Join us in Italy June 2010 for a classic Tuscany cycling experience. This women only 10 day itinerary focuses on the area of central Tuscany with its timeless landscapes and irresistible attractions. Here the territory is an oasis for bike riding with its extensive network of back-roads that coexist in perfect harmony with nature. Slowly discover a place steeped in history, classic hilltop towns, ancient hamlets and castles, World Heritage Centre listed landscapes, and arguably Italy's best food and wines.
'Cycle Tuscany - Just for the Girls' is an exciting and balanced cycling holiday for women. In particular it recognises the rapidly growing popularity of recreational cycling with Australian women and the life opportunities that cycling can offer. What better goal then than a cycling experience in Tuscany with likeminded souls, one that offers participants guilt free opportunities to immerse in the best of Italian culture? Whether comfortably (not competitively) pedalling to a medieval hill-top town or admiring the scene of a local market 'Cycle Tuscany - Just for the Girls' is a one of a kind cycling experience not to be missed. The itinerary features 5 guided rides with each exploring a different part of the Siena countryside. For each day of riding participants are supported by a local Italian cycling guide as well as Company trip host. This provides flexibility for those that may want to ride more or less. From technical perspective roads in this area alternate rolling hills with more substantial climbs that are within reach of most riders of average capabilities.
In Italy nothing defines and shapes local culture as much as food and wine. Consequently on Cycle Tuscany - Just for the Girls Trip there is an emphasis on providing opportunities to experience the most typical local food and wines of our place of stay. This means 'slow and traditional' rather than 'fast and touristy'. It also means the best tasting!!
Darren Welch - Co-founder of Italian Immersions. Darren has been passionate about Italy ever since attending an Italian fiend's birthday party when he was 10 years old!! Aside from embracing Italian culture he has a background in Sports Science; having qualified at tertiary level and prior to Italian Immersions worked with high performance sports teams both in Australia and abroad. Subsequently, Darren has an enthusiasm for physical activity with cycling currently at the top of his preferred outdoor pursuits - particularly if it involves Italy!! On your trip Darren's role will be to co-ordinate the itinerary and provide service and support to participant needs. DAY 1: Saturday 5th June
Arrival at Florence Hotel
Arrive independently at Florence accommodation situated among the beautiful private villas in central Florence.
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
Meals: D
DAY 2: Sunday 6th June
Group transfer to Siena Countryside
Transfer from Florence to the 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 4 nights/5 days.
Welcome lunch of traditional/ seasonal food with local wines preceded by an estate tour that includes a visit of the 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.
A representative of our cycle tour guide will assist mechanical preparations of bikes for the first of the itinerary rides commencing Day 3.
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 3: Monday 7th June
Floating through the Crete Ride: 55km
Our first ride 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.Today's route winds along ridges and hills of 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 unforgettable cycling - and more than wets the appetite for the riding that awaits us.
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 4: Tuesday 8th June
Classic 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 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.
Meals: B, L, D DAY 5: Wednesday 9th June
Excursion into Siena (non-riding day)
Today you visit Siena, you will be transferred into the city and then provided with a day to yourself to explore. Considered by many to be Italy's most beautiful town its character contrasts remarkably to its historical rival - Florence. Ironically given the nature of our trip Siena is often considered the feminine foil to Florentine masculinity.
You will also be fortunate to encounter its busy and colourful market day - Tuscany's biggest.
Meals: B, D DAY 6: Thursday 10th June
Montalcino Ride: 40km
Today's riding excursion unravels in the classic Tuscan hilltop town of Montalcino - our base for the next 4 nights/ 5 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 7: Friday 11th June
Montalcino winery Excursion (non-riding day)
Montalcino is the homeland of Italy's finest wine - Brunello di Montalcino. Today you participate in a guided full-day excursion of its best wineries and along the way discover why this area has achieved its deserved status as one of the world's premier wine destinations.
The days events include a traditional style lunch and wine tasting's.
Meals: B, L DAY 8: Saturday 12th June
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 villages of Rocca D'Orcia and Castiglione; 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, we enjoy local food products along with the legendary vino of Montalcino.
Meals: B, L DAY 9: Sunday 13th June
The Back-Roads of Montalcino Ride: 65km or 45km (option)
We spend today discovering the environs of 'the other Montalcino'. The township of Montalcino covers approximately 24 thousand hectares, which are criss-crossed by more than 250 km of quiet unpaved paths, tracks, and roads - a paradise for cyclists. Here we experience ancient villages and hamlets that are untouched by mass tourism with inhabitants going about daily lives in perfect harmony with their surroundings.
On our final evening we enjoy a farewell dinner of Montalcino's local gastronomic specialities.
Meals: B, D DAY 10: Monday 14th June
Departure transfer to Siena
Following breakfast is the departure transfer to Siena station
Meals: B
This tour is based on a minimum of 6 participants |