Grand Tour of France Depart & Tuscany Tour
The Grand Tour of France combined with magic of Italy - an unmissable week of immersing yourself in the world's most watched sporting event.
An unforgettable week of enjoying the spectacular TdF in the most beautiful country on each. Our handcrafted cycling tour allows you to get up close to the peloton and saviour the atmosphere of the greatest show on two wheels. A combination of great riding, fabulous accommodation and even better cuisine awaits those who join us. We start in Florence before rolling north and finishing in the exquisite Piemonte region. If you are in search of unequalled Italian expertise and seamless organisation then read on and learn why nexts years Grand Depart is not to be missed.
TdF Team Presentation
Siena City Centre
Guided Rides
3 TDF Stage viewings
Transfers
Non-rider welcome
-
Activity level:
LEVEL 2 – Gentilissimo
- I ride my bike most weeks back home. - I enjoy chatting and stoping to take in the view when riding. - The best part of my ride is the coffee stop. - I can’t do a wheelie yet. - Duration: 8 days | 7 nights
- Date 2024: JUN 26 - JUL 03
- Price from: €3299
- Single supplement €699
- Room upgrade available: Yes
- Please note we are not an Official Operator of the Tour of France.
The Perfect Cycling Holiday
Is this what I’m looking for?
- Are you wanting to enjoy fine hospitality and a tour seamlessly organised by the Italian experts?
- Are you in search of a tour that allows you to ride part of the stages of the TdF?
- Would you like to ride the magical roads of Strade Bianche?
- Do you wish to book a holiday that offers unbeatable value for money?
- Are you a fan of Marco Pantani and interested to learn more about Italian cycling legend?
Magical & Unforgettable
What to look forward to……
- Discover the party that is the TdF Team presentation.
- Ride the same roads as the pro peloton on three stages.
- Fall in love with the magic of Tuscany and its enchanting wines.
- Enjoy private viewing hospitality in the company of other cycling enthusiasts
- Be guided by an ex pro who will share his experience of riding the TdF
Stages of your Tour
Benvenuto to italia
25 km, 150m climb.
An unforgettable week of enjoying the spectacular TdF in the most beautiful country on each. Our handcrafted cycling tour allows you to get up close to the peloton and saviour the atmosphere of the greatest show on two wheels. A combination of great riding, fabulous accommodation and even better cuisine awaits those who join us. We start in Florence before rolling north and finishing in the exquisite Tuscany region. If you are in search of unequalled Italian expertise and seamless organisation then read on and learn why next year’s Grand Depart is not to be missed.
Pensione di Vignamaggio - Panzano in Chianti
Day 2 Team Presentation
75 km, 750m CLIMB
After a fabulous breakfast we hop on the bike and enjoy a wonderful ride through the heart of the Chianti region. Famed for incredible red wines and roads lined with magical Cypress Trees - picture perfect Italy! Our destination is our most southerly point, Grave in Chianti, here we will have a bite to eat in the piazza before heading north through medieval villages back the hotel. In the late afternoon we transfer to the centre of Florence for the TdF team presentation followed by dinner in the city centre
Pensione di Vignamaggio - Panzano in Chianti
Day 3 Strade Bianche
70km, 1100m climb
Today is dedicated to arguably the world’s most beautiful one day pro race - Strade Bianche. The route today will be on the same roads the pro peloton ride, finishing with the climb in to Pizza del Campo in the heart of Siena. Plenty of time for photos and coffee before rolling back to the hotel. In the afternoon we will enjoy wine tasting and a tour of a local vineyard. Dinner served in local pizzeria.
Pensione di Vignamaggio - Panzano in ChiantiDay 4 stage 1 Viewing
44KM - 900m cliMb
This morning we leave early and ride west with hundreds of other cycling enthusiasts in the direction of the first climb of stage 1. Italy Bike Tours staff will be waiting in our private viewing area which will have food, drinks & TV to watch race. We are the party! The pro peloton will pass us around midday, a chance to watch your favourite riders battle for the first yellow jersey of the tour.
This afternoon we will transfer to Bologna and enjoy dinner in the city centre.
Palazzo Varignana - BolognaDay 5 Bologna finish line
50km, 550m climb.
After the now customary excellent breakfast we hop on the bikes and enjoy a loop of south Bologna. The terrain is rolling and the views magnificent. On arrival back to the hotel there will be time to shower and change before we head to the city centre to watch the finish of Stage 2. The city will be buzzing with TdF energy and the famous San Luca climb will be fabulous to watch from the road side with other cycling fans. Dinner this evening at the hotel.
Palazzo Varignana - BolognaDay 6 piacenza Depart
90KM, 300 CLIMB.
A morning transfer to watch today’s stage start in Piacenza (Stage 3). A chance to watch the professionals warm-up and prepare for today’s stage that finishes in Torino. Once the stage has started we will take a beautiful ride north to the wine region of Franciacorta near Lake Iseo. Dinner this evening will be a special meal overlooking the lake.
Relais Franciacorta - Iseo Lake
Day 7 monTecampione
110KM - 1700M climb
Our last ride of the tour is dedicated to Marco Pantani and his victories in the 1998 Giro d’Italia and TdF. The last man to do the ‘double’ - will it ever be repeated? We start from the hotel and ride along the shore of Lake Iseo before climbing epic Montecampione. For those that make it to the top a chance to take photos at undoubtably the finest statue of the great man. Dinner served in the hotel restaurant.
