Tuscany & Beyond: E-MTB and Sailing Trip

Things to know

• What’s included?

  Included:

  • • An experienced MTB guide with extensive local knowledge of the area
    • E-mountain biking around Piombino and on the island of Elba (5 or 7 days — depending on the itinerary chosen)
    • Accommodation based on double occupancy in an agriturismo and aboard a sailboat (4 or 6 nights — depending on the itinerary chosen)
    • All meals during the adventure, including snacks, picnics, and wine tastings
    • All transportation during the tour (including a sailboat)
    • Support vehicle
    • Luggage transfers

  Add-ons:

  • • e-mountain bike rental — $435
    • Single supplement — $655

  Not included:

  • • Transportation to Piombino or to Rome
    • Accommodation on Day 0 and after the tour (if applicable)
    • Spare parts
    • E-mountain bike rental (available for an additional fee)
    • Some drinks and personal expenses
    • Guide gratuities — optional
    • Travel and medical insurance
• How fit do I need to be?

  To participate in these guided e-MTB trips in Tuscany, a solid level of fitness is essential. It’s advisable for participants to maintain a regular workout routine, consisting of 2 to 3 sessions per week, each lasting at least 30 minutes, and be comfortable with high-intensity intervals. Be prepared for daily rides lasting between 4 to 6 hours, spread over 5/7 consecutive days, with occasional challenging terrain.

  Rest assured, your experienced guide will be there to assess your abilities, offer guidance, and provide encouragement throughout the adventure. Additionally, you have the flexibility to customize your e-bike experience since you’ll have two available batteries per day. In the rare event of fatigue, a logistics team is ready to offer assistance and transportation to your next destination. To prepare adequately, continue your fitness regimen, emphasizing cardiovascular endurance and strength training.

• What if I’ve never mountain biked before?

  Having prior mountain biking experience is crucial to participate in this guided e-MTB tour in Tuscany. Participants should ideally boast a solid two or more years of mountain biking experience, a foundation that instills confidence in navigating gentle singletrack trails, conquering rocky terrain, and effortlessly maneuvering steep, flowing singletrack trails. It is expected to cover up to 25 miles (40 km) a day, with elevation gains (and losses) of up to 3,937 ft (1,200 m).

  Note that distances can be shortened and increased depending on the desires and the abilities of participants. You should also be comfortable riding on slightly exposed paths, understand your own limits, and know when to dismount and walk through challenging sections. To prepare, consider increasing your riding frequency in the weeks leading up to the trip, and perhaps even opting for a lesson.

  Your seasoned guide will always be on hand to offer expert advice and refine your riding style during the journey. Rest assured, regardless of your experience level, your safety and comfort will remain paramount. Should you ever feel unwell or choose not to continue riding, a follow-up vehicle is readily available to transport you to the evening’s accommodation for well-deserved rest and recovery.

• What do I need to bring?

  Personal equipment:

  • • Mountain bike-specific helmet
    • Mountain bike-specific shoes (can also work as hiking shoes)
    • Bike gloves and glasses
    • Knee and elbow pads
    • Waterproof jacket
    • Biking shorts (at least 2 pairs)
    • Long-sleeved base layers (merino wool ideal)
    • Short-sleeved and long-sleeved biking tops
    • Socks (at least 4 pairs)
    • Buff (neck gaiter)
    • Warm down jacket for evenings
    • Hat and gloves
    • Sunscreen
    • Hydration system (Camelback ideal)
    • 20L (minimum) daypack with rain cover
    • A towel
    • A swimsuit
    • Your toiletry bag (including SPF)

  Bike essentials (if you rent the bike with your guides, they will take care of all the equipment):

  • • Bike-specific brake pads (x2 sets)
    • If you use tubeless tires, bring everything needed for repairs
    • Tire repair kit, inner tubes (min. 2), and small pump
    • Chain-specific ‘quick link’
    • Additional derailleur hanger
    • Spare parts unique to your bike (if applicable)
    • Full service, including suspension, must be undertaken prior to the trip
    • Extra battery for the bike
    • Battery charger

  If you’re bringing your own bike, make sure it is full suspension and serviced for maximum enjoyment during the adventure. A second battery is also necessary as the trip stages are long and the Alps are steep!

  In May and June, both Tuscany and the island of Elba experience delightful spring weather. In Tuscany, temperatures range from approximately 16°C to 26°C (61°F to 79°F), offering pleasant, balmy days for outdoor activities. The island of Elba shares a similar climate, with temperatures typically ranging from 15°C to 21°C (59°F to 70°F). In September and October, the conditions are similar. Tuscany experiences temperatures ranging from approximately 16°C to 26°C (61°F to 79°F). Similarly, the island of Elba enjoys a similar climate, with temperatures typically ranging from 15°C to 21°C (59°F to 70°F).

  We advise that you check the forecast before departure and adjust your packing list accordingly, there is always a chance for occasional rainy and windy days.

• What will the meals and accommodations be like?

  During the Tuscany e-MTB and sailing adventure, you will enjoy a delightful culinary experience. The price includes meals, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’ll savor authentic regional cuisine, including dining at top restaurants. Please note that lunch may vary between restaurant meals and picnics, offering a diverse experience. Additionally, the package includes snacks and wine tastings. However, it’s important to note that the price does not cover other drinks, such as alcoholic beverages, coffee, or gelato stops outside of the planned meals and snacks.

  As for accommodations, your base camp will be at Torre di Baratti, which is also a nature reserve. For your sailing adventure, there are two dorm-style rooms, two bathrooms, and a fully equipped small kitchen on board the sailboat, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay throughout your journey. If you have any food restrictions or preferences, the guide can easily accommodate them; simply leave a note when booking.

  If you’d like to have a room to yourself, you can add a single supplement to your booking. If you’re traveling solo and don’t select this option, you agree to share a room with another cyclist. However, if the guide is unable to find a suitable roommate, a single supplement will be forced.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • The group size for this group tour is usually 5 people with one guide, but the number also depends on the skill level of the group.
    • It takes a minimum of 5 people for this tour to operate, while the maximum number of participants is 10.
    • It’s possible to organize private adventures—the minimum number of people is set at 5 participants, and maximum at 10-11. Trips can be customized to your group.
    • If you’d like to have a room to yourself, you can add a single supplement to your booking. If you’re traveling solo and don’t select this option, you agree to share a room with another cyclist. However, if the guide is unable to find a suitable roommate, a single supplement will be forced.

  E-mountain biking in Tuscany can be arranged for larger and for private groups. Contact us prior to booking.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • If you have people older than 60 in your group, please contact us beforehand.
    • Children as young as 14 are able to go on trips. That said, if you have a young rider in your group strong enough to handle sustained climbs (either riding or walking their bike) of hundreds of feet, and rough terrain, then they can participate. Please keep in mind that e-bikes might weigh up to 24 kg (53 lbs).

  If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Piombino, the starting point of the 5-day tour, most people fly into Florence Airport or Pisa Airport. From there, you can first reach the train station in the city of arrival and board a train to Piombino.

  To get to Rome, the starting point of the 7-day tour, most people fly into Rome–Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport. From there, you can easily take a train ride to the city center.

  Most people arrive the day before the tour starts (Day 0). Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best time and place to meet in the morning of Day 1, either in Piombino or in Rome.

• Safety measures and insurance

  We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

  Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  Deposits

  You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

  Secure your early bird spot with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!

  • • Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
    • Once the dates are set, you can confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total amount.
    • The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.

  Cancellations

  Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

  Basic

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.

  Flexible

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

  Super Flexible

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.