This week we have been immersed in all things Tuscany - and we do not want to stop!
Majorca, Costa Blanca, Belgium and Provence - all fantastic cycling locations with obvious focal points for cycling trips. Tuscany posed us a very different challenge - it is a large region and it is all beautiful - whilst we are not suggesting we have 'cracked it', we are super pleased with how our Tuscan trips have come together and we hope this years will be the first of many.
The hilltop town of San Gimignano is the closest town to our Tuscan 'home'.
So what will we offer in Tuscany?
We have two destinations available for groups in Tuscany - one is to the north of Pisa on the coast and close to Lucca. The other - the focus of this blog - is south of Pisa and just north of Siena
Cycling
The region is synonymous with cycling - home to the '6th monument' Strade Bianche, oft visited by the Giro and the favoured training roads of many professionals current and historic. The routes in the region are really varied - from steep climbs to gradual ascents, to smooth asphalt to the famous Tuscan gravel. For a five day cycling trip this means we can cover new roads each day and build in something for everyone - perfect.
Two of the feature rides are worth a special mention. Firstly the 90km loop to Siena and back is a great day out - the route is lumpy and travels via the fortress town of Monteriggioni. We enter Siena on the same route as Strade Bianche though we must walk round the city centre and therefore our support vehicle looks after the bikes and cycling shoes whilst guests can wander round the Piazza del Campo. The second feature route is though the hills and vineyards of Chianti. I am unsure if I have had a better day on the bike than riding through this region - it is absolutely stunning and a real positive assault on the senses.
The Hotel
We will be staying at the Casolare de Terre Rosse in San Donata, about 6km due west of San Gimignano. The hotel is family built, run and owned and OMG - it is fantastic. Set amidst the vineyards - the views are terrific and it provides a tranquil setting for our time off the bike. The bar is well stocked with the beautiful local wines and the pool is perfect for a post ride dip.
The bike room at the hotel is very secure and has enough tools to cover most emergencies - this means that you do not need to have bikes in your room and guests can rest easy knowing their pride and joy is secure. If guests opt to rent locally we have two providers both of whom deliver to the hotel and provide bikes of a very high quality.
All in all, this accommodation exceeded all our expectations and we think we have fallen upon a real gem run by wonderful people.
What would a Tuscany trip look like and how much might it cost?
Hotel Casolare Le Terre Rosse, nr San Gimignano,
Price based on twin rooms
4 nights Breakfast and a 2 course dinner included
Flights and Transfers
Day 1 - 0930 departure from LGW, arriving in Pisa at 1240
Day 5 - 1805 departure from Pisa, arriving at LGW at 1920
Luggage allowance - 15kg hold luggage or 10kg overhead locker bag plus small hand luggage
Transfers from Pisa airport to your accommodation and return
Package inclusions (in addition to above)
Sporta Bike + staff member on site throughout ( 1 staff member per 18 guests)
local tourist tax included
Superhero support vehicle
Pre trip ops meeting
Basic mechanical support and spares carried
GPX files for pre agreed routes delivered pre trip
Additions
Local bike hire (£32 per day)
Excursions as outlined below (supp cost)
Single room supplement (£20 per night though limited availability)
As ever, if this looks like a bit of you then please do get in touch!!
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