The Strade Bianche is a unique Gran Fondo, famous for its hilly, white (unpaved / gravel) roads, the same roads that make up the famous Strade Bianche Pro bike race. The white gravel, common throughout the picturesque Tuscan countryside, provides the unique character of the race.
As a tour operator for the Strade Bianche, we will offer you the best possible “white roads” experience. Not only we will guarantee your registration to this event, which sells out year after year, you will also have VIP status, up front at the start of this monumental race. Our staff will take care of your every need. We’ll have a program of personalized rides with expert local guides in a group of no more than 15 cyclists, so everyone will be showered with attention and 24h support from our staff.
It will be an unforgettable experience, not only because of the unique character of the roads, but because we’ll be bringing our “Dolce Vita” style to Tuscany. We’ll have the chance to visiti the medieval Siena and because Tuscany is so well known for its Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and many other wine varieties, you can be sure we’ll taste the local wine. We’ll dine on Tuscan specialties, like Ribollita (a hearty Tuscan soup) and Bistecca alla Fiorentina (a mouthwatering steak, grilled to perfection).
We have built this package for you with flexibility in mind. Stay at Garda Bike Hotel before the Strade Bianche (facultative), to warm up for the big event, or head to Garda after you have conquered the big race of Siena, to relax with rides along the lake, or through our beautiful vineyards. It is totally up to you, and we will personalise your holiday to your liking! If you started your trip with the first four nights in the Strade Bianche, we will drive you to Lake Garda for the next three nights.
This is a 4 night (minimum) package, which includes:
• 4 nights in Tuscany, from Thursday 10th September to Monday 14th September 2020
• optional stay at Lake Garda, before or after Tuscany, on demand.
• other optional trip customizations possible before or after Tuscany on demand.
• GUARANTEED ENTRY TO STRADE BIANCHE GRANFONDO
• VIP ENTRY AT THE FRONT OF THE PELOTON, IN THE FIRST GRID (NUMBERS 1-200)
• 5 days custom program with daily group rides
• Professional Garda Bike Hotel guides both on Lake Garda and in Tuscany
• Support of our Van and driver / mechanic who will look after your bike
• Daily laundry service for bike clothing
• Bike rental of our Pinarello Grevil (optional - not included)
• Bike room with alarm, workshop and washing area
• Full Garda Bike Hotel Cycling Kit by famous italian brand Alè
• Insurance for Assistance - Medical Expense Reimbursement - Luggage Insurance - Cancellation.
ENJOY GARDA HOTEL **** / Garda Bike Hotel (Peschiera del Garda)
• Accommodation in double rooms with full board board,
• Buffet breakfast every morning,
• Lunch buffet
• Dinner a la carte
LA BAGNAIA GOLF & SPA RESORT SIENA by Hilton 5*****
• Accommodation in double rooms with half board,
• Buffet breakfast every morning,
• Dinner a la carte
LA BAGNAIA GOLF & SPA RESORT SIENA by Hilton 5*****. Once a medieval village, the resort is a tranquil hideaway full of history, preserved across a 1,100-hectare estate. Featuring a spa with thermal waters, an 18-hole golf course, restaurants, bars, lush gardens and authentic experiences, our Tuscan accommodations provide the perfect getaway. This location is ideal for exploring Tuscany, with UNESCO City of Siena, San Gimignano, Chianti and San Galgano Abbey a short ride away. Relax at Buddha Spa by Clarins under the waterfall at the outdoor thermal pool. Enjoy the sauna, steam room and signature treatments. Indulge in local cuisine paired with Tuscan wines and an aperitivo poolside during summer.
• Transfers from / to Verona with prior arrangement (driver available from 8 am to 8 pm)
• Collective transfer from Peschiera del Garda to Siena (10th September in the early morning)
• Collective transfer from Siena to Peschiera del Garda (14th September in the morning - on request we might stop in Bologna or Florence)
10th September (THURSDAY)
We recommend that you arrive and stay at Garda Bike Hotel on 09th September, so that we can get an early start on 10 September for our trip to Tuscany. Otherwise, plan to meet us mid-day in Siena. For those already arrived at Garda Bike Hotel, we’ll have a hearty breakfast and then grab our bags and bikes and transfer by our luxury van to Siena, with an approximate travel time of 3 hours. Once we check in to our resort strategically located in the heart of the event (La Bagnaia Golf & Spa Resort Siena, Curio Collection by Hilton) we’ll go for a short ride with our private guide, giving us the chance to test our bikes, and make any final adjustments. We’ll stop for lunch along the way. We’ll get back early enough to get ready for an intimate dinner.
