In the heart of Val d'Orcia lies Pienza, a charming town surrounded by rolling vistas. Nearby, Montalcino is famous for its Brunello wine, and Siena boasts a captivating Gothic charm. Gaiole, known as the Eroica town, adds to the region's allure. But what truly sets Tuscany apart for gravel cycling enthusiasts is its network of strade bianche, or "white roads."
The term strade bianche originates from the dry limestone gravel that adorns these roads, creating a fine white dust that lends a unique character to the landscape. It's against this picturesque backdrop that one of professional cycling's marquee events, Strade Bianche, unfolds. Here, steep climbs and daring attacks punctuate the race, making it a spectacle to behold.
Following the success of our self-guided Bike Tour in 2021, we are delighted to introduce the guided version. This carefully curated tour incorporates sections from the Strade Bianche race and the Eroica itinerary, often intersecting with the historic Francigena path. Our Permanent Route of L'Eroica offers a year-round opportunity to experience the adventure of L'Eroica, although we offer the tour from March to November.
While the traditional L'Eroica course commences in Gaiole on the first Sundays of October, we have a special affinity for the Montalcino spring edition. Our accommodations are as diverse as the landscape: from an old convent in Pienza to a wine producer's relais in Montalcino, a villa in Siena, and even a castle in Gaiole. After epic rides, you'll find respite in the hotel pools (except in Siena), a perfect way to unwind.
This tour is designed for gravel bikes, and we offer great trekking e-bikes suitable for the itinerary. Non-riding partners are welcome too, with guided daily activities tailored for their enjoyment. Choose from our range of carbon frame GRAVEL bikes or E-bikes, including the Scott Gravel Addict 20 and the Scott E-SUB Cross 10, both perfectly suited for this adventure.
Gravel Tuscany Bike Tour's Highlights:
Traverse the iconic paths of L'Eroica, Tuscany's renowned vintage bike race.
Savor three of the region's finest wines: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino, and Chianti Classico.
Immerse yourself in Italy's classic cycling locales as you explore the undulating white gravel roads of Tuscany, the famed strade bianche.
Enjoy a well-deserved rest day in Siena, where countless monuments transport you back in time.
Join us for an unforgettable journey through the captivating landscapes and rich history of Tuscany on our Gravel Bike Tour.
Gallery
About The Host
Marco– Technical Director
I was a sound technician in Milan. My authentic passion for cycling led me to the quiet roads and rolling hills of Tuscany where I live and have been leading bike tours since my arrival. I know the region extremely well and love to share my knowledge of Tuscany’s secret corners and off-the-beaten-path places. I love solo travel with my gravel and I just back from my trip from Santiago del Chile to Buenos Aires.
Giuliana– General Manager
In my “first life” in Milan I worked in the TV industry, in the graphic area. Since I was a child I have tried to practice any kind of sport, and that has saved me! Then sport outdoors has become my must-to-do. That’s why I was so enthusiastic to move into the beautiful countryside in Val d’Orcia and take care of cycling tours full time, follow the logistics, be a bike guide, and last but not least scout new tours. I love Food & Wine and I am an official Sommelier with AIS: many wine bike tours are coming.
Itinerary
Location
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
What makes you different from another bike tour company?
We are not focused to look for differences and highlight why we are better than others!
The main thing that we would like potential clients to be aware of is that we create our own trips using ingredients (hotels, guides, experiences) that we’ve discovered ourselves.
We aren’t dishing up travel as an impersonal commodity or selling someone else’s trip, we’re carefully crafting unique itineraries based on first-hand experience.
We develop our own relationships, form our own opinions, and work with whom we think does the best jobs
What makes you experts?
29 years of experience! We’ve worked in the travel business for a shockingly long time as cyclist travelers, guides, reporters, researchers, and planners. We’ve been to the places we send clients, and we live in our main destination Tuscany we offer. We think that fun is a serious business.
Your bike guides are able to assemble bikes, that means they are able to solve quick mechanic problems that may occur!
You are always in an iron barrel (an Italian way to say: se in una botte di ferro)
Do you run any scheduled departures?
Yes – our Guided bike tours and Cycling & Cooking have scheduled departures. Any Guided tour can be requested as a private departure
Private bike tour can be customized and you can choose any date for a private departure. All our Self Guided are private, you decide the departure date.
How long does it take to plan a trip?
It depends on a variety of factors. We’ve planned trips in as little as a week, while others have taken more to finalize. One thing you can be sure of is that we share your enthusiasm for finalizing the details as quickly as possible. The more advance notice we have, the faster and easier it is to confirm a trip and the more likely it is that you’ll get exactly the trip you want. If you wait until the last minute, it’s invariably more difficult to secure hotel availability.
