kosmo886

Looking for recommended options for tour groups that are more focused on riding and on the luxury end of the spectrum. Would also be for more of a guys trip, so less focused on a couples trip. Obviously want great food as well. A few options have been Duvine and ingamba that seem to fit the bill. Does anyone have other recommendations for similar types of companies with a high end, cycling first focus?

chaadster

I haven’t been on their tours, but I’ve bought stuff and been following the touring activities of The Cycling House for years, and what they do seems like it should be right up your alley: https://thecyclinghouse.com/trip/cyc...ation-tuscany/

Broctoon

Trek is now in the business of guided tours, including some in Italy. Some of their packages seem like they're just what you're after. One I read about is several days long, but only 20 to 30-ish miles each day, with plenty of attention given to the après ride experience: good food, wine, accommodations. You can take your own bike or use one of their rentals. There's a link on their website (same site for their bikes and accessories).

I'm more interested in adventure touring, but think I would also enjoy a luxury experience. I was in Italy and Germany for summer of 2019 and would love to go back. I'd want to ride bikes (with a good local guide, of course), preferably along the coast. I'd work in a side-trip to western Slovenia for mountain biking and zip lining (actually did the latter). And in Germany, I'd want to take a river cruise on the Rhein and/or Mosul.

chaadster

Broctoon yeah, I have some clubmates who did a Trek tour down in N. Carolina (IIRC) and loved it so much that they came back and started evangelizing the rest of us to join them for a Trek tour in Spain next month! I couldn’t go, but I think five from the club are going to be on it.

Sy Reene

Andy Hampsten has a tour company, looks nice on the website :-)
https://www.cinghiale.com/

Broctoon

I've visited several European countries, but only three where I traveled extensively and stayed for more than a day or two. They are Germany, Italy, and Spain. I would recommend Spain without hesitation. Italy is a beautiful and welcoming place; Spain is likewise and perhaps more affordable. Do you like ham? Spaniards eat it with almost every meal. What about wine? In that country it's often less expensive than bottled water, ounce for ounce.

znomit

Luxury food and accomodation is kinda wasted on a cycle trip. After a long day in the saddle any bed is luxury and any food is a feast.

Broctoon

I guess that's often true.

Some folks don't want to tour on bikes in a way that involves long, exhausting days. They want to experience the landscape and culture as can only be done from a bike, but without breaking much of a sweat or getting hungry and tired. Nothing wrong with that.

I love the idea of wearing myself out completely, each of several consecutive days; of getting filthy, stinky, sunburned and bug-bitten; of surviving on Spam and crackers; and being glad for a cot or sleeping bag each night. But that's not for everyone, and it's not only the 5-star jet set that rejects this style of touring. I think there's a group of people who have a bit of money but don't mind roughing it just a little. They are okay with riding 25 miles per day and afterward would like to be pampered just a little.

indyfabz

Not a tour, but I spent some time here in 2013:

Bicycle Tours in Italy

Day rides in beautiful areas steeped in WW I history. The start of the climb to Monte Grappa is only a couple of miles away. And you can take a non-riding day to visit Venice. The meals were excellent, with lots to choose from, and lunch and dinner include table wine at no extra cost.

chaadster

Oh, I was disappointed just have missed that particular trip, not to have missed a chance to go to Spain; I’ve been to Spain several times, often in the capacity of my work as a wine importer. 😉