It is likely that when the phrase ‘All roads lead to Rome’ was first coined in the 12th century, they were not thinking a cycling tour 900 years later but, hey, to use another common expression, ‘If the shoe fits…’. Our Viva Italia Cycling Tour, a 2625 km exploration of mainland Italy, Corsica, Sardinia & Sicily that begins and ends in the ‘Eternal City’, first ran in 2019 and then again in 2022 and 2024. In all 3 cases, the ride sold out and we would not be surprised to see a repeat for 2026.

Highlights include Vatican City, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, stunning Corsican beaches, remote hilltop villages in Sardinia, Mount Etna, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and the Colosseum in Rome. If you still need a reason to join us in 2026, please check out the following posts.

Viva Italia! “Every Day Was A Wonderful Adventure!”

“Every day was a wonderful adventure riding through Italy and Corsica , with the rich history, art, culture, architecture and buildings, scenery and natural beauty, magnificent coastline, and interest around every corner , experiencing this with a great group of people from all around the world.” – Maurice Efron (Australia) (Read more)

Vive La Corse!

“Each day of the tour has left a distinct impression, but Corsica? Corsica is something else entirely.” (Read more)

Florence – ‘I Won’t Have Time, Won’t Have Time’

“Florence is overwhelming, to say the least. The number of art galleries, palaces, museums, piazzas, churches, places of interest seem endless.” (Read more)

Cycling Italy: A Vicarious Viva Italia Experience in 2 Parts [VIDEO]

“What stands out to me about the Viva Italia videos is the orange glow that permeates these scenes. Italy is blessed with some incredible natural and man-made scenery – towns clustered along hillsides, sunsets and sunrises that seem to hit you differently.” (Read more)

Reflections On The 2022 Viva Italia

“We saw magnificent art and glorious architecture, mind boggling museums and out of this world Duomos (cathedrals), azure bays and sandy beaches, orchards of olives and fields of tomatoes, rugged mountains and green valleys, vistas that take your breath away and towns that seems about to slide into the sea.” (Read more)

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Viva Italia

It has been said that ‘All roads lead to Rome’ and the Viva Italia cycling tour is simply more proof that this may indeed be the case...

Italy & the islands of Corsica, Sardinia & Sicily are the backdrop for the Viva Italia Cycling Tour. And what a backdrop – historic cities, vineyards, granite mountains, sandy beaches, turquoise waters, hilltop villages – the list goes on and on! The riders on the 2024 tour certainly enjoyed their ride!

The 2026 Viva Italia Cycling Tour is open for registration but keep in mind that all previous editions of the Viva Italia have sold out.

“The Viva Italia is a tour bursting with life, the good life. The Italians simply know how to live and it’s on full display in every village square and cafe. This is a tour for the senses.” – Brian McCloskey (USA)

“Every day was a wonderful adventure riding through Italy and Corsica , with the rich history, art, culture, architecture and buildings, scenery and natural beauty, magnificent coastline, and interest around every corner , experiencing this with a great group of people from all around the world.” – Maurice Efron (Australia)

“Wonderful way to see and experience first hand 4000 years of history and culture in a magical journey around Italy on roads less travelled.” – Chris Wille (Canada)

“As this was my first TDA trip, it was impressive and ripe with awe! I expected challenges with distance and terrain – there were some. My fellow tour members were fun to ride and dine with and the staff kept my bike going and the body well fed. Being able to stop and photograph the scenery at will was a huge gift. And boy was there scenery! Looking back, completing Viva Italia was huge accomplishment in many ways. Hills, chunky gravel, long days in the saddle, and rain was balanced with majestic landscapes, group/staff support and a will to see “what lies around the next corner.” – Peggy Morsch (USA)

“This trip was both physically very challenging with the climbing and absolutely exhilarating. The landscapes are stunning and the country is rich with history. By far, this was my favorite TDA trip thus far! It is worth mentioning that this TDA staff was seasoned, organized and very engaging. I was ready to come home after 6 weeks of pedalling, but I would do it all over again!!” – Karen McCloskey (USA)

“I love the TDA style. It’s perfect for me- enough support coupled with enough challenges. I’m going to be sad when I “age out” of my abilities to do them. Thank you for all your hard work.” – Kathy Herson (USA)

“Loved being on the bike every day reading through amazingly varied scenery and culture. Enjoyed the friendship of a wonderful group of fellow riders and equally accommodating support staff.” – Rae Simpson (Canada)

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Viva Italia

It has been said that ‘All roads lead to Rome’ and the Viva Italia cycling tour is simply more proof that this may indeed be the case...

Melanie Toebbe was the Content Creator on the 2024 Viva Italia Cycling Tour .

As the Content Creator on the Viva Italia Tour, I had the privilege of meeting countless, remarkable people, each with their own story. But there was one individual who captured my attention in a way I hadn’t expected – Rae Simpson, an 80-year-old Canadian adventurer with a contagious zest for life. His story was not only inspiring for me but has the potential to encourage other participants and younger generations alike. Rae, with his unstoppable spirit and dedication to staying active, serves as living proof that age is truly just a number.

Rae’s interest in fitness began as a dedicated runner but as he experienced the wear and tear of years of running, culminating in several joint replacements, he adapted by finding a new passion in cycling. “I’m actually a runner, ” Rae says, “but with joint replacements, running wasn’t the best choice anymore. So, I switched to cycling, and it’s been fantastic. It allows me to see the world while being gentle on my joints. ”

His transition from running to cycling is a testament to his adaptability and determination to remain active despite physical setbacks. This shift hasn’t slowed him down. If anything, it’s opened up new horizons and allowed him to keep pushing his limits. Staying fit isn’t just about grand adventures for Rae, it’s about daily movement. He continues to ski in the winter, volunteer, and cycle regularly with his wife and friends.

He explains that he doesn’t train specifically for TDA tours, his active lifestyle back home keeps him in shape. “At home, I combine daily exercise with my regular life. I’m not cycling 100 kilometres every day like on this tour, so the first week is always tough. But the key is to keep moving.” His advice for others is simple: prioritize daily activity. An active lifestyle doesn’t require gruelling workouts every day. Instead, it’s about staying consistent with movement, whether that’s cycling with friends, walking, or engaging in outdoor hobbies.

For this cyclist, age isn’t a limitation, it’s a motivation. The knowledge that time is finite drives him to seize the day. “The fact that we’re getting older is my motivation to do things now.” Just a year ago, he underwent double knee replacement surgery, yet here he is, cycling across Italy and inspiring others. His perspective on aging is refreshing. “Someone once told me: growing old is unavoidable, but growing up is optional.” Rae’s youthful approach to life is a reminder that adventure knows no age limits. He’s living proof that physical age doesn’t have to dictate what’s possible.

Adventure, to Rae, means stepping outside of the comfort zone and embracing the unknown. His adventures have ranged from running marathons to traveling the world on two wheels with TDA. “Adventure means getting into something I haven’t done before and in the end, you can say: Yes, I can do it.”His greatest adventures, such as cycling from Cairo to Cape Town, have been the most fulfilling. “Everything that’s challenging is a chance to get a great moment of fulfillment. You just have to go a little bit beyond your comfort zone.” For Rae, adventure isn’t just a physical journey, it’s an emotional and mental one.

His advice for living a long, adventurous life resonates with people of all ages. “Figure out what you are passionate about and stay passionate about it. Don’t put it aside. Doing something you really love, that’s where your energy comes from.” Rae believes that staying true to one’s passions can help maintain both energy and joy throughout life. His experiences are a reminder to chase what makes you happy and to keep pushing boundaries, no matter your age.

Rae’s story on the Viva Italia Tour is a tribute to the human spirit and its endless capacity for resilience and growth. At 80, he is living a life full of energy, adventure, and passion, undeterred by age. His journey exemplifies that adventure is not a destination but a lifestyle choice, one that he intends to follow as long as his body allows. For anyone questioning whether it’s too late to start a new adventure or take on a challenge, his story offers a resounding answer: it’s never too late. As Rae continues to pedal through Italy’s scenic roads, he’s inspiring not just his fellow participants but all who encounter his story to live adventurously and embrace each day with enthusiasm.

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Viva Italia

It has been said that ‘All roads lead to Rome’ and the Viva Italia cycling tour is simply more proof that this may indeed be the case...

It’s been almost two weeks since I left the Viva Italia Cycling Tour. I flew from Palermo to Portugal to spend some vacation time with my family while the rest of the group continued their amazing Italian adventures. Having given myself enough time to rest, reflect on the trip, and overcome jet lag, I would like to share my impressions from my first (and I strongly hope, not last) cycling tour with TDA.

For those of you who haven’t read my previous blog I am fortunate to work in TDA Toronto office as the Office Manager since March 2023. In order to understand how our tours run, I joined the first section of Viva Italia and immersed myself into the mix of cycling adventures, breathtaking scenery of Italy and Corsica, and the behind-the-scenes work that makes a tour run smoothly.

There’s a certain rhythm to office life – emails, schedules, meeting…rinse, repeat. But then, life threw me a curveball – ‘Pack your bags, you’re joining the Viva Italia tour!’ My first thought? ‘This will be fun!’ My second? ‘What am I getting myself into?’

