Classic L’Eroica weekend
Epic Adventures on Two Wheels – L'Eroica Cycling Holidays
A cycling holiday for L'Eroica in Gaiole in Chianti offers an unforgettable journey through the picturesque Tuscan countryside, where vintage cycling enthusiasts gather to celebrate the golden era of the sport. You'll ride on authentic pre-1987 steel-frame bikes along the iconic "strade bianche" (white gravel roads), dressed in classic wool jerseys. The event is not just a race but a cultural experience, with routes ranging from 46 to over 200 km, and rest stops serving traditional Tuscan delicacies like pici, olive oil and wine. It's a nostalgic adventure that blends history, breathtaking landscapes, and a passion for cycling.
Entry to L'Eroica
Guided prep rides
Wine tasting
Olive oil tasting
Mechanical support
Transfers
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Activity level:
⬤⬤⬤⬤
LEVEL 4 – Esperto.
- Cycling is part of my daily thoughts.
- I can’t get the Italian mountains and countryside out of my mind.
- If I could, I would move to Italy and cycle every day and drink coffee.
- Do wheelies all the time. - Duration: 5 days | 4 nights
- Dates: 02 - 06 October 2025
- Price from: €1899
- Single supplement €499
- Room upgrade available: Yes
The Perfect Holiday
Is this what I’m looking for?
- Are you wanting to enjoy a piece of Italian cycling culture?
- Have you been searching for a holiday that combines great riding and great cuisine?
- Do you want a challenge on the bike and a wonderful off-bike activities?
- Are you passionate about bikes and all things Italy?
Magical & Unforgettable
What to look forward to….
- Nothing beats being there! Be the envy of your cycling friends on this 'stepping back in time' experience.
- Challenge yourself on the beautiful gravel 'white roads' and road routes.
- Enjoy the luxury accommodation of staying in an Italian castle.
- Visit to a local vineyard to taste and experience how wine is made.
- Experience the best of Italian olive oil on the tour.
Stages of your Tour
Benvenuto
20 km | Rolling
Welcome to Italy Bike Tours!
The first day of our L'Eroica cycling holiday begins with a smooth transfer from the airport to Gaiole in Chianti, where the rolling hills of Tuscany await. After settling in, our mechanic will help you for a professional fitting to ensure every rider is perfectly set up for the days ahead. Once the bikes are adjusted, we embark on a short, scenic ride through the Chianti countryside, offering a perfect opportunity to test the bikes and enjoy the stunning landscapes before the adventure truly begins. It’s a relaxed start, setting the tone for the exciting days to come.
Castello di Tornano | Gaiole in ChiantiChianti Loop
55km | 860m
Today’s ride takes us through the picturesque hills of Chianti on vintage bikes, embracing the spirit of L’Eroica. We cycle through winding roads, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, until we reach the charming town of Castellina in Chianti. Here, we pause for a well-deserved coffee in the town square, soaking in the medieval atmosphere. After a leisurely break, we continue our ride to a stunning vineyard, where we enjoy a delicious lunch paired with local wines. Refreshed and recharged, we then pedal back through the Tuscan landscape, with the afternoon sun casting a golden glow over the rolling hills.
Castello di Tornano | Gaiole in ChiantiCoffee Ride
28km | Rolling
The day before L'Eroica kicks off, we enjoy a relaxed morning with a leisurely coffee ride through the scenic Tuscan countryside. The cool morning air and quiet roads set the perfect tone for a gentle spin, soaking in the beauty of rolling hills and vineyards. In the afternoon, we visit a local agriturismo, where we experience the authentic flavours of Tuscany. The highlight is a guided olive oil tasting, where we sample some of the region’s finest oils, learning about the harvest and production process. It’s a tranquil, indulgent day, a perfect way to prepare for the adventure that lies ahead.