Relais Franciacorta - Iseo Lake
Day 8 - Arrividerci
All good things must come to end and following this amazing few days our team will help you depart for your onward travel.
BIKE HIRE
The perfect cycling holiday requires pedalling on the perfect bike. So should you not wish to bring your own bike with you we have a number of beautiful bikes that you can hire at very reasonable prices. If you are not sure what is the perfect bike for you then fire as a mail and we will be delighted give you some expert advice. You can find more information about our bikes below. And yes, you can buy our bikes if you fall in love with them!
Colnago V3 - the perfect road bike to hire on our more challenging cycling holidays. Lightweight, aerodynamic and above all great handling.
COLNAGO V3
COMPONENTS:
- Shimano 105 12 Speed Di2 Drivetrain (50/34 Chainset and 11-34 Cassette)
- Fulcrum Racing 600 Wheelset
- Pirelli P7 Sport 28mm Tyres
- Shimano 105 Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
- Selle Italia Novus Boost Evo Flow saddle
- (Sizes: XXS(42S), XS(45S), S(48S), M(50S), L(52S), XL(54S), XXL(56S), XXXL(58S))
3T Primo - in our opinion 3T make the world’s finest gravel bikes. The Primo offers clients the very best in handling and comfort. If you love riding gravel you will love the 3T Primo.
3T PRIMO GRAVEL
COMPONENTS:
- SRAM Rival Mechanical 1 x 11 Speed Drivetrain (42T Chainset and 11-42T Cassette)
- Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 Wheelset
- Pirelli Cinturato 35mm Gravel Tyres
- SRAM Rival Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
- WTB SL8 saddle
- (Sizes: S, M, L, XL)
Guerciotti Brera Touring ION - the ideal bike for guests looking for a little assistance when riding. The flat handle bars perfect for clients looking for maximum comfort.
GUERCIOTTI BRERA TOURING ION
COMPONENTS:
- SRAM NX Mechanical 1 x 11 Speed Drivetrain (40T Chainset and 11-42T Cassette) URSUS Orion Disc Wheelset
- Challenge Gravel Grinder 42mm Tyres
- SRAM Guide Rival Hydraulic Levers and SRAM Rival Caliper Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
- Electric Polini E-P3 250 watt motor, with 70 N/m maximum torque
- 500 wh battery with 220 km range in assist mode
- DPV Touring saddle
- (Sizes: S, M)
Guerciotti Navir ION - loved by clients that enjoy the challenge of riding some of our more challenging tours. Assisted road bikes are a real ‘game changer’.
What’s included?
- 7-nights 4* accommodation
- All breakfasts and 5 dinners
- Airport transfers
- GPX routes
- Ex-Pro guide
- 3 TdF stage viewing
- Van and mechanical support
- Gift Bundle
- City taxes
What’s not included?
- Travel Insurance
- Flights
- All beverages at meal time
- Lunches
The nuts and Bolts
Useful information about your holiday
Still Undecided?
Clive and his team has just provided myself and fellow tourists from all corners of the globe an amazing cycling experience, both on and off the bike.
I personally have used several other operators for cycle tours and this one was truly unique.
All aspects were of exceptionally well done , from cycle routes, acomadation, food, especially the young guides, who are world class ,as an older rider I have lots of experience in this field, the behind the scenes ,drivers mechanics are first rate,
Congratulations Clive be proud of your team
Robert | TDF 2023
| Where to meet? |
Please arrange to meet us at Florence airport around 12:00 - Day 1. We will contact you via WhatsApp in the days leading up to the start of your tour to confirm your transfer and the name of the staff member collecting you. Alternative transfers can be arranged but may incur an additional cost. |
|---|---|
| Drop off Location? |
We can assist you with planning and booking of onward travel following the conclusion of your tour. We will run one morning transfer to Milan airports. |
| Transfer Time |
Please consider eating lunch before we collect you from Florence. The transfer time to the hotel is around 25 minutes (Day 1). |
| Riding in Italy |
The general road conditions in Italy are good with many cycle paths. At certain times of the year roads may be busy with cars and motorbikes. For these reasons we may adjust ride times. |
| Cuisine |
The food is excellent in all three regions. Restaurants now cater for both vegan and vegetarians. Homemade local wines and beer a must to try. |
| Hotel Facilities |
The hotels on this tour have spas and we recommend bringing swimming costumes. Hotels also have laundry service, good wifi and bar service. Hotels may charge extra to use some of these facilties. |
| Private Tours & Groups |
We welcome the opportunity to discuss a private tour with you should you be in a group of six or more. A private tour allows you to choose dates and personalise the itinerary according to your requirements. |
| Weather |
Our highly experienced local guides check the weather on a daily basis and amend rides accordingly - should there be a need. The average summer temperature in the area can range from 20°C-30°C (68°F-86°F). |
| What happens next? |
Are you thinking about joining us? You probably have some questions! There are a number of ways to contact us, email is best, we will reply within 24 hours. Please check your SPAM / JUNK folder should you not have received an email in this time. You can also find a contact form at the bottom of this page. |
Hotels
PENSIONE DI VIGNAMAGGIO
PALAZZO DI VARIGNANA
REALIS FRANCIACORTA
Get In Touch
If you would prefer to give us a call and talk cycling and Italy please WhatsApp us on the number below and we will arrange a call back.
ITA: +39 320 638 4713
Or you can chat to us online by clicking the button at bottom right of page.
Drop us a direct email to: info@italybiketours.com
