This is a cycle event not to be missed. If you love Italy, you’ll adore Tuscany with its lyrical landscapes, world class art and a superb ‘cucina contadina’ (farmer’s kitchen).
Tuscany has a timeless familiarity with its iconic Florentine cathedral dome, gently rolling hills dipped in soft morning mist and sculptural cypress alleys. But then, the region in central Italy is postcard material. Golden wheat fields, silver olive groves and pea-green vineyards marching in sharp terraced rows on the hillsides form a graceful prelude to soul-soaring medieval hilltop villages. By far and away the best way to explore Tuscany is on your bike, the rousing landscape demands it.
Dates and Prices
Date of Event
TBC September 2020
Duration
6 Days (4 cycling)
Difficulty Rating
4/8 (click here for details)
Registration Fee
£120
Event Fee
£980*
Min. Sponsorship
£n/a**
*This amount is payable in addition to the registration fee above.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Pisa
On arrival in Pisa, you can check into the hotel and spend your free time (flight times dependent) exploring the area or visiting the stunning city of Pisa.
Of course, Pisa is best known for its iconic Leaning Tower. Already tilting when it was completed in 1372, the 56m white marble cylinder is the bell tower of the Romanesque, the striped marble cathedral that rises next to it in the Piazza del Miracoli.
You will meet the crew at registration together with a briefing on the first day’s cycling, Your bikes will have arrived safely in advance and will be ready and waiting for you to start your challenge. As participants will be arriving throughout the day and evening, tonight’s evening meal is not included leaving you to sample all on offer.
Day 2 – Pisa to Florence
Approximate cycling distance 70 miles (112km)
Our exciting event begins after breakfast as we head eastwards out of Pisa on our journey to Florence. Our route takes us through Lucca, famous for its well preserve Renaissance walls encircling its historic city centre. The broad, tree lined pathways along the tops of these massive 16thand 17thcentury ramparts are perfect for cycling. We move on towards Vinci, the birthplace of its most famous son, Leonardo before heading into the iconic city of Florence, the capital of the Tuscany region and home to stunning masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture As we ride into the city you’ll catch sight of one of its most iconic sights – the Duomo, a cathedral with a terracotta tiled dome and bell tower.
Your evening meal is not included tonight allowing you the freedom to eat at your convenience in this magnificent city.
Day 3 – Florence to Arezzo
Approximate cycling distance 63 miles (100km)
We continue our journey eastwards as we head out of Florence following the River Arno before a change of direction (southeasterly) takes the route into forested hills through this fantastic region. These gradual climbs move around the slopes as we enjoy breathtaking views into the valley. Today’s route takes us through many of the small towns and villages that typify Tuscany as well as vineyards a plenty.
Our final destination for the evening is the region or Arezzo as we head for the city of Arezzo itself, one of the wealthiest cities in Tuscany, due to its tradition in gold-smithery. It’s a final hill climb into the city, that sits at the crossroads of four valleys but well worth the climb as we witness the monuments, churches and museums in the centre that survived the damage of World War II.
Day 4 Arezzo to Siena
Approximate cycling distance 76 miles (122km)
We loop South and west as today’s route plays with the hills between these fabulous cities. We visit more hilltop towns, Montepulciano with all its beauty and known for its gorgeous wine and gourmet food and Montalcino known for its Brunello wines before again climbing into the magical old town of Siena. Todays route is mainly undulating through this stunning Tuscan landscape, with some steeper climbs as we visit the wonderful towns along the way – all a must see! Siena itself is distinguished by its medieval brick buildings, the fan-shaped central square housing the Gothis town hall and the Torre del Mangia, a slender 14thcentury tower that looks back at the sweeping views we’ve just cycled form its distinctive white crown.
Day 5 Siena to Pisa
Approximate cycling distance 70 miles (112km)
Today’s early morning route is more gentle as we pass through beautiful valleys with more amazing views of hilltop towns, vineyards and wooded slopes. Eventually we climb to see San Gimignano, a small walled medieval town known for its well preserved towers and of course, its wine!
The final part of our journey sees us enjoy a wonderful descent as we get closer and closer to our finish. The descent then flattens out on our route into Pisa, where we cross the River Arno and finish in front of the Leaning Tower – a truly fantastic end to a truly brilliant and stunning cycling trip. Let our celebrations begin!
Day 6 Departure Day
After a leisurely breakfast, the event comes to an end. Your bikes will be safely transported back to the UK leaving you hassle free to continue with your onward arrangements or spend further days in this truly magnificent city, the choice is yours!
Chapeau Events reserves the right to change the route or itinerary for safety reasons should local conditions dictate.
What’s Included?
• Transportation service for bikes from UK to Pisa for the start of the ride and from Pisa back to the UK at the end of the event. Participants are responsible for their own travel to Pisa for the start of the event and from Pisa at the end of the Event.
