Tuscany is an iconic name, symbolizing the good life - a vacation to enjoy all that is good: food, sun, lifestyle, wine, amusement, and relaxation. The culture of the region adds charm, and you can indulge yourself in this opulent way because you will cycle the famous undulating countryside. This Tuscany cycling tour starts in Montepulciano and goes to Pienza, where along the way you will visit the villages that have made Tuscany famous. You can enjoy very charming 3/4 star accommodations and devour your choice of divine mediterranean cuisine. The hilly terrain makes this tour somewhat challenging!
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival Day - we'll meet you at Montepulciano & vino nobile. Arrive by train at Chiusi and either bus or taxi to hotel.
This splendid little town – whose artistic and architectural heritage led it to be called the Pearl of the Cinquecento – has preserved its beauty intact. Going up the steep streets of its outlying districts you will discover beautiful palazzos and churches imbued with the unparalleled art of foremost Renaissance architects. Orientation meeting at 6pm and then dinner on your own.
Day 2 | Cortona & Tuscan sun; Bike from Montepulciano to Cortona spinning across val di chiana. Distance 45 km.
From Montepulciano start a pleasant five-mile descent through the vineyards, where the only sound is the wind in your hair. After a very brief climb, you pass through the town of Valiano and plunge into some of the most beautiful vineyards in Tuscany. Relaxed and glowing, it's time to set off on a long, slow climb towards Cortona, the delightful hilltown made famous by Frances Mayes in her bestselling novel Under the Tuscan Sun. Lodging hotel San Michele or hotel San Luca. Breakfast included. (B)
Day 3 | Montisi & le Crete area - Bike from Cortona to Montisi via trequanda. Distance 50 km.
Enjoy the 3 miles downhill and cycle in the valley for a while. You will visit the medieval village of Trequanda, one of the most unspoiled areas of the province of Siena, which was developed around a 13th century castle of which a cylindrical tower with battlements still remains today. Your goal is Montisi an ancient borgo in the area of San Giovanni d’Asso, natural bridge between the "Crete Senesi" and the Val d’Orcia. Famous worldwide for its valuable white truffle, the area is rich with farms, hamlets and castles, which are reminiscent of the colors of the paintings of the Renaissance. Lodging Locanda di Montisi. (B)
Day 4 | Siena & Piazza del campo - ride from Montisi to Siena via Monte oliveto maggiore abbey. Distance 45 km.
Today you will spin to the 14th c. Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, and view the famous Renaissance frescoes at the monastery. In the afternoon you'll arrive in Siena, a medieval city with beautifully preserved Gothic architecture. The entire city of Siena was built around the Piazza del Campo. Here you'll have time to shop while exploring the many hidden medieval walkways. Lodging: hotel chiostro del carmine or hotel duomo. (B)
Day 5 | Montalcino & Brunello - ride from Siena to Montalcino via Murlo and castello di grotti. Distance 52 km
Today in Tuscany we bike to the blessed land of the famed Brunello wines. The biking is challenging but one of the most beautiful rides in Tuscany: pass through Murlo, a castle-village on a hill slightly more than 300 metres high that dominates the valley of the Crevole,. In the late afternoon, enjoy free time to roam the narrow streets Montalcino, a picturesque town famous for Brunello wines and medieval architecture. L odging hotel vecchia Oliviera or dei capitani. (B)
Day 6 | Pienza and sheep milk cheese; Bike from Montalcino to Pienza via sant’antimo and Bagno vignoni spa. Distance 46 km.
Reach monastery Sant'Antimo with 9 km gentle downhill, where you might catch one of several vesper services performed each day by the monks. Soon we start uphill and reach Castiglione d'Orcia and follow a long downhill stretch to the enchanting spa town of Bagno Vignoni, a minuscule village whose ancient stone buildings cluster around a pool of warm thermal waters. Then push on to the town of Pienza, then head west past ancient vineyards, stone farmhouses and bright green pastures. Lodging hotel il chiostro or piccolo hotel la valle. (B)
Day 7 | Departure Day - taxi to Chiusi for fast train connections
Departure after breakfast, at your leisure. If you want to go on to Florence, we can arrange transportation and hotels. Trains, car rentals can be arranged as well additional stays throughout Italy. (B)
Details
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights; note that a 4 night option is also available as well as custom routes/itineraries for Tuscany and Umbria; please inquire.
Dates: March 15-November 15, excluding July/August. This is self-guided touring and offers total freedom of dates - you can choose whatever dates you wish. We can accomodate small parties of 2 persons up to large groups.
Accommodation: [Virtual Hotel Tour] Take the Virtual Hotel Tour! 6 nights in deluxe hotels: Siena-Hotel Duomo; Montalcino-Hotel dei capitani, Pienza - Piccolo hotel La valle, Locanda di Montisi; Cortona - San Michele or hotel San Luca; Montepulciano - Marzocco . These properties are all excellent hotels offering views, and charming typical Tuscan ambiance. They are also in demand, so last minute requests can be difficult. In case of no availability; we will check equivalent alternative hotels that may require a change in price.
Bike: [Click for image] Included; Custom hybrid; aluminum frame with carbon fork, Shimano Ultegra or Deore; 3x9. Bikes come equipped with handlebar bag, lock, water bottle, gel saddle, tire repair kit, cycle computer. Hybrids are fitted with thin tires for better road performance. Racing models also available. Hilly terrain, rated as intermediate to advanced. All towns where lodging is located are perched hilltop villages. A Cannondale tandem is also available for experienced tandem riders. Persons from 5 ft to 6-5 can be accommodated. Bike quality is top; averaging $1500 each retail. No reduction on tour price for customers who bring their own bikes.
Trip includes: deluxe lodging, breakfast daily, luggage transfers, local emergency support, orientation, riding routes with maps and cue sheets, suggestions for visitation and dining, bike delivery, pickup, fitting, and fully equipped rental for the duration.
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Marko and Giuliana live in Tuscany and will meet you for orientation on arrival day as well as provide emergency support throughout your trip.
