Italy Cycle Tour
The Eroica 2008
Date: September 27 - October 6, 2008
$3,995.00 per person based on twin share

Limited places available, book early to avoid disappointment

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Cycling-Inform has joined forces Italian Immersions to bring you this Classic Italian Cycling Event – The ‘Eroica’ Race
Join us on the perfect Italian cycling experience. This 10 day itinerary rolls over the regions unparalleled landscapes and fi nishes with our participation in one of Italy’s oldest and greatest cycling events – The ‘Eroica’ Race. Our trails lead us to discover a place steeped in history and nature, classic hilltop towns, ancient hamlets and castles, World Heritage listed landscapes and arguably Italy’s best wines. It is Italian cycling and culture at its best.

What is a The ‘Eroica’ Race?
L’Eroica is an annual race that has achieved cult status in Italy and abroad. Staged in the Chianti – the prestigious area between the two great cities of Florence and Siena – the occasion is a throwback to the ‘heroic’ bygone era of cycling. The race travels over both paved and unpaved roads and many enter dressed in vintage attire and riding old bikes of yesteryear. Indeed the Eroica race matters less for its outcome than of the sport at the heart of this spectacle.
Participants have the choice of 4 routes:
- 38 km
- 75 km
- 137 km
- 200 km
From a technical perspective, roads in the Chianti alternate rolling hills with more substantial climbs that are within reach of most cyclists of average capabilities – the altitudes here never exceed 900 metres. However for those planning to tackle the longer distances the ride represents a true cycling challenge in the true spirit of an event named ‘The Hero’ (L’Eroica). The event also plays host to one of the most important markets for bike memorabilia in the world. For those truly devoted to cycling and the best of Italian culture L’Eroica is an experience not to be missed.

Coaching included ($291.00 worth of extra free value only when you book through Cycling-Inform)!
Book through Cycling-Inform and get two months of Cycling-Inform's remote coaching program leading up to the tour to help you prepare for this epic event. This includes a two month training plan and  weekly feedback on your progress via e-mail.

ITINERARY:

DAY 1: Saturday 27th September
Arrival at Florence Hotel
Arrive independently* at Florence accommodation situated in the historic centre. Upon arrival at hotel you will meet the trip host who will assist you with any initial travel needs. Florence is the great capital of Tuscany and arguably Italy’s most beautiful city. For us it is an essential prelude into this seductive region – displaying harmonious, balanced, simple beauty and cultural traditions that distinguish Tuscany from the rest of Italy. Welcome to Tuscany dinner featuring local specialities and wines set in atmospheric Florentine Ristorante – conveniently located in Historic centre.
Meals: D

DAY 2: Sunday 28th September
Group transfer to Siena Countryside
Transfer from Florence to Siena countryside and our farm-holiday accommodation. The family owned and operated accommodation is a 336 hectare estate and has its origins dating back over 500 years. This will be the base for the next 6 nights/7 days. Following lunch our cycle tour guide will immediately assist mechanical preparations of bikes for the fi rst of the itinerary rides commencing Day 3. Welcome dinner of traditional/ seasonal food with local wines following an estate tour that includes a visit of its 4 floor winery which begins with a medieval hermitage and crosses the underground of the 16th century villa before rising into a loft where the Tuscan desert wine Vin Santo is made.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 3: Monday 29th September
Prelude Tuscany Ride: 55km
The first ride introduces participants to the unmistakable territory of Tuscany discovered south of Siena. This is the area of Tuscany’s classic landscapes – many would say the regions best. Our excursion route winds along ridges and hills of unique and atmospheric landscape, connecting to a series of wonderful medieval towns and villages. The constant interplay of gentle ascending and descending on near perfect roads in classic Italian countryside makes for unforgettable cycling – and more than wets the appetite for the riding that awaits us.
Meals: B, D