Well, now I’m back at my desk and wow – what a ride! From the moment I joined the team in Rome, until my very last ride into Cagliari, every day felt like I was living in an adventure novel. Cycling with the group, sharing laughs at the lunch spots, and discovering the charm of Italy and Corsica firsthand was nothing like making spreadsheets in the office. This wasn’t just a ride – it was an experience that brought me closer to our riders and crew, and it taught me the art of adapting to life on the road.

Starting in Rome, the ride through Northern Italy was magical. Tuscany’s rolling hills took our breath away and Florence, Pisa, and Livorno added a touch of Italian charm and history. We crossed to Corsica, where the rugged beauty of the island amazed me at every turn.

Olha and Viva Italia rider Jody on the second riding day

In Calvi, we had a taste of Corsica’s wild side and Zonza was so serene I wished we could stay an extra day. Rain challenged us along the way – especially when it hit just as we were setting up lunch – but that made the small victories feel even bigger. Cycling 66 kilometres to Bonifacio looked easy on paper, but with fierce winds it became an unforgettable struggle. Still, arriving in that cliffside town made it all worth it.

Arriving soaking wet to the hotel in Zonza

From Bonifacio, we ferried across to Sardinia, where the pace softened. The long coastal roads and beautiful beaches felt like a reward after Corsica’s mountainous terrain. The setting on the island was more relaxed, with plenty of seaside villages and open roads, perfect for cycling.

One of the biggest highlights was getting to know the TDA crew and the riders, who came from all corners of the world. At first, I was worried – how do you fit in when you’re usually the one answering emails behind the scenes? But everyone welcomed me and I quickly found my place. I’d help the crew with shopping and setting up lunch spots in the morning and in the afternoons, I’d try to hop on a bike and cycle a section of the day’s route. I got to experience the same climbs and coastlines the riders did – just with a little less endurance (and way more breaks).

An epic lunch spot somewhere between Ajaccio and Zonza in picturesque Corsican mountains

Balazs, our Assistant Tour Leader, and I ended up sharing a bike. And honestly, it wasn’t so bad – Balazs always left snacks in the bike bag, which felt like a reward every time I switched on for my ride. We started jokingly calling ourselves the ‘Eastern European Mafia’ (a little nod to our shared roots) and that nickname stuck.

Some of my most vivid memories from the tour are tied to these moments. Like that day in Corsica, when Brian rolled up to the lunch spot, made an epic skid with his bike, and shouted, “WOW! What a ride!” His face was pure joy, and it was contagious. Another day, Stacey spotted one of her favourite sweets on the lunch table – her eyes lit up instantly and she couldn’t resist taking photos and sending them to her friends. These incredible moments reminded me that it is the simple things that can easily bring happiness to people on the road. Saying goodbye to the riders was bittersweet but I treasure all the kind words they shared with me.

Prepping lunch

Working closely with the crew meant I got to see how much thought and effort goes into creating a smooth tour experience. From planning meals to finding the perfect scenic lunch spots, it’s not just about cycling – it’s about keeping the group fuelled and happy. On my last lunch day, Balazs, the Assistant Tour Leader, and I decided to spice things up and invent a new dish: the ‘Eastern European Mafia Salad.’ It was an improvised mix of everything we could find—beats, quinoa, baby mozzarella, capers and more. To our surprise, it became a hit, and everyone loved it. I think we might have started a new TDA tradition right there.

This trip taught me more than I could ever learn from a desk. The logistics, the problem-solving, the teamwork – it all came to life in real-time on the road. I gained a deeper appreciation for what our riders and crew go through every day. There were tough climbs, logistical hiccups, and moments where things didn’t go to plan, but those moments were what made the journey unforgettable.

Camaraderie was everything. Sharing the road with the riders and swapping stories over dinner each night reminded me why TDA is more than just a tour company – it’s a community. I am grateful to everyone on the tour – getting to know all of you, was an amazing experience to me, and no words are enough to express how excited I am for having this opportunity. Back at the office now, I feel more connected to our mission. It’s one thing to manage tours remotely, but it’s a whole other experience to be out there, riding and supporting the team in person.

My first TDA adventure might be over, but the road is still calling – and I know it won’t be long before I answer again.

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Viva Italia

It has been said that ‘All roads lead to Rome’ and the Viva Italia cycling tour is simply more proof that this may indeed be the case...

Cycling through Corsica this past week has been nothing short of incredible. I’m currently sitting in a cozy hotel room in Bonifacio, reflecting on the experience while the group prepares to head to Sardinia tomorrow. Each day of the tour has left a distinct impression, but Corsica? Corsica is something else entirely.

Corsica’s beauty is something I didn’t fully grasp until I was right in the heart of it. The island is a patchwork of contrasts, from the rugged mountain peaks to the crystal-clear waters that hug its coastlines. One moment you’re cycling along dramatic cliffs with sweeping views of the Mediterranean, and the next, you’re winding through lush, green forests that feel worlds away. The diversity is astonishing—each corner of the island reveals a new landscape, a new vibe. Whether it’s the vibrant coastal towns like Calvi or the peaceful, tucked-away mountain villages like Zonza, Corsica constantly keeps you in awe. Every turn of the road offers something different, and the island feels wild and untamed in the best way possible. Corsica is not just a destination; it’s an adventure for all the senses.

We started in Bastia, making our way west to Calvi—a beautiful coastal town where the Mediterranean stretched endlessly in front of us. From there, the landscape became wilder as we cycled through Porto Ota, nestled between rugged cliffs and blue waters. By the time we arrived in Ajaccio, a well-deserved rest day awaited us. It was a perfect moment to recharge, explore the city, and indulge in local cuisine. But, if I’m being honest, Zonza stole my heart.

Zonza was a place I wish we could have stayed just a little bit longer. The charm of the village combined with the breathtaking mountain views – it was serene and captivating all at once. Even the weather couldn’t dampen the experience. We cycled through heavy rain that day, and setting up our lunch spot was a challenge, to say the least. But sometimes, it’s the unexpected that adds flavour to the adventure, and in this case, the rain highlighted the beauty around us in a way I hadn’t expected.

And then came Bonifacio. Cycling 66 km from Zonza was no joke. On paper, it looked like an easy day, but the wind was fierce. Every pedal stroke felt like pushing through a wall. Yet, as tough as it was, the view coming into Bonifacio made it all worth it. Perched atop limestone cliffs, the town feels almost otherworldly, as if defying gravity with its dramatic positioning over the sea.

As we prepare to sail off to Sardinia, I’m feeling a mix of exhaustion and excitement. Corsica was demanding, but it delivered in ways that only cycling can—through challenge, beauty, and the satisfaction of seeing the world unfold at a slower, more intentional pace. Sardinia, here we come!

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Viva Italia

It has been said that ‘All roads lead to Rome’ and the Viva Italia cycling tour is simply more proof that this may indeed be the case...

It’s not every day that your job description shifts from “Office Manager” to “Cycling Through Italy with the Crew.” But here I am, trading spreadsheets for spokes, heading out on the Viva Italia Tour to get a first-hand look at how things work beyond the four walls of HQ.

If you’re like me, the thought of joining the team on the road sounds equal parts thrilling and slightly terrifying. I mean, I know how to answer emails like a pro and organize registrations with my eyes closed, but pedalling up a hill in Tuscany? That’s a different story.

Olha with Assistant Tour Leader Balazs

Here’s the thing though – this kind of experience isn’t just good for me; it’s crucial for everyone involved. Getting out from behind the desk and onto the saddle (well, mostly the tour van for me, let’s be honest) is an eye-opener. It’s a chance to understand what it really takes to make one of our tours run smoothly from start to finish – and trust me, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes.

From the very first day in Rome, I’ve had a front-row seat to witness how our crew transforms a complex operation into something that looks effortless. And as much as I’ve prided myself on being organized, there’s a whole other level of coordination when you’re on the road. You’ve got cyclists to manage, food to prepare, bikes to fix – all while moving to a new location every day. I thought handling rooming lists was intense… until I saw crew members juggle flat tires, snack requests, and route changes all in the span of 10 minutes.

On the flip side, the crew learned a bit more about what happens back at HQ. Sure, they’re the rockstars on the road, but a lot of magic happens behind the scenes to make sure everything runs like clockwork. From organizing all the registrations, and checking all the forms to ordering the jerseys and race plates, the office plays its part too.

Dealing with dishes instead of spreadsheets

There’s something to be said about both sides understanding what the other goes through. It makes communication smoother, processes more efficient, and honestly, it gives everyone a little more empathy. After all, when you’ve spent the day cycling in these steep Italian hills, you might think twice about grumbling over that 11 a.m. Tuesday meeting.

One of the coolest parts of this whole experience? Meeting the riders I’d only ever known through emails and form submissions. It’s like seeing characters from a book come to life! I’ve spent months sorting through registrations and insurance forms imagining what these cyclists were like in person. So, when I finally got to put faces to names, it was a bit surreal. And let me tell you, meeting them in person was even better than I expected! Hearing their stories of past tours, travel adventures, and what brought them to tackle Viva Italia added a whole new dimension to the work we do. It reminded me that behind every form, there’s a passionate person, ready for the ride of a lifetime.

