1. When does my Tour of Tuscany Cycling Vacation begin?
Your vacation will begin when we meet you at the "Arrivo" section of the Amerigo Vespucci International Airport in Florence, Italy at 12 noon on June 1. If possible, it is highly recommended that you arrive a day early so you can rest up, wait for any delayed baggage, and get organized.

To reserve hotel rooms in Florence, purchase transatlantic airline tickets, train tickets, or arrange a personal rental car, please contact our AAA Travel Rep , Shelley Lulow, at slulow@aaane.com or by calling 1.800.854.5044 ext. 272 on Monday - Thursday from 12 noon - 6 pm CST. Grazie!

2. What kind of bike should I bring and what gears should I plan on using?
This is a "dream ride" in every sense of the word so you definitely want to make sure you have your own bike with you. From the moment we meet you in Florence, we will take your bike case off your hands while our professional mechanics will build the bike up for you and perform any daily maintenance. For your gruppo and wheels, please bring what is durable and time-tested. As far as gearing is concerned, this depends on your current fitness level. The daily routes through Tuscany are hilly so please expect a fair amount of climbing each day. As a general rule, please have a minimum of a 39X27 gearing. For cyclists who want more gear options, we strongly recommend either a triple or compact crank on the front. The key is to have the necessary gearing on your bike that will allow you to comfortably finish the rides. Of course, the support vans are always nearby in case you've had enough cycling for the day and want to simply relax and enjoy some gelato!

Many of our guests each year decide to ship their bikes overseas to our first hotel. If you would like to explore this option, please contact us at 402.345.7445 as we work with the best company in the business. They have hit 1000% over the past 5 years for all our clients who have chosen this option.

3. How many meals are included?
All breakfasts,"Welcome Cocktail," and 3 dinners.

4. Do you provide full sag support on the vacation?
Yes, we will provide full sag support during your entire vacation. Our vans will be stationed at key turns on the cycling routes and are stocked with bottled water, pastries, fruit, and cookies. Each day's itinerary and the location of the sag support vans will be discussed each prior evening during a brief group meeting before dinner. It is highly recommended, however, that you please bring your own drink powders, energy bars and gels with you. The reason for this is that everyone has different tastes and sensitivities. Thus, please bring your favorite powders, bars, and gels with you. Grazie!

5. What kind of weather should we expect?
Normally, early June is an ideal time to ride in Tuscany. The days are full of sunshine with temperatures that range from the high 60's - low 80's. Being so close to the Mediterranean, it can rain quite frequently in Tuscany. (That's why everything is so green!) Thus, you will want to bring your rain gear with you. The evenings are quite pleasant and a bit cooler so you will want to make sure you have a pullover, light sweater or fleece jacket with you so you don't get a chill.

6. What is the group size for this program?
The group size will be 20 riders maximum. We are keeping the group level small to insure that everyone gets the needed attention during their vacation.

7. How should I train for this vacation?
The best training is to get out and ride! You should be comfortable riding 2-4  hours per day over rolling terrain for this vacation. The hills in Tuscany are fun to ride but your legs will start to feel it if you haven't prepared at home.

8. What is included in the price of my Tour of Tuscany Cycling Vacation?

• 5 nights of 3-star accommodations in Velo Echappe' selected properties.
• All breakfasts, "Welcome Cocktail" and 3 dinners including "Welcome Dinner" and "Farewell Dinner."
• All gratuities, taxes, and fees for all hotels, meals, and porter services.
• Daily guided challenging cycling through the heart of Tuscany.
• All daily transfers, luggage transfers, and on-road sag support in either our autobus or our Thule-equipped vans.
• All daily prepared routes with maps and cue sheets detailing each days route with each turn and its corresponding mileage. This is all outlined for you in advance.
• Professional mechanics who will build your bike up for you, do the daily maintenance if needed, and repack your bicycle for you when the tour is finished.
• Professional staff with a ratio of 1:6 so everyone gets the needed attention during the tour.
• Professional Velo Echappe Cycling Jersey.
• Daily supply of bottled water, fruit, cookies and other goodies to keep you fueled on the road!
• Cell phone communications
• Pre-Tour Information Packet that will be sent out to you in advance detailing each day's program, hotel info, sponsor info, what to bring, how to pack, etc. so you're fully prepared before you leave home.

9. What documents do I need to have with me when I arrive into Italy?
You will need to have a valid U.S. Passport with you when you arrive. We also highly recommend that you make 2 copies of your Passport, and identification materials before you leave. Please leave one copy with your loved ones before you leave and bring one copy with you but keep it separate from your baggage. The reason for doing this is to have backup copies in case your belongings and identification papers are stolen. To obtain a new passport, or replace an outdated, lost, or stolen passport, please contact the U. S. State Department

10. What is not included in the price of my vacation?
Airfare to and from Italy, lunches, lodging before and after the vacation, souvenirs, any gratuities for Velo Echappe' staff, and any incidentals.

11. When does my Tour of Tuscany Cycling Vacation end?
Your vacation will end when we transfer you to the Amerigo Vespucci International Airport in Florence on the afternoon of June 7th. From here, you can either fly home, take a taxi to the hotel of your choice in Florence, or take a taxi to the Maria Novella Train Station if you are extending your trip through Italy. Please contact us to help arrange additional portions of your trip!

12. How do I transport my bike on my flight?
We recommend the Bike Pro Travel Case, Thule Travel Case or the Trico BIke Case. If you would like to purchase a new Bike Pro USA case, please call us at 402.345.7445 for special discounted pricing.

13. What should I bring on the vacation?
Off the bike, Velo Echappe's programs are casual. Informal polo shirts, one sweater, pullover, jeans, khakis, shorts, and slacks are all very appropriate. You do not need to bring coats and ties, dresses, etc. In addition, you should also bring a swimsuit.

For your cycling, you should bring your bike, cycling shoes, plenty of cycling socks, extra cleats, 2-3 pairs of padded cycling shorts or bibs, 2 cycling jerseys, arm and leg warmers, rain jacket, cycling gloves, enclosed gloves in case it rains, 1 long sleeve cycling jersey, poly-pro under garments for layering, waterproof booties in case it rains, cool weather jacket, fleece pullover, 3-4 bike tubes, sunglasses, helmet, 2-3 waterbottles, drink mix, preferred gels and energy bars, and sunscreen.