Tuscan adventure: Eroica and beyond
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Cycling Tuscany’s white gravel roads is more than a ride; it’s an experience steeped in heritage. This gravel cycling tour offers extraordinary days exploring Chianti and Val d’Orcia, blending moderate climbs with tranquil landscapes.
You’ll savour Tuscan hospitality, from boutique stays to gourmet meals and top it all off with the iconic Nova Eroica gravel event. Solo travellers and group riders, prepare for a week of cycling bliss!
Included in this trip:
We’ve fine-tuned every detail of this gravel cycling tour to ensure you can focus on the ride, the scenery and the joy of gravel riding on Tuscany’s legendary white roads. From logistics to local delights, we handle the details so you can fully savour every kilometre.
- Transfers from/to Florence (FLR) airport or train station.
- 3–4* boutique accommodation (price based on two people sharing; single supplement available).
- Daily luggage transport – because panniers and gravel don’t mix.
- Full board: hearty breakfasts, roadside picnics, and sumptuous Italian dinners (excludes alcohol).
- Expert guides and a dedicated mechanic for on-the-go support.
- Professional support vehicle(s) for your every need, be it water, tools, or a quick pep talk.
- Daily stops at local cafés for espresso so authentic you’ll feel like an honorary Tuscan.
- Sports nutrition and drinks to keep you fuelled.
- A wine tasting evening – because, in Tuscany, recovery comes in a glass.
- An exclusive Nevis Travel tour jersey to wear with pride.
- Concierge service for booking additional nights or any extra requests.
- Travel to/from the pickup and drop-off locations.
- Personal travel, health, and accident insurance.
- Bike rentals (unless added as an optional extra).
- Souvenirs and personal expenses – though we highly recommend a bottle of Brunello.
White Roads, Golden Views
Tuscany’s Cycling Magic
Planning & itinerary
15 - 22 June 2025
Each day of this gravel cycling tour is a story waiting to be written. From quiet mornings in boutique accommodations to exhilarating afternoons tackling Tuscany’s famed Strade Bianche, we’ve balanced challenge, exploration and indulgence. Dive into a curated itinerary that takes you from Chianti’s vineyards to the Nova Eroica’s celebration of cycling heritage.
Arrival, welcome & bike set-up.
Arrive in Florence, where our team will greet you and whisk you away to your boutique accommodation nestled in the heart of Chianti. Surrounded by rolling vineyards, settle in and get to know your fellow riders.
Our mechanics will ensure your bike is road-ready before a welcome drink and gourmet dinner. A detailed briefing rounds off the day, setting the tone for an extraordinary journey.
55km – 1200m ascent.
Your adventure begins with a ride through Chianti’s rolling hills, dotted with picturesque vineyards and ancient farmhouses. The route takes you to Panzano and Volpaia, two charming Tuscan hamlets that feel as though they’ve been frozen in time.
Along the way, enjoy a stop for espresso in a traditional café and a delightful picnic in the countryside. The gravel sections and backroads give you a taste of what lies ahead, with the Tuscan scenery providing a stunning backdrop.
65km – 900m ascent.
Today, we dive deeper into Tuscany’s iconic Strade Bianche. The route winds through historical sites like Brolio Castle, offering panoramic views and a sense of history in every turn. The rolling hills of Chianti challenge your legs while the quiet gravel roads calm your mind.
No ride would be complete without a visit to the Eroica Café, where tales of legendary rides are shared over perfectly brewed coffee. Return to your cosy accommodation in Gaiole for an evening of hearty Italian cuisine.
75km – 1200m ascent.
Cycle through Crete Senesi, a landscape so unique it’s often compared to the surface of the moon. The gravel paths here are among the most famous of the Strade Bianche, offering a mix of challenges and rewards.
Pedal past Castelnuovo Berardenga and Asciano before entering the breathtaking Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its Renaissance towns and iconic cypress-lined roads. End your day in Pienza, a hilltop town bursting with charm and celebrated for its world-class pecorino cheese.
40km – 400m ascent.
Enjoy a more relaxed ride through the rolling landscapes of Val d’Orcia, passing San Quirico d’Orcia’s picture-perfect cypress avenues. The mix of rolling gravel and scenic backroads provides a chance to savour the Tuscan countryside at a slower pace.
The day concludes with a wine-tasting experience, celebrating the region’s exceptional vintages and the camaraderie built over the week’s rides.
Rest day & explorarion
Take a break from the saddle and immerse yourself in the slower rhythm of Tuscan life. Visit Buonconvento for a morning coffee or explore the historic streets of Montalcino, famed for its Brunello wine.
Collect your bib numbers for tomorrow’s Nova Eroica and soak up the festival atmosphere. Whether you choose to explore or relax, the day offers a perfect blend of leisure and preparation.
Á la carte.
Today is all about celebrating the spirit of gravel cycling. Choose from various distances at the Nova Eroica event and experience the thrill of riding alongside enthusiasts from around the globe.
The white gravel roads and Tuscan landscapes create a truly special atmosphere, whether you’re taking on a challenging route or enjoying a more leisurely ride. After crossing the finish line, share stories of the day’s adventures over a celebratory dinner in Buonconvento.
Goodbyes & Departure.
Enjoy one last hearty breakfast as you reflect on the week’s achievements. Tuscany’s white roads, charming villages, and unforgettable experiences will linger in your memory long after your departure. Our team will assist with transfers to Florence and ensure your journey home is as smooth as your week was inspiring.
Note: Distances and elevation may vary slightly depending on accommodation availability.
Why Choose This Tour?
Tuscany is more than a place; it’s a sensory experience. Picture yourself unwinding in handpicked boutique accommodations that marry rustic charm with modern comfort, nestled amid rolling hills and vineyards.
Savour farm-to-table dinners that celebrate local ingredients, paired with Chianti’s finest wines. Whether it’s a creamy risotto or a plate of handmade pici pasta, every meal offers a delicious reminder that Tuscany doesn’t just feed the body: it nourishes the soul. And yes, the espresso is so good it might ruin you for life.
Gravel riding is about the journey, not just the destination. That’s why our guides tailor each day to match your pace and preferences: no competitive pelotons here unless you want one.
Need a push up a hill or just another coffee stop? We’ve got you. Our support crew handles the nitty-gritty so you can focus on the road ahead: prepping gourmet picnics in scenic spots, fixing mechanical hiccups, and ensuring your luggage magically reappears at the next boutique stay. Gravel cycling in Tuscany has never felt this seamless – or this indulgent.
The Nova Eroica isn’t just a ride; it’s an homage to cycling’s golden age. Join gravel enthusiasts from around the world in Buonconvento, the vibrant heart of the event, and tackle Tuscany’s iconic white gravel roads at your own pace.
Whether you’re clocking long distances or opting for a leisurely loop, this day is all about celebrating the camaraderie and passion that defines gravel cycling. Prefer to sit out and cheer on fellow riders? Strolling through Buonconvento’s cobbled streets with gelato in hand is an equally noble pursuit. Either way, the celebratory dinner seals the deal on a week of incredible memories.
Talk to a Tuscany Gravel Expert
Have a question about this gravel cycling tour, or need help fine-tuning the details? Whether it’s finding the perfect espresso stop or advice on tyre pressure for the Strade Bianche, our team is here to help. Drop us a message, and we’ll get back to you quicker than a Tuscan sunset disappears behind the hills!
Book a call
Click here to schedule a free personal consultation with one of our event planners.