So, here’s my takeaway: when the office meets the crew, everyone benefits. Whether you’re an office newbie or an assistant of the tour leader, having a foot in both worlds creates a stronger, more connected team. Will I trade in my office chair for a bike seat full-time? Probably not. But having experienced the Viva Italia tour from the inside, I will head back to Toronto with a new appreciation for what it takes to make these adventures happen – and maybe, just maybe, a few more muscles than I had before.

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Viva Italia

It has been said that ‘All roads lead to Rome’ and the Viva Italia cycling tour is simply more proof that this may indeed be the case...

I have not spent much time in Italy so while watching these videos I had one of those vicarious experiences where the scenes really drew me in and I imagined myself in those places, struggling up some of those hills. What more could you want in a video?

What stands out to me about the Viva Italia videos is the orange glow that permeates these scenes. Italy is blessed with some incredible natural and man-made scenery – towns clustered along hillsides, sunsets and sunrises that seem to hit you differently. You could argue that TDA Global Cycling does things a bit backwards. Italy is one of the original cycle touring destinations, for good reason, and remains one of the world most popular places for bicycle tourists. We had been running cycling tours for about 15 years before finally creating this tour of Italy and, boy, are we glad we did! While it may not hold the intrigue and adventure of crossing Africa or South America, what it has in bucket loads is beauty and charm.

As a Canadian participant noted in the video, “When you think of Italy [you think of] cars, fashion, beauty, the arts. The country is just an amazing country and of course that was just the beginning.” What a true statement that is because these riders were not just regular tourists simply soaking up the warmth and the history. These are the cyclists that struggled up the hills, sweated through the midday heat, and pedalled around a portion of the country unlike what 99% of tourists would ever consider visiting. And in that way, they got to see more than the beauty and the charm and hopefully found some deeper more meaningful things along the way.

Below are the videos for you to enjoy. Registration for the 2024 Viva Italia is now open.

Part 1 – Rome to Cagliari

“My first day… struggle, fatigue, pain… having said that it’s just wonderful seeing the classic Italian terrain.”

The riders set off from Rome early in the morning and headed north through historic towns and olive groves in Tuscany. They took a ferry to Corsica where they pedalled across deserts, along coastlines and through spectacular granite mountains. Another short ferry delivered them to Sardinia, an island littered with mysterious, sculpted rocks, medieval churches and vast cork oak and pine forests.

Part 2 – Palermo to Rome

“Now…the draw of going back to Rome. Much of our ride will be along the coast. I’ve come to appreciate how hilly and mountainous Italy is, which hugely explains its beauty, its challenge.”

Arriving from Sardinia, the cyclists spun along Sicily’s northern coast before they turned inland and headed southeast through Sicily’s timeless and rustic interior. After they rode in the shadow of Europe’s most active volcano, Mt Etna, to Messina they hopped aboard a ferry back to the Italian mainland. The cyclists entered the region of Calabria and followed the coastline north, passing through numerous small fishing villages, their waters filled with ancient shipwrecks, their histories replete with legends and tall tales.

The ride continued north and reached the legendary Amalfi Coast for their final rest day, with its colourful houses delicately perched along sheer cliffs that plunge down into the turquoise sea. Then the journey came to a close as the riders pulled up in front of Rome’s immortal Colosseum.

A special thanks to Coby Werlin (www.cobywerlin.com) for completing this video series. He was also our Content Creator for the North American Epic, The Odyssey and the Pub Ride among others. You can see more of his videos and all our tour videos on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@tdacycling

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Viva Italia

It has been said that ‘All roads lead to Rome’ and the Viva Italia cycling tour is simply more proof that this may indeed be the case...

“Veni, vidi, vici.” – Julius Caesar.

The 2022 Viva Italia is done and dusted. Yes, we came, we saw, but didn’t conquer, and had no plans to do so. We came to experience and relish the magical qualities of Italy, from gnocchi to gelato, from vino to pasta, from great pizzas to tasty specialties, from each region we cycled through. We saw magnificent art and glorious architecture, mind boggling museums and out of this world Duomos (cathedrals), azure bays and sandy beaches, orchards of olives and fields of tomatoes, rugged mountains and green valleys, vistas that take your breath away and towns that seems about to slide into the sea.

Here and there we conquered a steep climb and a long cycling day. But we didn’t come to conquer. We came to cycle and enjoy, we came to absorb as much as possible of this vibrant place and live in the moment. And perhaps, we also came to reflect. After all, when you visit and walk through the ruins of Pompei, or wander the streets of Florence, Rome, or Palermo, you inevitably ponder about lives lived, about personal ambitions, glories, the futility of war, the impact of religious beliefs, the impermanence of things, the shortness of our lives and what we do with our time on this planet.

In the final days, as the tour approached the finish line, while cycling and between foraging for different crops – after all there is nothing better tasting than a fresh fruit picked from an overhanging branch – I was reflecting that not so long ago, I and the rest of our company staff were lingering at home, wondering when we would again be able to roam the world and do what we love doing. And now, in the last days of Viva Italia, our little company was actually running five different trips on five continents. In addition to the Viva Italia, we had the Trans Oceania, the North American Epic, the Bamboo Road, and the South American Epic, all running smoothly. Not bad, I quipped to myself. What would be a good tag line for us, I quietly mused? If you have an idea, please do let me know.

“How did you manage to survive and recover so well. It was a subject of conversation on the Tour d’Afrique this year” asked Uwe, one of the participants on the shortened 2022 Tour d’Afrique and enjoying cycling on the Viva Italia? Well Uwe, we had help from our government, we had, and still have, resilience – I even wrote a blog about that during Covid  – and we have a wonderful team that knows what is important and what is not. But perhaps the answer is to be found in my first blog, written in isolation in my basement just as the COVID pandemic went worldwide. I had just arrived home from our company annual meeting in the Azores.

Cycling in Corsica

In that first blog – A Few Thoughts From My Basement – I wrote, “Yes, currently there are many unknown unknowns, but our modus operandi has not changed. We, as always, strive to do the right thing, whether that means taking steps to protect our participants or offer full refunds for our cancelled tours. We also try to see the big picture, keep our wits about us and deal with whatever comes up in a rational way. The coronavirus is a challenge but if you look at the big picture of humanity and the adversity it has overcome, if we all keep our wits about us, soon enough it will be just another virus which humanity has learned to deal with and overcome. We at TDA certainly have no doubts about it. And this one thing is certainly not an unknown fact.”

In another blog that I wrote during the pandemic – We Are Not Made of Sugar Candy –  I quoted Winston Churchill, “For myself I am an optimist – it does not seem to be much use being anything else.” Except, except perhaps be a cyclist who loves exploring the world. And if you are that, then you will find a way of continuing to do so. That, my dear Uwe, is perhaps the best answer.

At the finish

To all the participants and staff of the Viva Italia and to the support teams that are currently spread all over the world, it was a blast. THANK YOU! See you soon, somewhere else, back in our saddles, looking at the mountains that we are about to climb and asking ourselves, ‘what are we doing here’?

Henry Gold has been cycling alongside the participants of the 2022 Viva Italia. He is currently cycling in Sicily but sent this report on the island of Corsica.

Pasta and macaroni, the hotter the better.
Corsican Proverb

Yesterday, in light drizzle, one by one, we cycled to the end of our eight-day sojourn in a land the ancient Greeks called Kalliste – ‘the most beautiful.’ A certain famous Greek writer by the name Homer described the place around three thousand years ago as follows: “excellent harbour, closed in all sides by an unbroken ring of precipitous cliffs, with two bold headlands facing each other at the mouth so as to leave only a narrow channel between.”

Today this place is called Bonifacio and is the southernmost tip of Kalliste, now known as Corsica, and better known not for its rugged beauty, translucent water, or white beaches, but rather as the birthplace for its famous (or to some/many infamous) son – a man born Napoleone Buonaparte as his family had Genoese roots – which for political reason he changed to Napoleon Bonaparte.

Bonifacio, besides being an excellent harbour, nowadays is full of small and large yachts and boats that come here to spend time on a dazzling narrow peninsula of white limestone and walk the haute ville. The ‘ville’ of narrow streets are filled with boutiques, restaurants, bars and coffee shops to satisfy the desires of a couple or more millions of tourists that visit Corsica each year and many make it all the way to Bonifacio.

Ironically Napoleon seems to have a different opinion of his native land. While in exiles in St. Helena he reportedly said the following “M. de Choisel once said that if Corsica could be pushed under the sea with a trident it should be done. He was quite right. It is nothing but an excrescence.” Some Corsicans would likely feel the same about Napoleon, even though his name now brings many a Euro to the businesses in his hometown and the capital city of Corsica, Ajaccio.

Putting opportunism aside after cycling much up and the same amount down from the northeast of the island to the west coast and then again even more up and down south to reach Bonifacio, the riders on Viva Italia probably now think of Corsica the way the ancient Greeks thought of as Seirenoussai – meaning a place of the Sirens – the sirens mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey. The otherworldly Sirens and their irresistible charm.

