Tuscany Classico
Explore the undulating white gravel roads of Tuscany and undiscovered
Tuscany Classico
Discover the idyllic countryside of Tuscany as we take you on a gravel adventure through the amazing vineyards and rolling hills surrounding Sienna and neighbouring undiscovered Umbria. Designed by our team of passionate Gravel riders, you can expect nothing but the best riding on an abundance of gravel roads as well as some less busy country lanes.
Experience for yourself the beauty and majesty of the heart of Italy as we take a cycling journey that takes you beyond the guidebook and to the very essence of Italian gravel riding. With great coffee, even better cuisine and world class Italian hospitality our Tuscany Gravel Classico gravel holiday is popular with riders looking to enjoy good times on and off the bike. Known by our clients simply as the ‘classico’ and enjoyed by riders from all parts of the globe this is a gravel holiday that is not to missed.
- Ride in to Piazza del Campo in Siena’s historic city centre.
- Enjoy the famous gravel roads around Montepulciano whilst overlooking the surrounding Tuscan rolling hills.
- Learn how to order the perfect coffee and importantly at the right time. No Cappuccino after 11am please!
- Discover why Umbria is rightly considered to be Italy’s best kept gravel secret.
**Advanced & intermediate**
Day 1. Welcome to Italy.
Ride: 25km | 350 elevation
You will be met by one of our friendly team at Bologna airport before being transferred south to our
hotel in Gubbio. On arrival our staff will be on hand to support those who have brought their own bike
and also bike fit those who are hiring bikes.
Our first ride of
the week will be in the late afternoon as we take a tour around the surrounding gravel roads that lie below Gubbio. Shad dowered by the foothills of the Apennines mountain range this is the perfect ride to check bikes are all in working order and also to get great photos for social media! Dinner this evening is enjoyed in the hotel restaurant.
Day 2. Gubbio - Perugia
Ride: 70km | 950 elevation | 70% Road 30% Gravel
After a sensational Italian breakfast we head east, First descending from Gubbio, and travel through Carnonesca where Francis of Assis was attacked by outlaws on his own journey through Italy. With an abundance of farmland and rich soil Umbria is blessed with patchwork of lush green shades. The gravel roads and country lanes that wind their way through this pleasant land make for splendid riding. Our final destination is Perugia which is renowned world-wide for great chocolate and one of the best jazz festivals a man could wish for. The ascent to our Catello Monterone and arrival at our accommodation is epic. This evening we enjoy dinner in Perugia city centre, with plenty of time to enjoy the night light on offer.
Day 3. Perugia - Montepulciano
Ride: 80km | 100 elevation | 40% Road 60% Gravel
As the sunrises over Umbria we jump on the bikes and continue our journey east and cross the border in to Tuscany. Before doing so we will take the gravel roads and paths that take us close to Italy’s fourth largest lake, Lake Trasimeno. Today’s ride is harmonious balance between nature and riding. The ride is varied in terrain and on reaching Troscione forest we will ride through trails that are lined with towering oak trees’, hornbeams and conifers. There are times where the ride feels like you are in a gravel fairy trail. Our destination today is the world famous wine region Montepulciano.
Day 4. Montepulciano - Arezzo
Ride: 35km | 1300 elevation | 60% Road 40% Gravel
This morning we leave Montepulciano in the late morning and start what is our shortest but maybe also our most challenging day of gravel riding. We pass the medieval town of Montefollonico, famed for being one of the most stunning walled towns in Tuscany and also importantly for cheese lovers it is the home to Pecorino cheese! We stop for coffee and photo’s along the way, a chance to pause and marvel at the scenery as well as rest legs after some exciting and challenging riding. The last part of the ride is through endless vineyards and largely flat before we enter Arezzo, home to one of the oldest universities in the world. This evening accommodation is in the heart of Arezzo. This evening dinner is served in our favourite pizza restaurant owned by local legend Antonio.
Day 5. Arezzo - Siena
Ride: 70km | 1000 elevation | 40% Road 60% Gravel
Direction the Chianti hills! Arguably the finest gravel riding anyway in Europe can be found on the gravel paths and roads that surround Sienna. Made famous by the extraordinary Strade Bianche race that takes place in March every year. Today’s ride takes us on the paved and broken roads that lead us away from Arezzo and in to the bosom of Tuscany. It is a fascinating ride in terms of scenery, nature and Italian history. Luca, your guide will be delighted to explain to you the significance the area has in terms of recent and ancient history. Our destination is the history city centre of Siena. Specifically Campo del Sporto the home to the world famous palio. For some, arriving in the Campo del Sporto is an emotional moment and they are simply overawed by the majesty of Siena. However this is not our final destination as we enjoy our final few kilometres to La Gallazzolle, a marvellous place to enjoy for your last two nights in Italy. Dinner this evening overlooking the nearby lake.
Day 6. Siena Loop
Ride: 66km | 900 elevation | 35% Road 65% Gravel
No gravel adventure in Tuscany is complete without spending a day riding on the roads made famous by the likes of Van Art and Sagan. We leave La Gallozzolle this morning and head south west to pick up the Strade Bianche course. Plenty of time to stop for photos and of course plenty of time for coffee and a brioche. Typically the last ride of the week is enjoyed at a slower pace and gives a chance for old and new friends to chat as they ride the last few km’s of this epic week of riding. This evening we enjoy dinner in the centre of Siena
Day 7. Airport
All good things
must come to an end. Your private transfer will be arranged for you and your bike at a convenient time to arrive in the airport in plenty of time for onward flights. Those wishing to add more days to the trip should contact us prior to booking so we can assist you with planning.
What’s Included?
Private Transfers,
• 4* Accommodation
• IBT Gift Bundle
• Experienced team of professionals
• Beautifully planned rides
• All Dinners
• All Snack Lunches
• Mechanical support
• Expert Guide
• Support Vehicle
What’s Not Included?
• Travel insurance
• Flights
