Join us on the perfect Italian cycling experience. This 11 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 1,200 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 150 km
- Mediofondo 122 km
- Cicloturistica 50 km
- Slow bike 15 km
DAY 1: Arrival at Florence Hotel
Arrive independently at Florence accommodation situated in the historic centre. Upon arrival at hotel you will meet the trip host who will assist you with any initial travel needs.Welcome to Tuscany dinner featuring local specialities and wines set in atmospheric Florentine Ristorante - conveniently located in Historic centre.
DAY 2: Group transfer to Siena Countryside
Transfer from Florence to Siena countryside and our farm-holiday accommodation. The family owned and operated accommodation is a 336 hectare estate and has its origins dating back over 500 years. This will be the base for the next 6 nights/7 days.
Our cycle tour guide will immediately assist mechanical preparations of bikes for the first of the itinerary rides commencing Day 3.
Welcome dinner of traditional/ seasonal food with local wines following an estate tour that includes a visit of its 4 floor winery which begins with a medieval hermitage and crosses the underground of the 16th century villa before rising into a loft where the Tuscan desert wine Vin Santo is made.
DAY 3: Floating through the Crete Ride: 55km
The first ride is a relaxing roll that introduces you to the territory of the Crete Senesi - sometimes referred to as the Tuscan desert in reference to the barrenness of it environment. The excursion route winds along the ridges and hills of its unique and atmospheric landscape, connecting to a series of wonderful Medieval towns and villages. The constant interplay of gentle ascending and descending on near perfect roads in classic Italian countryside makes for an unforgettable cycling experience.
DAY 4: The Val D'Orcia and land of the Brunello: 110km or 60km
Today's riding excursion is into the World Heritage listed landscape of the Val D'Orcia. Over the course of this long-days riding we visit the ancient thermal village of Bagno Vignoni; climb to the castle topped villages of Rocca D'Orcia and Castiglione; and wind through the territory of 'Brunello di Montalcino' - Italy's most famous wine.
The day's itinerary includes a memorable lunch. Immersing within a small cellar of a local 'Brunello' producer, we enjoy local food products along with the legendary vino of Montalcino.
DAY 5: Market Day in Siena
No scheduled riding today. Optional group excursion into Siena - one of Italy's most beautiful and admired cities. For those just wanting to immerse on the estate there will be a tasting and lesson on Tuscan extra virgin olive oils and wine tasting session of the typical local varietals produced on the estate.
DAY 6: Classic Tuscan hilltop towns of Montelpulciano and Pienza Ride: 75km or 40km
The harmonious pathways of today's riding excursion lead us to the hilltop towns of Montepulciano and Pienza. Both are Renaissance towns and combine Tuscany's outstanding countryside and stunning architecture. From Montepulciano you are privileged to views over Umbria and Southern Tuscany and from Pienza you are treated with a breathtaking panorama of the Val D'Orcia.
The day's itinerary includes lunch in the nearby outskirts of Pienza and includes the world famous Pecoino di Pienza (sheeps cheese from Pienza) and equally famous wines from Montepulciano.
In the evening at the estate we have a Tuscan style pizza party.
DAY 7: Monte Oliveto Maggiore Ride: 30km
Our final ride in this area is a relaxing spin through the timeless area of the Crete to Monte Oliveto Maggiore. This beautiful Benedictine monastery is sited in one of the most outstanding tracts of Sienese countryside, undoubtedly one of Tuscany's finest images. This area is also renowned for its white truffle's, an expensive delicacy food adored throughout Italy for its intensely likeable taste.
DAY 8: Transfer to San Gimignano
Transfer to the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano - our base for the next 3 nights. 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 9: Gran Fondo della Vernaccia
Day of the Gran Fondo della Vernaccia - San Gimignano. Starting and ending from the centre of this historic town, you pedal along with over 1,000 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'.
DAY 10: A Walk in the Tuscan Countryside
The day is dedicated to rest and recovery following the extraordinary activity and events of the previous day. Opportunity to relax by accommodation pool where there is a magnificent viewing position over the picture perfect countryside to San Gimignano. For those with a little more energy there is the possibility of a selection of walks trails from our accommodation.
Final night farewell to San Gimignano dinner of typical Tuscan specialties and indigenous wines produced from our farm-accommodation.
Day 11: Departure transfer to Florence
Following breakfast is the departure transfer back to Florence station
About the Bikes - Wilier with Campagnolo Record/Chorus components
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