Last-minute requests require an extra degree of flexibility and the planning process gets compressed but we try to do our best. If you are a group of people asking private guided tour, please give us plenty of notice.
Are you fully licensed?
Yes. We are an Italian licensed tour operator /travel agent and we are fully insured. We strongly recommend to ask a license and do not trust in simple sports or cultural associations. We have a sustainability certification and fighting against illegal providers is part of our duty of social engagement.
Are the tours in web site the only places you arrange bike trips?
No, we’ve got some other destinations, but not many. Anyway for some destinations we do not cover we can suggest reliable companies.
We are part of many associations and business networks in active tourism in Italy (ActiveItaly) and worldwide (ATTA)
What are your payment terms?
We require a non-refundable deposit of euro 300 once hotels are booked. Full payment is required 60/45/30 days prior to travel, depending on the type of trip. In private group trip, our deposit could be more due to hotels requiring non-refundable deposit. Our Terms & Conditions outline the pricing and payment details.
How do I pay for my trip?
Payment can be made by bank transfer or credit card (Visa, MasterCard ) Credit card is actually the most used. As we are licensed tour operator, we can charge in a remote way.
Can I plan the trip myself?
We’ve always said that in theory, anyone can plan any trip, just as anyone can build their own house or fix their car. The more relevant question is whether or not it makes sense to do so. It’s not neuroscience, but planning a brilliant bike trip takes know-how, experience, contacts, and a lot of time. Fitting the right pieces together in the right way is more challenging than it may seem.
If you have the patience and gumption to tackle your trip planning, by all means, it can be very rewarding. But if you’re tight on time, short on expertise, or simply “don’t want to risk blowing a day” then it makes a lot of sense to hire the right people for the job
Can I book my own hotels?
NO. In order for us to plan comprehensive, seamless trips we’ve learned that we need to be in control of all the key ingredients including hotels. It is also very important in a bike tour to stay in a cyclist-friendly accommodation, a hotel that we trust and will offer a safe spot for bikes. Anyway feel free to ask if you desire to overnight in a special hotel you heard about, and we will check is possible.
Do you arrange transfers and that sort of thing?
Yes. We can arrange all transfers from the moment you start your bike trip. Additionally, we coordinate local guides, activities, excursions, special events, restaurant reservations, and anything else you’d like our help with. Some trips, the guided tours, are planned to the minute and involve a vast number of arrangements. Other trips, self-guided, are more flexible and free-flowing, with a moderate degree of support. It’s up to you
Some travelers don’t enjoy doing these things for themselves, but others find them the best part of an adventure.
Do you book international flights?
We do not book or issue flights to/from your destination. It’s simply not our area of deep expertise. However, we can usually advise you on the best way to get to the region and how to get to the start point.
How much should I budget for my trip?
We are specific about our price & inclusion for each tour. So you can budget your potential extra fee.
We’ve learned that the silliest question we can ask you when you contact us is: “How much do you want to spend?” We recognize that it’s very hard to know as there are many factors involved. However, consider the overall price from the outset. Think about flight costs. Think about what elements of the trip are most important to you (length of trip? hotels?). And think about those little costs like shopping, meals, and tips.
We encourage extending trips before or after the bike experience. Lengthening trips and traveling in fewer places is a great way to have a deeper and more immersive experience and at the same time reduce the carbon emissions of travel and amortize the cost of airfare
What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation fees are not negotiable.
Can I buy travel insurance through you?
No, for residents of the USA and other countries, the options get a little more complicated owing to the peculiarities of the insurance business. in fact, is valid only if you purchase in your resident country. But the bottom line is that we strongly recommend purchasing it and that you’re covered.
Can I rent your bike without take a tour?
Yes, we offer the option to rent bikes on a weekly basis. Our bike fleet allows us to rent but not in the high season period: May, June, September, and October. If you want to rent enquire about availability. We will confirm the bike rental & the delivery to your accommodation. If you are renting a villa and your idea is road cycling check the length of the gravel road. Especially in Tuscany many beautiful restored villas are reachable only by dirt road and riding the race bike can be a nightmare!
Can I bring my own pedals and saddle?
Yew you can! We provide a high-quality saddle, Selle Italia, but we know how comfortable will be to use your own! Please bring only the saddle, not the seat post because the seat post may not be compatible. Saddles are always compatible.
If you want to use your bike shoes you should bring your own pedals. Our bikes come with toe clips (cage) or flat pedals. As there are so many kinds of cleat pedals we can’t provide all types. You are welcome to bring your helmet but be aware that at bike fitting we will always bring our MET helmets. If the space in your baggage is limited at the last minute you can always count on ours