On a golden summer morning in Rome, Nancy De Losa—co-owner of A'qto Cycling—spoke eloquently on the Flavor of Italy podcast about the intersection of terrain, culture, and challenge that defines their cycling tours in Italy. With Australian roots and Italian heritage from Naples and the Aeolian Islands, Nancy and her husband Damien have crafted immersive cycling experiences that extend well beyond the bike path.
Why Italy Feels Made for Cycling Tours
Italy’s compact geography offers an unmatched cycling playground: from winding olive-lined lanes to vineyard-cloaked hills, dramatic mountain passes, and coastal stretches with endless views. Unlike the vast and often segregated landscapes of Australia or the United States, Italy’s countryside roads wind directly through life—farmers in the fields, shepherds with their flocks, hill towns clinging to ridgelines.
As Nancy noted, Italian drivers are often courteous and welcoming to cyclists, sometimes even pulling over so riders can take a photo. This cultural respect for cycling is deeply rooted in Italy’s national identity, thanks in part to its long tradition of professional and recreational cycling.
A’qto Cycling Tours Italy: From Apparel to Authentic Adventures
Before becoming known for expertly led cycling tours Italy-wide, A’qto began as a custom apparel brand founded by Damien. But it was a ride on Tuscany’s legendary Strade Bianche that pivoted the business toward what it is today. After Damien wrote about the experience, interest poured in—and their first Tuscany cycling tour quickly sold out. Nancy, with her background in hospitality and deep Italian roots, became the essential other half of this venture.
Today, A’qto offers high-end, fully supported cycling tours in six regions of Italy. Tours are designed with cyclists in mind but include a rich “non-riding partner” program led by Nancy, making the experience just as meaningful for guests who don’t ride.
Explore their offerings: https://www.aqtocycling.com
Where A’QTO Is Based—and How Their Cycling Tours in Italy are Structured
Nancy and Damien spend about five months each year in their home in Gaiole in Chianti, one of Tuscany’s most iconic cycling towns and home to the famous vintage cycling event L’Eroica. While they’re based there personally, their tours stretch across Italy—from Sicily to the Dolomites.
Each tour varies in its regional accommodations, typically including stays of two or three nights in one place before moving on. This allows guests to explore deeply without the fatigue of checking in and out daily. Cyclists enjoy daily loop rides starting from each location, while non-riders participate in cultural experiences like cooking classes, market visits, hiking, and meeting local artisans.
A'qto’s Cycling Tours in Italy: Region by Region
Each of A’qto’s tours is handcrafted to reflect not only terrain but culture, food, wine, and heritage. Here’s a taste of their Italian offerings:
Puglia
Gentle terrain with beautiful ocean views and charming towns. Great for guests who are confident cyclists but prefer fewer hills. Expect 500 km and 5,000m elevation over 7 days.
Tuscany
Iconic, challenging rides through vineyard landscapes and medieval towns. This is A’qto’s home turf and includes the option to ride L’Eroica on vintage steel bikes with wool jerseys.
Piedmont
Perfect for food and wine lovers, this tour weaves through the Langhe wine country. The terrain is moderately challenging and includes the Fausto Coppi Gran Fondo.
Stelvio & Dolomites
Italy’s toughest tour. Climbs include Stelvio Pass, Passo Gavia, and more. For experienced cyclists only—intense training is essential.
Sicily
From coastal rides to inland climbs, including the epic final ascent of Mount Etna. This tour is deeply connected to the culture and cuisine of Sicily.
Giro d’Italia Experience
Follow the final week of the Giro d’Italia, witnessing stage starts, finishes, and climbs. Combined with independent ride days, this is a perfect blend of spectator and participatory cycling culture.
Coming June 10th! Sardinia
Launching today, June 10, this new tour crosses from the west to east coast and into Sardinia’s wild, mountainous heart. A second version of the tour blends cycling with kayaking, hiking, and other water-based adventures—ideal for active travelers wanting more variety.
Support, Style, and Thoughtful Design
A’qto tours are high-end, small-group (maximum 14 guests), and fully supported:
- Two guides per tour, including Damien
- Support vehicle with hydration, snacks, and technical assistance
- High-quality carbon road bike hire, or bring your own
- E-bike options only for already experienced cyclists
- Daily route briefings, ride maps, and GPX files
- Non-cycling partner program with curated cultural activities
The rhythm of the day includes long, beautiful rides, coffee stops, casual lunches, and evenings filled with local wine, regional cuisine, and laughter around the table.
Who Should Join?
These tours are geared toward experienced and passionate cyclists—typically ages 45 to 65—who ride regularly and are prepared for multi-day physical effort. You don’t have to be a racer, but you should be fit, confident, and comfortable on road bikes.
E-bikes are welcome if you have serious road cycling experience and group etiquette. These tours are not for beginners, nor are they casual day-trip style rides. But if you’re ready to ride Italy’s most stunning routes and unwind each evening with elegant meals and local stories, A’qto offers the ultimate experience.
Not Just About the Bike
A’qto is unique in offering a dedicated non-rider experience, hosted personally by Nancy. For guests who don’t cycle, days are filled with:
- Guided hikes in natural landscapes
- Cooking classes with local chefs
- Artisan visits: cheesemakers, ceramicists, and more
- Town and market visits
- Swimming, wine tasting, and slow lunches
Every evening, riders and non-riders come together to share the day’s experiences over dinner. This makes A’qto ideal for couples or friends traveling with different interests.
Ready to Ride?
To learn more or book your own cycling tour in Italy, visit https://www.aqtocycling.com. You’ll find full itineraries, packing advice, and cycling preparation tips. Or just take the first step: dream big, train hard, and prepare to see Italy not as a tourist—but as a rider.
Other Sports-Forward Travel Ideas from Flavor of Italy
If you’re looking for even more ways to combine sport and Italian travel, explore these past posts and podcast episodes:
- 🎧 Best Beaches & Surf Spots in Italy — With surf pro Steve Brenner
- 🎧 Travel to Italy with Kids: Tips from an Italian 9-Year-Old — Riccardo shares tips on kid-friendly adventures including football, biking, and hiking
- 🎧 Race for the Cure: A Fitness Fundraiser
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