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Ultimate cycling and viewing vacation
Giro D'Italia |
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 World class cycling, luxury accommodations, gourmet Tuscan cuisine and wine
Best Tuscan Bike Tours will offer one of their best road bike tours to date with their Giro D'Italia Luxury Tuscan Cycling and Viewing Tour. Join them for what is sure to be a truly memorable cycling experience in the heart of Italy. Space is limited and interest is high.
Giro Viewing: Stages 11 and 12
Number of Riding Guests: Maximum 12 guests; Non-riding guests welcome.
Activity Level: Intermediate; this tour is suitable for road bike enthusiasts and avid cycle tourists with an average to high fitness level. Expect 50-90 kilometers per day over rolling terrain with one or more medium climbs with amazing views.
Why BTT?
Simple: We live, work and, most important, cycle here in Tuscany. No other mass tour operator can offer you the unfettered access to the local cycling scene. Located in Florence, Best Tuscan Tours specializes in private custom designed luxury cycle tours throughout Tuscany and was founded by Italian-American Dominick Cerisano out of his love for cycling and Italian culture. Dominick and his team have customized designed tours for all levels of cyclists. He has logged over 40,000 kilometers racing, guiding and training in Tuscany. Best Tuscan Tours is the only tour operator in the area offering custom-designed, private cycle tours.
Start and finish in beautiful Florence Italy, (our home base)
Small Group, up to 12 and that’s it.
Professionally guided and van supported
4 star lodgings, meals
World Class Tuscan cycling and activities
Moderate and challenging routes with optional kilometers.
A chance to ride with the top local talent like Piero Martini, five-time Italian National Champion and four-time King of the Mountains or participate in a local amateur Italian club ride.
Up-close viewing
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The 2007 Program will be published in January, the 2006 program below is provided as a guide only.
Day One: Sunday, May 14th
Florence - Radda in Chianti
We meet you at Florence train station followed by a short transfer to Florence By Bike for your rental fitting (www.florencebybike.com, to view rentals). Florence By Bike is Tuscany’s premier bike rental center and full service bike shop offering top gear, clothing and accessories. Top quality professional maintained Road or Touring bike rental included or bring your own ride and our professional mechanics will assist setting up your bike.
Transfer to Radda in Chianti for check in at four-star Palazzo Leopoldo (www.palazzoleopoldo.it), This beautiful classic Tuscan residence has been perfectly restored and is situated in the heart of the charming medieval town of Radda in Chianti. Time permitting we will offer a short shakedown ride to sort out any last minute fitting issues.
Meals: During bike fitting a “Panino” (Italian sandwich) lunch. Gourmet welcome dinner at hotel restaurant, La Perla del Palazzo.
Day Two: Monday, May 15th
Radda in Chainti
We begin our tour with a full day ride to historic town of Greve in Chianti passing through Panzano in Chianti with an optional climb up to Passo Sugame, 530 meters above sea level. Expect 70 kilometers of prime Tuscan cycling set against vineyards and olive groves. We lunch with our good friend Tina of Café Le Logge. Tina, a true gourmet, will prepare a first class lunch complimented with the perfect regional wines and cheeses.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch. Dinner: free night.
Day Three: Tuesday, May 16th
Radda in Chianti
After breakfast we depart on bikes from our hotel enjoying a classic ride to Siena passing through Gaiola in Chianti with a quick stop for a visit to Castello Brolio, Enoteca Del Castello Di Brolio (www.ricasoli.it). Authentic lunch stop in Siena with time for exploration. Approximately sixty five kilometers with optional k’s available.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and a very special dinner at Al Chiasso Dei Portici, one of the area’s top-rated restaurants noted for its extensive wine list.
Day Four: Wednesday, May 17th
Radda – Montaione
Today a panoramic ride to Castellina in Chianti, with a quick stop to explore this charming Tuscan village, then back on bikes to San Donato in Poggio for lunch and private guided wine tasting tour at Podere La Cappella. This small privately owned vineyard is typically not open to the public. Lunch is prepared for you by the owners, Bruno and Natascia and served “al fresco” overlooking the rolling hills of Tuscany. Wine can be purchased and shipped to your home. After lunch we’re back on bikes for a short but very challenging ride to towns of Tavernella Val di Pesa and Barbarino Val d’elsa. Approximately 75 kilometers.
We check in at four-star Palazzo Mannaioni (www.mannaioni.com), a classic Tuscan villa updated to include all modern conveniences, excellent service, and comfortable rooms with pool and Jacuzzi baths. It’s located in the village of Montaione with dramatic countryside panoramas and plenty of small shops worth exploring.
Meals: Breakfast, special lunch at vineyard including wine tasting, dinner at hotel restaurant.
Day Five: Thursday, May 18th
Giro Stage 11, 50KM Individual Time Trail
Departing from our hotel we pedal to the town of Pontedera to witness live this critical individual TT stage. This stage is where the pack gets sorted out before the tough mountain stages that follow. The individual Time Trial is an awesome sight, and we will be there to catch all the action.
If you have never experienced a TT live, you are in for a real treat, as it is the ultimate test of man and machine employing the latest technology as the pros race against the clock for valuable time bonuses. You will not believe the speed!
Our ride from Montaione to Pontedera is about 65 kilometers passing ancient villages over 1,000 years old.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch. Dinner: free night in town.
Day Six: Friday, May 19th
Giro Stage 12, Livorno – Setri Levante 165KM
After breakfast we transfer to catch the stage start just outside of Livorno as it winds its way north up along the Tuscan Coast into Ligura. Here we get up close to the pros, and we will put you in the perfect position for some memorable photos.
Depending on the timing our ride will include the towns of Pisaand end in beautiful Lucca. We return to overnight in Florence (four-star accommodations) and our farewell celebration dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and farewell dinner at Natalinos’s, one of Florence’s top-rated authentic family-owned restaurants.
Day Seven: Saturday, May 20th
Florence
Breakfast, check out
Tour concluded
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Guided:
Four-star lodgings standard rooms, upgrades available. Inquire at time of booking.
All indicated meals including wine. Special vintage wine at extra charge.
Rental bike road or touring style frame
Mercedes van transfers and support with on-board fresh food snacks and water
Top guides including local professionally sponsored road cyclists.
Riding tips from special guest riders
Private vineyard tour with wine tasting and lunch
World Class Tuscan cycling
Up close Giro viewing
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Guided: 2007 program will be published in January
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Guided:
2007 rates will be available in January. As a guide, 2006 rates were
€2,800 per person
€200 Supplement for single room (1 person/1 room)
Non-riding guests: €2,625
Holiday Special! Book your Giro tour with a deposit by December 31st and receive 10% off.
Please note that this tour has special deposit and payment terms and conditions. Please call or email us for information.
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Easy air and train access to Florence.
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BikeToursDirect does not operate any tours but represents all companies whose tours are listed on this
site. You can book this tour through BikeToursDirect at the same prices you'd pay booking directly through
the tour company. Book this tour by clicking on "Book Trip" button below, or contact us for help planning your tour.
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