Daily program

The complete program consists of 5 days, 4 nights, and 3 days of cycling.

• Day 1 (October 11, 2023): Arrival in Siena
  At 2:00 PM, there will be a group transfer by reserved bus from Florence S.M.N station to Siena. Check-in at Hotel Athena and accommodation in reserved rooms with the delivery of the Eroica Kit and Travel Diary. Meeting with the Tour Leader guide and test ride of the rented bicycles. In the evening, there will be a technical briefing during dinner with a tasting menu at the hotel. Overnight stay.
• Day 2: Siena-Montalcino (53 km / 1170 m D+)
  Out of the 53 km to be covered, with a significant elevation gain of almost 1200 m, 30 km will be on dirt roads divided into three different sections. While the first two sections will have gentle undulations, the last section, the famous Castiglion del Bosco, which has seen the passage of the Giro d'Italia on multiple occasions, includes a 7 km uphill stretch with sections that exceed 10% gradient. Along this already emotionally charged route, the artistic entertainment of the duo Arte a Pedali will be incorporated. The stories narrated by La Manna and the music played on the nyckelharpa by Bungaro will make us feel like we are in a dream, evoking stories from another era, nourishing our spirits and energizing our muscles! As we enter the Val di Merse, we will experience the contrast between the forests and the sinuous clay hills of the Crete Senesi. After passing through the small village of Bibbiano, we will enter the territory of Brunello and Val d'Orcia, arriving in Montalcino amidst breathtaking landscapes. Arrival in Montalcino. Dinner and overnight stay.
• Day 3: Montalcino-Castelnuovo Berardenga (78 km / 1420 m D+)
  This is a challenging route of 78 km with an elevation gain of 1420 m, mainly characterized by the presence of 53 km of dirt roads. Of the 6 dirt sections to be faced, the passage through Monte Acuto stands out for its technically challenging downhill stretches and uneven road surface. The hardships will end with the sector of Monte Sante Marie, which has truly demanding uphill and downhill sections. The Monte Sante Marie sector is undoubtedly the most iconic stretch of the Eroica, covering 11 km from Crete Senesi to Chianti. It is also part of the famous professional race Strade Bianche and is dedicated to a cycling legend like Fabian Cancellara, who has won this race three times, making it the sixth monument in the world of cycling. In this absolutely unique context, where Val d'Orcia leaves its wooded part and opens up to the typical open and scenic landscapes of Tuscan postcards, an additional artistic/literary intervention by Arte a Pedali will motivate us to overcome the technical challenges of the day and reach our destination. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
• Day 4: Castelnuovo Berardenga-Siena (75 km / 1340 m D+)
  This route covers 75 km, half of which is on dirt roads, but overall, it is technically easy with only one steep descent immediately after Castello di Brolio. The route takes place entirely within Chianti Classico, and the Sangiovese vineyards will accompany us until the gates of Siena. The passage through Gaiole in Chianti, the starting and finishing point of the Eroica, holds significant value for the journey. Here, we look to the past for a new idea of cycling, characterized by a taste for effort, an appreciation of beauty, and the flavors of the region. It will not be difficult to find the perfect spot for a musical break and storytelling by Arte a Pedali, gently guiding us towards the conclusion of this fantastic experience. Arrival in Siena. Dinner and overnight stay.
• Day 5: Departure
  After breakfast, check-out and departure with a group transfer by reserved bus from Siena to Florence S.M.N station, marking the end of the services.

Accommodation level

RURAL GLAM: A mix of rustic charm of farm stays and the elegance of residences in small towns. Savor local cuisine and fine wines in exclusive settings and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside. Whether you stay in an ancient farmhouse or a refined residence in a small town, comfort and elegance are always guaranteed. RURAL GLAM is the ideal choice for an authentic and luxurious experience. Siena Hotel Athena**** – Montalcino Hotel dei Capitani ***– Villa Curina Villa Curina Resort ****iena: Hotel Athena- Montalcino: Poggio Il Castellare – Asciano: Hotel La Pace- Radda Palazzo San Niccolò

Tour category

RING TOUR: The ring tour faithfully follows the permanent Eroica routes, with possible variations to reach the stopping points. It starts and ends in the same location, with daily stages and changes of accommodation at each stage. The organization takes care of luggage transport. The ring tour is a complete and adventurous cycling experience, with each stage planned to ensure a balance between distance and time available to enjoy places and experiences.

Formula

GUIDED: You will have an expert cycling guide at your disposal: They will accompany you throughout the route, providing you with detailed information about the area and the history of Eroica's roads. You can enjoy the journey in complete peace of mind, without worrying about planning the itinerary or facing the most challenging climbs alone.

Rider level

LEVEL 1 - E-BIKE EXPLORER: This level is perfect for cyclists who want to explore the white roads of Eroica comfortably. You will cover between 25 and 40 km per day with a elevation gain of 800-1500m (depending on the days and itinerary) using an e-bike. The assistance of the e-bike will allow you to enjoy the views without the need for excessive effort during climbs.