Gravel Art
MARCHE
APRIL 25 - MAY 2 2026 (GRAVEL)
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Immerse yourself in breathtaking and uninterrupted views of cypress-lined horizons,
savor gastronomic delights, and indulge in delectable red Chianti or Brunello di Montalcino wines.
At Controvento, we firmly believe that the best way to exceed your
expectations is to meet them. Our mission is to provide you with exceptional,
personalized service from the very beginning as you embark on this
once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
We are dedicated to building a friendly
and collaborative relationship, ensuring that you are thrilled to plan
another extraordinary trip with us.
La Vie Est Belle crosses center Italy on a moderate difficulty route, starting in the area of Riccione, in the heart of its most authentic beaches, crosses Tuscany and finishing in the beautiful Elba island, surrounded by iconic landscapes.
The trip lasts a total of 13 days, with 9 days dedicated to cycling,
covering 549 km and total elevation of 10119 m.
DATES: April 11-22 or May 9-20 2026.
PRICE: 4250 euros + 70 euro supplement for single occupancy.
Arrive in sun-soaked Riccione in the afternoon and settle into your beautiful hotel. You may have brought your own bike, or hired one of ours. We'll make sure they're all ready to roll. Over a welcome drink we will talk about our biking days ahead.
Today we ride the roads that everyone would like to have outside of
their own home. Regional Natural Park of Monte San Bartolo is the
striking sloping headland overlooking the Adriatic Sea which connects
§Gabicce to the city of Pesaro. We will visit the museum of vintage
bikes in the city of Pesaro
KM 68 - MI 42 | MT 1675 - FT 5500
There are no shortage of beautiful climbs in the hills of Romagna.
Today's destination: Independent Republic of San Marino, for centuries
known as the Land of Freedom. We will be able to admire its three famous
towers right from the start of our ride, to then pedal trough historic
centre and take some photos of the impressive coastline below. Today's
tour will finish with a delicious open-air lunch in suburbs of Riccione.
KM 67 - MI 41 | MT 1034 - FT 3390
Beautiful ride through gentle hills and medieval villages
and while we sip our morning cappuccino in picturesque
Saludecio village, known as Il Balcone del Mare Adriatico
(The Balcony of the Adriatic Sea), you will hear about the infamous
Malatesta Family, and their struggles for power and love with the rivals,
the Montefeltro Family during the Middle Ages
KM 52 - MI 32 | MT 825 - FT 2700
In the morning, after we leisurely enjoyed the sumptuous breakfast, we leave for Tuscany with the aim to arrive in our beautiful hotel in the afternoon. After bikes are ready to ride the following morning, we will have a welcome drink and talk about our cycling days ahead.
Pienza is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its well-preserved
Renaissance architecture. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the countryside
as you pedal through the region. After we pass charming medieval town of
Buonconvento the road starts climbing to valle D'orcia , followed by another
climb to Pienza, where we enjoy our coffee break before heading back.
KM 82 - MI 50 | MT 1430 - FT 4691
Today we ride to Montalcino, the territory famous for its microclimate
that contribute to unique characteristics of the regional Rosso del Montalcino wine.
Our route will vary between tarmac and white gravel roads, expect scenic landscapes
and quaint villages along the way. On our way back we stop in vineyard to taste wines
and local food specialities. Return back to hotel in the afternoon.
KM 50 - MI 31 | MT 880 - FT 2880
In the morning we head to northeast from Murlo, passing through beautiful
Tuscan countryside. We pedal on roads surrounded by vineyards,
olive groves and rolling hills, looking to arrive in time for late morning
coffee in Siena, UNESCO World heritage Site known for its medieval structure
and famous horse racing events in the main square, Piazza del Campo. We will
take some time to explore the city, enjoy lunch in the local trattoria and
return back to the hotel in our minibus.
KM 42 - MI 27 | MT 665 - FT 2181
We check out and depart in the morning after breakfast, and in about 1h 30min we reach the mediterranean coast of Italy. We then will make just over an hour ferry crossing to Portoferaio, our base for next tree days.
From our base in Portoferaio, the largest town on the island and the
main port of entry for ferries coming from the mainland, we head south
toward beautiful peninsula of Lacona. We cycle past sandy streches and
rocky coves, admire clear waters of Tyrrhenian Sea. We turn back toward
charming hilltop town of Capoliveri. This part of the route will envolve
some elevation gain, but its worth for the panoramic view of the island.
KM 51 - MI 32 | MT 1100 - FT 3608
Today we explore the west side of the island and ride along coastal
roads with the views of picturesque countryside on one side and
turquoise waters of the sea on the other. Expect challenging terrain,
offering a mix of climbs and descends. Marina di Campo and Marciana
Marina are both charming coastal towns with a picturesque harbor,
where we will stop and take a break by the sea before returning back to
our hotel in time for lunch.
KM 76 - MI 47 | MT 1500 - FT 4920
On our last day on the island we point our wheels toward the northeast,
destination Porto Azzuro, known for its colourful buildings and waterfront.
We certainly feel those climbs under our legs, so take some time to explore
the town and enjoy long coffee break on the waterfront. On route we visit Rio Elba,
one of the oldest places on the island and very well preseved from the bronze era.
KM 60 - MI 37 | MT 1010 - FT 3310
Morning Group Airport Transfer. Time to say Arivederci, A Presto. After breakfast and check out we move as a group back to mainland to catch an evening flight or continue the Italian voyage.
The tour includes 11 nights in luxury accommodation (twin share), breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, guides and vehicle support, mechanical assistance, on road snacks and supplements, a daypack and bidons, laundry service for cycling kit, and group airport transfers.
The tour does not include flights, travel insurances, bike hire, alcoholic beverages, coffee stops, personal hotel expenses, optional excursions, tips, phone charges, internet access, souvenirs, additional snacks or drinks, personal medical costs, or any other expenses incurred outside of the included services and itinerary.
MARCHE
APRIL 25 - MAY 2 2026 (GRAVEL)
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ROMAGNA. TUSCANY. ELBA ISLAND.
APRIL 11 - 22 / MAY 9 - 20 2026 (BIKE)
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VALOIRE. SUSA. CHAMPOLUC. COLICO.
JUNE 12-27 2026 (BIKE)
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BOHINJ. SAURIS. CAVALESE. BORMIO.
JUNE 29 - JULY 3 2026 (BIKE AND HIKE)
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DOLOMITI. VAL BADIA. TRENTINO
JULY 11 - 20 2026 (BIKE AND HIKE)
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FIUGGI. LAZIO. ABRUZZO.
SEPTEMBER 5-15 2026 (GRAVEL)
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SICILY. MODICA. ETNA VOLCANO.
OCT 2026 (BIKE)
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