We can discuss dates with you based on your own vacation time and availability. We can also custom the length of the trip.
Overview
Imagine rolling hills with panoramic views of vineyards and landscapes, climbing and descending through ancient towns while experiencing two totally different but equally intriguing regions: the famous region of Tuscany and the little explored but equally cherished Emilia Romagna. Toscana is the land of the "cinghiale," incredibly tasty tomatoes, Chianti wine, and world-famous fine art. Her ancient culture and natural beauty have beckoned cyclists for years. In contrast, Emilia Romagna is softer, quieter-a wonderful contrast to Tuscany, and famous in its own right for its tortellini, "pasta fresca," vino Sangiovese and for the warm hospitality of its people. In both regions we will stay in beautiful, family-run hilltop agriturismo, where you will be pampered while enjoying fresh and homegrown meals. You'll know you could only be in Italy when you're riding the dazzling routes in both regions, especially when you cycle back to your agriturismo in the afternoons to enjoy a fabulous "merenda," a wholesome and delicious snack, and refresh in the pool before dinner.
Length: 11 days including 2 days flight, 9 nights, 8 days of cycling Daily/average mileage: we can custom for you based on your ability Terrain: Rolling hills Difficulty: Intermediate Pick-up & Drop-off: Bologna airport
2 nights next to Castiglione Carducci
3 nights in Chianti area
4 nights in Emilia Romagna at our agriturism next to Faenza.
Especially for our self-guided tours we select special accommodations that are specific cyclists friendly
If Self-guided cost/person, as suggested, is:
Cost/person
2 people
4 people
6+ people
US$
2990
2250
1950
For Self-Guided the cost would include:
Pick-up and drop-off – Bologna Airport. Milan airport can be an option for an additional cost.
Maps with detailed instructions and itinerary for the rides
9 nights of lodging
9 breakfasts
9 dinners, water & wine included (usually ¼ L per person)
Post-ride snacks
Daily laundry for cycling clothing
Luggage Transportation from one destination to the next
One van transfer (from the Chianti area in Tuscany to Emilia Romagna)
Davanti Bike jersey
Assistance to assemble your own bike or pick up and drop-off the rental bike
Contact info for technical assistance on the road
Cost Does Not Include:
Bike rental (optional) = approximately Euro 30/day/bike
Van support or cycling guide during the rides. We can provide this option for an additional cost.
Lunches
Note: We can custom what the cost covers. For example, if you like to explore more we can remove the dinners or the post-ride snacks.
Suggested Detailed Itinerary (we can custom the itinerary for you)
Day 1: Arrive at Bologna airport and van transfer to our agriturismo in Tuscany, a beautiful 17th century villa located a few minutes drive from Castagneto Carducci, Bolgheri, Marina di Castagneto and the other beautiful beaches of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Here you will spend two nights.
Day 2: You will ride a beautiful loop on rolling hills heading to the beach. Dinner and overnight at our agriturismo.
Day 3: Today you leave Castagneto Carducci and from the coast you ride to the Chianti region, visiting the hill top village of Volterra enroute. You will settle into our agriturismo in the heart of the Chianti region, where you stay for three nights.
Day 4-5: Three days, three different 70-100 km loops on the rolling hills of the Chianti region, as you ride through the famous vineyards and visit the medieval villages of San Gimignano, Castellina in Chianti, Radda, Greve and the ancient town of Siena. Dinners and overnights in our agriturismo.
Day 6: Today you leave the Chianti region and van transfer to the region of Emilia Romagna and our agriturismo in the hills of Faenza, where you will delight in our hosts' local food and wine.
Day 7-9: Three days, three different cycling loops of 75-85 km, pedaling from the rolling hills surrounding Faenza to the east coast of the Adriatic Sea, the Brisighella loop, a section of one of the 2009 Giro d'Italia stages, concluding with the Bertinoro loop, to the medieval town of the hospitality. Dinners and overnights at our agriturismo.
Day 10: Drop-off at Bologna airport and "Arrivederci Italia."
