We absolutely love riding bikes in Italy and would heartily recommend to anyone. The roads are quiet, scenery lovely, the people fun, food to die for and the wine is amazing. 

Our least favorite things: 

The bread. As much as we love their pasta and risotto, the bread isn’t great. We’re told they don’t have salt so maybe that’s it? If you shake a little salt and drizzle some olive oil on the bread it’s delicious. 

The beds in hotels. If you get a double or bigger, it’s usually 2 twins pushed together and there’s always a crack to fall through. 

Ice does not appear to exist in this country. No ice with drinks and you can’t ask for it and have no hope of icing any sore body part. 

The highlights: 

I have to admit I do love having a bidet in every room. I’ll leave it at that! 

The water is drinkable and easily available along the road in cold public fountains on a regular basis although you do have to buy it in a bottle for dinner which confound me. The water in Val d’Aosta was seriously abundant. The water from the running road side fountains tasted great and was always there when you needed it. 

The drivers are generally good. They drive fast and typically don’t give you 3’ when they pass but they will wait if it’s not clear up ahead and I was never truly worried or concerned (although I admit the tunnels were very close to that). 

The quietness of the roads and the constant chatter of birds all day long is just wonderful. 

The people are friendly and fun and want to please and generally quite kind. They say they don’t speak English but then can speak at least a 5th grade level all the time. 

The food and wine- just wow.  Pasta is homemade and delicious. The wine was our fav of all kinds and ever. 

The gelato - it’s totally worth a trip to Italy just for gelato, it’s that good. 

Not being rushed out of a restaurant and you’re allowed to linger as long as you want. 

The hours for meals. Most people eat dinner at 8:30 but most restaurants open 7:30 so later than we might prefer on biking days but not as late as Spain etc. and if you go at 7:30, you can usually get in. Most breakfasts started at 7:00 which was great for getting a start before it’s hot. Lunch is usually available 12:00 til 2:30 which is very reasonable for riding. 
anyway, arrivaderci Italia. We’ll miss you!