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

Questions & Answers

Who is on the Women’s Quest staff in Tuscany?
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.

Will I ride enough, too much?
Yes and no. We will divide into 2 or 3 groups depending on the abilities and desires of the riders, but we will always have a fast or Forza group and a Piano or slower group. The Forza group will ride team style, in a drafting group and at a steady, day in the saddle pace with occasional city limit and hilltop attacks tossed in for fun. The Piano group will ride more leisurely without too much concern for pace or distance, however, still seeing some of the best of Tuscany. The middle group, Medio, will ride in between the two and everyone is encouraged to shift among groups throughout the week to insure you get in enough mileage and Tuscan flavor. For distances, Piano will ride between 20 and 30 miles a day, Medio between 30 and 50 miles a day and Forza between 45 and 80 miles per day. All groups will work on skills and bike handling technique and everyone will ride Euro style – stopping regularly for cappuccino.

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-equipted 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, and maybe your own seat.

What will the cooking lessons be like?
Chicca’s kitchen is your kitchen. We will have an evening during the week to spend time learning the cooking magic of Chicca. Chicca loves sharing her passion and her magic with everyone interested. Watch, ask questions and or roll up your sleeves and jump into the preparation. Chicca is happy to teach and is also happy to put you to work if you want. Learn the secrets of preparing simple but unbelievably great food from a master chef who has cooked and taught worldwide.

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 will we see?
Set in ancient olive groves near the Mediterranean coast, our hotel is an ideal base from which to explore the beautiful hilltop villages, prize-winning vineyards, and rolling landscape of this rich area of Tuscany known as the Etruscan Coast. We will discover the labyrinths of stone-cobbled streets in numerous medieval villages including Castagneto Carducci, our home village, with its tiny shops, ancient churches, magnificent hilltop views, and delicious ice creams. On our cycling routes, we will visit the wine-making fortress-village of Bolgheri; tour the cathedral and architecture in the beautiful town of Massa Maritima — acclaimed one of Italy’s “Most Beautiful Piazzas” in a recent travel magazine. We will ride to Volterra, the Medieval town high atop a volcanic plateau. We will travel to Siena, one of Italy’s great art cities, and have a cultural tour of the monuments and art treasures—with shopping time to browse the wealth of gorgeous boutiques and shops in this jewel-like town. We learn to cook delicious Tuscan dishes at a local farmhouse, then dine under the fig trees and dance under the stars. In the village of Monteverdi we will visit the infamous Mucci, a tiny salumeria (delicatessen) with a world renowned clientele. We will tour one of Tuscany’s best olive oil presses and find out how olive oil is made—before sitting down to a delicious feast prepared from the farm’s own gardens and orchards. In the Val d’Orcia 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

For more detail, see Cliffnotes on Tuscany, an anything but tour guide guide to some of what we will be seeing.

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. We will also have the opportunity to swim in the travertine pool on the estate grounds of our home for the week. Bring your goggles, sunscreen, swimsuit, and love of the sea!

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, the Hotel Zi'Martino, where we settle in their spacious rooms for our retreat. Not only is it managed by the Guaraglini family of cyclists, it is a three-star hotel, featuring modern conveniences and exceptional Tuscan cuisine. Wake to the smells of the fragrant cucina, enjoy Carlo's cappuccinos in the morning and Mauro's homemade tortelli and pappardelle for dinner. The cuisine is homestyle, and simply wonderful! We don't run you ragged packing and unpacking every day. Visit the hotel on-line: www.zimartino.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 for a 12:00 noon pickup on May 31st . We have a big bus picking everyone up at that time. The cost for the transfer to and from the airport is $50.00 each way

Departures:
We will plan to depart for the airport on June 7th at 9:00 am for a 10:00 arrival. If you need to leave much earlier than 10:00 you will need to take a cab at your own expense (around US $130 by cab).

Many people stay an extra night or two in Pisa to explore the city and visit nearby Lucca, one of the many gems of Tuscany. For those of you arriving by car, we can provide directions to Monteverdi.

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. Many essentials are easy to find --but bras, undies, shoes, and toiletries are difficult to replace. 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 24 women so 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 or bike rental.

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