Starting off in the small town of Lucca in the Tuscany region, we travel on to the neighbouring Emilia-Romagna region before we make our way to the heart of Florence for this amazing twilight event, the oldest road race in Italy (82nd edition). The San Giovanni 10km event starts at dusk (8:00pm) at the footsteps of the famous Duomo Cathedral, through the city squares and streets and over the Ponte Vecchio. I’m always amazed while running this event. For lovers of running, this 10km event will have you pinching yourself
4 Unique Towns (Lucca - Pavullo Nel Frignano - Bologna - Florence - Lucca) | 2 Regions (Tuscany - Emilia Romagna) | group training | all transfers | ALL meals every day | Guaranteed Event Entry
Day 1 - Monday, 15 June- LUCCA
Arriving either at Pisa International Airport or Lucca train station, you will be met and taken to your apartment within the ancient city walls. That evening, we'll head out for a light 8km jog around the city of Lucca before we meet for dinner at a lovely modern restaurant serving exceptional cuisine with a modern twist.
Day 2 - Tuesday, 16 June - LUCCA
8am: Tempo Run (8-12km), followed by a free morning in Lucca. You are encouraged to climb a tower or book a 'Puccini' recital
Lunch is a short 10min drive outside the city walls, serving typical Lucca-style food
5pm: 4km jog (walk) around ‘Le Mura’
We stay within the walls for a lovely dinner tonight
Day 3 - Wednesday, 17 June- Lucca | Pavullo Nel Frignano
8am: 8-12 km run along the river trail
We then head off to the town of Pavullo, a culinary and running secret
Lunch is shortly after our arrival and check-in into Pavullo, in a dining favourite with locals. We then head into the city for a walk around town
6pm: 4-8km jog (walk) around the local airfield
We then head to dinner at the local pizzeria (the proprietor is from Napoli and pizza is his life)
Day 4 - Thursday, 18 June – Pavullo Nel Frignano
8am: 8-12 km run around the local airfield (glider-planes)
10am: TBC. Likely a short drive to a nearby local town
From our Hotel it is a very short 100m walk to lunch, another dining highlight. Thankfully, we get the opportunity to walk or jog this afternoon ahead of another dining highlight later this evening
6:00pm: 4-8km jog (or walk) up to Castello di Montecuccolo and back
Dinner: we head to an amazing castle, the food highlight of our Tour
Day 5 - Friday, 19 June - Pavullo Nel Frignano | Firenze
8am: 8km jog on trails
9:30: we leave Pavullo and travel to Firenze for lunch
Light lunch, check-in, followed by a post-lunch walk around the old-town
6pm: light 4-8km jog (walk) in Firenze
Dinner at a typical Fiorentine restaurant
Day 6 - Saturday, 20 June- Firenze - San Giovanni 10km
8am: light 4km jog (walk) followed by a free morning in Florence (Saturday markets)
Lunch at a local pizzeria
3pm: rest (siesta) ahead of this evening’s event
7pm: event check-in, warm-up jog
9pm: event: Notturno di San Giovanni 10km
v.late Dinner at a local diner. Nothing fancy here, but time to sneak in a recovery meal
Day 7 - Sunday, 21 June - LUCCA
9am: light 4km jog
For lunch we venture out to a local regional 'Festa', where the local community come out to eat, drink and celebrate life, before returning to Lucca
6pm: early drinks at a classic local bar ahead of dinner
Dinner at a nearby restaurant where we will experience fresh modern dishes, lovely
10:00pm: return to bar for a farewell drink
Day 8 - Monday, 22 June - LUCCA
After an early morning light recovery jog and Breakfast, we depart at 10:00am. Your drop-off options today are Lucca Train Station or PISA International Airport.