ITALY TOURS | MountainRides

Italy 2024

Join us on one of our
amazing cycling tours of Italy in 2024.

Tour de France Grande Depart, Tuscany and Lake Iseo
Tour of Lombardy/Piemonte

Tour de France Grande Depart,
Tuscany and Lake Iseo

The Tour de France combined with magic of Italy - an unmissable week of immersing yourself in the world's most watched sporting event in one of the world's most beautiful countries!

Join us for a once in lifetime cycling experience as the Tour de France’s Grande Depart for 2024 moves to Italy. You’ll enjoy an unforgettable week of viewing and riding the first 3 stages of the spectacular TdF and other hand-picked routes in the most beautiful country in Europe.

Our handcrafted cycling tour allows you to get up close to the peloton and savor the atmosphere of the greatest show on two wheels. A combination of great riding, fabulous accommodations and even better cuisine awaits those who join us.

We start in Florence before rolling north and finishing in the exquisite Piemonte region. If you are in search of unequalled Italian expertise and seamless organization then read on and learn why this tour is not to be missed.

TOUR START: Florence
TOUR FINISH: Lake Iseo
TOTAL DISTANCE: 288 miles
TOTAL ASCENT: 17,880 ft

- TdF Team Presentation

- Siena City Center

- Guided Rides

- 3 TDF Stage Viewings

- Airport/Hotel Transfers

- E-Bike Friendly (Rentals available)

- Non-riders welcome

ACTIVITY LEVEL: MODERATE
DURATION: 8 DAYS | 7 NIGHTS
DATE 2024: JUN 26 - JUL 03
PRICE: $3,750
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $900
ROOM UPGRADE AVAILABLE: YES
EXTRA DAY IN FLORENCE with Hotel, Tours of the Duomo and Dinner - $600
PLEASE NOTE WE ARE NOT AN OFFICIAL OPERATOR OF THE TOUR OF FRANCE.

The Perfect Cycling Vacation

IS THIS WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR?

Are you wanting to enjoy fine hospitality and a tour seamlessly organized by our Italy-based partner?
Are you in search of a tour that allows you to ride part of the stages of the 2024 TdF?
Would you like to ride the magical roads of Strade Bianche?
Do you want a cycling vacation that offers unbeatable value for money?
Are you a fan of Marco Pantani and interested to learn more about the Italian cycling legend?

Magical & Unforgettable

What to look forward to……

Discover the party that is the TdF Team presentation.
Ride the same roads as the pro peloton on three stages.
Fall in love with the magic of Tuscany and its enchanting wines.
Enjoy private viewing hospitality in the company of other cycling enthusiasts
Be guided by an ex pro who will share his experience of riding the TdF

STAGES OF YOUR TOUR

DAY 1- BENVENUTO TO ITALIA

16 Miles, 500ft Climbing
After you arrive in Florence, we pick you up at the airport and whisk you away to your hotel, where you'll meet your group, prep your bikes, and take a short ride to shake off the jet-lag and loosen up the legs before dinner.
Villa d’Arte Hotel - Florence

DAY 2 - TEAM PRESENTATION

46 Miles, 2,460ft Climbing
After a fabulous breakfast we hop on the bike and enjoy a wonderful ride through the heart of the Chianti region. Famed for incredible red wines and roads lined with magical Cypress Trees - picture perfect Italy! Our destination is our most southerly point, Grave in Chianti, here we will have a bite to eat in the piazza before heading north through medieval villages back the hotel. In the late afternoon we transfer to the centre of Florence for the TdF team presentation followed by dinner in the city centre
Villa d’Arte Hotel - Florence

DAY 3 - STRADE BIANCHE

43 Miles, 3,600ft Climbing
Today is dedicated to arguably the world’s most beautiful one-day pro race - the Strade Bianche. The route today will be on the same roads the pro peloton rides, finishing with the climb in to Pizza del Campo in the heart of Siena. Plenty of time for photos and coffee before rolling back to the hotel. In the afternoon we will enjoy wine tasting and a tour of a local vineyard. Dinner served in local pizzeria.
Villa d’Arte Hotel - Florence

DAY 4 - STAGE 1 VIEWING

27 Miles - 2,950ft Climbing
This morning we leave early and ride west with hundreds of other cycling enthusiasts in the direction of the first climb of stage 1. Our partner staff will be waiting in our private viewing area which will have food, drinks & TV to watch race. We are the party! The pro peloton will pass us around midday, a chance to watch your favorite riders battle for the first yellow jersey of the tour.
This afternoon we will transfer to Bologna and enjoy dinner in the city center.
Palazzo Varignana - Bologna

DAY 5 - BOLOGNA FINISH LINE

31 Miles, 1,800ft Climbing
After the now customary excellent breakfast we hop on the bikes and enjoy a loop of south Bologna. The terrain is rolling and the views magnificent. On arrival back to the hotel there will be time to shower and change before we head to the city centre to watch the finish of Stage 2. The city will be buzzing with TdF energy and the famous San Luca climb will be fabulous to watch from the road side with other cycling fans. Dinner this evening at the hotel.
Palazzo Varignana - Bologna

