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 Pienza, and makes its way to Florence, 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 Pienza, the purest Renaissance town in the world (you will arrive by the train to Chiusi-Chianciano station, a major stop on all the Rome-Florence lines). Your charming hotel overlooks the val d'orcia. Pienza is a rare masterpiece: entirely rebuilt between 1459 and 1462, it was the brainstorm of Pope Pius II and today is memorable not only for its architectural purity but also for its exquisite food shops. As you stroll through the pristine streets, you might decide to stock up on truffle-flavoured cheese, wild herbs or other delicacies to take home or to use for an informal dinner with a bottle of Chianti wine. Or maybe you'd rather reward yourself with some ice cream at our favorite gelateria. Dinner on your own.
Day 2 | Ride Day
Your tour starts with a circular ride from Pienza. Be sure to stop along the way to visit the remote convent where parts of The English Patient were filmed, and in the enchanting little hamlet of Castelmuzio. By lunchtime you'll come to Montepulciano, the jewel of southern Tuscany. After relaxing a while, return to Pienza with a stop in the village of Monticchiello, the quintessential Tuscan hill town. Overnight at the same hotel; dinner on your own again. Level: Moderate to easy Distance: 50 km. (Breakfast included)
Day 3 | Ride Day
Ride from Pienza to Montalcino, with a pause in fairy-tale Bagno Vignoni, a miniature spa that is among the most unique towns in Europe. You can have lunch in Castiglione d'Orcia, then push on to the monastery of Sant'Antimo, where you might catch one of several vesper services performed each day by the monks. The famed wine town of Montalcino is your destination. Visit the fortress to see a breathtaking view of the entire valley you've just biked, then reward yourself with dinner at our favourite wine cellar. Accommodations are at a panoramic three-star hotel. Dinner on your own. Level: Moderate to strenuous. Distance: 46 km. (B)
Day 4 | Ride Day
Ride from Montalcino to Siena. On the way you'll coast along the forested crest of a ridge, home to the famed Monte Oliveto Maggiore monastery. Stop here to visit the beautiful buildings and perhaps have lunch at the restaurant. Afterwards, you'll travel through the fascinating area called Le Crete, Tuscany's answer to the Badlands. Late afternoon arrival in Siena. You will stay in a historic three-star hotel right in the center of town, or at a garden hotel Santa Caterina. Dinner on your own. Level: Moderate to strenuous Distance: 60 km. (B)
Day 5 | Ride Day
Ride from Siena to Castellina in Chianti. Along the way you can visit Castelnuovo Berardenga, a medieval town that marks the gateway to Chianti country. Not far away is Castello di Brolio, a castle that you can visit. There's also the chance to shop at a first-class ceramics workshop. Accommodations tonight are in Castellina at your charming hotel, dinner on your own. Level: Moderate Distance: 45 km. (B)
Day 6 | Ride Day
Circular bike ride tour to Panzano and Greve in Chianti. You can stop at Greve's main piazza which is characterized by an original formation of irregular triangular shapes and long porticos. Return to Castellina for the night. Dinner on your own. Level: Moderate Distance: 40 km. (B)
Day 7 | Departure Day
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: Pienza - Piccolo hotel La valle, Montalcino-Hotel dei capitani, Siena-Hotel Duomo, Castellina-Hotel Girasole or Palazzo Squarcialupi. 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.
|
Tour Details - At a Glance
Tuscany Classic, Italy
Enjoy deluxe 3/4 star lodging while discovering all the charms of Tuscany
Duration
7 days & 6 nights
Note that we can accommodate custom requests for Tuscany and Umbria including guided trips.
Dates 2008
On request from 15 March to 15 November; July and August are not recommended because of heat. No minimums.
Price
1355 Euros per person, double occupancy. Single Supplement: 315 Euros. Children sharing a parent's room get a reduced rate. Note that cycling is not recommended for children.
(convert)
Level
Level 3
Consistently hilly countryside with mostly hilltop finishes; challenging terrain can be moderated or made more challenging by daily mileage.
Bike Rental Info
Included - top quality road and hybrids available - see below. Clients can bring their own bikes; but no reduction available.
Options
Ride options - longer/shorter
Florence/Rome addons
Custom tours
Villa stays - ride out and back
Giro related riding/viewing
Tours
Images from this Tour
Lodging
Lodging on this tour is the same as that found in guided group tours costing $3000 and more!
Cycling in Tuscany is one of the best ways to experience this famously romantic countryside. Traveling from one famous village to another along small country roads, this bicycle tour can be adapted to your needs.
Local Coordinator
 Marco and Giuliana live in Tuscany and will meet you for orientation on arrival day as well as provide emergency support throughout your trip.
Customer Comments
"I wanted to write and let you know how marvelous out trip to Tuscany was and thank you for arranging such a wonderful biking tour. Giuliana and Marco were terrific and made sure we had everything we needed. The route maps were easy to follow, our hotels were terrific and the bikes satisfactory for our Tuscany adventure!! "
-
Julie S./USA
Download PDF
Tours |
