Destination: Tuscany
To benefit the National MS Society

Description | Itinerary | Fundraising | FAQ

Destination Cycling is currently putting together the details for this trip and the rest of our 2008 calendar. Read the description of this year's event below and check back or call for details of next year's trip.

Day 1 (Saturday Sept 1)
You will need to arrive at Florence, Italy airport by noon. For those traveling from the US, that means a departure on Friday August 31st. There will be only one pickup and shuttle to Pienza (2 hrs). If your flight is very late or you happen to miss a connection, then you will need to take a taxi to our first hotel, and Destination Cycling will be able to assist you with this if needed. We will make a quick lunch stop during our journey on the autostrada, and you will waste no time in lining up elbow to elbow with the natives to order your first espresso. The transfer is a good time to get to know your trip companions for the coming week.

Route: 20-30km

Today will feature a warm-up ride to the south of Pienza, to make sure your equipment is working and to enjoy the roads you’ve been dreaming about. Not only is the town of Pienza visible from almost everywhere, but Tuscany’s highest point, Mt. Amiata, is the landmark which makes sure that you never lose your way. The region is known as the Val d’Orcia, and in 2004 the entire valley was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Landscapes.

Dinner:  Our hotel

Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel and the Destination Cycling guide(s) will go over the week to come as well as safety and general trip procedures.

Day 2 (Sunday September 2)
There is no transfer today, enjoy the ride and another day at the same hotel.

Route: 65km

A late morning start will allow you to rest up and relax a bit. We will again leave Pienza towards the south, and make our way to Montalcino, one of the great hill towns of Southern Tuscany, which offers terrific views of the Val d’Orcia, but the view from the upper slopes of Monte Amiata will be even better! This will be a tough climb, with about 3000’ vertical gain.  We’ll be there to support to encourage you the whole way up. This will be a good opportunity to work on our descending skills as well.  Lunch will be eaten in the town of Montalcino at some point during the ride. 

Dinner: Ristorante Le Logge del Vignola: Via delle Erbe, 6, Montepulciano (http://www.montepulciano.net/index.htm).

We will spend the early evening enjoying Montepulciano before dinner, when the crowds are lightest and the town is at its most beautiful. 

Day 3 (Monday September 3)
Transfer: The Van will transfer the luggage from Pienza to Asciano, so bags need to be down and ready to pack at 9:30.

Route: 75km

Today’s ride will take us from Pienza to Asciano, including some mythic countryside in the Crete Senesi and a brief lunch stop in San Giovanni d’Asso.  After the ride, kick back and spend some time hanging out at our hotel’s great resources. 

Dinner: Dinner at Hotel or nearby restaurant

Day 4 (Tuesday September 4)
Transfer:  No transfer today

Route: 50km

Explore the roads around Asciano including, Buonconvento, Bibbiano, Murlo and Monteroni D’Arbia.

Afternoon:  Today’s ride will be a little shorter to allow time for a visit to Siena for sightseeing and dinner, and to rest up for a big day tomorrow.

Dinner: at Le Logge in Siena, followed by post dinner walk around Siena.

Day 5  (Wednesday September 5)
Transfer: Vehicle will transfer luggage, guests will ride their bikes. All luggage needs to be down and ready to go at 8:00 a.m.

Route: 100km or 100miles: The choice is up to you, but it’s an epic day either way!

100 miles or 100k of Tuscan countryside!  Start early and get the most out of your visit to this wonderful country.  This will be a challenging day, but well worth the effort. Both groups will start together, and head to our hotel in Radda for lunch. Century riders will complete their route in the beautiful countryside that surrounds Radda.

Dinner: Ristorante Malborghetto – Lecchi in Chianti
Hotel: Hotel Radda – Radda in Chianti

Day 6 (Thursday September 6)
Transfer: There is no transfer.

Route:  40-60km

Explore the Chianti region to it’s fullest on your bicycle.  We’ll start late today, finish early, and enjoy the afternoon.

Dinner: Ristorante Le Vigne – Radda in Chianti
Hotel: Hotel Radda in Chianti

Day 7 (Friday September 7)
Transfer: Transfer from Radda to our final destination in Florence (70km). Please have your luggage in the lobby by 9am.

Route:  75km

Enjoy this incredible journey from the vineyards of Chianti to the museums of Florence

Dinner:  TBD
Hotel: TBD

Day 8 (Saturday September 8)
We will arrange a shuttle schedule to bring you to the airport in Florence for your return flight home beginning at 8 am and finishing no later than 12 noon

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