 5 days on the Almafi coast. that would give us a couple of days in Rome in between or at the end of our trip. My biggest concern is weather and travel. We plan to take the train I think especially if we ride bikes in both places but an option is just to cycle in say the Almafi coast area and rent a car outside of Rome to travel in the Tuscany Umbria area particularly if the weather might be sketchy. Any advice?

Also we prefer quieter places to crowded tourist traps...but of course Rome is an exception just as Paris must be in France.

Thanks in advance.

Posted by
6732 posts

Is cycling along the Amalfi Coast safe? I'd be afraid to drive along that road (spectacular though it is) - and I've driven some crazy places. Just wondering about that before you start making plans...

Posted by
3551 posts

Definately not the amalfi coast for bikes! Way to dangerous. Maybe parts of Tuscany but roads can be windy and narrow. Best reach italian clubs or tour grps that specialize in bike tours.

Posted by
9 posts

I have contacted a reputable tour company about both options and we will not be cycing on all the main roads. We are road cyclists we ride with traffic so understand risks. Not really worried about riding these areas other than weather in late March early April.

Posted by
11247 posts

Weather? Who knows? Ask the Brit’s who endured a raging summer heat and now a veritable hurricane in Sept.

Spring is usually lovely in Italy. It was my favorite time when living there, but prepare for rain. It will not likely be terribly cold. Where do you live now and what would you do on a cycling trip if inclement weather hit?

I would advise to do one area by cycling trip and the other by car or train. You can easily do the AC by public trans so why not cycle in Tuscany? Then no car required at all.

Posted by
15560 posts

I drove back and forth on the Amalfi coast road (and indeed there is only one) for two days in February - low season, little tourist traffic. I don't remember seeing any bicycles, probably because people there aren't suicidal. Seriously, there is one coast road and it hugs the cliffs of the coastline, with lots of blinds curves and inclines. The road is two lanes wide - just barely in some places. Where there are shoulders, there are parked vehicles - also where there aren't any shoulders, but just enough room for two cars to pass each other while another is parked on the side.

Posted by
9 posts

We live in Colorado. I've been thinking that maybe Riding Tuscany/Umbria would be best and then we could hike or take the train the rest of the time. Or we could do Pulgia by bike and spend the last 5 or six days in Rome, Tuscany and Umbria. We wouldn't see everything, but last time I was there my friend and I only spent 5 days visiting Pisa, Rome, Assisi, and Orvieto and it was still a great trip

Posted by
734 posts

I would also ask if you are keen to avoid crowded tourist traps why you have chosen Amalfi? Definately think Puglia is a better choice😀

Posted by
9 posts

Well because it was recommended and because I'm trying to figure out the logistics of trying to spend a few days at least in Umbria and Rome. I've been to Italy before but my husband has never been. I absolutely loved Umbria. My friend and I stayed in Spoleto and took the Train into Rome. We had a car and drove all over Umbria and parts of Tuscany and it was lovely. I"m just a little worried about the weather for cycling that time of year, but I got super cheap tickets from Denver to Rome the end of March and so could resist.
Any ideas how long it would take to get to Puglia from Rome? Maybe we just cycle there and then spend the last few days based in a small Umbrian town.
That's why I am asking you all. I've never been to Almafi or any place in Italy south of Rome.