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08.30 - 08.30 - Arrival at the meeting point. Getting Acquainted with the tour leader and equipments, Introductory and Orientation Talk
09.00 - Bike Fitting, Bike test and Safety talk
09.15 - Start cycling
10.15 - We reach the upper part of the Village of Colle di Val d’Elsa, stopping at a Caffeteria for freshing up or sipping a coffee.
10.45 - Back to our saddles, we cross the village of Colle, descending onto the Roman Caldane, where we can enjoy the freshness of these public baths (constant temperatures at 18C/65F.)
11:45 - Completely renewed by the fresh waters, we hit the road to return to San Gimignano. Here the pavement becomes gravel and the countryside transitions to vineyards and olive groves. That’s when, after some long climbs, that San Gimignano presents itself with its amazing skyline. After the photo shooting we continue until reaching the village.
14.00 - Arrival at the Village of San Gimignano. We head directly to the gelateria Dondoli. After some climbs, savouring this magnificent delight is a well deserved reward
14.30 - The tour ends in the Cistern Square.
*The itinerary/sequence listed above can be changed according to the guide’s discretion.
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Together with our cycling guides, this bike tour starts in the fascinating San Gimignano bounded to Colle di Val d’Elsa, a village located in the Via Francigena pilgrimage way. Equipped with our comfortable Pedal-Assisted Electric Bikes we will cross the famous Tuscan gravel roads to reach stunning territories, dotted with vineyards, olive groves and wheat fields. As we enter these territories we will have the opportunity to contemplate scenographic landscape, take some photos and stop for storytelling about the rich culture and history of these places. We'll get off of our bikes for quick coffee and exploring the medieval castle of Colle di Val d’Elsa. Afterwards, we will pop into the Roman Baths, called “Le Caldane” where you can dive in its crystal clear and fresh waters (temperatures always constant 18C/65F). Afterwards, we'll get back on our saddles and head towards Poggibonsi, through an old railway converted into a cicleway. We keep on cycling to face the climbs in the gravel roads in the countryside of San Gimignano. These are gorgeous territories, craddle of the wine Vernaccia of San Gimignano, embelished by vineyards and idilyc tuscan villages converted into modern agriturismo. At a certain moment, you’ll see the skyline of SG from a different and exclusive prospective. It’s the right moment for contemplation, gaining some breath and some clicks! We’ll enter the medieval village through gate San Matteo and head directly to the Dondoli Gelateria, where the tour ends with a sweet taste! *During the entire route you will be accompanied by a cycle tour guide certified by the National MTB Academy and the Italian Association of Environmental Hiking Guides (card no. 712).
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Approximate Tour Duration: 5-6 hs
Total Approximate distance : 43 km / 24 mi
Accumulated Ascents: 611 m / 2,016 ft
Surface Breakdown: 50% dirt / 50% asphalt (mostly secondary roads)
Maximum Climb Steepness: 11 %
Difficulty level: medium
Technical ability required: good technical ability (you must be able to turn and brake on inconsistent terrain such as the gravel roads)
Physical effort: medium (you must be used to covering a similar distance in a bike, and reasonably fit)
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Cycling guide certified for the National MTB Academy with total knowledge of the area
Tour Leader Third party civil liability insurance (in force in accordance with the terms of the RC 70346 policy)
Emergency mechanical assistance in the event of a breakdown
Rental of Pedal-Assist Electrical Bike (MTB kind or City)
Helmets
Tasting Ice Cream at the Gelateria Dondoli (2-3 scoops)
Rucksac with 1 bottle of water
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Water or food to consume during the bike ride
Shuttle o transfer
Meals
Personal Accidents Insurance (possible to be added under request)
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In the event of cancellation of the tour due to bad weather, it will be rescheduled. If participation on the new proposed date is impossible, the amount will be refunded (depending on the payment method, management costs may be withheld)
As long as the cancellation is requested within 48 hours of the start time of the chosen tour, the refund will be granted in full, with management costs relating to the payment method being withheld.
Refund won't be granted if the cancellation request arrives in less than 48 hours prior the tour meeting time.
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Photo of Colle di Val d’Elsa: “Colle di Val d'Elsa, Tuscany” di Sorin Popovich, CC BY-SA 2.0