Trip Designer + Tour Guide

Arien Coppock

Languages Spoken: Afrikaans, Dutch, English, Italian

Hometown: Bloemfontein, South Africa

Guide Since: 2012

Bike

Tuscany in the spring or Piedmont in the fall, when the colors are amazing

Eat

South African braaivleis

Drink

A good bottle of Barbaresco

Sleep

Outside, beneath the stars, after a bottle of Barbaresco

Arien has been named Best Cycling Guide in Outside Magazine’s 2015 Best of Travel Awards and recognized as someone who gives it their all on LinkedIn’s Chase Great campaign!

Arien was born in South Africa and grew up on a poultry farm. At age 14 she started cycling regularly, and by 18 she was a professional cyclist. She competed worldwide in all the major classics and tours, including the women’s Tour de France and the Giro. Arien fell in love with Europe and is passionate about cycling on the small, scenic roads of the Mediterranean. She sees the culture, food, and landscape of every European country as a different and exciting adventure; like her beloved Italy with its old men soaking up sun in the piazzas and the quiet, charming villages scattered throughout the countryside. Arien would love to introduce you to them on your next bike tour, and take you to meet the nonna making the best food you have ever tasted in your life!