Trek Notes - Italy

South of Siena 8 days

For a more remote and wild taste of Tuscany try this cycle tour that takes you to the South of the ancient city state of Siena. This should appeal particularly to those who are looking for cycling a little more off the beaten tourist trails and through more challenging terrain. There is a good mix of forests, vineyards, fortified villages and hilltowns such as Montalcino and Montepulciano. Along the route there are many opportunities to taste many of the great local wines. 

From the friendly bustle of medieval Siena we pedal out into undulating, green Tuscany. From the Chianti hills a visit is made to the Etruscan village of Asciano and along the rolling ochre ridge of the ‘Crete Sensei' and on to the Benedictine monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore where you should have enough time to look around the frescoes and treasures that adorn the complex. After a night's rest at Buonconvento, it is time to storm the fortifications of Montalcino! The route passes through the great wine estates that are home to Brunello, one of the finest wines in Italy. There will be scope for wine tasting, but mind how you go, you need some legs left to climb up into Montalcino! 

Continuing the ecclesiastical theme the ride takes you via the Romanesque Abbey of San Antimo to the hot springs in Bagno Vignoni where you can soothe muscular aches in the company of the ghosts of Popes and Medicis. There is a whole day spent here to luxuriate in the sulphurous surroundings, but there is also an optional ride to reach the fortifications of Rocca d'Orcia and its church, San Quircio. There follows perhaps the best day's riding to Montepulciano via the Renaissance jewel of Pienza, providing many photo oportunitites, and then through the village of Monticchiello to climb to our night's stop. The final day's ride is fairly easy leading past Montepulciano Lago (lake) and onto Lago Trasimeno. There is an extra ride available should you want to extend your stay, visiting the most beautiful Italian Lakes. This is a tour for the reasonably fit cyclist who likes a bit of a challenge and is at home in hilly terrain and is accustomed to cycling around 50km a day. Some off road sections are possible on this tour, and you will be pleased to know that good quality mountain bikes with front suspension are available for this purpose.

Duration: 7 nights / 8 days
Grade: Challenging.
Bike Hire: 78 Euros
Day Stages: Min 38km, max59km.

Accommodation

7 nights/8 days - In Siena we use a 3* hotel which offers quiet rooms with nice views facing the ancient town and is within walking distance of the famous Piazza del Campo. The 3* hotel in Buonconvento is quite modern. Our first choice 3* hotel in Montalcino is in the heart of the town, where magnificent panoramic views are possible, and it has a refreshing pool. In Bagno Vignoni we stay in a 3* hotel overlooking the ancient thermal pool. 
The night in Montepulciano is spent in a pleasant ‘Meuble' (hotel without restaurant) located in a renovated medieval hospital. Your last night is usually booked in a pleasant Inn near the lakeside in Castiglion del Lago.  

Terrain

A hilly, undulating tour with some long ascents up to the hill towns.

Bike Hire
24 gears, front suspended MTB equipped with lock, panniers and repair kit. You are advised to bring your own cycle helmet and waterbottles.

Accommodation and Meals
Bed and breakfast throughout. Mainly in 3* hotels.

Start and End of Tour
Siena is easily reached by bus from Rome or Florence and by train from Pisa via Empoli. 
The tour ends in Castiglion del Lago and is well connected with Chiusi from where, by train, you can quickly reach Pisa, Florence and Rome.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Siena by train from Pisa or Florence via Empoli, where you change trains. From the train station the hotel is a 15 minute walk or you could take a local taxi available in front of the station (not included). You can travel by bus from Rome or Florence. If you arrive at Rome Fiumicino airport take the train to "Roma Tiburtina". In front of the station from the bus terminal, take the "Sena" bus for Siena. In Siena get off at Piazza Gramsci. The hotel is a 5 minute walk.

After settling into the hotel you will find all the famous places of the city within walking distance, with the Duomo, the huge Pisan Romanesque and Gothic cathedral, the Palazzo Salimbeni, (the ancient head-quarters of the Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the oldest bank of the world, founded in 1472 and still today one of the biggest banks in Italy), the Piazza del Campo, the shell like square, centre of the medieval city, where twice per year they hold the "Palio" horse race. You can easily get lost in the warren of streets. Overnight Siena.

Day 2: Siena to Buonconvento. Our first cycling day is through the Chianti hills. From here you cross the fascinating area of hills called the Crete Senesi and you reach the Monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, built in the 14th century by the Olivetan monks. Surrounded by a forest of cypresses, this place is world-famous for the frescoes in the courtyard painted by the 15th century painters Signorelli and Sodoma. Even the library and the church of the convent are architectural masterpieces. You then continue on until you eventually reach the small town of Buonconvento, where the Emperor Henry VII died in 1313. Distance 58km

Day 3: Buonconvento to Montalcino. Today you will pass some great villas, e.g. Castelrosi, Castles, and Bibbiano. You will then cross the Ombrone river and come into the wine producing area of Brunello de Montalcino. Overnight in Montalcino. Distance: 38km

Day 4: A free day in Montalcino either relaxing by the pool or alternatively a ride to visit the village of S Angelo in Colle, have lunch at one of the finest farmhouses in Tuscany, the Banfi property, on your way back there are castles and villas to be explored.

Day 5: Montalcino to Bagno Vignoni. Today's cycle ride will take you to the Romanic abbey of Sant Antimo, one of the most beautiful in all of Tuscany and now lived in by the French Gregorian friars. Their prayers and songs give the ambience a special mystic atmosphere. From here we make a visit to the medieval town of Castelnuovo dell'Abate, with great views across to Monte Amiata, a former volcano, which is still important for its thermal water. From here you continue and cross the Canyon of the Orcia River. On your side of the Canyon is the castle of Ripa d'Orcia, and on the opposite side there is the castle of Rocca d'Orcia. You then reach Bagno Vignoni, which was built in the 13th century to permit Lorenzo de'Medici and the popes to relax in healthy thermal water. In this small village, instead of the usual central square, there is a large pool! Especially on cooler days the effect of the rising steam is incredible. Overnight in Bagno Vignoni. Distance: 45km

Day 6: Bagno Vignoni to Montepulciano. Cycling through open countryside that will lead us to a Renaissance jewel, Pienza. Built by Pope Pius II, (Piccolomini), who was born in Siena. We cycle through the small pleasant village of Monticchiello, a surprising small village located on the top of a hill with a marvellous surrounding view before you reach your last amazing bastion, the medieval town of Montepulciano.  This has one of the most impressive renaissance buildings in Italy: the church of San Biagio

Distance: 47km

Day 7: Montepulciano - Castiglion del Lago. An easy cycle ride today which will lead you down to the fortified town of Castiglion del Lago which is still surrounded by its ancient walls and its distance from the modern residencial zone keeps it unaltered. First a town of fishermen then an agricultural area, Castiglione del Lago is now one of the most important tourist centers around Lake Trasimeno. Distance 39km

Day 8: End of tour by bus or train back to Pisa, Florence or Rome.