1. Start Your Day with a Ride

One of the best ways to see Italy’s stunning cities is by bike, and at Fat Tire Tours, we’ve adjusted our schedules to ensure you get the most out of your experience without battling the midday heat. Our tours now start an hour earlier, so you can ride through the streets while the morning air is still fresh. Imagine cycling past iconic landmarks with a gentle breeze at your back and the city just starting to wake up—it’s an unforgettable way to experience Italy.

2. Find Refuge in Public Pools

When the sun reaches its peak, it’s time to take a break and cool off. Italy is home to many beautiful public pools that offer a refreshing escape from the heat. Whether you’re in Rome, Florence, or Milan, you can find pools that are perfect for a midday dip. These pools often come with the added bonus of scenic surroundings, from historic architecture to lush gardens, making them a delightful place to relax and rejuvenate.

3. Explore Natural Springs and Scenic Hikes

For those who love a bit of adventure, Italy’s natural springs and hiking trails are the perfect summer escape. In regions like Tuscany and Lazio, you’ll find natural springs that are not only cool but also have therapeutic properties. Combine a hike with a visit to these springs, and you’ve got a day full of activity and relaxation. Plus, the higher altitudes and shaded trails offer a natural respite from the sun.

4. Order the Right Food

When dining in Italy during the hot summer months, consider opting for lighter dishes like pasta or fish. Both are staples in Italian cuisine and tend to be less heavy than meat dishes. A light pasta with fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil or a grilled fish with a side of seasonal vegetables can be both satisfying and refreshing. Plus, these dishes are often prepared with local, fresh ingredients that are perfect for the season.

5. Embrace the Italian Riposo

Italians have mastered the art of living well in the heat, and one of their secrets is the afternoon riposo. Take a page from their book and plan to rest during the hottest part of the day. Find a cool cafe or read or play cards or retreat to your accommodation for a nap. This way, you can recharge and be ready to explore more when the temperatures drop in the evening.

6. Savor Refreshing Cocktails at Rooftop Bars

As the day winds down, there’s no better way to enjoy Italy’s summer evenings than with a cool cocktail in hand. Many Italian cities boast stunning rooftop bars where you can sip on a refreshing Aperol Spritz or a chilled Negroni while taking in panoramic views of the city. The combination of an evening breeze, a delicious drink, and the sight of the sun setting over Italy’s historic skyline is nothing short of magical.

Italy in the Summer—Done Right

Italy in the summer doesn’t have to be a sweltering ordeal. By planning your activities with the heat in mind, you can enjoy everything this beautiful country has to offer. Whether it’s an early morning bike ride, a refreshing dip in a pool, a scenic hike to a natural spring, or a cool cocktail at a rooftop bar, Italy is full of ways to keep cool while still soaking up all its incredible sights and experiences. So don’t skip Italy this summer—just do it right!

The post Beat the Heat: How to Experience the Best of Italy This Summer appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.

Morning: Explore by Bike

8:00 AM – Breakfast at a Local Café Begin your day with a traditional Italian breakfast at one of Milan’s charming cafés. Enjoy a freshly brewed espresso while soaking in the morning ambiance.

10:00 AM – Milan Bike Tour with Fat Tire Tours Start your day with an exciting Bike Tour around Milan. This guided tour is an excellent way to explore the city’s hidden gems and famous landmarks. Cycle through picturesque streets, visit historic sites like the Sforzesco Castle, and learn fascinating stories from your knowledgeable guide. This tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and fun, ensuring you experience Milan like a local.

Afternoon: Cultural Delights

1:30 PM – Lunch at a Traditional Trattoria Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional Milanese trattoria. Savor local dishes such as Risotto alla Milanese or Ossobuco, paired with a glass of regional wine. This is the perfect time to relax and recharge before the afternoon’s activities.

3:30 PM – Visit the Duomo di Milano After your lunch head to the iconic Duomo di Milano. This stunning Gothic cathedral is the heart of the city. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and marvel at the intricate details of its architecture. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb to the rooftop for a panoramic view of Milan.

5:00 PM – Explore the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Just a short walk from the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the world’s oldest shopping malls. Stroll through the elegant arcades, window shop at high-end boutiques, and enjoy a gelato from one of the charming gelaterias within the gallery.

Evening: Shopping and Sunset

6:30 PM – Shop in the Brera District Head to the Brera District, known for its artistic vibe and trendy boutiques. Explore the narrow streets filled with art galleries, antique shops, and fashion stores. This is also a great place to pick up unique souvenirs.

