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The Tourissimo Touch: What Sets Us Apart

Heather Dowd
Posted by Heather Dowd on Mar 28, 2025 10:45:00 PM

Most luxury cycling tour companies list all the same features when highlighting what makes them "unique":

  • Expert Guides
  • Thoughtful Itineraries
  • Great Food
  • Quality Bikes
  • Comfortable Hotels

But let’s be honest—these aren’t differentiators. They’re the bare minimum. Any reputable cycling tour company should provide them. Without these essentials, there is no tour.

And if they promote these as their key selling points, what they’re really saying is: We meet the basic expectations of a luxury bike tour.

At Tourissimo, we don’t believe in the bare minimum.

We know that when you travel with us, you're investing something priceless—your time. And time is the most precious resource we have.

That's why our mission is to design and deliver vacations that feed your mind, body and soul and connect you to a region.

So, how do we make that happen?

👉 Explore Our Tour Calendar

cycling holidays in italy

Smaller Groups, Bigger Experiences

One of our biggest distinctions is our intimate group size on public tours—one of the smallest in the industry. Most companies run significantly larger groups. But we believe that smaller groups create more personal, flexible, and enriching experiences.

With fewer travelers, we can:

  • Access boutique hotels and family-run accommodations that larger groups can’t.
  • Dine at intimate restaurants where the food is authentic and locally sourced.
  • Provide more one-on-one time with Italian guides and local experts.

Rather than feeling like part of a tour, you feel like you’re exploring Italy with a group of friends—with the added bonus of expert support, logistics, and cultural insight.

100% Italy, 100% Authentic

We’re not here to be just another tour operator with hundreds of trips across Europe—or the world. Italy is the heart of everything we do. It's not just another destination on a long list. 

🚫  We don’t run tours worldwide—just Italy. We only cross into neighboring countries on select tours or for private groups.
✅ We craft the most immersive and authentic cycling experiences.
✅ We don’t outsource or rely on third-party operators. Every tour is designed and managed by us. We personally scout every route and know each guide, winemaker, artisan, and hotel manager by name.

That’s how we discover the rare places and experiences that bigger companies overlook.

active travel in italy

We Are Based in Italy

This country is our home. Literally. Our headquarters are in Turin. This means:

✅ We are constantly on the ground, scouting new routes and discovering hidden gems. We aren’t just sending you on pre-packaged tours.
✅ We personally vet every hotel, restaurant, and experience. If it doesn’t meet our standards, it doesn’t make the cut.
✅ We, the owners, are actively involved in trip design.  We fine-tune every detail together with our local guides to create the most authentic, seamless, and memorable experience possible.

Being hands-on gives us an unmatched depth of local knowledge and a strong personal connections across Italy—something that no large, international tour company can match.

More Than Miles

For many tour companies, the destination is secondary, while cycling is the main event. The focus is on the miles, the mechanics, and the challenge—often at the expense of experiencing the place itself. A ride could happen anywhere, and it wouldn’t feel much different. 

That’s not how we see it.

With us, cycling and hiking are a means to immerse yourself in Italy—its landscapes, its people, its food, and its traditions.

Every ride is carefully designed to connect you to the place, whether it's:

  • Riding through vineyards where winemakers greet you with a glass of their best vintage.
  • Following coastal roads that lead to a fresh seafood feast.
  • Strolling into historic towns where locals share their age-old traditions.

The journey is never just about the bike. It’s about where the bike takes you and what it allows you to discover along the way.

👉  A Typical Day on A Bike Tour In Italy

landascape on a bike tour in italy

Customized Tours—From One Traveler to Another

No two travelers are the same. That’s why half of our business is private and custom tours—experiences built entirely around your interests, pace, and schedule. 

Many guests come to us after being turned away by larger operators that focus on volume and stick to rigid itineraries.

We don’t do one-size-fits-all. Instead, we take the time to understand your vision and fine-tune every detail—so your trip is as unique as you are.

We’ve designed private tours for:
✅ Solo travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure
✅ Families & groups of friends looking for a multi-generational trip 
✅Cycling clubs & corporate retreats with specific goals in mind

Our tours can be guided or self-guided tours, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace or with expert local support.

A ride along the glistening waters of Puglia? A relaxed, food-and-wine-filled journey in Sicily? Or something completely unique? Whatever your vision, we make it happen.

🚫 Also, no bots, no automated responses. When you reach out, Beppe or Heather personally answer your questions.

👉 I want to get in touch

Guaranteed Departures—No Last-Minute Cancellations

Many tour companies require a high minimum number of guests to run a trip. If they don’t hit that number, they cancel—forcing travelers to rearrange their plans, rebook flights, or choose a different destination altogether.

Well, we don’t do that. Even if it means a loss on our end, your peace of mind matters more.

✅ We guarantee most scheduled departures with as few as two guests.
✅ Once you’ve booked, your trip is happening—no surprises, no last-minute changes.

Canceling trips due to low numbers is a short-sighted approach. It’s frustrating for travelers and breaks trust. We offer a more reliable, customer-first experience. If you’re ready to go, we’re ready to ride.

Traveling Slow, Traveling Right

Our active tours aren’t a whirlwind of 10 cities in a week. Our approach to travel is slow and respectful.

We design our tours with care, ensuring that our presence benefits the places we visit. That means:

✅ Supporting local artisans, farmers, and producers—celebrating their craft without forcing experiences made just for tourists.
✅ Choosing accommodations and restaurants that reflect the true character of the region, which means skipping the most polished and pretentious spots.
✅ Traveling at a pace that respects both the environment and the people who call these places home.

As travelers, we are guests. We believe in approaching each destination with curiosity, gratitude, and a commitment to leaving a positive impact.

slow travel in italy

Our Tourissimo Touch

These are just some of the things that truly set us apart from the competition. This is the Tourissimo Touch—or as we say in Italy, "Il Tocco Tourissimo."

If you’re looking for just another cycling trip, there are plenty to choose from. But if you want an experience that is worth your time—that’s Tourissimo.

👉 Are you ready to ride? Explore Our Tour Calendar

Topics: Tourissimo Highlights

Don’t just read about Italy…visit it with us!

At Tourissimo, we are the Italy experts, and we offer walking and hiking tours throughout the country. Browse our Tour Calendar or contact us today to get started.

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