Best Bike Tour Ever!

He brought history to life with great story telling… read more

Lorenzo is an excellent tour guide. He customized the tour for our group to include everyone’s wants. We visited a few typical Rome spots but mostly we took little roads through squares. He showed us real local bars (some of the best gelato ever) and really great picture worthy spots. He brought history to life with great story telling. I am so happy with this tour! #Lorenzo
Mandi, USA

A great way to discover Rome!

Cycling on the cobblestone alleys really opens up new perspectives… read more

Simone was a super informative and funny guide who always went out of his way to make us feel safe. We learnt a lot about his ancient city, and got to share in his sentiments about the conservation and development of heritage and historic sites alongside the pressures of modernity in today’s Rome. Cycling on the cobblestone alleys really opens up new perspectives and shows the neighbourhoods in an entirely different light. Thank you so much Simone!
Maximilian, Singapore

So much more than a bike tour

Like a history book with a charisma that brought the city’s stories alive… read more

My friend and I chose a bike tour hoping it would introduce us to less touristy places as well as some main attractions. We received so much more than expected. Lorenzo gave us his all, with a tour that lasted over three hours. He was like a history book with a charisma that brought the city’s stories alive. He asked before we started if anyone had special requests and proceeded to fulfill those requests while keeping us safe in a busy metropolis. We went to lesser visited attractions as well as being able to see a number of the main billings from unusual viewpoints. I learned a lot and felt very much a part of the eternal City when the tour was over.
Hether, USA

Best experience

If I would have stayed longer, I would have done it every day… read more

If I would have stayed longer, I would have done it every day. Simone led us through the city, ups and downs, and it all felt almost like a walk in the park. Great views, loads of history and curiosities on Rome and the romans. The route is decided at the moment according to the mix of the group and their interests, so it makes a great end of the day event. Thumbs up Simone!
Helda, Portugal

Free group bike tour


Schedule

Request your tour for availability

Meeting time

09:30 am – 5:30 pm (summer only)

Duration

about 3 hours

Language

English, French, Italian, Spanish

Level

Leisure

Meeting Point

Trastevere Piazza di S. Calisto – Maps

Bike rental

Rent or bring your own

Booking

Send your request to freebiketoursrome@gmail.com

Price

Pay what you think it’s worth

How does it work?


1. Request your tour

Send your request to freebiketoursrome@gmail.com and we will let you know the availability of the tour. Visit our Facebook page for updates.

2. Enjoy your tour

Get to know your local guide at the meeting point. He will help you to rent and adjust the bike and will share his knowledge and passion for Rome with you.

3. Pay what you think it’s worth

At the end of the tour, you can show your appreciation to the guide by contributing what you think the tour is worth.

Good to know


No fixed itinerary

Every Free Group Bike Tour with us is a unique and different experience. Your local guide will lead you off the beaten track, you will discover hidden gems and experience some of the city highlights from another perspective. The itinerary will be designed by the guide right before the tour starts, according to the participants’ skills and preferences.

Bike rental

By joining one of our tours you can rent your bicycle from our bike rental partner. The special price of 10€ is valid for the duration of the tour. You will pay for the bike rental immediately before the tour. Request your tour and we will reserve the bicycle for you. Feel free to join with your own bicycle or rent one from a different rental company.

Skills you need

Our tours are not challenging, they are suitable for everyone, no matter their fitness level. The pace is always slow and we stop regularly during the tour. It’s important that you know how to ride a bike!

Groups

If you are a large group we can only offer you a private tour.

Frequently Asked Questions


Do I have to make a reservation or can I just show up?

Reservations are required for guaranteed spots on all tours. Reservations help us determine the number of guides we need to ensure that our groups remain manageable and enjoyable, and they allow us to notify you of changes to the tour, due to weather or anything that could disrupt the tours. You must have requested your tour and received our confirmation before turning up to a tour. All tours provided by Free Bike Tours Rome are on demand only, if you just show up we cannot guarantee availability.

Is the tour in English only?

Yes all our tours are scheduled in English, upon request we can run tours in French, Italian and Spanish.