• Accommodation and transportation of luggage, from the start of the event on 9th to the finish.
• 3 meals per day and 2 water stops for each day of riding, from breakfast on 9th September until breakfast on 13th September. except as stated in the itinerary above on days 1 & 3.
• Full trip support including mechanics, first aid, drivers and full route support
• Water stops
• Crew members for the duration of the ride both cycling with participants and in vehicles. This event is rider led by Chapeau Crew.
What’s Excluded?
• Flights and transfers, both inbound and outbound. Participants are responsible for their own travel to Pisa for the start of the event and from Pisa at the end of the Event.
• A bicycle.
• Evening meals as stated in the itinerary above on days 1 & 3.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Drinks, personal items or entry to any optional tourist sites you may wish to visit.
What can I expect from your accommodation?
Accommodation is in 3-4* hotels, picked for their proximity to our route. All the hotels we choose are excellent with en-suite facilities, offering exceptional value for money; standards however may vary between the hotels. The price of this trip is based on two people sharing a room. If you are travelling on your own don’t worry, we will pair you up with somebody in a similar position. You can also opt for a single room, but this will incur a supplementary charge of £220 for 4 nights.
What food is included and does it cater for all diets?
Evening meals and breakfasts will be provided at the hotels, apart from the evening of day 1 & 3 as specified in the itinerary above. Lunches are provided by Chapeau Catering and are a generous buffet-style (cold) with plenty of energy food to keep you going! In addition, we will provide refreshments at each cycle checkpoint of which there will be 2 each day, in addition to lunch of course and consisting of water, juices and high-energy snacks – 1 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon. Chapeau can cater for all special dietary requirements provided you let us know well in advance of the trip; however, if you have unique dietary requirements its is advised that you bring some of your favourite snacks with you for riding, as choice can be limited across European countries.
What’s unique about Chapeau…why should I choose you?
Our events are tailored to you…our team have physically driven and assessed every mile of the route to ensure the safest and best possible route for your challenge, so rest assured you are in the safest hands.
How fit do I need to be?
Chapeau events attract people of all levels of experience and fitness, all ages and backgrounds. We expect all participants to train hard in advance to achieve this challenge, but we respect everyone’s limits. You will be in the saddle for upward of 60/70 miles a day for 4 consecutive days, so you should ensure, as a minimum that you are comfortable riding upwards of 50 miles in a day and have achieved this regularly before you leave for the trip. The profile can be undulating, so you should include some hilly rides in your training to make the most enjoyment. We design our challenges so that everyone can go at their own pace; this is not a race. For further information regarding how we rate our challenges click here
Who will be there to support me during the event?
Your trip will be led by experienced Chapeau Events crew. Our crew are selected for their experience in cycling events around the world, their friendliness and approachability, sense of humour and ability to safely and effectively deal with any situation that arises. Our crew leaders are also trained in expedition first-aid. You are in very safe hands with the Chapeau Events crew.
The number of crew and support vehicles looking after you will depend on the final size of your group, but the team will be looking after every aspect of your trip whether that’s transporting your luggage, ensuring your route is well-marked, sorting out any mechanical problems or giving you a lift in our back vehicle – our “Love bus”. At Chapeau Events we pride ourselves on our high crew: cyclist ratio and believe it leads to greater trip enjoyment as well as excellent trip safety.
Will I be safe?
Your safety, and that of the rest of the group, is our highest priority. Our trips are designed and planned with safety in mind. Your crew will be equipped with emergency mobile phones, first-aid kits and other safety apparatus where necessary. They always have access to our 24-hour emergency back-up in the UK. Our leaders are responsible for safety on the trip, and will make any changes to the itinerary they deem necessary should local conditions dictate. Pre-trip administration – such as compulsory medical questionnaires and travel insurance – is all done with your safety in mind.
What happens to my luggage each day?
Our support vehicles are with the group all of the time. All luggage and spares will be carried in them as we travel to each destination. On reaching our hotels, at the end of each day, you will hand over your bike for safe overnight keeping and collect your luggage. Each morning, you will hand over your luggage and collect your bike. Obviously space is limited so it is essential that your kit is packed in a soft sailing bag, cabin case, rucksack or expedition kitbag, weighing up to 15kg.
What insurance will I require?
It is a requirement of entry that you have adequate insurance to cover your participation on the event. We will require a copy of valid insurance before travel.
Are flights and transfers to and from destination included?
No…we do not arrange any flights for this challenge, enabling you to take advantage of the many competitive fares between Italy and different UK cities. Chapeau will, however ensure your bike is safely transported to and from the event if required, allowing you the freedom for free time in Pisa.
Chapeau events will of course provide advice on best travel options and further accommodation requirements should you require.
Will I receive further information?
Yes…a full detailed information pack will be issued following registration and before you set off for your event. In addition, pre-event support is always available, simply email us at cycle@chapeauevents.co.uk with your questions.