Italy Bicycle Tour Retraces Garibaldi’s Route

You may have heard that 2011 mark’s Italy’s 150th birthday. Celebrations are planned throughout the country to mark a century-and-a-half since the initiation of the country’s reunification. Tour companies are also planning special itineraries related to the milestone, including Experience Plus! Bicycle Tours.

This Colorado-based bike tour company is offering a 1,400-mile, 28-day Italy 150 Expedition that pedals from Sicily to Rome, north along the Tyrrhenian coast to Tuscany and across the Apennine Mountains to conclude in Turin in the north where in 1861 the unification process was spearheaded. The route through nine Italian regions retraces the steps of Giuseppe Garibaldi, Italy’s great unifier.

The expedition takes place May 7 to June 4, 2011. The per person, double occupancy rate is $8,850 and includes use of a 24 – 27 speed high-tech bicycle; 28 nights in comfortable 3- and 4- star hotels and country estates; 28 breakfasts, 17 dinners, some lunches; van support; bilingual tour leaders; and cultural activities. Cyclists will average 60 miles a day, with three rest days factored in. What an amazing way to celebrate and explore Italy!