Leif and Michele live life on two wheels. They don’t own a car, their house is filled with bikes, and they have worked on and around bikes since they met.

Leif Karlsson

Leif began his life on 2 wheels as a teenager competing in his home country of Sweden. He even went to a cycling high school! His first training camp abroad was to northern Italy when his infatuation with everything Italian was born. While he didn’t go on to compete professionally he never lost his passion for cycling and regardless of where he was or what he was doing for work he rode his bike as much as possible. He moved to Italy in 2005 where his cycling became his work. Guiding for nearly 20 years has given him real insight into what impact cycling can have on people and that’s the kind of real life experience that helps him listen to others and help them become successful on the bike.

Leif became a certified sommelier through Associazione Italiana Sommelier in 2009 and has led many tastings and wine tours over the years. Wine is another passion that he loves to share with others.

Leif’s network of contacts and many years of experience guiding in Italy allow him to design a truly personal experience for each traveler or group and his experience working in vineyards and olive groves gives his tours extra insight into Italian culture. Leif’s mother tongue is Swedish and he is also fluent in Italian and English.

Licensed Tour Guide (Guida Ambientale Escursionistica, tessera n°  016/2012)
Certified Sommelier (AIS Toscana, tessera n° 81995. 10/05)
Cyclist and Founder (ASD Velo Club Florence By Bike)

Michele Karlsson

Michele is an American who fell in love with a Swede and lives with him in Italy. She only started riding a road bike in 2012, but the moment she got in the saddle she was hooked. Coming to cycling later in life helps her understand the new rider better; every problem, every struggle, every achievement is something she remembers clearly and can relate to.

Michele enjoys sharing her love of all things Italian with visitors. As a watercolor artist Michele has a unique way of viewing the countryside, finding those little details that make the experience come alive for guests. She frequently assists on cycling tours with larger groups. Michele’s mother tongue is English. She is competent in Italian. Swedish is going to take awhile.

Tour Assistant – Vino & Velo

Watercolor artist – Michele Karlsson Art & Design