Strade Bianche 2027: Tuscany, Italy
10 days | 12 days with Florence extension |
- Physical activity
- Equipment
- Group size
- 5–16 travelers
Ride the roads. Watch the race. Experience Tuscany.
Every March, the world’s best cyclists descend on Tuscany for the Strade Bianche—Italian for “white roads,” a nod to the chalky gravel tracks that wind through the Sienese hills and have a way of humbling even the sport’s greatest riders. This tour puts you on those same roads. Spend a week pedaling ancient pilgrimage routes across the Val d’Orcia, climbing to hilltop towns like Montalcino and Monteriggioni, and threading through the medieval streets of Siena—tasting the region at its source along the way. Then comes the weekend everything builds toward: a private meet-and-greet with the EF Pro Cycling Team two nights before the race, followed by a VIP experience watching both the women’s and men’s races from an exclusive terrace above the course, with the dramatic finish broadcast live on the big screen.
What's included
- 8 nights in handpicked hotels
- Private local transfers
- Support van for bike rides
- 8 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 5 dinners with beer or wine
- 1 pasta tasting & 1 ricciarelli tasting
- Two expert European Tour Directors/bike guides
- Choice between performance road bike and e-touring bike (road racing bike and e-road bike available for a fee)
- Helmets, GPS tracking devices, and other biking equipment
- 6 days of guided bike rides across Tuscany
- Select guided sightseeing tours
Why you'll love it
- Ride steep climbs to Montalcino on a route that overlaps the Strade Bianche course
- Tackle a ride to Monteriggioni and explore the walled town on foot
- Pedal through the vine-covered hills of Chianti, home to some of Italy’s finest reds
- Take on four epic gravel sectors of the Strade Bianche on the actual racecourse
- Watch both the women’s and men’s races from a VIP viewing area
- Feast on a Tuscan gourmet buffet with wine and espresso as the race unfolds
Itinerary
Overnight flight1 night
Day 1: Fly to Florence
Your action-packed trip is about to kick off! Head to the airport and board your overnight flight to Italy.
Val d'Orcia region3 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Florence and transfer to Val d’Orcia region
Included meal: Welcome dinner
After landing in Florence, you’ll set off to your first region of the trip: Val d’Orcia, known for its characteristic green hillsides blanketed with vineyards and olive groves. Named after the Orcia river running throughout the region, Val d’Orcia is a heavily photographed stretch of Tuscany thanks to its typical medieval villages like Pienza and Montalcino. Try to get some sleep tonight—the adventure starts bright and early tomorrow.
- Meet an EF representative at the airport.
- Transfer 1–1.5 hours to your hotel in the Val d’Orcia region to check in and settle into Italian time.
- Raise a glass of beer or wine during a meet-and-greet with your fellow bikers during a Welcome Orientation with your Tour Directors.
- Get your first taste of Tuscan cuisine at a Welcome Dinner nearby.
Note: Airport transfers are included for travelers who book flights with EF Adventures. If you book your own flights, airport transfers may be available for a fee upon request.
Day 3: Mill Val d’Orcia bike ride, lunch & tour of pasta production plant, and optional Montepulciano wine tasting
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Get ready for your first adventure of the trip—a bit of a warmup for some big rides later on. You’ll spin through one charming town after the next—one of the highlights being Pienza, known for its impressive 15th-century cathedral and palace. Once you arrive at the Mill Val d’Orcia, you’ll learn the ins and outs of pasta production during a tour of the wheat field-surrounded pasta plant near the hilltop town of Monticchiello, one of the lesser-visited Tuscan gems. Cap off your day with an optional excursion to Montepulciano, a Renaissance town high in the hills, where you’ll indulge in world-class wines and breathtaking vistas that capture the very essence of Tuscany.
Mill Val d’Orcia bike ride
- Distance: 20.3 miles
- Elevation change: 1,325 ft gain
- Physical intensity: 2 out of 5
- Get fitted for your bike and geared up with all the equipment you need for the rides ahead.
- Take off on your first ride on the trip, a moderate 20-mile spin through the scenic countryside en route to Mill Val d’Orcia.