It is this irresistible charm that will now linger in our memories forever and ever and will call us back here to come enjoy its jagged beauty, its tasty wine, appetizing cheeses and local specialties and much more. To quote another Corsican proverb, “there is no substitute for experience.”

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Viva Italia

It has been said that ‘All roads lead to Rome’ and the Viva Italia cycling tour is simply more proof that this may indeed be the case...

Je n’aurai pas le temps
Pas le temps
Même en courant
Plus vite que le vent
Plus vite que le temps
Même en volant
Je n’aurai pas le temps

Pas le temps
De visiter Toute l’immensité
D’un si grand univers
Même en cent ans
Je n’aurai pas le temps
De tout faire

– Michel Fugain

It was on September 10th that the 2022 Viva Italia bike tour began in Rome. After four wonderful days of cycling from Rome through Tuscany, we arrived in Florence, which Forbes Magazine called in 2010, the most beautiful city in the world. Getting here was fun but don’t let anyone tell you it was easy. I mean, in four days we climbed either on bicycles or walking, over 5,500 metres in altitude. And some of us, as we walked up yet another hill, were wishing we had trained at least a bit for this tour. But then getting to the top of the climb, which often revealed a lovely historic town or village, made one immediately forget the struggle to get there. That is Tuscany for you.

Now that we have arrived in the birthplace of the Renaissance, my head is humming Michel Fugain’s song, ‘Je n’aurai pas le temps, Pas le temps – I won’t have time, won’t have time.’ And so it is. I simply don’t have time to see and experience even a tiny fraction of what this place offers. Florence is overwhelming, to say the least, and with two rest days one must make some choices. The number of art galleries, palaces, museums, piazzas, churches, places of interest seem endless. Facing all this and the post-Covid crowds, I took up my favourite occupation in new places and wandered around. Here in this incredible city, my walks took me back to my adolescence when, as a youth of 13 or 14, I read a book in Slovak, my mother tongue, called The Agony and Ecstasy by an American writer, Irving Stone. It was probably the fact that I knew nothing about Michelangelo, the Renaissance or the Medicis that resulted in the book having such strong impact on me. I still have vivid recollections on how it made me feel.

So, it was no wonder that when I looked at Google Maps to discover exactly where I had wandered in these medieval narrow streets, that I saw that I was very close to the Michelangelo Piazalle where a copy of Michelangelo’s statue of David stands overlooking the city. The statue of a young David, considered the apex of Michelangelo’s sculpting work and the icon of the Renaissance, was warmly adopted by Florentines and has become the emblem of the city, representing strength, courage and youthful confidence. And so, as I stood there in front of David, I found myself contemplating my own youthful confidence and my various wanderings around the world, travels that had now brought me face to face with Michelangelo’s masterpiece all the while  recollecting the sculptor’s struggles as described by Stone in his book.

On my way back to the city, stopping here and there to take a picture of something worth remembering, I thought of my previous conversation with Randy, one of my fellow riders, in front of the Duomo, which is perhaps the most striking building that I have ever seen. Randy and his wife Sandra, several years ago, took time off from their busy lives and moved to Florence with their youngest daughter to spend three months experiencing the city. Now participants on the Viva Italia, Randy was explaining to me the two meanings of time in ancient Greece, Kairos and Chronos. Chronos is taken to represent time in chronological order or as we normally think of time while Kairos has more complicated meaning, one which Wikipedia explains as the “right, critical or opportune moment”. Randy described how he has been attempting to live his life more by Kairos, than by Chronos.

Two days later I thought to myself just how important Kairos in life is, particularly when you must decide how to spend your days in Florence. “Je n’aurai pas le temps, Pas le temps. I won’t have time, won’t have time.”

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It has been said that ‘All roads lead to Rome’ and the Viva Italia cycling tour is simply more proof that this may indeed be the case...

Just days ago, on August 12th, World Elephant Day, Michael, our company social media guy (actually, just one of his duties) posted a cartoon of me lying on the ground after the elephant attack in 2011 on our India cycling adventure, ‘wondering what is next’.

The cartoon ‘word balloon’ asking what is next was real, except it occurred literally the moment I heard my helmet cracking from the force applied to it by the foot of the elephant. So, what happened next? Broken bones, hospital, operation, coming home and three months later one open fracture, the humerus that connects upper arm to the hand, not fusing. The doctor prescribed a wait of three months before he decided what would be  next – as it turned out only delaying another operation, but that is another story.

That is not how it was supposed to happen. My Indian doctor, who I liked a lot, promised that I would be able to cycle in six weeks. On the way home from the hospital, I was wondering what is next. We were living in a crummy downtown building with paper thin walls and apartments above, below and opposite, noisy at different times every night, making restful sleep not really an option.

When I told my partner Ruth about the doctor’s decision, she gave me a sad look, to which I responded, “We will wait in Paris”. I was forgetting my less than mediocre French, so I thought, how about spending the summer in Paris taking French courses? She thought I was joking.

My good friends Tim and his wife Ronda, who were on the first Tour d’Afrique, Silk Route and Vuelta Sud Americana tours owned a small studio apartment on Isle St. Louis in the middle of Paris that was presently not occupied. They generously offered to us, and we were off.

It was a great place to heal. During those months I could only walk for brief periods of time. Then it was time to sit in the nearest café, with each of us reading the latest newspapers which I could peruse and attempt to understand what I read. Daily, we walked the streets of Paris, admiring the architecture, the small shops, open markets and everything else that Paris offers. Having gone through a near death experience, my senses were so much more alert to all that I saw…and there is plenty to see and experience in Paris.

It was on one of those days that my mind drifted to where I would like to cycle next. I came up with the idea of a tour that would start in Rome and end in Rome, a circular exploration of Italy. I had spent very little time in Italy and thought, like millions of others, that cycling in Italy would be a treat. And so, the concept for the Viva Italia was born.

It took several years before we were able to schedule the inaugural Viva Italia in 2019, but things happened, and I couldn’t be on it. Now, eleven years after the original idea, I have just registered for the 2022 Viva Italia and in less than two weeks, I hope to be able to cycle out of Rome continue to Florence, then ferry over to Corsica (not really Italy, though they do speak a sort of Italian dialect), take another ferry to Sardinia, then Sicily and finally head back up the Amalfi coast to Pompei and on back to Rome. The way I see it, it will be a ‘feast for the senses’, just what the doctor ordered after the COVID trauma. I can’t wait!

PS: The tour is being led by Gergo, who with his wife Eszter, years ago approached me with a great idea for a tour. You guessed it, a circular tour of Italy. Great minds think alike.

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The Viva Italia Cycling Tour is perhaps Italy’s most ambitious cycling tour – covering the beautiful regions of Umbria and Tuscany north of Rome and a spectacular section of southern Italy as well as rewarding rides across the islands of Corsica, Sardinia & Sicily. Along the way cyclists will be pedal along scenic coasts and across rolling hills while enjoying the great wine and cuisine of this classic cycle touring destination. Join for 10 days or 2 weeks, or take on the entire month long loop of the Italian boot.

10 Reasons to Pedal the Viva Italia Cycling Tour

“Florence, often called  ‘the Athens of the Middle Ages’ was the centre of medieval European trade and finance and the birthplace of the Renaissance. Home to such notable historical figures as Dante Alighieri, Petrarch, Giovanni Boccaccio, Niccolò Machiavelli, Francesco Guicciardini, the Medici family and Savonarola, the city is now famous for its culture, Renaissance art and architecture and monuments.” Read more…

Seven Reasons to Cycle Sicily

“When someone mentions Sicily, what do you think of? I suppose that it largely depends on your predilections. More specifically, given that you are a cyclist, why go to Sicily for ride? Cyclists, of course, may have many other interests. They can be film buffs or literature lovers, amateur archaeologists or architecture devotees. They can be interested in history, nature or local culture. Keeping this in mind here are seven reasons why one, no matter what their interests, should absolutely cycle Sicily.” Read more…

An Interview with the Viva Italia Tour Leader

“Popular TDA Global Cycling Tour Leader Özgür Karataş recently finished scouting the route of the Viva Italia Cycling Tour which he will be leading later this year. We asked him for his impressions on the roads, the food, the wine and much more.” Read more…

All Roads Lead to Rome – Viva Italia!

“For years, the founder of TDA Global Cycling, Henry Gold, has gazed longingly at the islands in the Mediterranean Sea, trying to come up with a cycling route that would do justice to the area’s history, culture and scenery. Finally, inspired by the 2012 Alumni event that we called ‘All Roads Lead To Rome’, he came up with a circular route that covered not only the beautiful islands of Corsica, Sardinia & Sicily but also managed to include the stunning Italian regions of Tuscany and Calabria as well as the historic cities of Florence, Rome and Siena.” Read more…

Six Excellent Reasons to Cycle Corsica

“The Greek called it Kalliste, the most beautiful island. The French call it L’Ile de Beaute. Others have called it Pleasure Island. I would say that if those are not enough of reason to cycle in Corsica, then your imagination likely needs a boost and there is no place better for it than Corsica.” Read more…

Five (or Fifty) Reasons to Cycle the Viva Italia

“Ah, Italy! La Dolce Vita – the sweet life. Consider the pizzas, the pasta, the wines, the history, the sights, the sea, the sun, the culture, the markets, the mountains, the valleys, the lakes, the medieval towns and the many, many other hidden gems.” Read more…

Five Reasons to Cycle Sardinia

“Sardinia. Widely known as the ‘Land of Silence’, it boasts well-maintained roads, little traffic and widespread bike-friendly accommodation. As the second largest island in the Mediterranean, it is blessed with over 50 lakes, 3 major rivers and great weather.” Read more…

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Viva Italia

It has been said that ‘All roads lead to Rome’ and the Viva Italia cycling tour is simply more proof that this may indeed be the case...

