Ride the ancient pilgramage route of the Via Francigena from Florence to arrive truimphantly in Rome. The ancient route has varied over the years, with each pilgrim choosing their own unique route to the Vatican. The Eat Sleep Cycle Via Francigena has been built based on a quest to find exceptional gravel and warm hospitality en route.
Our edition of the ancient route winds its way south from Florence through Tuscany & Lazio, with a short rendesvoux & overnight in Umbria. Soak up the sights of the Chianti vineyards, experience riding the Strade Bianche and pay homage to L’Eroica Classic.
Stay in 4* hotels each with their own unique character. Relax post-ride in lush gardens, swimming pools & spas and enjoy Italian hospitality. Feel the history riding into Rome along the banks of the Tiber, a river that embodies the spirit of Rome itself, interwoven with tales of gods, legends, and the very foundation of the city.
Rated 2 out of 4 our Intermediate tours are designed for sporty people who are looking to enjoy some more challenging rides. E-bikes are available on all of our tours.
Meet the group in Florence over a light lunch before getting set up on the bikes and heading out for a spectacular warm-up ride in the hills surrounding Florence. Soak up spectacular views of the city before dropping back down for an evening of fun & relaxation.
Set a course south to Rome through the spectacular Chianti region. In the afternoon relax by the pool and soak up the afternoon sun at the amazing hotel Borgo San Luigi.
Day 3 is the toughest and most beautiful ride of the tour. Ride south through the Crete Senesi following the white gravel roads used in L’Eroica Classic,. Discover the UNESCO Vall d’Orcia, as featured in Gladiator.
After the challenge of the day before an easier (but no less beautiful day) beckons. Climb through forests and roll through small towns. Leave Tuscany behind and cross into the province of Lazio and on to tonight’s resting place in Umbria.
As close to a rest day as we get! Day 5 brings a beautiful short ride taking in the Lago di Bolsena. Note the change in landscape as the gravel turns from white to red.
One last ride takes us triumphantly into Rome. En route enjoy an amazing coffee stop in Piazza del Comune in Sutri before tackling the rolling hills into Rome.
Sadly, the tour has come to a close. Let us know your departure plans and we will organise any necessary transfers for you.
FULL SUPPORT
Enjoy full ride support from our professional guide team & support vehicle.
The ride support vehicle is stocked with natural ride nutrition, electrolytes and water, as well as a full set of tools to resolve any mechanicals. On selected days the support crew will serve a delicious picnic lunch in a scenic location en route. Enjoy local foods chosen to keep you feeling energized and healthy.
Eat Sleep Cycle guides are experienced riders from all walks of life united by a love of cycling who’ll help to keep the group safe, motivated and savouring the trip of a lifetime.
All guests will receive access to our digital Road Book and routes, giving everyone the flexibility to ride at their own pace.
Hotels shown are examples and are subject to change
Start the journey at the historic Casa Santo Nome di Gesu. Perfectly located along the river in Florence in the San Frediano district, this is a perfect spot to start riding from. The 15th-century building features high ceilings, orignal frescoes and is a few steps from the from Brancacci Chapel, the Pitti Palace and the Ponte Vecchio bridge.
Borgo San Luigi is a 17th century palace set on a beautiful rural estate. Rest in the shade of the thick gardens, enjoy a swim in the Olympic-sized pool and savour breakfast outdoors poolside during the summer. Enjoy high-quality rooms with period furniture and Tuscan-style furnishings. Featuring vineyard or mountain views, rooms include rustic fire places, historic frescoes and Tuscan four-poster beds.
Grand Hotel Impero stands in an enchanting position on the slopes of Mount Amiata, between Val d’Orcia and the Tuscan Maremma. Recently refurbished and renovated, the Hotel, once a manor house from the 50’s, is a true oasis of well-being. Enjoy great food & warm hostpitality.
A wonderful hotel in a unique location where the regions of Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany meet, in the heart of ancient Etruria. It stands on hills inhabited since the dawn of time, even before Rome. The resort, rebuilt in the rural style of old Umbria, reflects these millenary traditions, bridging past and present, ancient and modern, body and soul.
The perfect spot to enjoy rest & recovery ahead of the last big ride of the tour. Featuring a wellness centre with various swimming pools, a hot tub, and a sauna, Hotel Salus Terme has a garden, elegant rooms and a gourmet restaurant. The wellness centre is provided a complete experience with ergonomic thermal tubs, temperate saline pool, Kneipp vascular path, external panoramic sauna, cold reaction pool, chromotherapy sauna, infrared sessions, thermal steam grotto and fountain ice!
This refined 4-star Boutique Hotel is in the heart of the Prati district, the elegant Art Nouveau area that develops around Via Cola di Rienzo and its famous luxury shopping area, chosen as the headquarters of RAI, by other famous institutions and prestigious international schools.
Bike hire is not included in the tour. Add bike rental to the trip from €40 per day
The Rave is perfect for all-road, perfect for gravel and is desgined for speed. Enjoy a lightweight carbon frame with racey geometry and an electronic SRAM Rival XPLR groupset for full gear range and precision shifting.
Emanuela is Italian and after many years living in Barcelona relocated to Mallorca. She started triathlon 10 years ago and has made it her life! Alongside guiding Emanuela hosts guests from all over the world in her Airbnb.
During the past 10 years, Mario has lived in different countries, but now he’s back home in Conegliano to ride every steep hill in the area! Despite his focus on road cycling, he’s had some amazing moments with his beloved steel gravel bike! Mario has been a member of the ESC Team since 2019 and couldn’t be happier! He looks forward to seeing you on the road soon!
Italia! Pizza! Pasta! The Giro! Italy is a classic destination for cycling holidays, with a huge variety of landscapes to explore & a history steeped in cycling culture. Italy is best enjoyed from April through to June and in the Autumn months.
Italy cycling tours offer something special for every cyclist. Whether you're looking for mountain ranges, excellent food or to ride around the lakes, our cycling holidays in Italy have you covered.
From the high mountains of the Alps and Dolomites in the North, to the Italian Lakes of Lombardia & Piemonte, to the rolling hills of Tuscany and Emilia Romagna, and off-shore to the islands of Siciliy & Sardinia, Italy promises to wow!
If you have any questions about our tours, dates, or anything else, contact us here
