Italy - Tuscany Road Bike Tour 2019 Individual Self-Guided 8 days / 7 nights An unforgettable tour that takes in the Tuscan countryside and its most beautiful cities. Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Siena and small historical towns like Montalcino, Pienza, Volterra and Vinci. Wonderful ascents up to Monte Serra and on the Apuan Alps and a memorable stage along the Eroica race route, the classic unmade road that leads to Siena.
Itinerary Day to Day Day 1: Pisa Cyclists make their own way to Pisa. Day 2: Pisa Lucca 70 km + 960 m 4 h You leave Pisa, heading for San Giuliano Terme, cycle around Monte Serra and tackle the ascent up the Buti side, the historic testing bench for professional cyclists such as Bartoli, Ulrich and Contador. The road climbs evenly and there is a unique view from the top: the Tyrrhenian Sea with the islands of Elba and Giglio. You then follow a slightly winding route towards Lake Massaciuccoli, ending this stage in wonderful Lucca. Day 3: Lucca Apuan Alps Lucca 130 km + 1,300 m 6 h You leave Lucca for Camaiore, climbing gently to reach Massa Carrara. An ascent takes you into the heart of the Apuan Alps, a new peak of white rock offering a spectacular view over the Tyrrhenian Sea. You then cycle down, crossing the valley which then takes you back to Lucca. Variation: 70 km via Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi. Day 4: Lucca Florence 100 km + 610 m 4 h From Lucca the road seesaws up and down until a long descent takes you down to Vinci, Leonardo s birthplace, where you can visit the museum dedicated to this genius. Afterwards you tackle the Vittolini ascent that takes you to Florence. Day 5: Florence Siena, along the Eroica 90 km + 1000 m 4 h Leaving Florence along the River Arno, we pedal towards Greve and Radda in Chianti; these are broad, tarmacked roads, graced by the iconic hills and vineyards of Chianti. The climbs are gentle (5% at most) and culminate with the spectacular Strade Bianche ("White Gravel Roads") a throwback to the heroic cycling feats of Binda, Gagliardoni and the young Bartali. Arrive in Siena's Piazza del Campo and enjoy a deserved glass of quality wine just like the champions did in their day.
Day 6: Siena Montalcino Pienza Siena 120 km + 1,200 m 5 h A route that follows the Cassia road south to the wonderful town of Montalcino. After about 40 km, the ascent that takes you up to the town is intimidating, but it opens up into the most fabulous panorama and once at the top your reward is a glass of good wine, bread and salami. The rest will get you ready to tackle the next uphill-downhill stretch that takes you to Pienza and then back to Siena. Variation: 70 km Day 7: Siena Pisa 113 km + 770 m 4.5 h Along the provincial road you come to Colle Val d Elsa and then head towards San Gimignano, the marvelous city dominated by its fourteen medieval towers. The stage continues along secondary roads, bringing you to back to Pisa, where the round trip and your holiday finally come to an end. Possibility to add an extra night in Pisa on request. Day 8: Pisa Departure after breakfast.
Route Technical Characteristics: Route Profile: This is a demanding tour because of the sloping landscape of Tuscany. There are some long and difficult ascents. However it is easy to shorten or find different easier way to the next hotel. Distance: 620 km Travel Season: Departures Saturday from March 23 to October 12, 2019 Season 1: March 23 April 12 and September 28 - October 12 Season 2: April 13 May 17 and September 8 September 27 Season 3: May 18 September 7
Price per Person: Double Occupancy Season 1 790.00 Season 2 Supplement 80.00 Season 3 Supplement 110.00 Single Supplement 220.00 Reduction 3 rd person in a room 120.00 High End Road Bike 250.00 Standard Road Bike with Carbon Fork 170.00 Helmet 15.00 Extra Nights Pisa Double Occupancy B&B 60.00 Extra Nights Pisa Single Occupancy B&B 90.00 Accommodation: 3/4* hotels (sometimes a cozy 2* hotel in Lucca). All rooms have en suite facilities and air conditioning. Included: 7 nights hotel accommodation Breakfast buffet Travel Guide, Maps Luggage transportation GPS tracks for the stages (device not provided) Hotline service Not Included: Local taxes (approx. 10-15) GPS device
Bikes The standard road bike with the following features: aluminum frame with carbon fork; 20 or 27 gear Shimano Tiagra; 23 mm wheels; flat pedals (you can decide to bring your own pedals). The high end road bike with the following features: carbon frame top range; Shimano 105 or Ultegra group: 50 X 34 front gear, 12-28/32 rear gear; 25 mm wheels; no pedals: please bring your own pedals (and wrench to fix them). Due to the lack of rear rack these bikes do not have panniers. We suggest you to bring a small backpack. All rented bikes are equipped with: 1 bottle cage; 1 combination lock; reparation kit (2 inner tubes, pump, tire levers) Standard Road Bike High End Road Bike Assisting people in realizing their touring dreams worldwide is our passion. www.okcycletours.com THIS IS A PARTNER TOUR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9 Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350 TICO Ontario Registration No: 50022848