Why do you offer free tours?

Free Bike Tours Rome offers some tours at no upfront cost, they operate on a Pay-what-you-think-it’s-worth model. We strongly believe that you should not have to pay for a tour in advance, without having experienced it first. We think that you should decide how much you think the tour was worth when the tour is finished. As you can imagine, we have to work extra hard to earn your appreciation. You name the price.

How to request a tour?

Send your request to freebiketoursrome@gmail.com and we will let you know the availability of the tour.

We do work on the honour system, so please understand that if you make a reservation and don’t show up, or bail on us last minute, this might affect your future reservations.

Why should I submit my phone number when making a reservation?

You will receive your tour reservation confirmation via email. We ask, however, that you leave a phone number by which you can be reached on the day of the tour. This way, we can get in touch with you if there are any short notice changes to the tour. Your phone number will be only used for the booking procedure, we will not sell or use your data for any commercial purposes.

How far in advance do I need to book a tour?

Tours can even be booked last minute, but it’s preferable to reserve a few days ahead of the tour date.

If you request the Pay-what-it’s-worth tour, you must know that usually we are able to confirm only some weeks/days before the tour date. If you want to be sure to get a tour on your preferred date please request a Private Tour.

Do I need to pay anything in advance?

No booking fee. If the tour you requested is available, we will send you the confirmation via email. You can pay the bike rental the day of the tour.

We do work on the honour system, so please understand that if you make a reservation and don’t show up, or bail on us last minute, this might affect your future reservations.

I have changed my mind and cannot come to the tour. Do I have to let you know?

Yes! Please give us at least a 24-hour notice before your tour starts. The number of available spots on any tour is limited and we often have to send away interested guests, because there is no more space. By letting us know in time (at least 24 hours ahead) that you cannot make it, we can open up the extra spot to other interested guests.

What happens if we arrive late to the tour?

Please, be on time. We recommend arriving at the starting location at the specified meeting time. We also recommend checking online how much time you need to make it to the tour on time and allow some extra buffer time. I you are going to be late contact us immediately and we will try to wait for you. Not contacting us, or doing so at very short notice might affect your future reservations.

We do work on the honour system, so please understand that if you make a reservation and don’t show up or bail on us last minute, that this might affect your future reservations.

Do the tours ever get cancelled for rain?

We don’t think it’s pleasant to ride a bike under the rain, Free Bike Tours Rome may cancel or postpone the tour due to bad weather conditions. All reserved guests will be informed via email in case of cancellations.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends from the meeting point located in the center of Rome, Trastevere Piazza di S. Calisto – Maps. You will receive further information about the meeting point in your tour confirmation email.

Which is the best way to get to you?

We are located in the center of Rome, Trastevere Piazza di S. Calisto – Maps. You will receive further information about the meeting point in your tour confirmation email. Please check online which one is the best way for you to reach us by: foot, public transportation or taxi.

At what time should I arrive for my bike tour?

Please be aware that every tour has a specific meeting time, which will be sent to you with the confirmation email of the tour. Please, be on time. We recommend arriving at the starting location at the meeting time. We also recommend checking online how much time you need to make it to the tour on time and allow some extra buffer time.

Where do I get my bicycle?

At the meeting point the guide will help you to rent your bicycle. The rental includes a bike with multiple gears, lock and helmet. By joining one of our tours you can rent your bicycle from our bike rental partner. The special price of 10€ is valid for the duration of the tour. You will pay directly to the bike rental Company before the tour starts. Request your tour and we will reserve the bicycle for you.

How much is the bike rental?

The special price of 10€ is valid for the duration of the tour. You will pay directly to the bike rental before the tour starts. Request your tour and we will reserve the bicycle for you.

Do you have tandems and three-wheeled bikes?

No, sorry, at this point we use only traditional bikes.

Can I continue with my bike after the tour is over?

Absolutely! Our staff can recommend some great options to continue riding after the tour is over.

How challenging are the tours?

