Biking

I GET AN “I’M FREE!” RUSH whenever I take off on a bike. That feeling, plus the Italian atmosphere, equals pure bliss. Italians bike with passion. You’ll see everything from nonnas cycling through village markets to super athletes who compete in the Giro d’Italia Feminile, one of the world’s most famous women’s bike races.

There are loads of ways to blend in with Italy’s cycling culture. You can be the chic signorina gliding into the piazza in Ferrara, nicknamed “The City of Bicycles,” where about a third of the population gets around on two wheels. You can take off for a day ride through the Chianti province, surrounded by vineyards. If you’re feeling all woman warrior, you can get an endorphin rush mountain biking through the Dolomites.

Golden Day: In Lucca, rent a bike at Chrono (Corso Garibaldi 93, www.chronobikes.com) to circle the town’s wall. Eat at Buca di Sant’Antonio, an old tavern that serves excellent local specialties, including farro soup, homemade pasta, and sliced beef sauced with truffles (Via Cervia, 0583 55881, www.bucadisantantonio.com).

RECOMMENDED READING

Lonely Planet Cycling Italy by Ethan Gelber