- Discover the world of ancient grains during a comprehensive tour of the pasta production plant, culminating in a delectable Tuscan lunch featuring the mill's own pasta.
- Join the optional Montepulciano excursion for some exploring and wine tasting or enjoy some relaxing free time at the hotel.
Day 4: Val d’Orcia region to Montalcino bike ride & optional Pecorino cheese farm & dinner
Included meal: Breakfast
You’ve shaken off jet lag, warmed up your legs on yesterday’s ride, and look like a total natural on the bike. Today raises the stakes. The destination is Montalcino, a fortified hilltop town at 1,837 feet that has been producing Brunello—Italy’s most celebrated red wine—since the 19th century. Your ride consists of steep climbs through vineyard-covered hillsides, a stop at the 12th-century Romanesque abbey of Abbazia di Sant’Antimo rising from the olive groves below, and a demanding ascent to Montalcino’s medieval ramparts. Once you arrive, free time is yours—explore the fortress, wander the enotecas, or find a table for lunch with a view across the Val d’Orcia. Those who want more miles can ride back via the Via Francigena—an ancient pilgrimage route connecting Canterbury to Rome—through Torrenieri and San Quirico d’Orcia, or extend further to Monticchiello before looping home. In the evening, consider joining the optional dinner at a local Pecorino cheese farm—a fitting way to end a day spent deep in one of Tuscany’s great agricultural landscapes.
Val d’Orcia region to Montalcino bike ride
Ride options:
- Option A: 19.6 miles, 2,815 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 3 out of 5
- Option B: 33.8 miles, 3,885 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 4 out of 5
- Option C: 48.7 miles, 4,928 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 5 out of 5
- Conquer steep climbs through vineyard- and olive-covered countryside en route to Montalcino, with a stop at the Abbazia di Sant’Antimo along the way.
- Enjoy free time in Montalcino—a 16th-century hilltop village with fortress views and some of Italy’s best wine at every corner.
- Opt for the longer routes to ride back via the ancient Via Francigena, with the longest option extending to the hilltop village of Monticchiello.
- Join the optional Pecorino cheese farm dinner, or head back to the hotel and rest up for tomorrow.
San Gimignano region2 nights
Day 5: Siena walking tour and travel to San Gimignano region
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Dinner
After all those steep ascents in Val d’Orcia, you’ve earned a rest day off the bike. Set off for Siena—a city so well-preserved that its medieval street plan, Gothic architecture, and 17 contrade (neighborhood districts) remain essentially intact after 700 years. It’s worth seeing it now, while it’s still quiet—in just a few days, the streets will be taken over by fans and cyclists for the Strade Bianche. You’ll stop for a guided walking tour of the city’s highlights and a ricciarelli tasting at a local bakery before continuing on to San Gimignano—a hilltop town so distinctive that UNESCO protected its entire historic center, its 14 surviving medieval towers visible for miles across the Tuscan countryside. Dinner and your new hotel await there tonight.
- Visit Siena for a walking tour with visits to landmarks like Siena Cathedral & Piccolomini Library, known for its intricate frescoes depicting the life of Pope Pius II.
- Sample ricciarelli, Siena’s signature almond cookies, during a tasting at a local bakery.
- Travel to your new hotel in the San Gimignano region and check in before heading into town for dinner with your group.
Day 6: San Gimignano region to Monteriggioni bike ride and walking tour of Monteriggioni
Included meal: Breakfast
Today’s ride heads to Monteriggioni, a perfectly circular medieval fortress town that has barely changed since it was built in 1213 to guard Siena’s northern frontier—Dante even immortalized it in the Inferno. The route follows a section of the Via Francigena, and the walled town appears on the horizon exactly as it would have for medieval pilgrims: gradually, dramatically, rising from the surrounding farmland. Once you arrive, your Tour Director will lead you on a walking tour of the ramparts and piazza. From Monteriggioni, those opting for the shorter route will loop back to the hotel via Strove, while those who want to push further will go west to the hilltop town of Casole d’Elsa before making the return journey.
