GIRO d'ITALIA 2023 CYCLING RETREAT
GIRO d'ITALIA CYCLING RETREATin collaboration with Chrono Bikes
13 to 20 May 2023 - Enquire Now
Immerse yourself in the thrill and excitement of the Giro d’Italia in 2023!
The most beautiful race on the cycling calendar awaits those that join us for our inaugural premium Giro d'Italia cycling retreat in collaboration with Chrono Bikes.
Join Virginia from Soulfit Adventures, and Paladino Meschi from Chrono Bikes as we get up close to all the action and excitement of Stages 10 and 11 of the Giro. You'll enjoy gorgeous riding, expert local knowledge, luxury boutique accommodation, fabulous food and even better wine, whilst discovering the beautiful landscapes that make the Lucca region so unique.
As is customary on all Soulfit Adventures cycling retreats, we will be staying in a fabulous, fully renovated private villa located 5kms from the historic centre of Lucca. The property is within easy reach of the two Giro stages which makes it the perfect place to call home for the week. We'll be offering personal airport transfers, and Pinarello Dogmas making sure we take the hassle out of your holiday.
This retreat offers more than just seeing the race. It’s a true cultural experience with the perfect balance of cycling, dining and Giro stage viewing. We will get you to a couple of Giro stages whilst spending the better part of your well-earned holiday challenging yourself on the many stunning climbs and varied landscapes the region has to offer.
Lucca is a classic cycling destination and has been home to many professional cyclists through the years. From the flat promenade along the coast of Viareggio, to the high peaks of the Apuan Alps, ancient villages, rolling hills through olive groves, forests and vineyards, you have the opportunity to challenge yourself in all kinds of terrain and enjoy stunning vistas.
The week we have planned is special and those that join us can look forward to a true authentic Italian experience enjoying the very best the region has to offer in addition to all the excitement of the Giro.
Non-cycling partners are welcome and will fall in love with the romance and beauty of the area.
Whatever your motivation is, enjoy the Giro d’Italia 2023 like never before and become the envy of your cycling friends.
There is only one way to experience the Giro d’Italia in 2023 and that is with Soulfit Adventures and Chrono Bikes.
Accommodation
Our home away from home for the week is a luxurious 17th-century farmhouse in the hills of Lucca which has been completely transformed. Five star finishes combined with a breathtaking panoramic view of both the city and nature, it allows you to immediately relax and fully enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Situated in an idyllic position in western Lucca, the estate is surrounded by a vineyard and olive trees. The pearl of the property is without doubt the stunning pergola next to the pool with it's wonderful panorama. This is the ideal place to stretch out tired bodies and enjoy balmy Tuscan evenings after Giro action and our days adventures on the bike. A truly magical place.
Cycling Guide and Co Host
Paladino Meschi, owner and founder of Chrono Bikes is our cycling guide and partner for the week. Paladino is born and bred in Lucca, Italy and has spent his whole life cycling in and around the region.
In October 1993, Paladino started Chrono Bikes. He wasn’t a newcomer to the world of cycling as he had always ridden and competed in races and he knew right from those early experiences, that he was deeply interested in taking part in everything that had to do with cycling, and so Chrono Bikes was born.
Paladino knows every bump in the road, from the coast to the mountains, every village, where every water fountain is, where the best pasticceria’s, gelaterias and restaurants are located. He knows the chefs, the wine and olive oil makers, where to get the best focaccia and where to find the wild strawberries on the side of the road!
Paladino holds a Sports Director’s licence for the Youth Sector, and an International Guide’s licence. Paladino considers himself lucky as cycling has allowed him to express an important part of his personality whilst doing what he loves.
Soulfit Adventures has been working with Paladino and Chrono Bikes since 2012. With Paladino's adventurous spirit, expert local knowledge, love for Lucca and wide-open spaces , his passion for cycling and sense of curiosity, it was a no brainer to partner with him and Chrono Bikes on this special Giro retreat. It goes without saying that we will be in very good hands.
Your Investment:-
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€3850.00 per person twin or double share with ensuite. If travelling alone we will match you with a same sex solo traveller.
