Get ready for an eyeful during a bike ride of the historic Via Francigena, an important medieval pilgrimage route with breathtaking landscapes in the heart of Italy's Tuscany. This intermediate-level cycling challenge begins in San Quirico d'Orcia. From there, you'll pass through several typical villages located at elevated mountain altitudes, offering unforgettable views on the majestic Val d'Orcia. Your itinerary will lead you to Rome, the Eternal City, where some of Europe's most beautiful relics await.
Participants meeting at Montreal-Trudeau airport and flight to Rome in the evening.
Meal and night on the plane.
Arrival at Rome airport, welcome by your french speaking guide and transfer by private minibus (around 2:15) to San Quirico d'Orcia. Installation at the hotel and dinner in a restaurant.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After breakfast, departure for one of the most beautiful stage of the circuit. We will cross the Val d'Orcia, and visit Bagno Vignoni and Radicofani spa villages, a magnificent example of a Tuscan village that dominates the whole valley. We will have extraordinary views of the hills so characteristic of the region. Overnight at the hotel at Radicofani.
Distance : 35 km bike /
Elevation : + 750m
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After the breakfast, we descend to the Val di Paglia, crossing a wonderful landscape: around us, hills as far as the eye can see and Mount Amiata, and behind us, la Rocca. Overnight in a tuscan castle.
Distance : 25 km bike /
Elevation : + 500m
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After breakfast, we continue on via Cassia and cross the Volsini mountains, then arrive at the wonderful Bolsena lake and its terms, a series of hot water wells, always frequented by pilgrims who transit along the Via Francigena . Beautiful surprises await you on this course! Overnight at the hotel at Bolsena.
Distance : 29 km bike /
Elevation : + 500m
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After breakfast, we leave from Bolsena and see again some beautiful views of the lake. The next part is spectacular and will allow us, in some ways to cross the history of the region and the country. Beautiful 360 degree views! After, we will rest a few moments at Bagnaccio terms, since always frequented by the pilgrims. Arrival in Viterbo and visit the historic center of this beautiful village. Overnight at the hotel at Bolsena.
Distance : 32 km bike /
Elevation : + 550m
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After breakfast, we will go to Sutri village and visit its amphitheater. From there, we begin to approach Rome with the landscapes of Vatralla and Capranica valleys. Overnight at the hotel at Sutri.
Distance : 38 km bike /
Elevation : + 550m
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After breakfast, the first part of this day evolves in the countryside near Monterosi. Between the fields and the Monte Gelato waterfall, we gradually enter the Park of Veio via a panoramic track. Rome has never been so near! Overnight at the hotel at Campagnano.
Distance : 28 km bike /
Elevation : + 350m
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After breakfast, for this last stage, we will cross the Natural Park of Veio, an oasis of greenery at the gates of the capital. Strong in emotions, this day finally leads you to the Italian capital! Overnight at the hotel at Rome.
Distance : 45 km bike /
Elevation : + 400 m
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After breakfast, visit Rome with a local french-speaking guide and discover the most important roman amphitheater and also the most grandiose monument of ancient Rome, the Colosseum of Rome. Last group dinner in an excellent restaurant. Overnight at the hotel at Rome.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After breakfast, following your flight, transfer by public bus to the airport, and fly to Montreal
In order to be comfortable throughout your adventure, it is essential to bring the right equipment. The secret is to protect the most vulnerable parts of your body against heat, cold and moisture. Always pack warm clothing and waterproof hiking shoes. You may even want to consider bringing along a toque and even a walking stick. Choose a light backpack and carry nothing but the essentials for your journey. Check out our tool box section for more tips and tricks.
Even though the CRS Challenge is a personal experience about surpassing oneself, it is also a group adventure. Our team of experts will provide you with useful advice and the answers to all of your questions from the moment you register to the moment you return. We have mastered the art of logistics, thanks to our knowledge of the destinations we offer and the fact that we organize several challenges every year, making your overall experience all the more enjoyable.
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