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The Tuscany and Umbria regions of Italy are a “must do”
on the list of all bicycle touring aficionados. This is a real paradise
for the two wheeled traveler, offering a heady combination of sublime
landscapes, varied wildlife, fabulous art and architecture, and
fascinating culture.
Ancient home of the Etruscans and essential port of call for the
19th century Grand Tourists, Tuscany is a delight of rolling, vineyard
bedecked hills, olive groves, forests, lakes and valleys, while
neighboring Umbria, Italy’s most rural region, has a range
of diverse, incredibly picturesque landscapes.
The majestic Renaissance cities and towns of Tuscany and Umbria
are home to some of the world’s greatest art treasures –
this is the region that spawned Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo
and Botticelli amongst others. In cities such as Florence, Siena,
Cortona and Orveito, the architecture is spellbinding!
It would be well worth visiting Tuscany and Umbria just to enjoy
the food and drink for which they are justifiably famous. Tuscans
and Umbrians love to cook – and locally produced fruity olive
oils, pecorino (sheep’s) cheese, and truffles feature widely
on the menus. The vineyards of Tuscany yield  Brunello,
Chianti Classico and Vino Nobillo, while Orvieto’s white Classico
is one of Umbria’s most celebrated wines.
If you enjoy the pageantry and colour of a festival then you are
in for a treat, since there are more of these held in Umbria than
in any other part of Italy - Umbrians celebrate everything from
Renaissance painters to truffles.
In each of the staging towns on your tour you can join the locals
for a drink in the piazza in the evening, and enjoy the age old
custom of strolling along the corso. Italians know the value of
the simple pleasures!
Bear in mind that the region is not flat, and to enjoy it to the
full you should be happy with the prospect of tackling some good
climbs and descents. Many of Tuscany’s famous medieval towns
and villages are built on hilltops to which the approach roads can
be steep. These towns themselves are invariably so alluring and
full of interest that it is
hard to drag yourself away – there is so much to see in even
the smallest village. The two factors (rolling terrain and fascinating
towns) taken together mean that to enjoy the region to the full,
cyclists are advised to pull their horns in a little with regard
to daily mileage - Tuscany is definitely not made to be rushed!
Some of the routes take you onto the strade bianche
– the white dirt roads that, along with the cypress trees
and farmhouses, are so characteristic of rural Tuscany. The surface
of these roads is generally very good, and the roads themselves
give access to some of the most beautiful and peaceful cycling in
Tuscany.
The Iron Donkey tours of Tuscany and Umbria have been designed
and are operated in collaboration with a local Tuscan company that
provides the bikes and equipment, organizes the luggage transfers,
and provides the backup for the tours. A representative of this
company will meet and greet you on arrival and will be your contact
during the tour.
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