Tour de France Bike Tour 2024

Greetings and a warm Italian welcome to Florence! The Pedalitaly team is thrilled to meet you at the Florence Airport, ready to escort you to your delightful accommodation. This afternoon, we’ll kick off an exciting adventure. After providing you with top-notch bikes, we’ll embark on a welcome ride, a charming prelude to the week’s activities. Just moments away from our hotel, we’ll traverse captivating roads winding through the rolling hills of Fiesole, offering breathtaking views of Florence below. Our journey will lead us to a hidden gem, a cherished local bar in Fiesole, where we’ll raise our glasses to the fantastic week ahead. The clink of glasses will symbolize a toast to camaraderie and the exciting experiences awaiting us. Returning to our hotel, we’ll freshen up and get ready to immerse ourselves in the Tour de France atmosphere in the spectacular city of Florence. Tonight, we’ll indulge in the regional flavours with a delicious dinner at one of our selected trattorias, a favourite capturing the essence of local culinary excellence.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 35 km, elevation 600 meters 

Pick-up location: Florence Train Station

Today’s journey guides us through the enchanting ‘Chianti Colli Fiorentini,’ just a stone’s throw from Florence’s heart. We kick off at the iconic Piazzale Michelangelo, greeted by a breathtaking Florence panorama. The route unfolds over undulating terrain, offering brief yet exhilarating climbs that characterize this picturesque region. The captivating landscape rewards our day’s efforts. Along the Pesa torrent valley, we encounter delightful ups and downs before reaching Tavarnelle for a well-deserved coffee break at a charming pastry shop. Savouring creamy cappuccinos and pastries rejuvenates us for the adventure ahead. Winding through the iconic ‘rolling hills’ highlighted with vineyards and olive groves, we’ll eventually arrive in Montespertoli, celebrated for its illustrious wines. Retracing our route towards Florence, we conquer a 3km ascent near Scandicci, mirroring the 2019 Giro d’Italia route. Returning to the city, the final challenge of the day awaits us, the ascent of Fiesole, witness to the decisive moments of the 2013 Road Cycling World Championships. What an extraordinary day of cycling lies ahead! Back at the hotel, we’ll refresh and prepare to soak in the vibrant Tour de France atmosphere in Florence’s enchanting city.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycling: distance 110 km, elevation 1500 meters

After the invigorating Colli Fiorentini stage, we anticipate a more leisurely day discovering the enchanting Mugello countryside, rich in history and culture, birthed luminaries like painter Giotto and the influential Medici family. Our journey begins anew from Fiesole, heading north through gentle undulations and a graceful descent to Borgo San Lorenzo, the heart of Mugello. Shifting southwest along the scenic Sagginale road, flanked by lush cow pastures and cultivated fields, we’ll enjoy the Apennines’ grandeur on the left. Passing through Dicomano to Rufina, famed for exceptional wines, a delightful pit stop at a local patisserie precedes the day’s inaugural ascent. This climb unfolds through concealed routes to Doccia, known for exquisite ceramics, and Santa Brigida, a beloved haven among Florentines. Approaching Santa Brigida signals the completion of our captivating loop. Before concluding our journey, we traverse a secondary road winding through Tuscan vineyards, eventually returning to our hotel. There, we’ll savour a well-deserved respite, reflecting on the day’s memorable exploration.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycling: distance 80 km, elevation 1000 meters

Gear up for an extraordinary journey! After bidding arrivederci the Tour de France professionals set off from Florence to Rimini, our path directs us north towards Bologna. Leaving the Renaissance city behind, we’ll tackle the day’s initial challenging climb along Dante’s historic roads, offering stunning views of Lake Bilancino. After a rewarding 15-kilometre ascent, we’ll reach the Futa Pass in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, standing tall at 900 meters above sea level. The next 15 kilometres to the Raticosa Pass bring enjoyable undulations, marking the day’s triumph. The final 40 kilometres to Bologna treat us to a delightful, gradual descent, allowing us to relish the sheer joy of riding. As we pedal effortlessly, thoughts turn to the relaxation and satisfaction awaiting us in Bologna—where we’ll celebrate the day’s achievements and gear up for more adventures in this special location during the next few days.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycling: distance 115 km, elevation 1700 meters

Excitement builds with the impending arrival of the Tour de France in Cesenatico. Our thrilling ride kicks off from the heart of charming Bologna, renowned for its iconic porticoes. Heading southeast, the day unfolds with cycling excitement, beginning with a gentle yet extended ascent through the picturesque Zena valley nestled in the mid-Bolognese Apennines. The valley, adorned with rolling hills, verdant meadows, and tranquil woodlands, reveals nature’s unspoiled beauty—a region of profound natural and historical significance. Within this haven lies Etruscan heritage and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Parco dei Gessi e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa. Passing by Beaver Lake and the storied Zena Castle, we’ll gear up for the day’s most challenging climb—an 8-kilometre ascent to the summit of Monte delle Formiche, offering panoramic vistas. After soaking in the surroundings, we descend alongside the enchanting Idice torrent on our return to Bologna. Re-entering the city, a final ascent awaits, leading us to the iconic Sanctuary of San Luca. Here, we eagerly await the Tour de France’s thrilling passage, as the pros arrive from the Romagna region, bringing a slice of their grand adventure to the heart of Bologna.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycling: distance 70 km, elevation 1000 meters

Fuelled by a satisfying breakfast, our day unfolds amidst the famed hills of Bologna. We say Ciao to the historic Porta Saragozza, venturing into the captivating southwest countryside. Just a stone’s throw away, our ride ascends to the first pinnacle, Monte Sabbiuno, offering a panoramic view of the Bolognese Apennines steeped in the poignant history of the ‘Monte Sabbiuno Massacre’ in 1944. We weave through Monte Samorrè and Monte Belvedere, each revealing its unique charm before reaching Palazzo De Rossi. Nestled along the serene Reno River, this historic residence provides a scenic backdrop for a revitalizing coffee break, preparing us for the second ascent at Monte Cervo. Descending from these heights, we cover the final 25 kilometres, relishing a light lunch at a local trattoria. Returning to our hotel in Bologna’s city centre, we’ll find time to unwind and reflect on the day’s memorable exploration amid the enchanting beauty of the Bolognese hills.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycling: distance 60 km, elevation 1000 meters

As the sun bathes our final morning in warm light, we come together for a heartfelt farewell breakfast, a time to reminisce and share the treasured memories we’ve woven into the fabric of this journey. The moment has arrived to bid adieu to our dedicated guides, who have been your steadfast companions throughout this adventure. They will ensure that your transition to your next destination is as smooth as your ride through the captivating landscapes of Bologna.

Meals: Breakfast

Drop-off: Florence Train Station