A'qto Cycling
Inspired by European road racing, a'qto reflects the intensity and passion that is European cycling.
A’qto is a boutique Italian cycling tour operator offering bespoke, owner-led tours for cycling enthusiasts. A’qto's tours blend incredible rides with authentic cultural immersion, exploring places like Sicily, Puglia, and Tuscany for an unforgettable Italian adventure.
Founded by Nancy De Losa and Damian Hancock, A’qto designs meticulously curated cycling tours that take guests beyond the usual routes, weaving through local villages, historic landmarks, and the striking landscapes of Italy’s rolling countryside—offering a true immersion into Italian life, both on and off the bike.
Their deep connection to Italy is rooted in heritage and passion. Damian, a lifelong cyclist, and Nancy, a first-generation Italian Australian (fluent in Italian), bring unmatched local knowledge, an insider’s perspective and, of course, “la dolce vita” (the sweet life) to every tour. Plus, they restored a home in Tuscany, where they live for 6-8 months of the year.
What Makes A’qto Unique?
- Italian Cycling Experts – Deep local expertise and a passion for authentic experiences.
- Bespoke, Owner-Operated Tours – Small, intimate groups led personally by Damian and Nancy.
- Challenging Rides, Rewarding Experiences – Scenic yet demanding terrain, paired with world-class food, wine, and culture.
- Inclusive Non-Riding Program – Perfect for couples where one party doesn’t cycle. A’qto offers cooking classes, guided sightseeing, and cultural immersion for non-cycling partners, so no one has to miss out.
The Best of Sicily
Tour Operator: A'qto Cycling
Italy
10 days (Bike: 9 days)
700 km (~78km per day)
Avid
On-road
Guided
Supported
Prices from
Guided
AU$ 8995
Overview
Tour Operator A'qto Cycling
Explore Sicily’s Scenic Routes and Different Cultures on Two Wheels
Sicily is both a distinct land and culture; a land of wild natural beauty, breathtaking wonders, and extraordinary architecture; and a culture shaped by a patchwork of different civilizations and cultures dating back to the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans. Steeped in history and tradition, the unique identity of Sicily is at the very heart of our cycling adventure, both on and off the bike.
Ancient cultures have left their mark on the architecture, language, and cuisine, however today the Sicilian culture and way of life is very much Italian. It is a culture filled with warmth and passion for all things Sicilian first and Italian second – and captivates you in so many different ways as you traverse its deep agricultural heart, and take in the scenes around every windswept turn and up every rock-walled climb of what often feels like a forgotten land in Southern Italy.
Traveling coast to coast, and from west to east, expect beautiful Spring days on daily rides that take you across the stunning and diverse landscape; from the sea to the mountains, and across the rugged hills, rolling farmlands, and wildflower lined backroads in-between.
You’ll ride your bicycle through countless beautiful villages and towns dotted across the landscape, including the captivating towns of Ragusa, Caltagirone, and Palazzolo Acreide, known for their stunning baroque architecture; navigate delightful seaside towns from Trapani to Siracusa and San Vito to Avola; and find yourself immersed in the enchanting and timeless piazzas of Ortigia and Taormina. Many of these towns, such as Palazzolo Acreide, are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, highlighting their cultural and historical significance. You’ll also spin past olive trees and pistachio groves, orange orchards and green-hued vineyards, ancient Roman hilltop villages, fields filled with black lava rocks, and Greek temples that have been standing for 2500 years. Your cycling adventure will culminate in a challenging ascent of Mt. Etna, the largest active volcano, followed by a rewarding 50km downhill journey.
Our Sicily bike tour is a true adventure; a feast for your senses where every day delivers unexpected vistas, a journey through the distinctive and diverse food and wine cultures of the island, a multitude of unique Southern Italian tastes, and a level of interaction with the locals that only Sicily’s distinct and warm, open-hearted people offer.
Over 10 days, you’ll experience a taste of the best that Sicily has to offer.
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime – both on and off the bike.
The Ultimate Tuscany Cycling Holiday
Tour Operator: A'qto Cycling
Italy
8 days (Bike: 7 days)
525 km (~75km per day)
Active
Hilly
Guided
Supported
Prices from
Guided
AU$ 7595
Overview
Tour Operator A'qto Cycling
Tuscany, a land of beauty, elegance and dreams.
Where the colours of the landscape and the flavours of the traditional cuisine change with the seasons, and the slow rhythm of life is felt with each encounter, ride and meal.
To the cyclist who ventures into this world, it is heaven. Urged by a sense of adventure and the discovery of magnificent views at every turn, you can expect long, warm days on our Tuscany cycling tours surrounded by incredible panoramic views of rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards and medieval hilltop towns, all while embracing the winding roads, challenging climbs and exhilarating descents.
Rediscover your taste for adventure on our Tuscany cycling holiday as you pedal along quiet country roads and cobblestoned streets, enjoying the history, culture and of course the cuisine of this spectacular region.
Tuscany is where our journey began and a place we invite you to share with us as we create a truly authentic experience of our favourite areas to ride and eat in this ancient land, where the art of living is represented through tradition, generosity and talent.
Come ride, eat and drink like a Tuscan. You’re in for an unforgettable adventure.
Sardinia Bike Tour
Tour Operator: A'qto Cycling
Italy
8 days (Bike: 7 days)
505 km (~72km per day)
Active
Hilly, On-road
Guided
Supported
Prices from
Guided
AU$ 8395
Overview
Tour Operator A'qto Cycling
A land of discovery, adventure and wild beauty
Beyond its spectacular shores, Sardinia has been shaped by its long and rich history. As you traverse its hilly and mountainous landscape, you’ll discover traces of indigenous Nuragic civilization, Phoenician and Roman influences, and evidence of Byzantine, Arab, Spanish and Savoy rule. It is this backdrop of natural and cultural wonder that makes it a cyclist’s paradise.
With beautiful roads, rugged mountains, pristine white sand beaches and water in a million shades of turquoise and sapphire, you’ll feel like you’re rolling into paradise every day. Starting in the north west of the island, our riding adventure tracks south along the coast, before cutting inland into the island’s agricultural and rugged heart, and then rolling further south along the magical east coast.
Expect quiet roads with diverse and beautiful landscapes; a mix of stunning coastal scenes, country estates and rolling hills, limestone rock formations and canyons, old towns of Spanish and Arab influence, a daily immersion into the history and culture of the Sardo people, and a food and wine experience that will surprise and delight.
You’ll enjoy the relaxed pace of island life, a beautiful Mediterranean climate and the warmth of Sardinian hospitality as we roll behind the tourist curtain for an unforgettable adventure.
Our daily rides will take you through ancient towns of Spanish influence, along coastlines with the most vibrant coloured waters you will ever see, and up to rugged wind-swept headlands, and that’s just in one day.
We’ll climb past vineyards, into the rugged, unspoilt and peaceful interior of the Barbagia and the majestic Supramonte, we’ll hear first the bells of cows, goats, sheep and horses, even before we see them, and you’ll roll into villages covered in murals and art which depict their unique character.
Our Sardinia cycling holiday will see you enjoy every moment of a natural and unspoilt wonder that is truly a mesmerising feast for the senses.
With a maximum group size of just 14 guests, the tour is carefully curated for both experienced cyclists and their non-riding partners.