Here’s everything you wanted to know about this Tuscan cycling adventure vacation for women. If your questions are not answered here, feel free to email or call us.

Questions & Answers

Who will be the staff?
Colleen Cannon is your host along with Jacqueline Stanford and Julia Ingersoll. In addition to these belle donne, we will have several additional male guides along to insure everyone rides as long and as forte (strong) as they want to. We will also have the assistance of our fabulous local Italian guides Riccardo or Gerrardo- our unique, support-van-driving, bike-mechanic, accordion-playing, food-and-wine-expert Tuscans. Together, the staff brings experience, attention to detail, enthusiasm and a good sense of humor to La Dolce Vita, so come enjoy life! Plus our amazing chef Chicca…YUMMY! It does not get any better than this.

Colleen is the founder and director of Women's Quest fitness retreats. She is a world champion triathlete, whose passions now include horses and music. Colleen leads an active mountain life; skiing, snowshoeing, running, and riding. Colleen has mastered the art of living well, playing hard, embracing life and sharing her passion for living.

Julia is a painter who has been living and working in the hills of Florence, Italy for the past five years, creating landscape, still-life, and figurative paintings and drawings. Julia studied Classical painting at the Florence Academy of Art, speaks fluent Italian and French, and enjoys sharing her knowledge of Italian art, history and culture as we ride through the hill towns and countryside of Tuscany. In her past-life as a former top-ranked professional mountain bike racer, she was a six-time national mountain bike team member, North American champion in 1992 and a bronze medallist in the World championships in Belgium but now enjoys cycling more than ever. Julia finds cycling and painting to be reciprocal passions, and enjoys discovering and sharing with others the life-giving immediacy of moving and working in nature.

Jacqueline has participated in five different sports at a national and international level including riding in the first Tour de France for women while on the Canadian National Cycling Team. In Jacqueline's principle sport, triathlons, she was ranked in the top ten in the world winning several of the world's most prestigious races. In her past lives, Jacqueline has also been a high school math teacher, a farmer on a kibbutz in Israel, a windsurfing instructor and crewed on several yachts in the Tahitian Islands. She has toured over 15,000 miles on her bike throughout the US, Canada, and Europe. Currently, she is a full time mom and is pursuing a career in pottery. Jacqueline is a free spirit and lives life to the fullest. She believes that you can achieve anything that you want to achieve and have a lot of fun in the process.

More staff will be joining us. We have about 6 staff for 20 people on the tour.

Am I in good enough shape to do the camp?
Yes. The beginning rider and the elite rider will both love the Tuscan countryside for bike riding at its best. A variety of options are available for our walks, runs and bike rides, depending on each person's comfort level. If you can, we suggest you start a training or workout program at least 3 months before you come so you can get the most out of the week. It does not need to be a hard-core program, just get out, play and be active a few days a week. If you just can't find the time, don't worry, there will always be others in the same situation and the supportive staff will help you along.

What is the bike riding like?
Exquisitely beautiful, quiet little roads wander everywhere through this ancient land, winding past views of the shining Mediterranean sea, up to scenic hilltop towns, past ancient olive groves, and alongside prize-winning vineyards. Italy is the center of the world for road cycling, so immerse yourself in the cycling culture and discover an intimate view of Tuscany at your own pace. A fully-equipped support van will accompany each ride, providing cold drinks, snacks, and mechanical assistance—and serving as a sag wagon if you desire. If you are an avid cyclist, bring your road bike, or you can arrange with us to rent a road bike.  If you rent, we suggest you bring your helmet and bike shoes.

Bike Rentals :Good Carbon road bikes are available for rent, however, if you are used to your own bike, we encourage you to bring your own. The riding is scenic but can be a little challenging at times, so riding your own bike is safer and ultimately more enjoyable. Most overseas airlines allow you to check one bag and one bike, at no additional cost. Make sure your airline with transport your bike to Pisa. Hard-sided bike boxes can usually be rented at your local pro bike shop. We will help you unpack and pack up your bike. Bike rental prices vary depending on the bike, but are reasonable, usually in the $250-$300 range for the week (we will provide a quote once you submit a rental order.)

