L’Eroica Testimonials
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AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE ENDING IN THE L'EROICA EVENT.
“Nothing quite prepares you for how Tuscany gets into your senses. The immaculate climbs, the delectable food and the vibrant wines. Nancy and Damian left no stone unturned and set up an incredible experience ending in the L’eroica event. Whether or not you’re a disciple of vintage cycling, the event itself, the atmosphere and the simple pleasure of cycling made it nothing other than a perfect trip”
Paul B
A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE.
This was our second tour with Aqto and we experienced all the magic of L’Eroica 2022.
L’Eroica is a celebration of everything traditional through Italian warm hearts that comforts and challenges the rider.
A wonderful experience, a beautiful ride with heritage-listed white roads riding incorporating stunning vistas & towns of Tuscany.
Every stop had different delights specific to the region with espresso and biscotti in Sienna through to Ribbolita soup in Buonconvento.
Though my favourite experience was being invited to the Hunters lodge where we ate and sang with the locals, just one of the experiences that no one else offers.
Many can take you for a ride through the hills of Chianti but few will complete the experience and guide you as Aqto will.
Perfecto Grazia Mille
Simon L
HIGHLY RECOMMEND A'QTO'S L'EROICA TOUR
Riding the Strade Bianche and hills of Tuscany through vineyards and olive groves is just magical. L’Eroica is a truly special event: a celebration of the joy of cycling (Although the organisers say it’s about the “beauty of fatigue”!) and vintage bikes with a festival atmosphere leading up to the big ride.
Damian and Nancy put together a great programme based in Gaiole in Chianti for riders and non-riders alike: days in the saddle or a variety of local experiences and evenings of good food, wine, and company.
We thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend A’qto’s L’Eroica tour.
I COULD NOT SPEAK HIGHLY ENOUGH ABOUT A’QTO
I could not speak highly enough about A’qto. Damian and Nancy are just very real people that are so genuinely in love with Italy and want to show us the very best it has to offer. The cycling was superb and the support crew were the nicest guys, I think they made my cycling experience all the better. The food and accommodation was 5 Star. Damian and Nancy’s local knowledge was so impressive, I feel like I am going home knowing the important fundamentals that make Italy and its people so amazing. I really think we could all learn something pretty special to bring home. Italy’s sense of community and kindness should be something we all practice.
Nicole R
L’EROICA WAS THE HIGHLIGHT
It’s easy to make it all about the riding and what comes with it, but there was just so much that was arranged for our group in the way of eating, drinking and sight-seeing that it all just blurred into this wonderful trip. You need to sit back and just take stock of it all when you get home to appreciate how much you did and experiences during that week.
For us, it was everything we had hoped for, the place, the people, the culture, the food and wine and, of course, the riding.
Mario and Lee
TRUE TUSCAN EXPERIENCE
Our days were filled with good food, great company and wonderful experiences for both riders and non-riders. We would highly recommend this well organised tour and the L’Eroica experience.
Glenn and Barb
THANKS DAMIAN AND NANCY FOR A WEEK OF A LIFETIME!!
From the initial meeting months before the trip and the update emails, anticipation was growing for our time at L’Eroica.
The recommendations on places to visit in Italy before arriving in Gaiole were spot on, which meant we were well relaxed and ready for a good time.
When we met the other guests at Florence train station before our transfers, we knew then, it was going to be a good week. Everything from there just got better!!
So we are already in one of the most beautiful parts of the world and then we arrive to our stunning accommodation to meet our larger than life hosts for the week. There we spend time getting to know the group whilst enjoying the surroundings, views and a welcome lunch of local produce.
From there, every experience was better than expected. The quality of the food, restaurants and tours, together with the local knowledge of Damian and Nancy was impeccable.
As the week went on, the rides got longer, the market got fuller and the vino went down easier and everyone was enjoying the company. The weekend was nearing and excitement was growing. Come Saturday, the market is in full swing, if you’re there for the bikes and nothing else this would have been enough. Luckily for us it wasn’t just about the bikes, it was about getting to know this part of Tuscany.
Gaiole is now bursting at the seams with traders, food stalls, people and lots of enthusiasm by all getting ready for Sunday. Even the non-riders were kept busy and had a ball and were able to see and experience other parts of this region.
Sunday is an early start and everyone is keen to head off in the dark. You must experience this ride to fully understand the joy and emotion felt by all who participated regardless of the differences in language. Here you will enjoy the relaxed officials, a Tuscan sunrise and food stops to die for, run by friendly locals wanting to ensure your belly is full and you’re felt welcome. The ride itself had it all, sweeping hills, challenging climbs, stunning views on bitumen and white Tuscan gravel roads.
Monday was a sad day as we shared our last breakfast and said goodbye to our hosts, the A’qto team and the friends we made during the week. We had just shared a week that will not be easily forgotten and be the measure of future trips to come. There were a few tears and lots of smiles as we all parted ways at the Florence train station where we all met a week earlier, though now we are all richer having spent the week with you both, the rest of the A’qto team and the other guests. Many thanks for the opportunity to experience this and exceeding all our expectations!!
Joe and Margaret L
I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS TRIP AND A’QTO TO ANYONE
Just wanted to say thanks for a brilliant time during L’eroica 17. Everything from the accommodation and its location, the cycling in the lead up, the food and experiences during the week, the L’eroica ride and the group of people I got to share this with were exceptional. As I have told anyone who has asked, it was everything I had hoped for and then more. I would recommend this trip and A’qto to anyone wanting a complete cycling and cultural experience. Will definitely be seeing you again.
John P
THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME
WOW!!!!!!What a week you organised for us in Tuscany. This is what we loved so much; Your attitude to making sure we enjoyed every moment.
The fellow participants were great company. The research you put into choosing the best B&B we have ever stayed at. The restaurants you chose all offered not only first class food but stunning locations as well.
The excellent bikes that we hired (I’ve never been on such a fast descending bike) Making sure that Lyn as a non rider also had a fantastic experience. The cycling gear you supplied, particularly the Knicks, ensured my ride was comfortable for close to eight hours. Thank you both so much for the experience of a lifetime. We wish you every success with all your future cycling adventures, we are very happy to talk to anyone considering joining you on any of your adventures, so please feel free to pass on our contacts.
Brian & Lyn H
