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Gran Fondo - Lifestyle trips   Gran Fondo della Vernaccia - Tuscany
Gran Fondo della Vernaccia - Tuscany
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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

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arrival at San Gimignano
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 2: 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 1,500 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

DAY 3: Ride to Trequanda - 90km
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

DAY 4: The Val D’Orcia: 75km or 50km
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

DAY 5: Chianti Classico Ride: 120km or 160km
Our ride today explores the world famous territory of the Chianti. Here the rustic back-roads of the Chianti provide quality cycling equal to that of its renowned wines. For those desiring an ‘extra-long’ day in the saddle (160km) is the opportunity of a live-viewing of Stage 11 of the Giro d’Italia. Others preferring a ‘little-less’ riding for a ‘little-more’ cultural immersion will be able to relax and lunch Tuscan style in one of the Chianti’s timeless villages.

Meals: B, D

DAY 6: Ride to Montalcino: 40km 
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.

Here we stay in a small traditional family operated hotel that offers breathtaking views over the Val d’Orcia.
Meals: B

DAY 7: Brunello Wine Trail: 50km
Today’s riding excursion is into the heart of the World Heritage listed landscape of the Val d’Orcia. The route takes us to visit the ancient thermal village of Bagno Vignoni; tranquil castle topped village of Castiglione d’Orcia; and Monastery of Sant’Antimo – one of the most beautiful in Italy. The day’s itinerary includes a memorable lunch. Immersing within a small cellar of a local ‘Brunello’ wine producer, we enjoy local food products along with the legendary wine of Montalcino.

Meals: B,L

DAY 8: Mount Amiata and Bagno Vignoni (Spa Village): 90km or 60km (Option)
Today’s ride takes us to delightful thermal springs of Bagno Vignoni. Participants will have the choice of a longer ride via the slopes of Mount Amiata, a volcanic cone 1732m above sea level that dominates the landscapes of Southern Tuscany; or a shorter more direct route via the lovely medieval town of San Quirico d’Orcia.

Meals: B

DAY 9: Departure transfer to Siena
Following breakfast is the departure transfer to Siena station

Meals: B

Download Printable PDF flyer below: GFV12_II.pdf
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Meals: B,DMeals: B,D
 
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Tour Details
 
Inclusions
8 nights B&B accommodation
3 dinners with wine
2 lunches with wine
See a stage of the Giro d’Italia in Chianti
Gran Fondo Event entry and race pack
6 Guided rides + Gran Fondo ride
Bike Support
Dates
May12-20th, 2012
Price
$3,195.00 pp twin-share
$495.00 single supplement
Bike Hire: $275.00 (aluminium); $335.00 (carbon)
Accommodation

San Gimignano
Hotel Leon Bianco is perfectly positioned right in the very heart of San Gimignano on the main piazza where visitors may enjoy the unforgettable medieval atmosphere among the beautiful towers of the small town. This hotel was once an XI century ancient nobleman's palace which has now been tastefully restored to provide elegant accommodation with many of the original features still exposed.

Tuscany (Siena region)
An estate which is perfectly situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Tuscany, looking out over the World Heritage Val d’Orcia.
You wil share a 2 bedroom apartment where you will have your own private bedroom and bathroom and share a living area with one other couple.
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