Strade Bianche Bike Tour

As you arrive at Pisa International Airport, our dedicated staff will be there to extend a warm welcome and guide you to your charming Lucca hotel. After a delightful light lunch, we’ll gear up for a bike tune-up to ensure a seamless journey. This initial ride, affectionately referred to as “Sgambatella” in Italian slang, will gently awaken your cycling legs for the exciting days that lie ahead. Leaving the heart of Lucca behind, we’ll swiftly ascend to some of the most breathtaking hills in the vicinity, enveloped by age-old olive groves and sprawling vineyards. The day’s ride will culminate with a refreshing aperitif at one of the region’s finest enotecas, where we’ll raise our glasses to the incredible week awaiting us. Returning to our hotel, we’ll prepare for a delectable dinner at one of Lucca’s top-rated restaurants. This is just the beginning of a remarkable journey in Tuscany.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 35 km, elevation 500 meters

Pick-up location: Pisa International Airport

Today, our cycling adventure unfolds as we depart from Lucca, embarking on a remarkable journey through the captivating Tuscan countryside. After a short and gentle ascent, we’ll pause to behold the awe-inspiring panorama of Massaciuccoli and the Versilia coast. It’s a view that once inspired the renowned composer Giacomo Puccini, who frequented this area for his creative musings and game-hunting pursuits, set against the backdrop of the sea. Our route takes us on a delightful downhill ride, followed by a stretch of easy, flat kilometres. Soon, we’ll face the serene ascent of Monte Pitoro, a 6.5-kilometer climb with a modest gradient of 7%. This will lead us through Gombitelli, a charming Medieval hamlet where remnants of its historic castle and the San Michele church will enchant us. In Gombitelli, we’ll pause for a cyclist-friendly lunch, savouring local delicacies. Continuing our journey, we’ll descend through a long slope, tracing the picturesque Serchio Valley, before returning to Lucca. Here, the day’s adventure will culminate in a well-deserved post-ride massage, setting the stage for a delightful evening as we reconvene for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycling: distance 80 km, elevation 600 meters

Today, we embark on a captivating journey to our first destination: San Gimignano. Our route commences with a relatively flat section, setting the stage for the adventure ahead. As we pedal, we’ll encounter gentle slopes and meander toward San Miniato, renowned for its wine and white truffles. Here, we’ll pause for a delightful lunch, indulging in the flavours of the region and savouring local wines, including the famous white truffles that have earned this town its well-deserved reputation. After our midday break, we’ll continue our route, following the Via Francigena, an ancient pilgrimage route that will guide us through the Val D’Elsa. This journey leads us to the captivating town of San Gimignano, a medieval gem graced by the presence of La Rocca di Montestaffoli and the Torre Grossa. With some leisure time to unwind and prepare, we’ll look forward to a traditional dinner, a perfect way to conclude the day’s adventures.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycling: distance 85 km, elevation 1000 meters

With the taste of a satisfying breakfast, we’re all set for our journey to Siena, a city brimming with history and charm. Our path today presents a mix of rolling hills, taking us up and down through this captivating landscape. The first ascent of the day leads us to Colle Val d’Elsa and Strove, a village with roots dating back to the 6th century. A brief stop here offers a chance to rejuvenate, refuelling for the adventures ahead. As we continue our ride, we’ll follow the path of the Via Francigena, weaving through the remarkable historic hamlet of Monteriggioni. Here, we’ll pause for a light and refreshing lunch, then make our way along the Cassia road, the route that will lead us to our final destination: the captivating city of Siena. In the afternoon, there’s time to unwind and explore Siena, taking in its rich culture and history before coming together for a delightful dinner that promises a perfect ending to the day’s journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycling: distance 75 km, elevation 800 meters

Today, we embark on an extraordinary journey deep into the heart of Tuscany’s Terre di Siena, a region that harks back to a golden age in cycling history. This ride is a unique opportunity, a moment to be cherished with every spin of the pedals. It’s a test of endurance, an experience that’s as demanding as it is gratifying. Amidst the rolling countryside surrounding Siena, we’ll encounter a landscape that unfolds like pages from a storybook: vast, open vistas, vineyards stretching out in endless rows, lanes framed by cypress trees, and charming medieval hamlets that punctuate our path. This ride is not for the faint of heart. It’s dusty, rugged, and yes, undeniably challenging. Yet, therein lies its true heroism—a journey that demands your unwavering commitment and effort, one that promises to be etched in your memory as an unforgettable triumph.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycling: distance 80 km, elevation 1200 meters

Today is a day of unparalleled cycling drama, an electrifying contest as the world’s top professional riders converge upon the dusty, rugged battleground of the Strade Bianche. The weather in this season can offer anything from sun-drenched warmth to cool, refreshing rain, but regardless of the elements, this is unquestionably one of the most exhilarating one-day classic races in all of Europe – a spectacle that simply cannot be missed. Our day begins with an early morning ride, setting the stage for what’s to come. We’ll position ourselves at the most thrilling vantage points along the route, both for the men’s and women’s professional races. And, of course, we’ll be there at the finish line as the pros undertake their final assault on Siena. It’s a gruelling, epic battle that culminates in a triumphant, heart-pounding sprint finish up Siena’s steep, cobbled medieval streets, reminiscent of Roman gladiators returning victorious after a long and arduous contest.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycling: distance 50 km, elevation 500 meters

Today is the ultimate test, a day when we measure our mettle in the prestigious Granfondo Strade Bianche, riding in the company of thousands of fellow cycling aficionados. Our equipment is second to none, with high-performance carbon bikes that have been meticulously maintained to ensure peak performance. And don’t worry, our professional mechanic will be right there, ready to assist should any mechanical challenges arise in the face of the gruelling race conditions. This is the moment we’ve been training for, an opportunity to push our limits and embrace the spirit of the Strade Bianche.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Gran fondo – Distance: 142.5 km of which 54.7 km gravel Elevation Gain: 2,250 m

or

Medio fondo – Distance: 86.8 km of which 21.6 km are gravel Elevation Gain: 1.350 m

As the sun rises on our final day, we gather over an espresso to reminisce about the incredible cycling journey we’ve shared in Tuscany over the past week. The memories of our Tuscan adventures, the picturesque landscapes, and the bonds of friendship we’ve forged will undoubtedly last a lifetime. These friendships are born from the genuine camaraderie of cycling enthusiasts and a shared passion for this remarkable sport. As we bid our farewells, we know that the spirit of Tuscany and the thrill of the ride will stay with us, guiding our wheels on future adventures. Arrivederci, until we meet again on the open road

Meals: Breakfast

Drop-off: Pisa International Airport