San Gimignano region to Monteriggioni bike ride
Ride options:
- Option A: 24.7 miles, 2,077 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 3 out of 5
- Option B: 43.9 miles, 3,409 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 4 out of 5
- Ride through classic Tuscan countryside toward Monteriggioni, one of Italy’s most intact medieval fortified villages.
- Hop off your bike for a walking tour of Monteriggioni’s ancient walls and piazza, then explore and find lunch on your own.
- Head back to the hotel via Strove, or opt for the longer route and climb to Casole d’Elsa before looping back home.
Siena region3 nights
Day 7: San Gimignano region to Siena region bike ride and EF Pro Cycling Team dinner
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
As you bid farewell to the San Gimignano region, today’s ride takes you through some of the most celebrated wine country in Italy. The road winds through the heart of Chianti—past Monteriggioni’s familiar towers, through Castellina in Chianti, and up to Radda in Chianti, a hilltop town at 1,788 feet that sits at the center of the Chianti Classico wine zone. Everyone will stop here for an included coffee at a local cycling café that feels like it was made for exactly this kind of mid-ride pause. For those who want to keep riding, you’ll pedal through quieter valleys toward your hotel. The evening is one you’ve been building toward all week: a private meet-and-greet with the EF Pro Cycling Team, access to the team bus, and dinner with riders and staff at the team hotel.
San Gimignano region to Siena region bike ride
Ride options:
- Option A: 23 miles, 2,293 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 3 out of 5
- Option B: 42.5 miles, 3,412 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 4 out of 5
- Ride through Chianti Classico territory, with a photo stop in Castellina in Chianti along the way.
- Stop in Radda in Chianti for an included coffee and free time to explore.
- Travel via support van to your hotel in the Siena region—or add some more miles as you bike to the hotel.
- Meet the EF Pro Cycling Team for a private meet-and-greet and exclusive access to the team bus.
- Sit down for dinner with riders, coaches, and team staff.
Day 8: Ride the Strade Bianche racecourse
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Strade Bianche means “white roads”—a nod to the chalky gravel tracks that cut through the Sienese hills—loose, steep, and unpredictable. And today you’ll take on four of the race’s most iconic sectors: Colle Pinzuto, Le Tolfe, Strade del Castagno, and Montechiaro. Each one demands focus: the white dust coating bikes and legs with every pedal stroke. Both route options finish the same way: threading through Siena’s medieval streets before the Via Santa Caterina ramp delivers you into Piazza del Campo, one of the world’s great medieval squares and the finish line of the Strade Bianche. Those opting for the shorter route will take the van back to the hotel from here, whereas those who want more will continue through Siena’s historic center before looping back through the Chianti hills to the hotel. Either way, the white dust on your frame by the end of the day is proof of something most cyclists never get to do.
Strade Bianche racecourse bike ride
Ride options:
- Option A: 29.7 miles, 3,353 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 4 out of 5
- Option B: 47.5 miles, 4,983 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 5 out of 5
- Ride four of the Strade Bianche’s most celebrated gravel sectors on the actual racecourse the day before the pros do.
- Climb the Via Santa Caterina ramp and finish in Piazza del Campo, the iconic shell-shaped square at the heart of Siena.
- Opt for the longer route and extend through Siena’s historic center before looping back through the Chianti hills.
- Enjoy dinner and an early night ahead of tomorrow’s race.
Day 9: Optional sunrise ride & Strade Bianche VIP race day experience
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell dinner
Happy race day! If you want to start it on the bike, an optional early morning loop through the quiet Chianti countryside is waiting—rolling terrain through sleepy hamlets before the day shifts into something else entirely. By mid-morning you’ll be in Siena, settling into your spot at an exclusive, covered VIP terrace perched high above one of the race’s gravel sectors. The women’s race sweeps past first, followed by the men’s race a few hours later. Between passages, a gourmet buffet of Tuscan cured meats, Pecorino, fresh pasta, and artisanal pastries keeps you fueled, with regional wine and espresso flowing throughout. The race’s dramatic finish is broadcast live on a large screen at the terrace—the perfect vantage point to watch the winner cross the line in Piazza del Campo. Back at the hotel, a Farewell Dinner closes out the trip the only way that makes sense: with good food, good wine, and a group that just watched the Strade Bianche together.