7:30 PM – Aperitivo Time Enjoy a traditional Italian aperitivo at one of Brera’s stylish bars. Sip on a Negroni or an Aperol Spritz while nibbling on delicious appetizers. This pre-dinner ritual is a beloved Milanese tradition and a great way to unwind after a day of exploring.

Night: Fine Dining and Nightlife

8:30 PM – Dinner at a Fine Dining Restaurant For dinner, indulge in a memorable meal at one of Milan’s top restaurants. Whether you choose contemporary Italian cuisine or international flavors, the city’s dining scene is sure to impress.

10:00 PM – Experience Milan’s Nightlife End your perfect day in Milan by experiencing its vibrant nightlife. Visit a chic cocktail bar, listen to live music, or dance the night away at one of the city’s stylish clubs.

Overview

With its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively culture, Milan offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler. This example itinerary provides a balanced mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and local experiences, ensuring you make the most of your day in this enchanting city. Buon viaggio!

The post A Perfect Day in Milan: Your Ultimate Itinerary! appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.

by Sadra Sumner

While many of us are longing to travel again, it’s the perfect time of the year to cuddle up under a warm blanket and stay inside with plenty of cozy winter drinks.  Coffee is a great companion for the winter months, but it might be time to swap out your regular cup of joe for something more exotic; and happy hour ready.  Allow us to transport you to a bustling Parisian café with a steaming vin chaud, or a mountaintop lodge in the Alps as you tuck into your après ski.  Below are a few more of our favorite cold-weather treats from around the world to help you beat the winter blues. 

Hot spiced wine as a sip-able cozy winter drink

This is the best companion to any cold, dreary day.  The French call it ‘vin chaud’, and the Germans, ‘glühwein’.  We say, as long as there’s wintery flavors blended into luscious red wine that we can pop a cinnamon stick into, we’re in!

This blend of wine and aromatics can be made from just about any red wine you have sitting around.  There are white variations as well, which can include apples and cardamom.  We wouldn’t recommend using your best bottle; table wine is great for this recipe. 

Traditional mulled wine include cloves, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, oranges, and other wintry flavors.  Check out this recipe with a splash of Cognac to infuse even more warmth. 

Grab your own stein of glühwein on our Berlin Christmas Market Bike Tour!

A cozy London pub on a dreary Sunday

Sounds like the perfect place to meet up with friends, chow down on some tasty fare, and in the winter months, enjoy a piping Hot Toddy.  While the pubs are closed, why not recreate this classic British drink at home this year?  All you need are a few kitchen staples and your favorite cocktail whiskey.

The origins of the Hot Toddy date back to the 1610’s, when the Hindi ‘taddy’ translated into ‘drink from fermented palm sap.’  By the late 1700’s, the Brits had made it into a drink in their own image and you could find a warm mug of strong brown liquor, sugar, water or tea, and spices at just about any pub.  Heat up one of these alongside of a delicious curry and you have yourself a perfect London Sunday!  

Bookmark our West End London Beer Tasting Pub Tour or our Small Group East End Market & Pub Tour to experience all of the flavors of London when it reopens!

Winter may be far from calienté…

…however this Spiced Spanish Hot Chocolate will get your blood pumping.  A true Spanish hot chocolate should be dripping off the spoon like a thick gravy.  Start with your favorite dark chocolate bar to ensure a velvety texture and add cayenne as you see fit.  Sip, and imagine yourself peering out over the Barcelona beach, enjoying the cool ocean air. 

Want to make this an adult hot chocolate?  Add a touch of tequila for an authentic south-of-the-border feel, or a few spoonfuls of Kahlúa for a rich, warm touch. 

Check out our Barcelona Tapas Tour next time you’re in Spain!

For all the aperitivo lover’s out there who still want something cozy

The Bombardino is the perfect addition to your winter drinks rotation.  With just a sip, you can transport your taste buds to a mid-mountain lodge in the Italian Alps, or a cozy resort in front with a roaring fire.  All you need is some egg-nog, brandy, and whipped cream.  It’s as easy as one, two, ski! 

Bombardino translates to ‘Little Bomb’ and for good reason.  Legend has it that this concoction was a glorious accident after whipping Italian custard into a mug to warm up cold skiers.  Heat it up in your own home to beat the winter blues and get a taste of Italy.  

Join us for spectacular views of the Tuscan hills on our VIP Florence Duomo Tour!

Here’s wishing you a tasty and cozy wintry season!

The post Cozy Winter Drinks appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.