See Italy in a whole new light on this amazing coed 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.

All ability levels are welcome and each bike ride is guided. The high staff-to-participant ratio means you’ll have someone to encourage you, as well as teach you cycling tips, whether you’re a beginner or a veteran.

Where We’ll Go On La Dolce Vita Tuscany Cycling Retreat
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 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.

We begin our adventure in 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.

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.

Then we are off to the Etruscan coast, 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.


What to Expect On La Dolce Vita Tuscany Cycling Retreat
Most mornings we will begin with yoga to awaken our senses and limber our bodies before enjoying a buffet breakfast with foamy cappuccinos, and pedaling the Tuscan roads, famous for their cypress trees, lack of traffic, and friendly drivers. Our afternoons will be spent exploring villages, doing art projects or creative journaling, swimming in the calm sea, and rekindling the spark for life. Poetry, and creative processes for clarifying your heart's desire are sprinkled into the mix of all our adventures, bringing mindfulness to the Italian hours.

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 an, 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!

The La Dolce Vita Tuscany Cycling Retreat Includes:
• 7 night’s accommodation in a wonderful, clean and comfortable family-run three-star hotel (see "Frequently Asked Questions" for more detail regarding lodging and transportation). Individual rooms available for an additional charge.
• 6 dinners, 3 lunches and daily breakfasts – all amazing food!!!
• Transportation to and from Siena and Colle.
• Guided art tour in Siena.
• Yoga classes (daily or as demand dictates).
• Creative activities, art and journaling and necessary supplies.
• A visit to Fonte di Foiano, rated one of the best olive oil presses in the Italy.
• A visit to a local Tuscan farmhouse for a cooking demonstration and feast with acclaimed (and fun) chef, Chicca
• A visit to Cicclo Sport, the local bike shop with even more local color than the sunsets over the Tyrhenian Sea.

* Price does not include airfare or bike rental.

What Our Sponsors Provide:
• Women's Quest Tee Shirt
• Smartwool socks
• Healthy snacks by Barbara's Bakery and Lara Bars
• Specialized water bottle and bike gloves
• Nourishing face products by Semeli natural skin care