It has been said that all roads lead to Rome and the Viva Italia Cycling Tour is simply more proof that this may indeed be the case. Rome, of course, is home to the Coliseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Roman Forum and the Spanish Steps but there is much, much more to see along the 2500 km route that the Viva Italia follows through Tuscany, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Southern Italy.  This year, it is even easier to ride with us as rental bikes and e-bikes are available in Rome.

Here are 10 excellent reasons to join us on our giro en bicicletta!

1 – Chianti Vineyards – Raise a glass to your ride

One of the world’s most famous wines, Chianti dates back to the 13th century but, surprisingly, was originally known as a white wine. It wasn’t until the 18th century that it became widely recognized as a red wine and its composition was not firmly established until 1967 when, the Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) regulation set by the Italian government firmly established the “Ricasoli formula” of a Sangiovese-based blend with 10–30% Malvasia and Trebbiano. Chianti Classico was promoted as the ‘Official wine of the 2013 UCI Road World Championships’ and sold in bottles with special labels. Perhaps there will be a TDA Viva Italia Chianti in the future?

2 – Piazza del Campo, Sienna

Considered one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares, it was paved in 1349 in fishbone-patterned red brick with 8 lines of travertine, which divide the piazza into 9 sections, the divisions symbolic of the rule of The Nine (Noveschi) who laid out the campo and governed Siena at the height of its power between 1292-1355. Within the square can be found The Fonte Gaia (Fountain of the World) which was built in 1419 as an endpoint of the system of conduits bringing water to the city’s centre. Many miles of tunnels were constructed to bring water in aqueducts to the fountain and to drain to the surrounding fields. These days, a twice-a-year horse-race, Palio di Siena, is held around the edges of the piazza and it is also the finish line for the annual road cycling race, Strade Bianche.

3 – Florence – Cradle of the Renaissance

Florence, often called  ‘the Athens of the Middle Ages’ was the centre of medieval European trade and finance and the birthplace of the Renaissance. Home to such notable historical figures as Dante Alighieri, Petrarch, Giovanni Boccaccio, Niccolò Machiavelli, Francesco Guicciardini, the Medici family and Savonarola, the city is now famous for its culture, Renaissance art and architecture and monuments. Florence contains numerous museums and art galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Pitti and has consistently been ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The best-known site of Florence is the domed cathedral of the city, Santa Maria del Fiore, known as The Duomo, still the largest dome built in brick and mortar in the world.

4 – Calanques de Piana, Corsica

Scientifically, a calanque is a narrow, steep-walled inlet that is developed in limestone, dolomite, or other carbonate strata and found along the Mediterranean coast. However, a better description, to my mind, is from Maupassant who wrote that they were a “nightmarish menagerie petrified by the will of an extravagant god.” South of Porto on Corsica’s western coast, riders will enjoy a ride through these amazing formations, some of them rising 300m above the sea. An old local legend holds that these incredible formations were the work of the devil who apparently created them in a fit of rage after a local shepherdess refused his amorous advances. Unable to punish her pure soul, he conjured the forms of the shepherdess and her fiancé out of the rocks that tower above the road.

>>Related Post: 6 Excellent Reasons to Cycle Corsica

5 – Orgosolo, Sardinia – Bandit Country

The route of the Viva Italia will take riders through Sardinia’s most notorious town, the island’s former bandit capital of Orgosolo. Situated high up in the brooding mountains, its name was a byword for the area’s not so distant violent past. The area is known as Barbagia, from the Greek word barbaros – barbarian, so named by the Romans after repeated unsuccessful attempts to subdue the local inhabitants. The town is also famous for its over 200 political murals, started in 1975 by a local professor to mark the 30th anniversary of the liberation of Italy from the fascists. The styles range widely but, in general, the paintings document the struggles of the underdog in the face of a powerful, and often corrupt, establishment.

>>Related Post: 5 Reasons to Cycle Sardinia

6 – Palermo – 3000 Years Young

Palermo has been at the crossroads of civilizations for over 3,000 years – hosting the Phoenicians, Greeks, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans and Spanish, amongst others. This history has created an incredible array of architecture – Baroque churches, Gothic palaces, Byzantine mosaics, Arabesque domes – all rubbing shoulders throughout the city. North Africa’s influence can be felt in the city’s cuisine, especially in the street markets like Ballaro, Vucciria and Del Capo. Here you can find glistening fish like swordfish and tuna, watch anchovies being filleted, inhale pungent cheeses, sample plump olives, and wander aimlessly though luscious fruits and a dazzling array of vegetables. Palermo is also renown for its street art, be it playful depictions of imaginary creatures or politically sensitive murals about immigration and crime.

7 –  Abbey of Thelema, Cefalù – The devil is in the details

Credit – Frater Kybernetes/CC By SA 2.0

Just over 100 years ago, Aleister Crowley, a mystic and occultist known as ‘The Great Beast,’ had a revelation. He and his followers had to create a sanctuary for themselves, an anti-monastery. The occultists settled in Cefalù, a small fishing town of the Sicilian coast and built the Abbey of Thelema. Crowley introduced sex and drugs as sacramental rituals in his complex syncretic system, Magick, and encouraged participants to shirk societal norms and follow hedonistic impulses. The cultists were evicted by Mussolini’s regime in 1923 and the villagers whitewashed the murals, which they somewhat correctly saw as demonic. However, it’s still possible to visit and see a few scant remains of the wall paintings, giving you a glimpse into Crowley’s transgressive cosmology.

8- Catania – The City of the Elephant

In the 12th century, geographer Muhammad al-Idrisi created the most accurate map of the world yet produced which included the Sicilian city of Catania where locals venerated an ancient basalt elephant called ‘U Liotru’, said to possess magic powers and the ability to predict the eruptions of nearby Mount Etna. The enigmatic pachyderm now sits atop an 18th-century fountain in the middle of a piazza and was constructed in the 1730s by Sicilian architect Giovanni Battista Vaccarini who inexplicably plopped an Egyptian obelisk on the elephant’s back. A 8th century folktale includes a nobleman who turned to necromancy after losing a bid to become bishop of Catania. The sorcerer built the elephant and brought it to life, at one point even riding it to Constantinople.

>>Related Post: 7 Wonderful Reasons to Cycle Sicily

9 – Mount Vesuvius/Pompei

Pompeii was a large Roman town in the Italian region of Campania which was completely covered in volcanic ash following the eruption of nearby Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Quickly lost and forgotten, it was wiped from the face of the Earth and not rediscovered until 1755. The fact that the city and all the people in it were quickly buried meant that the ruins were remarkably well-preserved and not completely destroyed. This allows visitors to wander through Roman streets, past temples, shops and houses. Remains, including wooden objects and human bodies, were entombed in the ash and decayed leaving voids which archaeologists found could be used as moulds to make plaster casts of unique and often gruesome figures in their final moments of life.

10 – Amalfi Coast

This area, a 50-kilometre stretch of coastline along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula in the Campania region, is certainly one of the world’s most picturesque spots. Turquoise seas. Pastel coloured houses. Verdant forests. Rugged rock faces. Towering mountains. Secluded beaches. Fabled towns. Chic boutiques. Challenging walking trails. Gourmet restaurants. Sun-filled piazzas. Luxurious hotels. Charming cathedrals. Amalfi’s natural beauty and international popularity, however, obscure the fact that the area was once a maritime superpower, with a population of over 70,000 (today – under 5,000). Sadly, in 1343 most of the city, and its population, slid into the sea during a massive earthquake.

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In the fall of 2017, I participated on our company’s Bamboo Road Cycling Tour and had the opportunity to test a touring e-bike from Shanghai to Hanoi. When I came home, I wrote a blog called “It is not a donkey and it is not a horse. Maybe it’s a mule” which described my experience with the bike and the inherent issues with its use.

Since then e-bike technology has evolved and so has the debate. E-bikes are becoming lighter. The batteries are better, allowing for a longer range without needing to recharge. As far as I can tell, most, cycling tour companies now offer an e-bike option. These usually involve short one or two-week tours that start and finish at the same point. This is a very important to remember as the main challenge of using an e-bike on a cycling tour is that airlines will not allow e-bike batteries in a rider’s luggage. As a result, an e-bike user faces a major and costly challenge.

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This is not a problem for a company that offers cycling holidays in one area several times in one season. They can rent e-bikes to clients without too much difficulty. It is, however, a much different issue for long distance cycling adventures such as those that our company offers. There are other questions in addition to the flight/battery issue. E-bikes used on cycle touring in areas of the world where electricity interruptions are not uncommon can be an issue. Without having a consistent ability to charge their batteries, the e-bike user and the cycling tour operator have a problem. There is also the dilemma of carrying the heavier e-bikes if they are not being used.

