Florence is the great capital of Tuscany and arguably Italy’s most beautiful city. For us it is an essential prelude into this seductive region – displaying harmonious, balanced, simple beauty and cultural traditions that distinguish Tuscany from the rest of Italy. Welcome to Tuscany dinner featuring local specialities and wines set in atmospheric Florentine Ristorante – conveniently located in Historic centre.
Meals: D

DAY 2: Saturday 2^nd October - Group transfer to Chianti
Transfer to the Chianti – our base for 2 nights. An area of unspoilt natural beauty and rich cultural heritage it is Italy’s most recognisable wine zone. We stay in area’s most attractive traditional town – Radda.

In the afternoon our cycle tour guide will immediately assist mechanical preparations of bikes for tomorrows L’Eroica ride. Also on offer will be a short ride introducing participants to the unmistakable area of the Chianti.
Meals: B

DAY 3: Sunday 3^rd October  - The Eroica
Today you step back into ‘the golden age of Italian cycling’. Starting and ending from the historic centre square of Gaiole Chianti, you pedal along with over 3,000 other cyclists experiencing the passion of the L’Eroica – the event appropriately named ‘The Hero’. For those embarking on the longer routes the race presents the ‘purist’ of cycling challenges.

The day also ties in another great tradition of the Chianti – the annual grape harvest. Needless to say the wine flows freely at the post-race dinner. For competitors and spectators alike this day is a one-of-kind experience.
Meals: B, D

DAY 4: Monday 4^th October  - Siena Countryside: 55km
Following yesterday’s L’Eroica event ride we gently ride south of Siena to our next truly special place of stay. The route winds along ridges and hills of unique and atmospheric landscape, connecting to a series of wonderful medieval towns and villages before arriving at our accommodation.

The family owned and operated accommodation is a 336 hectare wine estate and has its origins dating back over 500 years. This will be the base for the next 3 nights/4 days.

Welcome dinner of traditional/ seasonal food with local wines following an estate tour that includes its wine cellars.
Meals: B, D

DAY 5: Tuesday 5^thOctober - Classic Tuscan hilltop towns of Montelpulciano and Pienza Ride: 75km or 40km (option)
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 that stretch from Southern Tuscany into neibouring Umbria 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.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 6: Wednesday 6^thOctober - Floating over the Crete Ride: 65km
Today is a relaxing roll over the territory of the Crete Senesi – sometimes referred to as the Tuscan desert in reference to the barrenness of its environment. The ride also ventures into the beautiful Valdarbia, an area used for the filming of Oscar winning movie ‘Gladiator’.

The highlight of this excursion is 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.
Meals: B, D

DAY 7: Thursday 7^th October - Montalcino Ride: 40km
Today’s riding excursion unravels in the classic Tuscan hilltop town of Montalcino – our base for the next 3 nights/ 4 days. 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 8: Friday 8^th October  - Val d’Orcia Ride: 65km or 45km (option)
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 village of Rocca D’Orcia; and wind past its vineyards which dominate its landscape.

The day’s itinerary includes a memorable lunch. Immersing within a small cellar of a local ‘Brunello’ producer, here we enjoy local food products along with the legendary vino of Montalcino.
Meals: B, L

DAY 9: Saturday 9^th October  - Mount Amiata: 90km or 60km (Option)
Today’s ride takes us to the summit of Mount Amiata, a volcanic cone 1732m above sea level that dominates the landscapes of Southern Tuscany. The challenging climb of its densely wooded slopes has before featured in Italy’s famous bike race Giro d’Italia. However it is the abundant natural beauty (its slopes host ten different nature preserves) that makes it such a paradise for cycling – so appropriate for our final ride of our trip.
Meals: B

DAY 10: Sunday 10^th October - Departure transfer to Florence
Following breakfast is the departure transfer back to Florence/ End of Trip
Meals: B

About the Bikes - Wilier with Campagnolo Record/Chorus components