Heart of Tuscany: Special Edition
Tour de France and Palio di Siena
On this special edition of our traditional Tuscan tour you’ll be part of two events that you will never forget: the Tour de France and the Palio di Siena.
The adventure starts in Florence, where the 2024 Tour de France begins. From there we reach the quaint town of Radda in Chianti and ride all the way to the Val d’Orcia crossing the Tuscan countryside along Via Chiantigiana (literally, Chianti road), a classic and rustic route that passes through the heart of the Chianti wine region. Here the landscape resembles a Renaissance painting alive with wildflowers in the spring. Along our way we’ll stop in Siena, where a medieval air lingers amidst the twisting streets of warm, brown brick. Here we will participate in one of Italy’s most popular tradition: the Palio! The horse race that takes place in the main square represents the most important event happening in town. Our group will experience the atmosphere of a “contrada” at the inaugural dinner on the previous night and see the race from a privileged point of view.
On the final two days of tour, the route leads to the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site characterized by the smooth shape of the hills, the tiny stone village, and the unique Montalcino vineyards.
Tour Essence
- Stay in Tuscany luxury hotels and countryside inns
- Participate in a Team Presentation and departure of the Tour de France
- Enjoy a “contrada” dinner
- Watch the Palio from an exclusive balcony in Piazza al campo
- Learn more about Tuscan cuisine, its wines and its olive oils, with exclusive visits to the homes of local producers
- Memorable Tuscany cycling routes through the Chianti area
- Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Val d’Orcia and Siena
- Ride through the Crete Senesi on one of the most beautiful bike rides in Tuscany
- Immerse yourself in an authentic Tuscan lifestyle with a traditional cooking lessons
- Ride to Montalcino, home of the most famous Italian red wine: Brunello di Montalcino
What to Expect
Terrain
Rolling and hilly with breathtaking viewsStart Location
FlorenceEnd Location
MontalcinoMileage
Average Daily: 30/35 miles Total: 154/210 miles
Once you have a trip confirmed, we will feed you a steady diet of additional pre-departure information that includes: How to train, prepare, pack and all the wonderful, inspirational and practical things you want and need to know before you go! Our Travel Advisors will be available to help plan your pre- and post-tour travel.
- Van support
- Exclusive access to a stand for the Palio
- Cooking lesson by local chef
- Olive oil tasting
- 2 wine tastings
- Guided walking tour of Siena
- Cycling clinics
- Shuttle at the beginning and end of the tour
What’s Included
- Use of our exclusive carbon road bike, La Classica Ribelle (or Equivalent Carbon Road Bike)
- Garmin Edge Touring GPS loaded with the GPX tracks of your rides
- Two water bottles
- Saddle bag with repair kit
- Optional: Map holder on handlebar
Pedal Options
- Flat pedals
- Half-toe pedals (without straps)
What’s Not Included
- Helmet
- Optional: clipless/SPD pedals with shoes
- Optional: your own saddle
- All accommodations
- All breakfasts
- 3 lunches + 1 picnic
- 6 dinners
Chianti is a wine practically synonymous with Italy itself, benefiting from an unparalleled terroir that nurtures the best in Italian reds—something you’ll quickly appreciate on our Tuscany cycling adventures. We’ll pedal first to Montalcino, hometown of the most famous Tuscan red, Brunello di Montalcino. We also track through Greve and Panzano, literally immersing ourselves in Chianti along the way!
Complemented by outstanding meals, you’ll also learn from the experts about the finer points of Tuscan cuisine, and its wonderful olive oils. Visiting the homes of renowned local producers (some of whom are your Ciclismo Classico guides), you’ll take part in cooking lessons in authentic Tuscan cuisine. We’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Val d’Orcia and ride the “Crete Senesi,” one of the most beautiful Tuscany bike routes.
2024
Start Location
FlorenceFly Into
FlorenceEnd Location
MontalcinoFly Out Of
Florence or RomeTour de France Presentation
Accommodations
Hotel Silla
The Hotel Silla distinguishes itself for the excellent comforts and services it offers and a breathtaking rooftop terrace on the Arno. Within the historic Demidoff building, the congenial family-run hotel offers an expert multilingual staff.
Florence to Chianti
Average Mileage
14/20 milesAccommodations
Palazzo Leopoldo
Palazzo Leopoldo is a wonderful villa in 1800 style in the historical center of Radda in Chianti. The building dates back to 1300.
The Chianti
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
30/44 milesElevation Gain
3,723/5,261 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling hills with one long climbMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Palazzo Leopoldo
Palazzo Leopoldo is a wonderful villa in 1800 style in the historical center of Radda in Chianti. The building dates back to 1300.
Siena
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
30/32 milesElevation Gain
2,134/2,445 ftRiding Terrain
Hilly, and a longer climb on the extra loopMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Villa del Sole
Villa del Sole Siena is a newly renovated Boutique Hotel in the heart of the medieval town of Siena. This small and stylish contemporary hotel has sweeping views of both the city and the countryside. The friendly and helpful reception staff are on hand for advice. The pleasant panoramic terrace at the back of the hotel and gazebo at the front have views of the countryside and historic center and are ideal for a relaxing break.
Siena
Meals Provided
Breakfast, LunchAverage Mileage
Optional 24 milesRiding Terrain
RollingMeals Provided
Breakfast, LunchAccommodations
Villa del Sole
Villa del Sole Siena is a newly renovated Boutique Hotel in the heart of the medieval town of Siena. This small and stylish contemporary hotel has sweeping views of both the city and the countryside. The friendly and helpful reception staff are on hand for advice. The pleasant panoramic terrace at the back of the hotel and gazebo at the front have views of the countryside and historic center and are ideal for a relaxing break.
Siena to San Quirico D'Orcia
Meals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
43 milesElevation Gain
3,498/4,447 ftRiding Terrain
Undulating with some climbsMeals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Palazzo del Capitano
The 4-star Palazzo del Capitano is a restored ancient mansion from the 15th century and combines tradition with modern comforts.
