Family business for 20 years
Oliven Italia is a family-run company born thanks to the collaboration with the Norwegian Tour Operator Oliven Reiser. Founded in 2003, it has evolved over time to form the current corporate structure made up of the Italian-Norwegian historical core, Francesco, Ines and Helge plus young and fresh forces, Giulia, Mattia and Marco.
A company with an important background in the cycling tourism sector in Italy and a vision projected into the future, a mix of experience and youthful enthusiasm which is what’s needed to cycle and walk… and to start cycling and walking again after the world has come to a standstill!
A story of friendship born between Francesco Pizzardi and Helge Pedersen (Oliven Reiser Norway) in Santander back in 2002 during a workshop for specialized Tour Operators promoted by the Spanish Tourism Board.
Talking about bike tours was really daring and caused laughter in many colleagues, but we had two axes in hand: the Great Beauty of Italy and the Great Desire to ride in Italy. We put all this together and, year after year, we added tours in new areas to cover almost all of Italy. Where it is not possible to bike, we opted for trekking, such as in the 5 Terre or on the Amalfi Coast and in the Alta Langa. Now is the time to broaden our horizons.
Our Partners
Oliven Italia Team
Francesco
Supervisor
He always strongly wanted to travel! He made his life the realization of this dream. Forty years of experience in the world of tourism, never-ending enthusiasm and extraordinary creativity make him the needful Supervisor of all our products. Together with Helge Pedersen he is founder and soul of Oliven Italia.
Helge
Member
Our Norwegian partner. His great intuition was to join two countries very distant geographically but very close in spirit. He was a professional footballer, high school teacher and is still a great traveler, curious and passionate of all cultures of the world, especially Italy and Italians. He founded twenty years ago Oliven Reiser and he is now partner in Oliven Italia.
Giulia
Member
100% roman, graduated in Psychology, she is a precious resource. She never retreats and always knows how to find valid solutions. She takes care of programs and reservations, this means she knows all products from suppliers to customers to tour guides. Giulia works behind the scenes, managing everything that is not seen on a tour, but which determines its success.
Francesco Mattia
Member
The youngest partner but with already a long experience both on the road and in the office. He is the technological manager of our route mapping system, referent for self- guided tours in Lazio and tour leader. He combines passion for outdoor activities and a degree in Economics and Management, perfect match for our company.
Marco
Member
Born in Roma but citizen of the world. He is not only one of the most experienced tour leaders but is also the person in charge of bike maintenance and vehicle handling. He is graduated in Ecotourism and also doctor in physiotherapy. He spent one year to bike from Edinburgh to Kathmandu, since then bikes have no more secrets for him.
François
Member
He lives in Lyon, France. French with Italian parents. He radiates sympathy and nothing can take him down. He has a word for everyone in all situations. He is the driver always available and tireless who follows our groups. Its french accent makes him even more likeable!
Elisa
Booking
Because of her passion for animals she graduated in Pisa in Science and Technology of Animal Production. With care and attention, she divides her time between working in the office and accompanying our groups. A slender and elegant pack leader.