One interesting development are the so-called self-charging e-bikes such as e-jitensha, Nua Electra and Zehus that have hit the market in the past year. They still need further testing to see how much help they really provide and how they will perform on a touring trip as they were not designed with cycle touring in mind. Regardless, these bikes have the same problems with airlines as they can not be transported on commercial flights with their owners. These self charging bikes are much lighter and are really e-assist bikes, meaning that the cyclist must pedal rather than simply use the battery. In theory, these would be the bikes that would work best on a cycle touring adventure.

Another issue for tour operators who allow e-bikes on their tours is the impact it may have on non e-bike users, many of whom look down on e-bike cyclists. However, according to cycling operators, their experience has shown that after some initial reservations, this is really a nonissue.

Since the publication of my blog almost two years ago, the frequency of emails to our office regarding the use of e-bikes on our tours has increased. I expect it will continue to grow as more and more people, who would like to enjoy our cycling adventures but who have some concerns about distances and/or elevation gain, health limitations or less fit partners, consider e-bikes as the solution to these issues.

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As a result, we have decided that on certain tours, for example, the Viva Italia that starts and finishes in Rome and the first section of the upcoming Bamboo Road Tour – Taiwan Coastal Loop – that does a circle of Taiwan starting and ending in Taipei, any cyclist who comes with their own e-bike or arranges to rent one in Rome or Taipei is welcome to join the tour. Something to keep in mind, however, is that this will be a learning experience for both sides, the rider and our company.

For additional information regarding bringing e-bikes on TDA tours, please see our FAQ.

When someone mentions Sicily, what do you think of? I suppose that it largely depends on your predilections. More specifically, given that you are a cyclist, why go to Sicily for ride? Cyclists, of course, may have many other interests. They can be film buffs or literature lovers, amateur archaeologists or architecture devotees. They can be interested in history, nature or local culture. Keeping this in mind here are seven reasons why one, no matter what their interests, should absolutely cycle Sicily.

1. Sicily Is A Place Like No Other In The World

Sicily, being an island situated in the middle of the Mediterranean, has had, over  thousands of years, many visitors. Some, mostly uninvited, stayed for long periods. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Ostrogoths, Byzantine Greeks, Muslims, Normans, Aragonese and Spanish were instrumental in creating the cultural fabric of Sicily.  The best way to seek out their influence on this enchanted isle is by bicycle.

2. Cycle In The Footsteps Of The Godfather – An Offer That Can’t Be Refused

If you are baby boomer, than you will likely be familiar with the quote “I will make him an offer that he can’t refuse” from the classic movie, The Godfather. In 2007 The American Film institute ranked it as the 2nd best film ever made. Parts of the Godfather trilogy were filmed in Sicily and to many of us Sicily is, in fact, synonymous with the Godfather but it is not the only great movie that was made there. Classics like ‘Il Postino’ (The Postman) about exiled Pablo Neruda, ‘Il Gattopardo’ (The Leopard) with Burt Lancaster and Claudia Cardinale and modern films such as Palermo Shooting and Oceans Twelve were all filmed on Sicily. You can visit all the location of these film sets by, you guessed it, bicycle. Is that really an offer that you can refuse?

3. Cycle In The Footsteps Of Great Sicilian Books

The Godfather saga was based on a book by Mario Puzzo and ‘The Leopard’ was penned by Giuseppe di Lampedusa. Amongst other good books set in Sicily are ‘The Potter’s Field’ by Andrea Camilleri, which has been made into a successful TV series, ‘Sweet Honey, Bitter Lemons: Travels in Sicily on a Vespa’ by Matthew Fort, ‘Siracusa’ by Delia Ephron and ‘Cavalleria Rusticana and Other Stories’ by Giovanni Verga which is about life in 19th century Sicily.

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4. Watch History Flash By As You Ride

It doesn’t matter whether you are interested in ancient, medieval or modern times, you are bound to come across something that will make you pause and pique your curiosity. The Greek & Roman interludes, the Punic wars, the German and Byzantine periods, the Arab conquest and the coming of the Vikings, the Spanish and Bourbon times – there is something for every historical interest. After stopping to explore, you may have a hard time getting back on your bicycle.

5. Cycle To Exquisite Manmade & Natural Wonders

Sicily is full of wonders. Some are natural – the highest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna and the island’s fabulous coastline. Some are manmade – the UNESCO heritage site Villa Romana del Casale, home to one of the richest, largest, and varied collections of Roman mosaics in the world or the Arab-Norman architecture in Palermo. As a matter of fact UNESCO, which list seven sites in Sicily, has this to say about the architecture in Palermo – “an outstanding example of a socio-cultural syncretism between Western, Islamic, and Byzantine cultures. This interchange gave rise to an architectural and artistic expression based on novel concepts of space, structure, and decoration that spread widely throughout the Mediterranean region…”

6. Food, Wine, Art & Cycling

There is a movie called “The Cook, The Thief, The Wife & Her Lover” which has nothing to do with Sicily. However, I do think ‘Food, Wine, Art & Cycling’ could be a hit for the island. I suggest that the Sicily Department of Tourism use it in their promotional materials. Why, you ask? When you have a cuisine that is a fusion of Italian, Spanish, Greek French, North African and a wide variety of wines from the foothills of Mount Etna and when there is such exquisite art covering several millennia and all of this can be enjoyed sustainably by bicycle, well, I think that is great material for a movie. Now all they need is Francis Ford Coppola, the man behind the Godfather saga, to write the script. After all, he has done it already for his vineyards in California.

7. When You Cycle Sicily, You Will Make Great Friends

The Godfather, Don Corleone, put it this way: “Friendship is everything. Friendship is more than talent. It is more than the government. It is almost the equal of family.” You don’t believe it? Well, then it is certainly time to join a cycling tour through Sicily and discover the truth.

Popular TDA Global Cycling Tour Leader Özgür Karataş recently finished scouting the route of the Viva Italia Cycling Tour which he will be leading later this year. We asked him for his impressions on the roads, the food, the wine and much more.

Özgür, Now that you had an opportunity to scout this latest TDA cycling adventure let us ask you a few questions. Italy is popular with cyclists from all over the world but this trip is different. Can you tell us why?

As you know, being from Turkey and the Mediterranean, my answers may be biased! For many days we will be riding along the stunning coastlines of Italy, Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily where you can swim. In the middle of your ride you can just dive, cool off and then sun yourself on a warm, sandy beach. The only problem may be convincing your body to get back on the bike. There will also be quite a few rest days (Bonifacio, Calvi, Cala Gonone, Maratea) where the riders can explore the water by boat.

The tour starts in Rome and heads to the hills of Tuscany. Tell us more about what will the cyclists experience in Tuscany.

The gentle rolling hills of Tuscany will be a nice warm up for the more challenging climbs in Corsica! After leaving Rome we will pedal through a number of picturesque Tuscan towns – Orvieto, Bagnoregio, Ficulle, Pienza, Castelmuzio, Chisure, Mucigliani & Siena. The region features stunning landscapes, living history, incredible food and exquisite art.

Italy of course is famous for its wines. Tell us which were the vineyards that most impressed you and why?

The vineyards in Chianti are incredible. Surrounded by olive groves, ancient castles, stone farmhouses and lush forests, these grapes produce some of the world’s best and unrecognizable wines. Our route also follows parts of the famous Via Chiantigiana which follows the ridges between the Val d’Elsa and the Valdarno, wandering from one farmhouse and villa to another, passing through charming villages and historic towns.

In order to make this a circular tour the riders will be cycling in Corsica which is part of modern day France. Their culture, however, is more Italian then French. Belonging to France does has its advantages. In 2013 Corsica had the opportunity to host part of the 2013 Tour de France. Are the cyclists going to cycle any of the stages of that Tour?

Having been to different parts of France and Italy, I have to say that Corsica is really something different. Along the islands western coast from Calvi to Ajaccio we will be cycling the same route that the 2013 Tour took, just in reverse. This route is certainly one of hardest on the tour but also one of the most scenic. No worries. We divided the stage into two. That way the riders can enjoy the ride and, as a bonus, spend a night in beautiful Porto.

Can you tell us something about your favourite climbs and descents?

Wow. There were so many. Spinning up and down undulating hills in Tuscany. The marvellous climb out of Cala Gonone on Sardinia. Climbing through Sicily’s timeless landscape to the hilltop town of Enna. Speeding downhill in Corsica from Zonza past dramatic granite mountains. However, I think nothing on this tour compares to the day where the riders climb up 800m from the Amalfi Coast before coasting downhill to ill-fated Pompei, complete with a stunning view of with Mount Vesuvius off in the distance.

Another thing that one always thinks of about Italy is cycling the Amalfi Coast and visiting Pompeii. Are the cyclists going to cycle to Pompeii? What’s Amalfi coast like?