Castello di Tornano | Gaiole in ChiantiEroica Day
209 km | 3700M (Long course)
132 km | 2200M (Medium course)
On L'Eroica day, we rise early to the sound of the countryside awakening, ready for an unforgettable adventure. The gravel roads beckon, and we set off on a unique route, winding through the hills of Chianti, each turn revealing a new, breathtaking vista. Along the way, we make a stop at a traditional food station, where local delicacies like crusty bread, cured meats, and pecorino cheese give us the energy to power through. The charm of L'Eroica lies not only in the challenge of the ride but in the unforgettable experience of cycling through a living, timeless landscape, where every kilometre feels like a step back in history.
Castello di Tornano | Gaiole in ChiantiArrivederci!
no ride today
All good things must come to an end, and after a relaxing breakfast chatting through the experiences of the weekend and the completion of the L’Eroica our staff will get you where you need to be for onward travel.
Home
What’s included?
- 4 nights 4* accommodation
- All breakfasts
- 3 dinners
- Airport transfers
- Entry L'Eroica
- Olive oil tasting
- Wine tasting and wineyard tour
- Ex pro guided & supported rides
- IBT vintage jersey
- City taxes
What’s not included?
- Travel Insurance (must be purchased before the tour)
- Flights
- Vintage bike hire
- Vintage Helmet
- Lunches
- All beverages at meal times Beverages at mealtimes (water and coffee are complimentary during meals that are included in the package)
- Tips and gratuities
Still Undecided?
Here is what our clients say about us………
I wish I could give Italy Bike Tours six stars. They are by far the best tour company I've been with. Our custom Tuscany/Strade Bianche/Lake Iseo tour was amazing and the guides and staff, John, Chris, Sylvia, Albi, Matt and Matteo, ensured our trip was seamless!
Travis | Strade Bianche Private tour
Vintage Bike Hire
Colnago Bici Master - the iconic vintage Colnago. At Italy Bike Tours we are pleased to be able to offer vintage bike hire for this spectacular event, we have a limited number of these beauties available, but rest assured we have plenty of other vintage bikes when the Colnagos have been snapped up!
The nuts and Bolts
Useful information about your holiday
| Where to meet |
Please arrange to meet us at Florence Airport at 12:00 or your agreed meeting location. 24 hours before meeting we will contact you via WhatsApp to confirm the name of the staff member meeting you. Alternative transfers can be arranged but will incur a cost. |
|---|---|
| Drop off location |
Following the conclusion of the tour we will assist you with planning and booking of onward travel. We will run one transfer to Florence airport or train station leaving in the late morning after breakfast. |
| Transfer time |
Please consider eating lunch before we collect you from Florence. The transfer time from the airport to the hotel is 1 hour. |
| Riding in Tuscany |
Riding in Tuscany is a dream come true for cyclists, with its rolling hills, charming villages, and winding gravel roads. Every turn reveals breathtaking landscapes of vineyards, olive groves, and historic towns, offering a perfect blend of adventure and beauty. |
| Cuisine |
Tuscany’s cuisine is a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients, with bold flavours and rustic charm. From rich olive oils and hearty breads to fresh pasta, succulent meats, and local cheeses, each dish reflects the region's deep connection to the land. Meals are often accompanied by world-renowned wines, making every bite a true taste of Tuscany’s culinary heritage. |
| Hotel facilities |
The hotel has outdoor swimming pools a lovely bar area to enjoy an afternoon aperativo. Hotels may charge extra for the use of these facilities. |
| Private tours & groups |
You may wish to make your tour even more special, we welcome the opportunity to discuss with you a private tour should you be in a group of more than four people. The private tour allows you to choose dates and personalise the itinerary according to your requirements. |
| Weather |
The October weather in Tuscany should be perfect for riding. Our experienced guides will amend rides, routes and timings to ensure you are riding in safe and hopefully sunny conditions. |
| What happens next |
Are you thinking about joining us? You probably have some questions! There are a number of ways to contact us, email is best, we will reply within 24 hours. You can also find a contact form at the bottom of this page. |
Your Stay
CASTELLO DI TORNANO
Get In Touch
If you would prefer to give us a call and talk cycling and Italy please WhatsApp us on the number below and we will arrange a call back.
ITA: +39 320 638 4713
Or you can chat to us online also by clicking the button at bottom right of page.
Drop us a direct email to info@italybiketours.com