Optional sunrise bike ride
- Distance: 18.3 miles
- Elevation change: 1,568 ft gain
- Physical intensity: 2 out of 5
- Start race day with an optional early morning loop through the Chianti countryside.
- Arrive at your VIP race day experience above the Strade Bianche course.
- Watch both the women’s and men’s races, with the peloton passing twice on each circuit.
- Catch the live broadcast of the race finish on the big screen before heading back to the hotel.
- Raise a glass at the Farewell Dinner—the perfect end to your tour through Tuscany.
Flight home
Day 10: Fly home
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
You biked Tuscany’s legendary rolling hills, sipped the region’s famed wine, and rode the same roads as the pros—then watched them race on those very same roads the next day. Goodbyes are never easy, especially when you make memories that you’ll talk about for years to come. Pack your bags and hop on the 1–1.5 hour transfer to the Florence airport for your international flight home.
Florence extension
Arrive early and give yourself two nights in Florence before the biking begins. The capital of Tuscany is a culinary and art mecca that’s home to masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David sculpture. While the city can seem like a living museum, there’s plenty to do when you’re ready for an art break—from browsing the Mercato Centrale food hall to sampling the city’s best gelato and traditional Florentine desserts like zuccotto, a semi-frozen, dome-shaped cake. It’s not a bad way to shake off jet lag before the biking begins.
Overnight flight1 night
Day 1: Fly to Florence
Your adventure starts before the main tour does. Head to the airport and board your flight to Florence—two days in one of Italy’s most storied cities await before the biking begins.
Florence2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Florence
Touch down in Florence and transfer to your hotel in the city center. The evening is yours—settle in with a welcome drink at the hotel or a nearby bar, then set out to explore Florence at your own pace.
- Transfer 30–60 minutes from the Florence airport to your hotel in the city center.
- Enjoy a welcome drink at the hotel with your fellow travelers.
- Spend the evening exploring Florence on your own.
Day 3: Florence walking tour & optional visit to Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting
Join a local guide for a walking tour of the city’s greatest hits—the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery courtyard, and Piazza della Signoria—ending with a gelato tasting that’s as much a Florence tradition as anything else you’ll see. If you’d like, join the optional afternoon visit to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, the Medici family’s 16th-century residence-turned-art museum, where Renaissance and Baroque masterworks by Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio line the walls before the gardens open up into sweeping views over the city.
- Meet your local guide for a walking tour of Florence, taking in the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery courtyard, and Piazza della Signoria.
- Sample gelato at the end of the tour—a well-earned reward for all that cobblestone walking.
- Opt to join a visit to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens for an afternoon of Renaissance art and sweeping city views—or stay back and enjoy more of Florence on your own.
Day 4: Travel to Val d’Orcia region
Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome dinner
Your time in Florence has been short and sweet. Cross off any final bucket list items in the early morning before meeting the rest of your group en route to the Val d’Orcia region—where the riding begins tomorrow.
- Join the rest of your group en route to the Val d’Orcia region.
- Raise a glass of beer or wine during a meet-and-greet with your fellow bikers during a Welcome Orientation with your Tour Directors.
- Get a taste of Tuscan cuisine at a Welcome Dinner nearby.
Note: While today is officially Day 4 of your pre-extension, when you meet up with the rest of the Strade Bianche Biking group, they will be on Day 2. For consistency, once you join the group, you will also be on Day 2.
Handpicked accommodations
From boutique hotels to 5-star luxury retreats, our accommodations are curated with the expert eye and attention to detail that come from 60 years of travel experience, always prioritizing authenticity. We select high-quality properties that balance comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm. From bustling city centers to serene countryside and picturesque small towns, each hotel is chosen to complement your adventure’s unique style. While the specific accommodations may vary based on your travel dates, you can always count on staying at fantastic properties that meet our standards for quality and character.
