Legends of Tuscany: L'Eroica & Gino Bartali
Modern cycling honors the Eroica annually with the Montepaschi Strade Bianche, raced over the classic white roads made popular by the Gran Fondo Eroica, a vintage cycling event that recalls the heroic days of cycling, ridden across the strade bianche. Tuscan Gino Bartali, famous for his rivalry with Fausto Coppi that divided the nation, was born and raised on the outskirts of Florence and won the Giro in 1936 and 1937. Past meets present as we ride the historic strade bianche and pay homage to Tuscany's most beloved cyclist. From the gloriously picturesque vineyards and gravel roads of Chianti, to the undulating hills of the Crete Senesi, this is the ultimate Tuscan experience.
World-Class Cycling
Cycling the Tuscan countryside is a cyclist's dream. Painfully beautiful are the iconic elements that define it, heroic is the history behind it: elegant Cyprus trees rising above sloping vineyards, shades of green layered across the undulating horizon, white the color of the strade bianche. Eroica is Italian for heroic. This word has come to define the history of cycling in Tuscany with the annual Gran Fondo Eroica. This trip offers the unique opportunity to ride the gravel roads of Tuscany, either as part of the Gran Fondo or one of our daily rides. Since his passing 10 years ago, native son Gino Bartali is memorialized with an annual Gran Fondo that traces his training routes. With the excitement of attacking the strade bianche, we will celebrate cycling in Tuscany, riding the legendary routes of the Gran Fondo Eroica and the Gran Fondo Gino Bartali.
Authentic Culture
Our insider's tour of authentic Tuscany isn't limited to cycling. We'll visit the abandoned Cistercian abbay of San Galgano, the Benedictine abbey of Sant'Antimo-a Romanesque masterpiece- the Utopian village of Pienza and the towers of San Gimignano. We'll enjoy private tastings of the best wines of Montalcino, Chianti, and Montepulciano. Refined Tuscan cuisine is served amidst the graceful arches of a family wine estate and inside the Michelin rated walls of a converted warehouse. This is Tuscany at its most authentic.
Exemplary Service
Family is the key word in Italy, and Italians welcome you with open arms at our 4-star luxury accommodations- a unique combination of hotels offering unparalleled beauty. You'll enjoy the sprawling landscape and grounds of our secluded hilltop villa in Chianti, the stunning views from our hillside retreat above the city of Florence and the serenity of an exclusive 16th century villa amidst the vineyards, olive groves and wildflowers of the Strada del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. This is Tuscany at its most exclusive.