WHERE WE STAY
We’ll start this tour at the family run hotel, Zi Martino, near our home village of Castagneto Carducci. Our first four days of cycling will be from here to the surrounding hillside towns, back in time for lunch. Our fifth ride will take us to the island of Elba in two phases— the first to the port of Piombino to ride onto the ferry, and the second from the ferry to our island stay in Fetovaia. After three nights of soaking up Elba we’ll reverse our transfer ride and spend the last night of the tour back at hotel Zi Martino.
GEARED FOR
Anyone that is ready to hit the road with enthusiasm after the winter months. We have rated this a three-pig tour in the past because of the hilly terrain but we understand it’s early in the season and will not expect a September pace on this May/June tour—so all two-piggers are welcome. This is a great itinerary for non-cycling guests as they will be able to participate in several cooking lessons and other food & wine experiences throughout the week. Plus, our locations offer access to hiking trails, stunning beaches, and quaint Italian villages to explore.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Both Castagneto Carducci and the island of Elba are immersed in nature and offer a variety of natural terrain to explore. First inhabited by the Etruscans, the ancient people of Tuscany, and later by the Romans, we’ll see striking examples of these cultures as we explore each location by bike and foot.
Wine enthusiasts will be pleased to be sample a range of wines from the heart of the Bolgheri DOC and into the lesser known Val di Cornia, while Elba will offer us unique, crisp white varieties, each place with exciting expressions of their unique terrain.
With the mediterranean sparkling in sight we hope to be lured to the beach at least one afternoon.
Cooking lessons will be taught by local cooks focusing on regional (and mostly familial) recipes with the fresh ingredients of the season. Lessons will be offered to satisfy both cycling and non-cycling guests so everyone can participate if they’d like.
TRAVEL DETAILS
This tour begins and ends with transportation from/to Pisa airport [PSA] or the local train station [Castagneto Carducci-Donoratico]:
Pick up: 11:00 Saturday, May 30 at the Pisa Airport
Drop off: Sunday, June 7: we will coordinate a morning shuttle time to the Pisa Airport and/or the local train station in Castagneto Carducci-Donoratico, exact times tbd based on need.
Transportation outside of the scheduled pick up/drop off days and times is not included in the price of the tour
Departure flights scheduled before 8 a.m. may not be accommodated in our shuttle times, so please alert us if you have an early flight.
INCLUDED IN TOUR
Transportation from and to Pisa Airport and local train station
8 riding days
8 nights of accommodation
8 breakfasts, 7 dinners, 7 lunches
Guide supported riding, mechanic support, follow vehicle if accessible on our route otherwise nearby
Food and drinks on rides
Bike rentals, please send a bike rental form
TOUR DETAILS
Payment:
A $1,000 deposit is required upon booking confirmation to reserve your space
A second payment of $1,000 is due on Dec 30, 2025
Final Balance payments due of $2,250 on Feb 27, 2026
Single Supplement of $600 extra, please indicate on booking form
Please see our payment and cancellation policies on the FAQ page
Weather: Mid 70s to high 80s, perhaps warm enough for a dip in the Mediterranean