Investment includes:
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Soulfit Adventures and Chrono Bikes Retreat hosts
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7 nights luxury boutique accommodation at private villa
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All linen and towels supplied
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Sumptuous breakfast everyday
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5 x house inhouse dinners at the villa cooked by our private in house chef
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2 x special local dinners out
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Wine tasting at a fully certified organic/biodynamic historic villa and winery
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6 days hire of 2023 Pinarello Dogma road bike + helmet, pump, spare tube. (Road e-bikes available on request and subject to availability. Additional fee will apply)
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Experienced local Italian cycling guide - Paladino Meschi
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6 x days guided cycling, mechanical support, and assistance
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2 x 30 minute sports massage per person by experienced soigneurs
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5 x 30 minute sports focused yoga/stretch classes with fully qualified yoga teacher
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Daily ride nutrition
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One off custom cycling kit
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Use of the swimming pool and all facilities within the grounds of the estate
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Private airport transfers to and from Florence or Pisa airport on the first and last day of the retreat. Transfers also available to and from Lucca train station.
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Guest goodie bag
Does not include:
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All airfares (the nearest airport to Lucca is Pisa or Florence)
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Meals not listed in the above package
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Tips/Gratuities
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Travel insurance
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Yoga mats
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Additional excursions or activities not listed in the above package
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Additional massages or other treatments not listed in the above package
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Incidentals and other travel related expenses
A minimum number of 6 are required to run the retreat. The retreat is limited to 8 places so book early to ensure your place!
Optional Extras
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Road E-bike - subject to availability
Cycling
The retreat is not a training camp and we are focused on you enjoying a stimulating yet relaxed time. Typically we will ride approximately 80kms sometimes more, with elevation each day. You will need to be competent riding in a bunch at an average speed of up to 30kms/p/h on the flat. When we are climbing, you will be encouraged to go at your own pace and we will regroup at the top. The exact cycling routes, including routes for Stages 10 and 11 of the Giro, will be confirmed closer to the time of the retreat and once the final makeup of the group is known.
Non-cycling friends and spouses
Non-cycling participants are welcome. Lucca is the perfect destination for non-cycling partners to enjoy. There are a plethora of cafes and restaurants, cobbled streets, fabulous shops and museums all only 5kms from the villa. Not to mentioned the villa pool! Florence with all its history and art is only 60 minutes away by train or, Pisa is 35 minutes as is the Tuscan coast. Non-riding guests are welcome to explore on their own, or contact us for information about our partner program.
"An incredible week, thanks so much for making it happen!"
Jeff Armstrong, Canada
THE WEEK AT A GLANCE
Lucca, Italy
Location
7 nights
Duration
80 kms
Average daily distance
1000 - 1400 metres
Average daily elevation
4/5
Difficulty
ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrive in Lucca, transfer to accommodation, unpack and relax, welcome dinner and briefing, D
Day 2 Transfer to Lucca for bike fit/pickup, easy cycle around the ancient walls city walls, local Lucca hills and country lanes, back to villa, evening stretch/yoga – 50kms, B &D
Day 3 - exact route to be confirmed, massages, daily stretch/yoga – 80kms – moderate, B&D
Day 4 Giro Stage 10 - exact route to be confirmed, daily stretch/yoga, massages, 80-100kms, moderate to challenging, B&D
Day 5 Giro Stage 11 - exact cycling route to be confirmed, daily stretch/yoga, massages -80-100kms, moderate to challenging, B&D
Day 6 - exact cycling route to be confirmed (optional rest day), 80kms, moderate to challenging, B&D
Day 7 exact cycling route to be confirmed, celebratory farewell dinner – 80kms, challenging, B&D
Day 8 , Breakfast, depart villa for onward journey, B
NB: Exact cycling routes will be based on final group make up and available closer to the start of the retreat. Comprehensive retreat notes and a packing list available on booking.
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€3850.00 per person twin or double share with ensuite. If travelling alone we will match you with a same sex solo traveller.
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Payment plans available.
Non refundable but transferable deposit to hold space: €700.00 per person. Refer to Soulfit Adventures Terms of Service and Cancellation Policy for more information.