What is the running and hiking like?
 We will also wander the roads that link the village, vineyards and olive presses near our hotel, and there are lovely routes around the olive-clad hills for those desiring an early-morning run.  So bring good hiking and/or trail running shoes, visor, sunscreen & small fanny pack or camel-back type pack is recommended. At Colle, there are great running/hiking trails right out the door.

Where We’ll Go On the La Dolce Vita Tour:
We will be sharing our time between two spectacular and pristine regions of Tuscany: the authentic, unspoiled countryside of the Etruscan coast on the Mediterranean sea, and the essential heart of Tuscany in of the famous Val d'Orcia. Some of the towns and sites we will be visiting and riding through are: the Etruscan city of Montalcino, Pienza (the jewel of the Renaissance), Monastero di Sant'Anna, Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Castagneto Carducci, Sassetta, Suvereto, Montescudaio, Bolgheri, Massa, and Populonia.We begin our adventure in Castegneto Carducci a few kilometers from the sea.  We’ll spend several days in this area where we’ll 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 in an authentic Tuscan home, 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 Campestrello Sport, a beautiful complex of villas and manicured grounds with a locally famous restaurant, set just below the beautiful hilltop town of Castagneto Carducci.

From Castagneto we’ll head inland and spend a full day savoring 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 few days at historic Fattoria del Colle nestled in the magnificent region spreading to the south from Siena known as the Val d'Orcia. 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.

While we will see, do and experience all of the heart-warming, soul igniting gifts Tuscany has to offer, we’ll also find time throughout our travels to enjoy dolce far niente – the sweet do nothing – of life in Italy; which means plenty of time for rich cappuccino’s on our rides and wondrous gelato in the afternoon.  Come experience all of the art, history and magic of Tuscany.  You deserve this adventure of the body, mind and spirit.

What will the swimming be like?
The part of the Mediterranean Sea near our home village is referred to as the Tyrhenian Sea. It is warm, clear, and generally tranquil, providing excellent salt-water swimming. Bring your goggles, sunscreen, swimsuit, and love of the sea! At our host hotel, Campastrello Sport there is a 25 yard 6 lane beautiful lap pool.

What if I am new to Italy or Europe?
If you've never been to Europe, relax! You will love it. If you've been many times- you'll be surprised, refreshed, and delighted by our intimate version of the European experience. We will pick you up and always be available for any questions and with a helping hand. You'll feel like part of an extended Italian family at this retreat.

Who can help me with my travel?
You are welcome to plan your own travel or work with your own travel agent. The travel is very simple as you will fly in and out of Pisa and we will do the rest. However, if you prefer, I am excited to introduce you to Heather at The Travel Society. She is a very helpful travel agent with whom I have been working for 20 years. Heather at (The Travel Society, 303-381-7423 or 303-381-0601 or heather@travelsociety.com) has been coordinating cycling trips for years and can help you with whatever you need.

What are the accommodations like?
The location is the small, rural hilltop town of Castagneto Carducci, named after the Nobel Prize-winning poet, Carducci. The hotel is situated below the town, about 5km inland from the Mediterranean and 75km south of Pisa. The region was settled by the Etruscans and is known as the Upper Maremma. Aside from unforgettable experiences, you will enjoy our home base, Campastrello Sport, where we settle in their spacious rooms for our retreat. All rooms are amazing and feature modern conveniences and exceptional Tuscan cuisine. The cuisine is homestyle, and simply wonderful! We don't run you ragged packing and unpacking every day. Visit the hotel on-line: www.campastrellosport.com

Our home for the second portion of our adventure will be historic Fattoria del Colle, an authentic working wine and olive-oil estate with beautifully renovated farmhouses and main villa for our lodging. The estate also includes a small chapel, and two swimming pools with expansive views over the magnificent countryside that reflects the quintessential dream of Tuscany. Our delicious Tuscan meals, prepared from fresh, local ingredients, will be served in the farm’s lovely restaurant.
Combining the beauty of ancient stone architecture with modern comforts, we will retreat to a timeless world at Colle, in harmony with the peaceful and exquisite countryside surrounding us.
The estate is located just outside the charming village of Trequanda, where there is a particularly good cappuccino bar as well as important 14th Century paintings in the town church.