11th September (FRIDAY)
We’ll scout out the roads of the Gran Fondo, a twisty and undulating course, with no long climbs but with punchy hills, most significantly on the unpaved parts. We’ll ride at an easy pace to enjoy the beautiful short route with its hills and ancient buildings. We will stop for photos and get familiar with the challenging climbs. We will be supported by our local guide, van and our driver/mechanic. We’ll also stop for lunch long the way. Late afternoon, we’ll head to a beautiful wine estate, where we’ll have a wine tasting of the classic Chianti and Sangiovese wines of this region, along with a true farm to table dinner, with local and regional products.
12th September (SATURDAY)
After breakfast, we'll have a pleasant morning ride in the hills around Siena: we'll head to San Gimignano, where we'll meet with the NON RIDERS for lunch. In the afternoon, you can relax in the hotel SPA. This evening, we'll dine together in the Resort and review our plans for the next day's Gran Fondo. At our briefing, we'll review the next day's itinerary, including meeting points before and after the ride.
13th September (SUNDAY)
This is the day of our “Gran Fondo Strade Bianche.” Riders can choose between two routes – a long course of 139km, featuring 31.4km of gravel, or a shorter option at 86.6km with 21.6km of white roads. You will be up front leading the way for the peloton, astride a brand new Pinarello gravel bike. After completing the Granfondo, we’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch, and share our ride triumphs and experiences. In the evening, we’ll celebrate together with a gourmet experience by a local butcher, where you can eat one of the most famous Italian dishes, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a nice big juicy steak from the famous Chianina breed of cattle.
14th September (MONDAY)
After breakfast, we’ll return to Garda Bike Hotel, and make any transfers.
Year of the bike: March 2019
Group set: Shimano Ultegra 11 speed 34 – 50 // 11 – 34
Saddle: Selle Italia SP – 01
Handelbar & Stem: Most Jaguarc XC
Wheels: Fulcrum Racing Zero Disc
Tyres: Vittoria Rubino Graphene Pro 30 mm
Garmin Mount: Most iTALON Cockpit for Garmin VIRB, GoPro, Shimano o TomTom Bandit
Because this package has so many variables and options available, please contact us, with the form below, and we will quickly supply you with your own custom package and prices.
10% discount is provided to all our Garda Bike Hotel mutual guests and all the RCC members (Rapha Cycling Club)
Ask us for an offer for this amazing event here: info@gardabikehotel.com
SINGLE ROOM
If you would prefer to stay in a single room, please let us know.
TRANSFER
Transfer from/to Milano, Venezia, or the other major airport of norterhn italy to Lake Garda or Dolomites on requests. (not included)
CUSOMISE YOUR PROGRAM
Customise your program and extend your stay at Lake Garda
" Well ... I still remember when about 5 years ago I saw pictures of Strade Bianche ... never imagine that I could be riding there. The experience is just perfect, and I can’t imagine anything that could be improved. The race is amazing, the dinner with Bora Hansgrove team is a unique experience and the places where we had dinner are perfect. On top of all that, having the home made lasagna and deserts made by Mama Elvira and Papa Lorenzo after the race, was for me like traveling in time and space and feel at home with a big family. I think the group created a very special liaison this year, for most of us was the very first time we met, but we felt like long time friends very quickly. Also is very important to mention that Daniele, the local guide is one of the kindest persons I ever met. You are awesome!!! "
" We have stayed at Garda Bike Hotel many times over the past 10 years. We can always rely on having a memorable cycling experience. We have become friends with the whole Verdolin family and the long-time staff. Every aspect of our vacation is improved because the family is involved every day and the staff reflects their care. Any stay at Garda Bike Hotel is outstanding, but this year's Granfondo Strade Bianche package was a step above the norm. It was like going on a road trip with friends we didn't know yet. We enjoyed the company of everyone in our group. This was more than just a Granfondo event. The cycling and non-cycling activities combined to make a perfect visit to Tuscany. Viewing the pro bike race was enhanced by inside access to the Bora Hansgrohe racing team and VIP viewing at the finish line. The guided group rides in the beautiful hills and white roads around Siena on the days leading up to the event were supreme. When it came time for the Granfondo, we were well-briefed and every detail was handled from the front-bin starting position to preparation of our Pinarello gravel bikes. "
" It is the perfect package, at the same time as you pedal, enjoy a city heritage of humanity, taste its wines and typical dishes, attend the feminine and masculine professional teams of the world tour and finally it's your turn to prove your skills in the Granfondo whose route is simply fantastic, with sections of white gravels, that gave name to the famous route, the unforgettable Strade Bianche! "