The riders will absolutely have the opportunity to cycle the Amalfi Coast, deemed an outstanding example of the Mediterranean landscape by UNESCO, on the their stage ride from Agropoli to Pompeii. The road along the water is rolling and windy, bracketed by plunging mountains and turquoise seas, and sprinkled with pastel-coloured houses seemingly hanging impossibly from the cliffs. They will also have a rest day to explore the haunting and well-preserved ruins of Pompeii, one of Europe’s most famous archeological sites.

Do you have any other recommendations for the riders taking part in the Viva Italia?

Well, be sure to bring granny gears with at least 36 teeth in the back and at least 34 teeth in the front. Pack 3 sets of brake pads. Oh, and before the tour, you may not want to eat pasta and pizza for about 3 months!

Corsica isn’t known as one of Europe’s most popular places to cycle, but that is perhaps because people don’t know what they’re missing. So allow me to suggest six excellent reasons to cycle this Mediterranean island. It is officially French, but is closer to Italy than France – and not only in physical distance. It is for this reason – kind of – we included Corsica in the Viva Italia tour.

1. Cycling the Island of Beauty

The Greek called it Kalliste, the most beautiful island. The French call it L’Ile de Beaute. Others have called it Pleasure Island. I would say that if those are not enough of reason to cycle in Corsica, then your imagination likely needs a boost and there is no place better for it than Corsica.

2. Imagination Rules the World

It was a man who was born and grew up in Corsica who said “Imagination rules the world”. He must have had quite an imagination because he tried to rule as much of the world as he could. He even made it to an abandoned Moscow and his starving troops had to unceremoniously try to make it back home. His name was Napoleon Bonaparte and he was born in Ajocio – one place you need to make sure you visit when cycling Corsica.

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3. It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness

There are a lot of hills and mountains in Corsica. A couple of millennia ago, in 41 AD to be precise, a Roman emperor Claudius banished a man called Seneca – a philosopher, stoic, playwright, investment banker, senator and tutor to future emperor Nero – to Corsica. Seneca used this opportunity to study the island, but more importantly to write. His works are being read to this day, and it is he who said “It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness”. Seneca of course knew nothing about bicycles but every Tour de France cyclist can tell you that whoever wants to win Le Tour he better be a good climber. The 2013 Tour de France had 3 stages in Corsica. You too can try to find the road to greatness!

4. Classica Corsica

No, I do not mean an elite men’s UCI road race that was held in 2015 but rather the classic foods that you will eat on the island. Corsica being mountainous with goats and sheep everywhere produces excellent cheeses, most famous of them being brocciu, the ricotta-like cheese. And if you’re going to have excellent local cheeses, then you will of course have excellent local wines. Rosé in particular goes well with another local specialty, Corsican charcuterie, which is made using centuries old methods.

5. Vistas, beaches and aroma

There is a reason why the island is called the Island of Beauty. While there are remarkable views to be had all over the island, the most spectacular are on the west coast called Les Calanches de Piana. One of the most striking – a UNESCO protected rock structure site known as porphyry needles – is called La Tete du Chien (Dog’s Head). Riding here ranks as one of the most stunning coastal bike routes in the world. Another beautiful area is the long peninsula of Cap Corse in the north. And when you need a break from cycling, wining and dining, it is time to choose one of the many beaches along the 1,000km of coastline. And let’s not forget the ‘aroma’. There are not many places in the world where two thirds of the area is protected and just about wherever you go or cycle you will smell a scent that emanates from aromatic shrubs that cover the island. It is called Maquis – a mixture of fresh herbs, flowers, and grasses that covers the mountains.

6. Heritage and Culture

Corsica is officially French but you do not want to announce it loudly. The Corsican language is more a dialect of Italian and young Napoleon had this to say about his home: “On Corsica I was given life, and with that life I was also given a fierce love for this my ill-starred homeland and fierce desire for her independence. I too shall one day be a ‘Paoli’.” Pasquale Paoli was a Corsican patriot, statesmen and the first president of a democratic Corsica that existed from 1755 until the French took over in 1768. Napoleon changed his mind and he did not become Paoli, but even today one can see graffiti from FLNC the Front de Liberation Nationale de Corse, a nationalist movement who want independence from France. This proud identity is not the only heritage around. When cycling through villages one can overhear the ethereal harmonics of Corsican musical polyphony, no doubt created by the mixture of influences that had acted on this island from nearby areas of Mediterranean, Africa, Alpine regions, France and Italy.

In conclusion, here are a couple of quotes from Seneca that serve not only as reasons to cycle Corsica, but also as a guide to better living:
“As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.”
“Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life.”

>>Related: 5 Reasons to Cycle Sardinia

Ah, Italy! La Dolce Vita – the sweet life.

Consider the pizzas, the pasta, the wines, the history, the sights, the sea, the sun, the culture, the markets, the mountains, the valleys, the lakes, the medieval towns and the many, many other hidden gems. What other reasons could a cyclist possibly need to hop on their bicycle and explore this amazing country on the Viva Italia Cycling Tour?

It’s A Circular, One Of A Kind Trip – Like A Pizza Pie

Sure, you could take a one week holiday and cycle a part of Italy. If you are really serious, maybe take two weeks and cycle twice as much. When you cycle the Viva Italia, however, you will complete a full circle and experience not only the south, the north and the middle but Sicily and Sardinia as well. We even threw in a place called Corsica, which is kind of Italian even though one of the most famous Frenchmen, Napoleon, was born there.

Ride In The Footsteps Of A One Of A Kind Cyclist

There are a lot of great cyclists who have won the Giro and La Tour but there is only one, Gino Bartali, who, when interrogated and threatened by the Gestapo and Italian fascists, responded “I do what I feel [in my heart]”. You will cycle in the same area where he smuggled messages and false identity papers while supposedly training for his next bicycle race. When Gino died in 1990 Romano Prodi, President of the European Commission, called him “a symbol of the most noble sportsmanship”,  the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) called for two days of mourning and a minute’s silence was observed before all sporting events.

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La Dolce Vita – The Sweet Life

I have already mentioned La Dolce Vita – the sweet life. If you are my age or older, you probably remember the great filmmaker, Fredrico Fellini, and the classic scene in his movie La Dolce Vita, with Marcelo Mastroianni and Elka Ekberg at the Trevi Fountain in Rome. Of course, you will have an opportunity to visit the Fountain at the beginning and, if you wish, again at the end of the tour but I am actually thinking of the incredible desserts of Italy that you will have an opportunity to taste. The Canadian Food network even came up with a blog called 21 Italian Desserts You Need to Try Before You Die. What better way to do that than after a full day of cycling. On the other hand, if you are brave and decide to take a market food tour on your rest day in Palermo and are still standing by the end of it, you will be the recipient of the Passaporto del Mangione (Glutton’s Passport).

Where Else Would A Bicycle Be The Hero Of A Movie?

There are many movies that have something to do with bicycles or people that ride bikes but there is only one movie that is regarded as a masterpiece of Italian Neorealism and that is Ladri di Biciclette – The Bicycle Thief. If you have not yet seen it, be sure to watch it. It may just convince you to go to Rome. Considered as one of the 10 best movies ever made, the film will give you a sense of post-WWII Italy and recent Italian history. Another great film to see is called Il Postino – The Postman. This is about an exiled Pablo Neruda, the great Chilean poet, and a local postman who learns to write love poetry and is set on an Italian island. The postman, of course, delivers the mail by bicycle.

Fifty Reasons In One Paragraph

When one decides to write why anyone, and not just cyclists, should do a tour like Viva Italia, one does not know where to begin. Therefore I will now pretend to be James Joyce (think Ulysses) and let my stream of consciousness pour out on paper, or at least on my computer screen…Botticelli, have to go to the gallery in Uffizi in Florence, Caravagio, Rafaello, why is Italian government giving away free castles, I want to see them, want to walk where Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo walked, I wonder where Caesar was stabbed, gladiators (Russell Crowe) in the Coliseum facing lions that must have been pretty gory, Al Pacino the future Godfather, I wonder where it was filmed, would be cool to go there, was Nicolo Machiavelli so cold blooded or is the Prince a ‘how to’, I really should have finished that book, maybe I will do it when I am in Florence, the Medici’s one hell of family, they financed Michelangelo I think at least some of his works, what a great book Agony and Ecstasy, boy was I young then when I read it, 14 maybe 15 and still remember it now. I like to have a Chianti now, I wonder which part of Italy they come from, what did they drink in Pompeii, got to see that place, and those penises on the walls, crazy, what the heck were they obsessed with, palaces, gardens, cathedrals, operas, fishing villages, Naples should be cool, heard so much about it from my mom when she visited, when the commies allowed her to go for a visit, I was ten, man these memories sure surface, she brought home some Italian coffee, can’t wait to have real espresso, these Italian they invented it, ah cappuccino at mid morning stops, and than gelato for the afternoon stops with a tiramisu and they tell me cycling in Italy is great, the Italians just love cycling and fashion and their mothers, they sure make some great bikes, though I am not sure about towers, though I gather the Pisa tower is now stabilized. Can’t wait!

What I am really suggesting is that you turn off your cell phone, close your eyes and let your own stream of consciousness take you cycling in Italy. I am certain you will easily come up with 50 of your own reasons why you should open your eyes and sign up for the Viva Italia.

