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La Piazza Blog & Stories
This Is What Makes Our ‘Tuscany Green’ Bike Tour So Special
Ciclismo Experience
October 19, 2016

This Is What Makes Our ‘Tuscany Green’ Bike Tour So Special

A panoramic view of a rural landscape with rolling green hills, scattered trees, winding roads perfect for cycling tours, and a few farm buildings under a hazy sky.

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Since 1996, the young and vibrant Tuscan dynamic duo, Elisa Cucini and Alessandro “Sandro” Draghi (who’s been a Ciclismo tour guide since 2007), have been running a medieval grain mill and farm in Tuscany converted into an agriturismo (agricultural farm-stay) located near Siena.

Everyday life at Il Molinello (“The Mill”), the name of this magical place, is a complete family affair: Elisa (the lawyer and politician, the “pillar” of all); Sandro (the nature and bicycle guide, sommelier, cyclist and absolute lover of life); their three children, Emma, Guido and Bernardo; and Sandro’s parents, Mauro and Paola (i nonni!).

When Sandro tells the great, emotionally-packed story about how this big adventure all unfolded for the Draghi family back in the late 90s, it brings about pure admiration and excitement for this exceptional couple and family, including their trials and tribulations along the way. Living the dream, as we say!

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Back then in the early 90s, Sandro applied himself completely to the art of wine and olive oil production—mostly self-taught—while trying, with help from his padre and friends, to set up a unique, beautiful farm-stay. He wanted it to cater to North American and other European travelers who are looking for the full, immersive experience of Tuscany: cycling or walking along gorgeous Tuscan roads, visiting local producers, preparing meals in the kitchen with Elisa, and olive oil and Tuscan wine tastings, both on and off the property. The opportunities were, and still are, endless.

Molinello is situated in the heart and soul of Tuscany, right in between the distinctive Chianti and Val D’Orcia areas. Today, this villa-agriturismo project has come full circle for the Draghi family and today, Elisa and Sandro run a thriving, beautiful farm-to-stay property, alla grande! (“at best”)

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Join us on Ciclismo Classico’s beautiful Tuscany Green trip in 2017 and get ready for the time of your life with Sandro’s family at Il Molinello. Experience authentic living in Tuscany with a true Tuscan family for one entire week. You won’t regret it!

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