Giro di TOSCANA

Dates: June 12 - 21, 2004

Our Giro di Toscana is a great introduction to the many diversities of Tuscan landscape, art, food and culture…the perfect way to tour the highly-visited places and check out some of the lesser-known secrets via the best riding roads. We begin our tour in the strategically located hilltop town of Castagneto Carducci overlooking the Mediterranean Coast; an area frequented by Italian Pro Teams during their Winter training camps due to the moderate climate and perfect riding terrain. From here we'll ride the rolling hills to Volterra, a well-known jewel of Etruscan and Medieval Art. Day 4 will take us to Siena via San Gimignano, "City of Towers", known for the Medieval house-towers which give it it's distinctive profile. We'll take a rest day in Siena to visit the famous Piazza del Campo, Duomo and some of the Chianti wineries. For those who want to ride there is a challenging loop through the Chianti hills.

On Day 6 our ride from Siena to San Quírico d’Orcia will take us by the splendidly isolated Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore. Day 7 is an optional rest day to relax by the pool or visit the nearby Hilltop towns of Pienza and Montalcino. We’ll try some of the Brunello in our host’s luxuriously restored “Podere” farmhouse with panoramic views of Siena, Pienza, Monte Amiata and Montalcino. It’s a great place to relax before setting out on our penultimate stage to Massa Marittima. The last day of riding will takes us back to Castagneto Carducci where we’ll enjoy the afternoon by the sea and our last meal together before the following day’s departure from Pisa Airport. This is an ideal trip to add a stay in Rome or Florence at the beginning or end. Let us know and we can help you with the details.

Itinerary:
6.11: Depart USA for Italy 6.12: Pisa airport pickup - Transfer to Castagneto Carducci (optional Loop Ride) 6.13: Ride Castagneto Carducci Loop 6.14: Ride Castagneto - Volterra 6.15: Ride Volterra - Siena 6.16 : Ride Siena - Chianti loop (Optional Rest Day) 6.17: Ride Siena - San Quírico d'Orcia 6.18: Ride San Quírico d'Orcia Loop (Optional Rest Day) 6.19: Ride San Quírico d'Orcia - Massa Marittima 6.20: Ride Massa Marittima - Castagneto Carducci 6.21: Drop off for departure at Pisa Airport.

Trip Info:
Mileage: 450 miles
Daily Mileage: 30 - 70 miles (longer options available)
Length: 9 Riding Days / 9 Nights
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cost: $2395

Includes:
• Airport pickup and drop-off at Pisa International Airport (PSA)
• Nine (9) nights accommodations (two per room) in friendly Agriturismi or 3 and 4 Star Hotels
• All breakfasts and 8 dinners including wine
• Guide services of 2 or 3 guides
• Vehicle support at intervals along the stage on town-to-town days
• Travel planning assistance

For additional information or to book a vacation click here.