l’Eroica & Tuscany cycling tour

We will collect you from Florence Airport during the morning and transfer you to Chianti in the heart of Tuscany. After the official tour welcome the bikes will be set-up and a picturesque warm-up ride through the vineyards awaits. Tonight you will enjoy dinner with the tour guides.

Distance: 50km / Meals: Dinner Included / Sleep: Chianti

Sunday is a big day of Gran Fondo gravel action so it will be time to start familiarising yourself with the local landscapes and the riding on offer. The Chianti region is loved for its natural beauty, postcard perfect small towns, friendly locals, quality wine and fresh produce!

The riding is brilliant as you pedal along winding roads past old agricultural estates and manor houses. The gravel roads surrounding the Castello di Brolio region are first class and finishing up for lunch in the gardens of this rural palace is always a highlight. The Ricasoli family are the original owners of this Tuscan jewel and the extensive vineyards on-ground are actually Italy’s oldest winery. Amazingly, this family has been fine-tuning their craft since way back in 1141!

Distance: 90km / Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included / Sleep: Chianti

There will be more time to practise on the ‘strada bianca´ today as we will also hit-up some gravel roads on the outskirts of Radda. The perfect ride to have you fit and ready for l’Eroica. Today you will finish your ride up at the small mountain hamlet of Volpaia. The beautiful views and wine tradition will have you captivated. We will also be pleased to organise an official wine tasting beneath the castle in the town centre.

Later in the afternoon you will visit the l´Eroica event village. Here you will collect a vintage (pre-1985) steel bike ahead of tomorrow´s gran fondo cycling event. The village includes close to 100 stalls with cycling gear from yesteryear.

Distance: 70km / Meals: Breakfast Included / Sleep: Chianti

Today you ride Italy´s version of the Paris Roubaix! The l´Eroica Gran Fondo was born from a pure passion for cycling with the aim of rediscovering the authentic roots of a truly beautiful sport! The ride is through the ´Chianti Valley´ in the heart of Tuscany. The participants of this grand event pull on vintage clothing and jump on a steel bike in spectacular fashion over the white gravel roads. The locals cheer for you like the heroic days of Binda, Gagliardoni and Bartali as quaint towns with names like Greve, Panzano and Radda in Chianti roll-on by. The party back in Gaiole in Chianti is one of pure fun and friendship. There is no talk of times or distance ridden as this united cycling family simply shares stories of a unique day of cycling! During the evening we will yet again celebrate our cycling achievements and new friendships formed with a classic glass of Montepulciano and Chainti red wine!

Distance: Multiple l’Eroica rides / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included / Sleep: Chianti

After breakfast we say goodbye to Chianti and cycle for Siena. The cycling follows rolling terrain with several ‘white gravel’ road detours. The arrival to Piazza del Campo in Siena is a truly special moment. The medieval piazza is one of Europe’s greatest squares! The twice-a-year horse-race, Palio di Siena, is held around the edges of the piazza.

During the late afternoon there will be plenty of time to explore the medieval old town. The streets resemble an open-air museum and finishing for a group dinner in this magical city will be something to remember for years to come.

Distance: 85km / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included / Sleep: Siena

Today´s route heads towards Asciano and the famous ´Senesi Crete´. The clay fields during earlier days were overworked and abandoned and erosive forces have created a lunar landscape. As the kilometres roll-by the beautiful rural landscapes of the Val d´Orcia are uncovered (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Follow roads lined with the regions characteristic and emblematic cypress trees. The jewel of the Val d´Orcia region is the small renaissance towns and there will be time to soak up the medieval history of Pienza

Distance: 100km / Meals: Breakfast Included / Sleep: Siena

This morning there will be a 45min van transfer to San Gimignano. This small walled medieval hill town is a must-see when visiting Tuscany. Its thirteen medieval towers reach for the heavens and were built as symbol of family status. After a good chance to explore and pick up a bite for lunch we will now be ready for the afternoon ride. The area surrounding San Gimignano is highly regarded for its historical, cultural and natural treasures. The undulating roads will keep you interested throughout as the ride moves north towards Lucca our home for the next two nights. There are many1-3km climbs and descents on twisting roads that pass quiet townships.

Distance: 85km / Meals: Breakfast Included / Sleep: Lucca

Cycling from the town centre and the imposing Renaissance wall which surrounds the entire city will leave a long lasting memory. The wall was never touched during battle and along with its medieval streets, towers, churches and grand plazas provides the perfect base for a cycling holiday! Initially heading east and the cycling today takes you through the fertile region surrounding Lucca and nearby Monte Serra which has seen two Giro d’Italia crossings. The climb is 10.5km long, follows an average grade of 8% and finishes at an elevation of 917m. An excellent challenge to round out what has been a fantastic week riding through Tuscany!

In the afternoon our guides will be available to transfer you 30min to Pisa and its Leaning Tower. Take a winding stroll up to the top and look out over the historic grounds. Who can take the most creative photo? Tonight it will also be time to enjoy a farewell dinner with the tour guides in one of Lucca’s preserved plazas. Tales of wonderful cycling experiences will flow like the local wine!

Distance: 90km / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included / Sleep: Lucca

Following breakfast our guides will be available to transfer you to Florence Airport. We look forward to cycling with you again soon!

Meals: Breakfast included