DAY 4: Tuesday 30th September
The Val d’Orcia and land of the Brunello: 110km or 60km (option)
Today’s riding excursion is into the World Heritage listed landscape of the Val d’Orcia. This area offers everything for the cycle tourist. Over the course of this long-days riding we visit the ancient thermal village of Bagno Vignoni; climb to the castle topped villages of Rocca D’Orcia and Castiglione; and wind through the territory of ‘Brunello di Montalcino’ – Italy’s most famous wine. The day’s itinerary includes a memorable lunch. Immersing within a small cellar of a local ‘Brunello’ producer, we enjoy local food products along with the legendary vino of Montalcino.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 5: Wednesday 1st October
Classic Tuscan hilltop towns of Montelpulciano and Pienza Ride: 75km or 40km (option)
The harmonious pathways of today’s riding excursion lead us to the hilltop towns of Montepulciano and Pienza. Both are Renaissance towns and combine Tuscany’s outstanding countryside and stunning architecture. From Montepulciano you are privileged to views over Umbria and Southern Tuscany and from Pienza you are treated with a breathtaking panorama of the Val d’Orcia. The day’s itinerary includes lunch in the nearby outskirts of Pienza and includes the world famous Pecoino di Pienza (sheeps cheese from Pienza) and equally famous wines from Montepulciano. In the evening at the estate we have a Tuscan style pizza party.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 6: Thursday 2nd October
Floating over the Crete Ride: 55km
Our fi nal ride before tomorrows move into the Chianti is a relaxing roll over the territory of the Crete Senesi – sometimes referred to as the Tuscan desert in reference to the barrenness of its environment. Indeed its rolling landscape recalls similar terrain to the Chianti – but within a totally different environment and atmosphere. The highlight of this excursion is Monte Oliveto Maggiore. This beautiful Benedictine monastery is sited in one of the most outstanding tracts of Sienese countryside, undoubtedly one of Tuscany’s finest images.
Meals: B, D

DAY 7: Friday 3rd October
Transfer to the Chianti – our base for our fi nal 3 nights. An area of unspoilt natural beauty and rich cultural heritage it is Italy’s most recognisable wine zone. We stay in the historic centre of the area’s most attractive town – Radda. No scheduled ride for the day as we reserve energy for the Sunday’s much anticipated L’Eroica ride.
Meals: B

DAY 8: Saturday 4th October
Prelude L’Eroica Ride: 25km
On the day before the much anticipated L’Eroica Race we participate in a relaxing riding excursion of the Gaiole surrounding – venue of tomorrow’s event. In particular we familiarise ourselves with some of the areas famous (and challenging) ‘white roads’ – Italy’s answer to the legendary Paris-Roubaix cobblestones. In the evening we are VIP guest at the offi cial L’Eroica dinner – dining together with all the participants of this great event and their families.
Meals: B, D

DAY 9: Sunday 5th October
The Eroica Race
Today you step back into ‘the golden age of Italian cycling’. Starting and ending from the historic centre square of Gaiole Chianti, you pedal along with over 1,000 other cyclists experiencing the passion of the L’Eroica – the event appropriately named ‘The Hero’. For those embarking on the longer routes the race presents as ‘pure’ a cycling challenge that one can get. The day also ties in another great tradition of the Chianti – the annual grape harvest. Needless to say the wine flows freely at the post-race dinner. For competitors and spectators alike this day is a one-of-kind
experience.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 10: Monday 6th October
Departure transfer to Florence
Following breakfast is the departure transfer back to Florence/ End of Trip
Meals: B

TRIP INCLUSIONS
ACCOMMODATION: 1 night’s 3-star hotel; 3 night’s 4-star hotel; 5 night’s wine-estate (double room
with private bathroom and a shared living and kitchen area)
TRANSPORT: All transfers during trip
GUIDES: For all scheduled itineraries; all have received national accreditation
BIKES: Wilier with Campagnolo Record/Chorus components
MEALS: 9 breakfasts; 8 lunches; 8 dinners with local wine
OTHER: Event entry & wine tastings
COACHING: Get two months of Cycling-Inform's remote coaching program leading up to the tour to help you prepare for this epic event as part of this package which includes a two month training plan and  weekly feedback on your progress.

TRIP LEADERS
Darren Welch – Co-founder of Italian Immersions. Darren has been passionate about Italy ever since attending an Italian fi end’s birthday party when he was 10 years old!! Aside from embracing Italian culture he has a background in Sports Science; having qualifi ed at tertiary level and prior to Italian Immersions worked with high performance sports teams both in Australia and abroad. Subsequently, Darren has an enthusiasm for physical activity with cycling currently at the top of his preferred outdoor pursuits – particularly if it involves Italy!! On your trip Darren’s role will be to co-ordinate the itinerary and provide service and support to participant needs.

Mauro Pieri – A former professional cyclist he now operates guided itineraries in the territory of Siena. Deeply passionate about the territory of land in which he lives and works, Mauro has created riding itineraries that best showcase the area that he so much loves. As well as his capabilities as a rider, he has graduated with the National accreditation for being an expert cycling guide. On your trip Mauro and his qualified team will provide guided expertise and technical assistance for all of the cycling itineraries.

Got a question about this event? Contact us here.