Join us on the perfect Italian cycling experience. This 9 day itinerary rolls over the regions unparalleled landscapes and finishes with our participation in an important staged Italian cycling event - Gran Fondo della Vernaccia Andrea Tafi (San Gimignano). Our trails lead us to discover a place steeped in history and nature, classic hilltop towns, ancient hamlets and castles, World Heritage listed landscapes and arguably Italy's best wines. It is Italian cycling and culture at its best. What is a Gran Fondo?
The Gran Fondo is a great tradition in Italy. Held throughout the year, Gran Fondo events are open for both serious and recreational riders. These events attract thousands of riders from both Italy and around the world. Some enter for the satisfaction of being part of the occasion and to merely make it to the finish line, others for the challenge of improving upon previous times or possibly to win. Many belong to teams.
It is the closest experience to what it might feel like to ride in a stage of the Giro. Gran Fondo della Vernaccia Andrea Tafi (San Gimignano)
This is one of Italy's most prestigious Gran Fondo events. Starting and ending inside the medieval walls of San Gimignano the ride attracts over 1,500 participants - creating the most atmospheric occasions. The name Vernaccia is derived from the famous white wine of the area (with all riders receiving a complementary bottle!!) whilst Andrea Tafi is a famous former rider who has leant his name to the event - a commonality for many of Italy's Gran Fondo rides. Participants have the choice of 4 routes: - Granfondo 162.5 km
- Mediofondo 110 km
- Cicloturistica 66.8 km
- Slow bike 15 km
Independant arrival at San Gimignano accommodation. This medieval hilltop town is one of the Italy’s most memorable places with its 13 towers dominating the skyline. Just as memorable is the countryside surrounding the town that has joyfully benefited from its sharecropping civilization. No scheduled ride for the day as we reserve energy for tomorrows much anticipated Gran Fondo ride. Day of the Gran Fondo della Vernaccia - San Gimignano. Starting and ending from the centre of this historic town, you pedal along with over 1,500 other amateur cyclists across the best of Tuscan landscapes whilst breathing in the atmosphere of this wonderful occasion. An annual ride, it is one of Italy’s most important and festive Gran Fondo events appropriately named after the areas celebrated white wine ‘Vernaccia’. In the great tradition of Italian Gran Fondo rides the event is completed with a ‘pasta party’.
Meals: B,L
After breakfast we depart for a 90km ride through the heart of Siena countryside.We stay in a family owned and operated accommodation on a 336 hectare wine estate, its origins dating back over 500 years. Surrounded by picture postcard countryside and quite back-roads the area is an oasis for cycling.
On our initial night we are treated to a welcome dinner of Tuscan specialities.
Meals: B,D
Meals: B,D
Today’s ride introduces participants to the outstanding World Heritage listed landscape’s of the Val d’Orcia. This riding excursion leads us to the stunning hilltop towns of Montepulciano and Pienza. From both you are treated to sweeping views over central and southern Tuscany, with Pienza sitting like a balcony over the Val d’Orcia and Montepulciano surrounded by vineyards of its famous wines.
Meals: B, D Meals: B, D Today’s riding excursion unravels in the classic Tuscan hilltop town of Montalcino – our base for the final 3 nights. World famous for its exceptional red wine ‘Brunello di Montalcino,’ it sits on a lofty scenic ridge surrounded by vineyards dedicated to the production of its wine. Immersing within the vineyards and medieval atmosphere of Montalcino, we discover its ancient surrounds and captivating local life Meals: B Meals: B Download Printable PDF flyer below: GFV12_II.pdf
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Meals: B,DMeals: B,D |