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All ability levels are welcome and each bike ride is guided. If you are a beginner you’ll have a staff member to encourage you and teach you cycling tips. And, if you are a competitive cyclist, we’ll have world-class athletes on staff to push your pace and improve your technique. Where
We’ll Go On La Dolce Vita Co-Ed Tuscany Cycling Retreat Some of the towns we will be visiting and riding through are: the Etruscan city of Montalcino, Pienza (the jewel of the Renaissance), Monastero di Sant'Anna (where the English patient was filmed), Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore (and if we time it right we can hear the chanting of the monks), Castagneto Carducci, Sassetta, Suvereto, Montescudaio, Bolgheri, Massa, and Populonia. The Etruscan coast, where we will start our adventure, is a cyclist's paradise of rolling hills and quiet roads through some of Italy's most prized vineyards. Stretching from medieval village to medieval village, our select routes take in glorious views and great spots to stop for a cappuccino or a gelato. We will pedal along the famous Strada del Vino (the wine road), have lunch with an internationally-renowned sculptor at his beautiful villa, see how olive oil is made at one of Tuscany's finest olive-oil presses, enjoy a cooking class with Paolo Pancotti, a reknowned Italian chef, and swim in the warm, clear waters of the Mediterranean sea on beaches below a medieval castle. Our home-base in this rich land of olive groves and vineyards is the Zi Martino, a comfortable, family-run hotel with a locally famous restaurant, set just below the beautiful hilltop town of Castagneto Carducci. The family has a long tradition in cycling, and enlivens every aspect of our stay with their hearty Tuscan hospitality.
Set in a spectacular setting of cypress-lined lanes, ancient stone villages and undulating hills studded with castles, Colle is a working wine and olive-oil producing estate with beautifully renovated farm houses and main villa for our lodging. The estate also includes a small chapel, two swimming pools, and a gourmet restaurant preparing our sumptuous Tuscan meals from fresh, local produce. The proprietor of Colle, Donatella Cinelli Colombini, is the producer of award-winning Brunello di Montalcino wines, and her signature vintage, Prime Donne, is produced solely by women. The cycling in the Val d'Orcia and the Crete (pronounced cret-tay) region is nothing less than breathtaking. The landscape is the quintessential dream of Tuscany, unfolding its splendid and miraculous beauty mile after mile along some of the most idyllic roads in the world. On our daily rides, we will visit Montalcino, the elegant wine town; jewel-like Pienza, considered the most perfect Renaissance town in Italy; Sant'Anna, the beautiful monastery where the English Patient was filmed, and the magnificent frescoes in the grand Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, where it is still possible to hear the monks celebrate mass in Gregorian chant.
Throughout the retreat, you will have personal and individualized professional instruction and guidance of all activities. Our staff consists of world-class athletes who will offer you heartfelt support and instruction. We’ll create small riding groups to insure everyone rides with others at a similar ability level. Riding options are provided for beginners to accomplished riders. And, all rides are fully supported with a bike mechanic and a sag wagon (full of fruit, water, cookies and, of course, chocolate). We also offer hiking and running adventures on trails lined with Olive trees, or roads leading to wonderful places. For instance, at the Fattoria del Colle we can run/hike to a cheese maker’s house!
What
Our Sponsors Provide:
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Bring
your partner, or meet a new one on this amazing cycling vacation
in Tuscany. From the shimmering Mediterranean Sea to the rolling
hills and ancient villages, we’ll absorb the essence of
Tuscany and allow our senses to run wild. From the honey-soaked
light of the morning to the golden rays shining through the vineyards
in the evening, we will discover the blissful rhythm of Tuscany.
We’ll road bike ride on perfectly paved roads and delight
your taste buds with spectacular local foods, all while learning
about our surroundings: art, architecture, history and the art
of making olive oil, wine, cheese and more.
We are then
off to discover Siena and the magnificent region spreading to
the south, known as the Val d'Orcia. We will have a full day
to savor the charms of mystical Siena, considered one of the
best-preserved medieval towns in Italy. An expert local guide
will lead us into the heart of Siena's history and superb art
treasures. There will be time to peruse the wealth of shopping
before we continue to our home for the next three days, at historic
Fattoria del Colle. 
What
to Expect On La Dolce Vita Co-Ed Tuscany Cycling Retreat
The
La Dolce Vita Co-Ed Tuscany Cycling Retreat Includes: 