Trek Notes - Italy

Cycling in Tuscany 8 days

Tuscany means art, culture, rolling vineyards, cypress trees and ancient hill villages. You will experience all of these to the full cycling around this wonderful countryside. There are fine wines to taste in the vineyards of Chianti and your hotel, on the central Piazza of San Gimignano, is set amidst architectural splendour. Cycling among rolling hills and along the ‘strade bianche' will lead you onto the old Etruscan stronghold of Volterra. You will marvel at the beauty of the medieval village of Monteriggioni. South of Siena the landscape of Tuscany is at its most charming with the opportunity of a visit to the old monastery at Monte Oliveto Maggiore. We end our tour in Siena, a magical town fabled in travellers' tales for centuries.

Arrival in San Gimignano is a fine introduction to ancient Tuscan hill towns. The famed and numerous towers date back to the 11th century. There is time to look around before setting out on your short first days circular ride, through rolling vineyards and along a delightful river valley. Don't forget, there are always opportunities to do a bit of wine tasting along the way. 

Next, you continue en route to Volterra over the hills to this fortress town where you will have time to explore and visit the Etruscan museum. We then continue onto Monteriggioni crossing the natural reserve of Tatti to the medieval town of Casole with time to visit the monastic settlement of Abbadia Isola. Then we cycle into the Chianti hills where you have the opportunity to sample the famous wine before arriving at Radda. This ancient capital of the Chianti League has maintained its charm. Today it is a centre of small agricultural Aciendas, top quality wine and olive oil production and artisans producing furniture and ceramics. The riding then continues onto and finishes in historical Siena the honey biscuit coloured city that hosts the famous Palio horse race twice a year!

Duration: 7 nights/8 days 
Grade: Moderate.
Bike Hire: 78 Euros
Day Stages: Min 26km, max 64km.

Accommodation

7 nights/8 days - In San Gimignano we spend two nights, our 3* hotel is located in an enviable location at the very heart of the town and dates back to the 14th century. 
In Volterra we use a 4* hotel right in the historical centre, this hotel also boasts a swimming pool.
Onto Monteriggioni we use a room rental which is located in the oldest building of the village, all rooms are ensuite and offer good views of the town. In Radda, we stay at a superb farmhouse B&B that our clients rave about. 
We use a 3* hotel in Siena which offer rooms with nice views facing the ancient town, and is located within walking distance from the famous Piazza del Campo. 

Terrain

Rolling countryside with some steep hills making this an enjoyable and varied cycling holiday.

Bike Hire
A 21 speed hybrid bike equipped with lock, panniers, repair kit.. You are advised to bring your own cycle helmet and waterbottles for hygiene reasons.

Accommodation and Meals
Dinner, bed and breakfast on 1 day, bed and breakfast on 6 days, in 3 & 4 star hotels, 1 room rental and 1 excellent farmhouse.

Start and End of Tour
Nearest airport is Pisa. Bus or train to San Gimignano, 
The tour finishes in Siena. Bus or train to Pisa for your return flight.

Itinerary Guide

       Day 1: Arrive in San Gimignano. If you haven't organized the private transfer then please let us know at approx what time you will be arriving so that we can organize for your bikes to be delivered to the hotel. Alternatively your bikes will be delivered on the morning of Day 2.

     Day 2:  Your are free to relax around San Gimignano or alternatively  you can do a circular ride to Certaldo riding through Vernaccia's, San Gimignano's white wine vineyards. Distance: 38km

    Day 3:  San Gimignano - Volterra. A spectacular ride westwards over the hills to the Etruscan fortress town of Volterra. Distance: 37km. For those clients that are fitter and who want a more challenging day today then a visit to the Monastery of San Vivaldo is also an option. Distance: 48km

    Day 4: Volterra - Monteriggioni. Two options are available to you again today. Option 1 which passes through the  small town of Colle di Val d'Elsa. Distance: 41km. Option 2 which crosses the natural reserve of Tatti, the medieval town of Casole. Distance: 59km. Both rides visit the monastic settlement of Abbadia Isola.

    Day 5: Monteriggioni - Radda in Chianti. Today you will be cycling into the Chianti hills and you will have the opportunity to sample several Chianti wines. The high point of today ride is Fonterutoli and the incredible open views. Distance: 45km

     Day 6: A circular ride today throughout the Chianti hills visiting some of the most beautiful villas, castles and land church. Distance: 39km

     Day 7: Radda in Chianti - Siena. Your last day is an easy short ride which will lead you to the interesting "Palio" town of Siena. En route why not visit the cantines and test the wines of Dievole. The proprietor is always ready to lead you on a memorable tour. Distance: 28km

    Day 8: End of Tour in Siena.

The hotel in Siena is a short taxi ride from the train station.  There is an approximately hourly train service to Florence.  For Pisa and Pisa airport change trains at Empoli. If you are travelling from Siena to Rome airport: buy tickets for the complete journey to Rome airport before starting your journey from Siena. It is often difficult to buy train tickets in Rome Termini station and there are heavy fines for travelling to the airport without a ticket. Change trains in Chiusi. You may need to pay an inter-city supplement for the leg between Chiusi and Rome.