As the Romans used to say, ‘Carpe Diem’  – ‘Seize The Day!’

Sardinia. Widely known as the ‘Land of Silence’, it boasts well-maintained roads, little traffic and widespread bike-friendly accommodation. As the second largest island in the Mediterranean, it is blessed with over 50 lakes, 3 major rivers and great weather. Autumn is especially lovely for cycling – sunny, pleasantly mild with its trees magically changing from green to reds, oranges and yellows.

Sounds nice, eh? But wait, there are more reasons…many more! Here are just 5 of our favourite reasons to cycle Sardinia.

A Wine For Every Region

Cycling through Sardinia, you are never far from a vineyard. The island boasts an astounding 113 varieties of the local grape, Cannonau (widely known as Grenache) so every region you pedal through will have a different taste. Sardinians were the first wine-makers in the Mediterranean and the tradition goes back thousands of years. It was originally believed that grapes were brought to the island when it was conquered by the Aragonese in the 15th century BC but are now believed to have originated on Sardinia.

Killer Coastlines

Sardinia is endowed with over 1800 km of stunning coastlines. Roads snake along the edge of the island providing breathtaking views around almost every curve. Every now and then, as they pedal past deep bays and picturesque inlets, riders may discover a hidden cove in which to enjoy a well-earned swim in otherworldly blue waters. Steep cliffs give way to gentle, sandy beaches while secluded caves and grottoes invite exploration.

Challenging Climbs

Amazing climbs, amazing views. Sardinia’s mountain ranges are an ever-changing combination of sandstone, granite, basalt and limestone separated by wide valleys and high plateaux. Narrow roads with demanding hairpin turns climb up into the island’s heights, providing cyclists with unparalleled viewpoints over Sardinia’s extensive forests (50% of the land area), vast flatlands and sparkling seas. In fact, fully 25% of the island is environmentally protected.

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Identity & Flavour: Sardinian Cuisine

Sardinia shares with the Japanese island of Okinawa the highest rate of centenarians – people over 100 years old – in the world (22 centenarians/100,000 inhabitants). One of the reasons for this is the local diet. It may not sound particularly healthy to some people’s minds – after all, the national dish is roasted suckling pig over hot coals – but the combination of fresh, local food, great weather and sunshine seems to work wonders. Of course, it might also be the Cannonau de Sardegna wines which tend to be high in anthocyanins and polyphenols, antioxidant-rich compounds which have been linked to heart health.

Traditional Mountain Villages

Some of Sardinia’s mountain villages have been around for well over 5,000 years and feature autumn feasts, pagan parades and a variety of local dialects (Sard, Sassarese, Corsican Gallurese, Algherese Catalan and Ligurian Tabarchino). Remarkably, almost each village on the island bakes its bread according to its own distinctive, traditional recipe. Set amongst towering peaks, along deep gorges, surrounded by vast forests, these settlements, with their steep winding lanes, will take cyclists back in time to a more relaxed age.

We’ve been known to talk about the off the beaten track places our tours take our cycling clients. Here at TDA, we aren’t shy to explore the world in some of the planet’s less popular areas. There is, however, a reason why some destinations draw so many people. The world is full of incredible sites and monuments – both natural, and man-made – that are justifiably famous. Our 2019 cycling adventures can bring you right to their doorstep.

>>See all our 2019 tour options

1. Tour d’Afrique – The Great Pyramids of Giza

2. Hippie Trail – The Taj Mahal

3. The Odyssey – The Acropolis

4. Madagascar – Avenue of the Baobabs

5. Orient Express – The Mighty Danube River

6. North American Epic – The Grand Canyon

7. Orient Express – The Blue Mosque

8. Bamboo Road – Angkor Wat

9. Trans-Himalaya – Mighty Mountain Ranges

10. Viva Italia – The Colosseum

For years, the founder of TDA Global Cycling, Henry Gold, has gazed longingly at the islands in the Mediterranean Sea, trying to come up with a cycling route that would do justice to the area’s history, culture and scenery. Finally, inspired by the 2012 Alumni event that we called ‘All Roads Lead To Rome’, he came up with a circular route that covered not only the beautiful islands of Corsica, Sardinia & Sicily but also managed to include the stunning Italian regions of Tuscany and Calabria as well as the historic cities of Florence, Rome and Siena.

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From St Peter’s Square in the ‘Holy See’ the group will take the long way around to Rome’s fabled Colosseum via 5 weeks, 2,345 km and 3 islands of fun. Whether it’s a Campari and Soda in Siena’s magnificent Piazza del Campo or strolling through the priceless collection of Renaissance art in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery there is much to do off the bike as well.

They will ride through some of Tuscany and Italy’s greatest vineyards, and sample fresh seafood in historic Livorno. They can take a side trip to gawk at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. They will experience Corsica’s granite mountains, Sardinia’s serpentine mountain roads and ancient hilltop villages.

The cyclists will wander the medieval streets of Cefalu and experience the grit of Palermo over a plate of fresh homemade pasta. There is also Sicily’s Mount Etna and the islands untamed interior with incredible views from the towers of the Castello di Lombardia in the town of Enna.

Then there is Italy’s long and winding Tyrrhenian coast that will take the group through tiny seaside villages. They will enjoy some of the world’s best pizza in Naples, the ruins of Pompeii and the stunning beauty of the Amalfi Coast.

Viva Italia, indeed!

Cycling in Europe – what a way to see the old country (or countries)!

We have a growing list of cycle tours all across Europe – covering some of the most popular destinations (France, Germany, and Italy) as well as some places you might not have previously considered cycling but should (Bulgaria, Romania, and Albania for example).

We have our original European adventure (the Orient Express) in July and another relatively new and hugely popular tour (the Odyssey) that precedes it in May and June. And, stay tuned, we may be announcing a third European tour for the summer / fall of 2019. We dropped a not-so-subtle hint in this article in Forbes [UPDATE: Registration for Viva Italia now open! Read the announcement here].

All our tours in Europe for 2019 will be hotel-to-hotel tours so after a tough day of cycling, a bed and a shower await. Between June and September we will have cycling options for you in over 15 European countries, so let us tempt you for a moment.

(warning! gratuitous self promotion of our tours follows)

Reasons to Cycle Orient Express

We recently wrote a blog covering some of the reasons to cycle the Orient Express. As a tour we have been running since 2005, we know of many many reasons to do this. Here is reason #4 from our blog…

“MID-MORNING COFFEE AND CAKE STOPS: A common sight at around 10am on any given day in Western Europe on the Orient Express is a group of cyclists street-side with a table full of cappuccinos and bicycle helmets, checking maps and discussing where the next stop will be. Riders guiltlessly order ridiculous desert creations through glass-fronted display cases. As some riders arrive, others depart and the group at the table grows and shrinks over the course of an hour before the stragglers collect their bike gloves and water bottles, ready to enjoy their next mid-morning stop somewhere up the road another 15 km or so. By the time you reach Budapest and the street-side cafes thereafter become less frequent, you may almost be relieved. Though the roads are gorgeous after Budapest, they will also become more hilly – an opportunity to counteract the effects of all those delicious deserts.” Read all 10 reasons to cycle the Orient Express.

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Odyssey Cyclists Share Their Reflections

Orthodox monasteries of Meteora in Central Greece

Our first Odyssey in 2017 was a big success. We had a large group of determined cyclists. Here is what Brett from Australia had to say…

“The Odyssey has you riding in areas of Eastern and Western Europe away from the beaten track at times, visiting islands off the Croatian coast, passing through Unesco listed sights and with rest days in cities with so many things to do that you’ll be chalking them down for another visit. Be prepared for plenty of climbing from the start in Greece until you cross Austria, but this is more than made up for with days of riding alongside the Rhine to the final arrival in Amsterdam.” Read all the feedback from the 2017 Odyssey cyclists.

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If you have never been on a TDA tour, check out what to expect and then read why you should ride with us to learn how we differ from other bike tour operators. And if you have questions, we might have the answers. Please email or call anytime. We can arrange for you to speak with one of our former participants in your area, or we can tell you a little more about our Guest Rider program – a great way to try out our tours closer to home without committing to a longer trip.

European Cycle Tour Combo Deal

You might have noticed that there is nine days separating the end of The Odyssey in Amsterdam on June 28 and the start of the Orient Express in Paris on July 7. That’s just enough time to rest your legs and do some sightseeing before setting off on the 2nd part of your European cycle adventure.

Even if you weren’t looking to cycle two full tours across Europe, you could consider cycling the Tilting at Windmills section of The Odyssey from Munich to Amsterdam and then the Joie de Vivre section of the Orient Express from Paris to Freiburg – call it a giant loop of Western Europe. With this combo you would ride the cycleways along the Rhine River through Germany and Holland and then pedal through bucolic French countryside to Freiburg, just over the border. To help make this option more convenient, here is what we can offer:

• We’ll transport your baggage and bicycle from Amsterdam to Paris at no charge
• We’ll honour the multi-section discounts across both tours (10% off for 2 or more sections)
• After the Odyssey, you will also be eligible for an additional alumni discount for the Orient Express.

Interested? Let us know.