Short description
Tuscany is a road cycling heartland.Few places in the world are as perfectly suited toa drop handlebar bike quite as well as Tuscany is. The famous hills, that roll endlessly, blanketed inrich, green vegetation, are traversed by stunningand quiet roads, including the famous Strade Bianchi, white chalk roadsthat each year are home to one of the most beautiful races on the professional calendar. Take on the Tuscan scenery with the help of a state of the are electric road biketo make light work of the terrainand indulge in decadent accommodation and local delicacies at the end of each memorable ride.
The itinerary
Day 1 | Arive at Perugia or Florence
Transfer to your hotel inCortona.Relax by the pooland enjoythe tranquillity ofyour4-starhotel.
Day 2 | Cortona to San Quirico dOrcia
The first days riding takes you from Cortona to San QuiricodOrcia,a beautiful walled town on the edge of the Orcia valley.The route takes you through theVal di Chiana, passing through the towns ofMontepulciano, famed foritsexquisite red wine, and Pienza,an incredibly picturesque town with arich history.The terrain is undulating throughout the day, witha number ofshort climbs and exciting descents.
Day 3 | Optional Round Trip to Ciacci Piccolomini Vineyard & Cycle Museum
Whilst todays ride is optional,its one you wont want to miss.Youll pass back through Pienzaand start a loop that takes inBagno Vignoni, CastiglionedOrciaand Montalcino beforea famous stretch ofstradebianchitakes you back toSan Quiricoaftera day of over 1600m of elevation gain. The highlight of the dayis without a doubt theCiacciPiccolomini vineyard and cycle museum at around the halfway mark,run by former pro and current team manager Paolo Bianchini.
Day 4 | San Quirico dOrcia to Asciano
The Crete Senesi, a bizarre and beautiful landscape ofrolling clay hills, is the setting fortodaysroute.Thecoloursof the scenery here are quite unique and give an appearance that is often described as being lunar.The riding hereundulates all day, witha number ofshort climbs andtwisting descents tomake things fun. The endpoint for the day isa stunning 4* hotel just outside ofAsciano,the prettiest village in the Crete area.
Day 5 | Asciano to Radda in Chianti
Follow in the tire tracks of the famous Eroica rally, a celebration of cycling that takes place on these white roads every year.But whilst Eroica participantsstruggle on their vintage equipment, you will have the luxury of a bit of electrical assistance on tap throughout the day.At the end of the day you canrehydrate with a glass of fine local wine and take in the spectacular scenery from your hotel.
Day 6 | Optional Round Trip to LEroica and the Chianti Vineyards
Today you have the option to take around trip ride out through thecountryside and vineyards of Chianti, taking in some more sections of theLEroicaroute and many morefantastic white roads. Alternatively, you may be ready for a rest day in Radda, where a host ofwine cellars, restaurants and historic sites offer more than enough to keep you busy all day.
Day 7 | Radda in Chianti to Cortona
The final day of the week is the longest day in the saddle, but dont be scared by the distance and elevation. A lot of the kilometres coveredtoday are on a downhill slope, meaning that average speeds arehighand the kilometres fly by. There are one or two longer climbs though that you may want to use your e-bike assistance to help with!The terrain here changes as you leave Chianti and cross the wide valley back towards Cortona for a final night inour favourite hotel in the region.
Day 8 | We say arriverderci
Trip extensions are available upon request.
Key information
- Highlights
- Delightful3 and4-star hotels
- Bed & Breakfast accommodation
- Fully serviced bikes with panniers water bottle and repair kit
- Detailed route information through the RideWithGPS app
- Expert on the spot support
- Luggage transferred between your hotels
- 100% financial security through ABTA and ATOL