DAY 6 - PIACENZA DEPART

55 Miles, 990ft Climbing
A morning transfer to watch today’s stage start in Piacenza (Stage 3). A chance to watch the professionals warm-up and prepare for today’s stage that finishes in Torino. Once the stage has started we will take a beautiful ride north to the wine region of Franciacorta near Lake Iseo. Dinner this evening will be a special meal overlooking the lake.
Relais Franciacorta - Iseo Lake

DAY 7 - MONTECAMPIONE

68 Miles, 5,577ft Climbing
Our last ride of the tour is dedicated to Marco Pantani and his victories in the 1998 Giro d’Italia and TdF. The last man to do the ‘double’ - will it ever be repeated? We start from the hotel and ride along the shore of Lake Iseo before climbing epic Montecampione. For those that make it to the top a chance to take photos at undoubtably the finest statue of the great man. Dinner served in the hotel restaurant.
Relais Franciacorta - Iseo Lake

DAY 8 - ARRIVIDERCI

All good things must come to end and following this amazing few days our team will help you depart for your onward travel.

BIKE RENTAL

The perfect cycling vacation requires pedaling on the perfect bike. So should you not wish to bring your own bike with you we have a number of beautiful bikes that you can rent at very reasonable prices. If you are not sure what is the perfect bike for you then fire as an email and we will be delighted give you some advice. You can find more information about our bikes below. And yes, you can buy our bikes if you fall in love with them!

Colnago V3 - the perfect road bike to hire on our more challenging cycling holidays. Lightweight, aerodynamic and above all great handling.

COMPONENTS:

Shimano 105 12 Speed Di2 Drivetrain (50/34 Chainset and 11-34 Cassette)
Fulcrum Racing 600 Wheelset
Pirelli P7 Sport 28mm Tyres
Shimano 105 Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
Selle Italia Novus Boost Evo Flow saddle
(Sizes: XXS(42S), XS(45S), S(48S), M(50S), L(52S), XL(54S), XXL(56S), XXXL(58S))

3T Primo - The Primo offers clients the very best in handling and comfort. If you love riding gravel you will love the 3T Primo.

COMPONENTS:

SRAM Rival Mechanical 1 x 11 Speed Drivetrain (42T Chainset and 11-42T Cassette)
Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 Wheelset
Pirelli Cinturato 35mm Gravel Tyres
SRAM Rival Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
WTB SL8 saddle
(Sizes: S, M, L, XL)

Guerciotti Brera Touring ION - the ideal bike for guests looking for a little assistance when riding. The flat handle bars are perfect for clients looking for maximum comfort.

COMPONENTS:

SRAM NX Mechanical 1 x 11 Speed Drivetrain (40T Chainset and 11-42T Cassette) URSUS Orion Disc Wheelset
Challenge Gravel Grinder 42mm Tyres
SRAM Guide Rival Hydraulic Levers and SRAM Rival Caliper Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
Electric Polini E-P3 250 watt motor, with 70 N/m maximum torque
500 wh battery with 220 km range in assist mode
DPV Touring saddle
(Sizes: S, M)

Guerciotti Navir ION - loved by clients that enjoy the challenge of riding some of our more challenging tours. E-Assisted road bikes are a real ‘game changer’.

COMPONENTS:

Shimano 105 Mechanical 11 Speed Drivetrain (50/34T Chainset and 11-32T Cassette)
QTC E Slight Disc Wheelset
Michelin Power Cup 25mm Tyres
Shimano 105 Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm front and 140mm rear rotors)
Electric Polini E-P3 250 watt motor, with 70 N/m maximum torque
500 wh battery with 220 km range in assist mode
DPV Touring saddle
(Sizes: M, L)

What’s Included?

7-nights 4-Star accommodation
All breakfasts and 5 dinners
Airport transfers
GPX routes
Ex-Pro guide
3 TdF stage viewing
Van and mechanical support
Gift Bundle
City taxes

What’s Not Included?

Travel Insurance (Emergency Medical Insurance is mandatory)
Flights
All beverages at meal time
Lunches
Tips for Guides

The Nuts And Bolts - Useful information about your holiday

Where to meet?

Please arrange to meet us at Florence airport around 12:00pm (Noon) - Day 1. We will contact you via E-Mail, Telephone, or WhatsApp in the days leading up to the start of your tour to confirm your transfer and the name of the staff member collecting you. Alternative transfers can be arranged but may incur an additional cost. We recommend downloading the WhatsAPP app to communicate while in Italy.

Drop off Location?

We can assist you with planning and booking of onward travel following the conclusion of your tour. We will run one morning transfer to Milan airports.

Transfer Time

Please consider eating lunch before we collect you from Florence. The transfer time to the hotel is around 25 minutes (Day 1).

Riding in Italy

The general road conditions in Italy are good with many cycle paths. At certain times of the year roads may be busy with cars and motorbikes. For these reasons we may adjust ride times.

Cuisine

The food is excellent in all three regions. Restaurants now cater for both vegan and vegetarians. Locally made wines and beer are a must-try.

Hotel Facilities

The hotels on this tour have spas and we recommend bringing swimwear. Hotels also have laundry service, good wi-fi and bar service. Hotels may charge extra to use some of these facilities.

Weather

Our highly experienced local guides check the weather on a daily basis and amend rides accordingly - should there be a need. The average summer temperature in the area can range from 68°F-86°F.

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. Please check your SPAM / JUNK folder should you not see a response email from us within 12 hours. You can also find a contact form at the bottom of this page.