The Roman Provinces

After a night of sampling the local vino, the Viva Italia cyclists will head to historic Siena and then onwards through the sprawling olive groves of the famous Chianti wine region to Florence. Even a couple rest days in Florence will only allow the riders to see a small part of what this incredible city has to offer - perhaps a visit to the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo.

The route now takes them through the Tuscan countryside, perhaps stopping along the way in San Miniato to hunt for rare white truffles. Arriving in the historic port of Livorno, the riders can wander through the city's Mercato Centrale before chowing down on some of the world's freshest and best seafood. They can also hop on a train and in 20 minutes be climbing the renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The next day the riders will hop aboard a ferry that will take them to Corsica, the first of the ancient Roman Provinces. Over the years, many powers, from the Phoenicians to ancient Carthage, have occupied Sardinia and Corsica. The islands became Roman provinces way back in 283 BC and over the next 700 years, the Roman Empire strongly influenced the islands’ culture. The inhabitants, however, maintained a strong independent streak, rising up on numerous occasions and never completely submitting to Rome’s power.

Described by the ancient Greeks as Kallisté (the most beautiful), Corsica also features mouth-watering local cuisine. The route crosses the top of the island, skirting the uninhabited Desert des Agriates before stopping for a rest day in Calvi with its medieval citadel and cobbled streets. Riders now head south, hugging the island’s stunning coastline and passing through the classic Mediterranean resort town of Ajaccio (birth place of Napoleon) before shifting eastwards and stopping for a night in the picture postcard perfect village of Zonza for the night. The route then heads south through some spectacular granite mountains before arriving for a rest day in Bonifacio, perched magically on sheer white cliffs over the sea.

After a short ferry ride the incredible scenery and correspondingly challenging terrain continues in Sardinia. Riders head out into and across the island’s interior, littered with mysterious, sculpted rocks, medieval churches and vast cork oak and pine forests before a long descent brings them to the picturesque town of Cala Gonone, situated precariously between the mountains and the sea. A challenging climb takes the riders through some of the island’s most isolated villages, scattered amongst the smoky mountains. Silent, winding roads pass through thick chestnut forests, the quiet disrupted only by the occasional flock of sheep passing from one field to another. This exciting and historic section now comes to an end in Sardinia’s vibrant capital, Cagliari, home to a bustling port, ancient ruins and some incredible seafood restaurants.

Highlights

• Vatican City
• Uffizi Gallery in Florence
• Stunning Corsican Beaches
• Hilltop Villages in Sardinia