Val d'Orcia region - Albergo le Terme
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San Gimignano region - Borgo San Luigi
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Siena region - Certosa di Pontignano
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Florence - Grand Hotel Adriatico (Pre-Extension)
See detailsEquipment
We've partnered with EF Pro Cycling and Cannondale to offer four exceptional Cannondale bikes for you to choose from. You'll be able to select your preferred bike in your online account after you book.
Flights
Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
Add our airfare and you’ll get:
- Round-trip flight for your tour
- Airport transfers at your destination
- A great price locked in today
- 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
- Options for requesting an upgrade
- Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
Find out more about flights
Weather
Monteriggioni, Italy
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Val d'Orcia, Italy
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San Gimignano, Italy
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Siena, Italy
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Montalcino, Italy
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Florence, Italy
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Know before you go
- In order to enter Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
- U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
- Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2026, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All EF Adventures travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- Round-trip flights booked through EF Adventures arrive in and depart from Florence.
- Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through EF Adventures. If you book your own flights, airport transfers may be available for a fee upon request.
- When you arrive in Florence, an EF Adventures representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with an EF Adventures sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical activity level
This tour is rated as Intermediate, which means you thrive on a good challenge and aren't afraid to break a sweat in the saddle. This level features longer rides with varied terrain that will get your pulse racing. You're comfortable with sustained climbs and some winding descents, excited by the sense of accomplishment they bring.
This tour is great for:
- Biking enthusiasts
- Those who want to raise their heart rate
What to expect:
- Daily mileage: 14–49 miles
- Daily elevation gain: Up to 5,000 ft
- Typical terrain: Rolling terrain with sustained climbs and faster downhills. Rides are often longer with a more intense pace.
Tour pacing
This is a steady-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- Two 3-night stays and one 2-night stay
- Most days and evenings full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
- Most transportation by vans and taxis
Climate considerations
- Tuscany in March has mild but unpredictable weather—expect temperatures ranging from the low 40s°F at night to the mid-60s°F during the day.
- Rain is common in March, so a lightweight, packable waterproof jacket is essential—not just for sightseeing but for riding.
- Mornings can be cold, especially at elevation, so arm warmers, a base layer, and a light cycling jacket are recommended for early rides.
- Afternoon temperatures can feel considerably warmer once the sun is out, so layering is key.
Physical activity & tour pace extra info
- EF Adventures and the Tour Directors who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Directors is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- If If you have physical activity concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or give us call at 617-619-1679. We’re here to help!
- This tour includes various modes of transportation, including mini-vans and taxis.
Equipment for all bike rides will be included.
For bikes, you'll have your choice between:
- Performance road bike: for those who crave speed and efficiency on paved roads, the Synapse Carbon offers race-level performance with all-day comfort. This lightweight, versatile bike is perfect for tackling long distances throughout your biking tour—from flat stretches to challenging climbs.
- E-Touring bike: for a more relaxed and comfortable riding experience, opt for the Tesoro Neo X 2 StepThru. This electric touring bike features a step-through frame, wide tires, and a powerful motor, making it perfect if you prioritize comfort and stability as you explore new destinations.
- Road racing bike: elevate your cycling tour experience with a racing bike previously ridden by an EF Pro Cycling team member. The Supersix EVO Hi-MOD is incredibly light, fast, and aerodynamic, providing an exceptional riding experience for avid cyclists. Note: there is an extra cost for the road racing bike.
- E-Road bike: if you want a little extra assistance on hills or longer rides, the Synapse Neo is your ideal companion. This electric road bike combines the speed and efficiency of a road bike with the added boost of pedal assistance, ensuring you can fully enjoy your adventure without overexerting yourself. Note: there is an extra cost for the e-road bike.
We also include:
- Helmets: Helmets are provided and are required for all bike rides.
- GPS Devices: GPS devices are provided to help guide you through the routes and track your progress.
- 2 reusable water bottles
- Bike bags: These bags can attach to your bike and allow you to store some of your personal belongings during rides.
