Self-Guided Bike Tours - Tuscany, Italy (7 nights)

Siena is without doubt the showpiece province of Tuscany, and this itinerary shows it off in all its glory. The incomparable impressionist-style landscapes of lush vine and poppy bedecked hills and valleys just beg to be explored and enjoyed from the saddle of a bicycle.

Starting at the fabulous city of Siena, the tour takes you first to the green pasturelands of Le Crete where tiny roads wind through the fields and along hill crests to connect ancient farmhouses and tiny medieval villages. This area is a scenic delight of bare ridges, solitary cypresses and medieval farmhouses, and it abounds with ancient Roman and Etruscan archaeological sites. South from Le Crete lies the Val d’Orcia where the landscape is one of nature’s inspired works of art. Possibly no other region conjures up such classical images of Tuscany. ... the hamlets and hilltowns, terracotta rooftops, swaying cypress and golden valleys, vineyards and olive groves all contribute to the overall picture. Besides the beauty of the landscape, you will explore the fascinating and beautiful towns of Pienza, Montepulciano and Montalcino. Dropping down from Montepulciano you pedal across the level expanse of the Val di Chiana before climbing to the spectacular and spectacularly sited city of Cortona. The final leg of the itinerary is a beautiful ride across the sunflower, tobacco and corn fields of Val di Chiana to Monte San Savino.

This tour is Tuscany cycling at its very best. Each core route is designed to allow time to enjoy the scenery, to explore the en route attractions and to have a leisurely lunch. The route extensions are for the more ambitious riders who want to challenge themselves. It is important to bear in mind that Tucscany is not flat – even on the core routes the terrain is largely rolling. Some of the riding on both core routes and extensions is on the strade bianche - the white dirt roads that are so characteristic of Tuscan landscapes.

Apart from the superb cycling and the sublime scenery, the itinerary’s highlights include the views from the Torre del Mangia in Siena, Siena Cathedral, Il Sodomas infamous frescoes in the Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, the Etruscan museum in Murlo, the Castle of Gargonza, the views across the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside from the heights of Cortona, the Renaissance town of Pienza, the mystical abbey of Sant’Antimo, the hot-spring main square in Bagno Vignoni, and sampling a glass of Brunello wine in Montalcino’s impressive Fortezza.

Region and Routes

The tour starts in Siena where you will be fitted with bicycles and equipment and taken through the routes. You have the remainder of the day to relax, eat dinner and explore the historic town.

Route 1 takes you south from Siena through Murlo, where you can visit the Etruscan museum before riding on to Buonconvento.

Route 2 continues south to Montalcino and is a gorgeous roller coaster of a ride on minor roads. Montalcino is a name associated with great wine - in this case Brunello is the pride of the region.

Route 3 strikes out east to Montepulciano. The major part of the route is through vineyards on the white dirt roads (strade bianche) so often seen in Tuscan landscapes. Montepulciano is another name associated with great wine - Vino Nobile in this case.

Route 4 is a loop based on Montepulciano, visiting Pienza, the Utopian town designed by Pope Pius II, and Monticchiello. An optional extension takes you to Bagno Vignoni where you can have a relaxing soak in the hot springs.

Route 5 is a lovely ride on easy terrain crossing the sunflower, tobacco and corn fields of the Val di Chiana valley to Cortona, an ancient Etruscan citadel close to the border with Umbria. The day ends with a demanding climb to the city - a climb amply rewarded by the views over the countryside below.

Route 6 takes you back west across the Val di Chiana to the hilltop town of Monte San Savino and includes a visit to the fabulous Castle of Gargonza. As you approach Monte San Savino, the vegetation changes dramatically from the cultivated fields of the plains to beautiful oak and beech covered slopes leading to the town.

The Details

• Duration: 7 nights
• Suggested start dates: Any day April thru June or September through October
• Bicycle rental: Available
• Luggage transfers: Available
• Airport transfers: Available
• Trailhead town: Siena
• Destination town: Sansepolcro

Included in basic tour:

• 7 nights accommodation with breakfast
  
  
• Detailed itinerary including:
  
  
  • route maps, cue sheets and written directions
  • directions to and contact details for accommodations
  • information about en route attractions and interest sites
  • details of en-route services including suggested refreshment stops
  • information about trailhead town, staging towns and destination town
  • suggestions for evening meals and for evening entertainment
  • telephone helpline
    
    
• Trip preparation information about
  
  
  • what to bring (including recommended clothing list)
  • getting to and from the tour from arrival & departure points
  • money
  • climate and weather
  • shopping
  • eating and drinking
  • tipping …………etc.

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