7 days; June 4th - 11th; Cost: $3,498.
Pisa airport pickup & drop off
Terrain: Rolling/hilly with medium mountain passes
Mileage: 40-70 mi. per day options
Ability Levels: Intermediate to Advanced (non-cycling spouses welcomed)
|
You haven’t lived until you’ve ridden the sublime roads of the magical Appeninnes - framed by the Adriatic and the Mediterannean Seas! This region is defined with magnificent vistas on routes that pass by ancient hilltop villages, pristine lakes and limestone mountain peaks. Your itinerary will include overnights in medieval Bagno di Romagna, Borgo San Lorenzo, Poretta Terme and the Tuscan mountain village of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. Along the way you’ll also visit the most scenic hamlets of Emilia Romagna and Tuscany. If you’re looking for an amazing cycling vacation that combines historic Italian villages, outstanding cuisine and spirited riding- This is your trip!
Daily Itinerary
June 4th: Depart the USA for Italy.
June 5th: Pisa Airport pickup and check-in to our local deluxe airport hotel. After putting your bike together you can sightsee downtown Milan or just relax by the pool. Meet your fellow guests at tonight’s “Welcome Reception & Dinner” tonight as we dine on a delicious menu of local cooking.
June 6th: We’ll take a morning van transfer to the seaside town of Cesenatico (Marco Pantani’s home town). Your cycling begins on the edge of the Adriatic Sea on little roads that curve and roll into some of the most picturesque scenery imaginable. After checking into our deluxe hotel in the charming medieval village of Bagno di Romagna for two nights, it’s time for our “Happy Hour- Wine & Cheese Party” where we’ll discuss tomorrow’s great ride.
June 7th: After a hearty breakfast, challenge a scenic loop through the verdant countryside including a lunch stop at Poggio di Mandrioli. Our second night in Bagno di Romagna allows you the afternoon to explore the cobbled streets with its array of quaint shops and outdoor trattorias.
June 8th: After breakfast we’ll continue on our cycling journey into the magical landscape of the Campigna Nature Park and the beautiful Mugello Plateau. Our overnight is enjoyed in ancient Scarperia. Enjoy a dip in the pool before a feast of arugula salad, fresh pasta, and a choice of cinghale or roasted chicken at tonight’s group dinner. Don’t miss sunset over the high-Tuscan countryside later this evening.
June 9th: Cycle through the Bolognese Apennines with a lunch stop in the romantic village of Castiglione dei Pepoli. Over overnight is spent in a deluxe Four- Star Spa hotel in the resort town of Porretta Terme. Relax with a massage before sightseeing its many shops, cafes and restaurants.
June 10th: Our most challenging day shadows majestic Monte Cimone before a final push over Passo di Radici and back into Tuscany. Relax later in the day with a book by our hotel’s pool that overlooks the picturesque Garfagnana Valley. Tonight you’ll explore the cobblestone streets of historic Castelnuovo, choosing dinner at one of the many trattorias.
June 11th: Our final ride follows a spectacular route through the spectacular Alpi Apuane before a switchback descent into the Mediterranean seaside village of Lerici. After lunch we’ll van transfer back to our Pisa airport hotel for bike packing and airport transfers. We also offer a Pisa airport hotel option tonight if you need to fly out on June 11th. (Explore Cinque Terra or Florence options available – call for details!)
June 12th: Depart for the USA, hotel shuttles in the morning and afternoon.
|
