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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
  
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