- Support van: A support van will accompany the group on all bike rides. The van carries water, snacks, and basic bike maintenance equipment.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item each due to storage limitations on vans and taxis.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you’re responsible for any baggage fees incurred.
- Contact your airline(s) for the baggage size and weight restrictions on your flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels or airports.
Remember to bring clothes you'll feel comfortable cycling in for several hours a day. Quick-drying, moisture-wicking materials are best. Here are some suggestions for what to pack:
On the bike
- Cycling short/spandex (we recommend 2-3 in total)
- Cycling Jerseys/sports shirts (we recommend 2-3 in total)
- Bike shoes (with clips if applicable)
- Fingerless cycling gloves
- Sports sunglasses
- ID, credit card, phone
- Snacks - bars or gels
- Bike water bottles (provided)
In your day bag (a small day pack to leave in the van while riding)
- Lightweight, packable rain jacket
- Lightweight jacket or sweatshirt
- Arm and leg warmers
- Walking shoes/sneakers/sandals
- Something to cover legs/shoulders when visiting churches
- Change of clothes (non-cycling)
- Sunscreen
- Water & snacks
- Medications for the day
Off the bike
- Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun protection
- A few casual outfits for evenings and any downtime at the hotels
- Dressier attire for Welcome/Farewell Dinners and in case you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance
- Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other bugs
- A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the tour (and cut down on single use plastic waste)
- A universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter
- Any personal medications, including motion sickness remedies for boat and bus rides
- Your medical insurance card, in case of emergencies (pack this in your carry-on)
- EF Adventures handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm.
- Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-five-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
- Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
- Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- Italy operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, F, or L plugs with two or three small, round pins.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Directors may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify EF Adventures at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
- The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
- There are inherent risks associated with adventure activities such as biking, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
- This tour includes 3 lunches and 5 dinners. They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, juice or a soft drink, as well as water, coffee, and tea.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- Tuscany is world-famous for its wine, oil, sauces, and pasta. Menus favor subtle, lighter pastas and desserts made with nuts, fruit, and honey. Try a dish featuring the region’s Chianina beef, perhaps the most prized breed of cattle in all of Italy. For wine, popular Tuscan reds include Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which are primarily made from the Sangiovese grape. Well-known white wines are also made around the San Gimignano region.
- For more authentic meals, try local trattorias, small restaurants set away from the main piazzas. A typical Italian meal includes wines and the occasional beer, followed by a few sips of after-dinner drinks like grappa or limoncello.
- Tips for meals, drivers, porterage (if applicable), and local guides for sightseeing tours are included in the price of your tour.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Directors a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping $30-$40 USD per person per day (to be given to the lead Tour Director, who will divide it up).
- On a 10-day tour, we recommend tipping a total of $300–$400.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- You will use the euro on this tour.
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you don’t already have at least one card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Directors.
- To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Adventures mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wi-Fi on any of the buses.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
Your tour will be led by two expert European Tour Directors who are also experienced cycling guides. They have intimate knowledge of the region's history, culture, and geography, as well as the specific routes you'll be riding. Your Tour Directors will provide both on-the-bike and off-the-bike support, including:
- Leading and supporting the group during daily rides
- Providing detailed route briefings and overviews of local history and culture
- Coordinating logistics and arranging meals
- Offering basic bike maintenance and riding tips
- Ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all travelers
As experienced cyclists themselves, your Tour Directors will ride with the group and are trained in first aid and bike safety procedures.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Adventures is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- Italy is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
- When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm in Italy.
- When you travel with EF Adventures, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Directors to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- EF Adventures encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
- When you come across wild animals on tour, take the philosophies of World Animal Protection to heart: Don't touch or feed them, and maintain a respectful distance. The animals you encounter on your trip should be able to exhibit natural forms of behavior.
- Furthermore, avoid buying exploitative animal products, like crafts made from animal parts or products tested on animals.
- If you feel we aren’t meeting any of these commitments, please let us know.
Flights? We got you.
Round-trip flights are one more thing we can handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate. Rates shown in cart.
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