The Cycling, Dining, Palio tour includes:
– Accommodation (full board)
– Tourist tax
– Airport bus transfers
– Palio
– Contrada diner
– Travel bag
– Sports nutrition
– Wine tasting
– CYCLOsportive cycling kit
– Speaker
– Afterparty
– Photographer who takes beautiful images of you and your trip

The Cycling, Dining, Palio tour excludes:
– return flight.

We don't yet know where all participants come from. Therefore, we will charge a surcharge on the travel price for the flight you book.

You'll stay in a luxurious Tuscan villa, fully equipped, near the beautiful Tuscan city of Siena. A single room is available upon request.

Day 1:
The day begins with a flight from Amsterdam (or your preferred airport) to Florence. A bus departs from Florence Airport at 12:00 PM to take you to the hotel. Upon arrival, a lunch prepared by our chef will be waiting for you, after which we'll hop on our bikes for a short ride through the Tuscan hills. Participants traveling to Tuscany with their own transport can also join us for lunch if they arrive early and then join us for the first few kilometers. A loop of just 40 km with a good 600 meters of elevation gain and some beautiful gravel sections. In the evening, we'll enjoy dinner, also prepared by our chef. After dinner, an inspiring speaker will conclude the evening.

Day 2:
On day 2, we'll depart after breakfast at 9:30 am for a group ride. This time, we'll ride a scenic 75 km ride with 1200 meters of elevation gain. The ride is divided into two loops so we can have lunch at our accommodations. You can also decide to relax by the pool or do some work after the first loop. Before dinner, we'll offer you a wine tasting of Tuscany's finest wines. We'll conclude the evening with a dinner prepared by our chef.

Day 3:
The tension in Siena is palpable, and preparations for the Palio are in full swing. Today, you'll have your first real encounter with this ancient horse race on this trip. We'll be cycling in the morning, and after lunch, everyone is free to do as they please. Head to Siena to soak up the atmosphere? Another loop of the trail? Some poolside work? It's all possible. Just be ready in time for the contrada dinner. We'll be sitting down for an invited-only dinner in one of the participating neighborhoods. We'll be cheering on the fantino (participant) during dinner.

Day 4:
Today we'll be attending the ancient horse race in the heart of Siena: the PALIO! The Piazza del Campo will fill up with spectators by late afternoon, and the stands will be packed with enthusiastic fans. In the morning, we'll take a relaxing bike ride. After lunch, everyone is free to come and go as they please. Around 5:00 PM, we'll depart for Siena, where the starting gun will fire at 7:00 PM. Will our fantino win this ancient race? We'll watch the race from our own balcony, giving us the best view! Of course, we'll be able to enjoy snacks and drinks during the race. After the Palio, we'll have a party at our villa, and we've invited a DJ who knows how to throw a party.

Day 5:
We'll enjoy the Tuscan hills one last time during the "hangover ride." A short drive, after which we'll enjoy lunch back at the villa. We'll relax in the afternoon, and in the evening, we'll join the final dinner of a truly special trip to Tuscany/Siena. A truly Cyclig, Dining. Palio.

Day 6:
The taxi will transport everyone back to the airport for the flight to Amsterdam (or airport of choice).

For anyone who enjoys life. The name of the trip says it all: Cycling, Dining, Palio.

01. What is the average distance per day?
The average distance varies between 40 and 80 km per day, depending on the trip. This is suitable for cyclists with a reasonable to good condition.

02. Do I have to bring my own bicycle?
Yes, generally. For some trips, you can also rent a bike. For trips that include flights, bike rentals are generally available. This will be indicated during the booking process. For the Palio trip, we will transport your bike and one suitcase of luggage. You will fly with hand luggage only.

03. Is there a follow-up vehicle available?
Yes, usually there is a follow-up vehicle for luggage and for support in emergencies. Or to refill the water bottle on the way.

04. Can I determine the route myself?
With group travel the route is predetermined, but sometimes there are options for extra routes or breaks. We are always happy to think along about alternative routes.

05. Is the trip suitable for beginners?
Group trips are often suitable for different levels. Check the level of the trip in advance. The level is indicated with a number of stars for each trip.

06. What happens if I can no longer cycle?
There is often a follow-up vehicle or support team to pick you up if you can't go any further.

07. What is included in the price?
Accommodation, breakfast and dinner, sports drinks, technical support, one sports massage, start permits, and guidance are usually included. Flights, bike rentals, and personal expenses (lunch and drinks) are often additional costs. Always check what's included and what's excluded from the trip, as this can vary from trip to trip.

08. Are the routes difficult?
The difficulty level varies. For the trips with a Granfondo we offer routes that ensure that you are fit at the start on the day of the Granfondo. You cycle less than on a tour where longer and heavier rides are offered. For the tours, the participants have a choice almost every day between a longer/heavier or shorter/easier route.

09. Do I need to take out insurance?
Yes, travel and cancellation insurance is always recommended, as well as insurance for damage to the bike or medical emergencies.

10. What type of accommodation is used?
After a day of cycling, you want to relax and unwind. That's why CYCLOsportive stays in accommodations with a minimum 4-star rating. We know how important it is to rest in a comfortable bed, have a good dinner, and enjoy a delicious breakfast in the morning!

11. Can I keep up a little? Or are they all semi-pros who are coming along?
Yes, you can come along. No, there will be no half-pros. There will always be a difference in level. At CYCLOsportive we always go out with relatively small groups and can split the group during cycling so that everyone can enjoy themselves at their own level.

12. Can I also participate as a woman?
Yes! Fortunately, we see more and more women on bikes and also on our trips. It creates a nice dynamic in the group. So come along!

13. Do we have to do everything together or can I sometimes do my own thing?
A group trip has a program and we offer that every day. In the evening we brief you about the program of the next day. If you want to make your own plan, that is perfectly fine. Going out alone is not something we advise. We are happy to think with you about alternative routes if the group program does not suit you completely.

14. How do I get my bike to its destination?
On most trips, you'll need to arrange your own transportation. Only for the GF Strade Bianche and the Palio do we transport your bike and luggage. We also book your flight for you, scheduling a drop-off and pick-up day. You'll fly to your destination with only hand luggage and arrange transfers from the airport to your hotel.

15. How can I best prepare for the trip in terms of training?
Keep in mind that you will be cycling for four or five days in a row. If you are not used to this, practice this at home. In addition, it is advisable to use a training schedule (at least 3 months) to be well trained.

16. Are there also introductory rides?
We plan at least 1x an online meeting in which we give the participants the opportunity to get to know each other a little better and where questions about the trip can be asked. A few times a year we organize social rides for which participants can register.

17. A trip has an odd number of participants. Will there be a charge for a single room?
If you choose a single room, we will charge for that. If it is not the choice of a participant, but it happens to be that way, we will not charge any costs.

18. Is a medical certificate required for this trip?
To participate in this trip, participants do not need to have a medical certificate.