None of our tours are challenging. The pace is always slow and we stop regularly during the tour. Anybody can enjoy our bike tours, no matter their fitness level. However it’s important that you know how to ride a bike! If you’ve never ridden a bike before you cannot participate in the tour. We reserve the right not to include people considered unable to follow the tour.

I’m not a confident cyclist, will I enjoy this tour?

It will be more enjoyable if you are a confident cyclist. If you are totally like an octopus on a bike, we suggest you take a walking tour. We reserve the right not to include people considered unable to follow the tour.

How safe is it to take a cycle tour?

We take safety seriously: your guide will constantly be in touch with all riders as to what is coming up so you are free to cycle with confidence throughout the tour. All of our tours avoid busy roads, instead taking advantage of your guide’s expert knowledge of quieter back streets, riverside pathways and park routes. As experienced cyclists, who are highly familiar with the routes being taken, your guides are also more than able to ensure your safety at all times. If you know how to ride a bike then this really is the best way to see Rome.

How is safety guaranteed during the tour?

All the bikes are checked by the rental mechanics. However, we recommend that you check the brakes and gears before setting off on the tour, so that we can sort out any problems that are detected straight away.

Do I need to wear a helmet during the tour?

No you don’t need to wear a helmet, in Italy it is not mandatory. If you feel more confident wearing one, the store will provide the helmet included in the bike rental price.

How long is the ride?

Every tour is different so it is not possible to define the exact distance travelled, however we rarely exceed 15 km/10 miles in total. The tours are approximately 3/4 hours in length. The pace is always slow and we stop regularly during the tour.

What do we see on the bike tour?

Every tour is a different and unique experience. The itinerary will be designed daily, according to the participants’ skills and preferences. Your local guide will lead you off the beaten track, you will discover hidden gems and experience some of the city’s highlights from another perspective.

How large are the groups?

We really like to keep our groups small, this ensures everyone stays safe, stays together and has a great personal experience. On average the groups are about 6-10 people.

Do I need to include children in my reservation?

Yes. Reservations are required for all, regardless of age.

Are the tours suitable for children?

Children can be included in the group tour only if they are competent riders. Children who do not have experience in cycling cannot take part in the group tours, you may only book a private tour.

We are a family with children. Can we join a scheduled tour or do we need to book a private tour?

Children can be included in the group tour only if they are the competent riders. Children who do not have experience in cycling cannot take part in the group tours, you may only book a private tour. A private tour gives you more freedom to customize the itinerary, to fit your family’s needs and fitness level as best as possible. We can design a kid-friendly tour, focused on safety and fun. Timing and breaks can be set according to your needs, there will be plenty occasions for gelato and pizza break. By booking a private tour you will have the opportunity to choose between: the kid’s bike wheel size 20” or 24” for children that know how to ride, the child extension attached to a parent’s bike or the child seat on the back of a parent’s bike.

Can I leave my bag/luggage?

Yes. You are welcome to leave luggage in the bike rental shop while you are on the bicycle tour.

Do you stop for a break and toilet?

Every tour is a unique experience. The itinerary will be designed daily, according to the participants’ skills and preferences, the guide might include a stop for a snack and toilet, please ask directly to the guide before the tour starts for special needs. However we recommend to have eaten enough and have used the toilet before the tour starts. Please note that in the area of the meeting point there are several bars and restaurants that can provide these services/facilities.

What should I bring on the day?

Please dress appropriately and for the weather, casual clothes are fine. Wear warm layered outfit in the cold season and for the sunset tour, sneakers (no flip-flops or sandals). Also bring your sunscreen and camera.

Do you go inside Museums, archaeological sites?

During the tour we stay mainly outside, sometimes we enter uncrowded places with free admission.

Will we be able to take pictures at the stops?

Of course! We will stop at many places for photographs. However we strongly recommend you not to use your smartphone or camera while biking, it could be dangerous. See terms and conditions.

Our cruise ship docks in Civitavecchia harbour between 7 and 8 am; will we be able to join your Free Group Tour?

If your boat gets in to Civitavecchia in the morning and you are scheduled to leave that same evening you won’t be able to participate in our Free Group Tour. The only option is to book a Private tour.