Arrival and Departure Information
Arrivals: Plan to be at the Pisa Airport at noon on Saturday Sept 20th for a pick up. We will meet you right out front on the grass. Our bus or vans will pick you up for the 1 hour journey south to our hotel. The airport bus is $50.00 each way. If you miss the bus you can take a cab which will be about 150 American.

Departures: Plan to depart Pisa in the morning of Saturday June 27th or you can stay an extra night in Pisa and go to Lucca or Florence. We will return you to the Pisa Airport by 10:00 am on the 27th

Some info to ease your mind and aid your packing!

PASSPORT! Now would be a good time to check your passport! You must have at least six months left on your passport from your time of departure! If not, visit the State Department's website (http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html) or visit your local post office for your renewal. You do not need a visa for your stay.

WEATHER is generally temperate. Daytime temperatures in the 70's and cool nights. When it rains - it POURS, so do bring rain gear. It generally does not rain from late June through September, so it could be dry or we might have a day or two of rain. Visit: www.weather.com and type in Pisa, Italy to check the local weather forecast before departure.

DRESS Italian rural culture is fairly relaxed, however short shorts and tank tops are not advised in restaurants or while sight seeing. Please bring some smart casual (tending towards the conservative if you're in doubt) attire to help you to feel more comfortable when out and about. This means, longer walking shorts, skirts, summer dresses, nice slacks, and blouses or tees. Nothing fancy, just nice, easy and casual. Of course, you can go topless on the beach. Plan to do laundry in the sink and hang out to dry (micro-fibers dry fastest).

GEAR We will run, hike, bike and swim. Bring appropriate gear. Comfortable sturdy shoes, a swim suit, goggles, small towel, and of course bike apparel including: 2 pairs bike shorts, 2 jerseys, lightweight rain jacket, bike shoes and helmet, water bottles or camel back and a spare tube or two. All rides are sagged by follow vehicles so you won't need a fanny pack or bike rack. We have most tools and the nearby bike store to access.
*** You can also buy bike jerseys in Italy at Ciclo Sport. They are cheaper in Italy and they look really cool when you bring them home because no one will have a jersey like yours!

OTHER STUFF As with all foreign travel, plan to bring all the prescriptions and lotions that you will need for the trip. Make no assumptions! For example, Tylenol is not sold in Italy. We recommend you be current on your tetanus (check with your doctor, or if you have not had one in 5 years) otherwise, no shots are required.

Expect airfares to run you from $900-1200 depending on where you fly from and timing (you never know when you might get good deals). Try to minimize the number of transfers so that you don't lose your baggage in transit.

Your carry-on should include: a change of clothes, your running/hiking shoes, a swimsuit and all your essential toiletries. This way, if they do lose your bags for a few days, it won't be as bad. Pack smart. Additionally bring plenty of water to drink on the journey, this is your best offense in staying healthy and adjusting to the time change quickly.

If you can, we suggest that you plan to arrive a day or two early to acclimatize.

To get a sense of the flavor for the wonderful area we will be exploring see Cliffnotes on Tuscany, a very local guide to the areas we will be seeing.

How do I sign up?
A $500 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration. This deposit must be paid by cash/check. We would really really appreciate it if you could send us a check for your remaining balance (Please) or we can take Visa/Mastercard. Balance is due 90 days prior to camp. The trip is limited to 20 womenso sign up early. We'll send you a profile, schedule of events and activities and local phone numbers after signing up.

Prices do NOT include airfare to Italy, sorry!
Please send information and make checks payable to:
Women's Quest
2525 Arapahoe Avenue, Suite E-4 #181
Boulder, C0 80302
colleen@womensquest.com
(303) 545-9295
Credit cards are accepted, see www.womensquest.com for details.

Reservation and cancellation policy:

There is a $500 non-refundable deposit due at the time of registration. Balance due 90 days prior to camp. Your camp fee is nonrefundable within 90 days of the camp.  Please note that injury or illness does not disqualify you from the cancellation policy and we are unable to transfer deposits and/or payments from one year to the next so we highly recommend trip insurance which you can obtain through your travel agent for a nominal cost.
You must sign a liability release form to participate in camp, and payment does not include airfare, bike rental or airport transfer.

"There is no end, believe me, to the happiness your body is willing to bear."
--Mary Oliver