Tour
Total tour distance: 130 miles
Daily tour distance: 25 miles
Difficulty: 40 / 100
Description
A cycling holiday in the Val d'Elsa and Chianti area to visit the medieval villages perched on a hill, that served to defense the territory between Florence and Siena, such as Certaldo (birthplace of Boccaccio), San Gimignano, Colle Val d'Elsa and Monteriggioni.
To give even greater historical and cultural interest in this route, from Certaldo
to Siena we will ride along the ancient pilgrimage trail of Via Francigena.
Day by day program
Day 1:
individual arrival in Florence and accommodation in hotel. Meeting with the guide and explanation of the program.
Day 2: Florence bike tour.
In two hours you will discover by bicycle the monuments and main attraction of Florence accompanied by a tourist guide.
For the rest of the day you can freely enjoy the city and the museums.
Day 3: Firenze – Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, 38 km, ascent 700 m.
From the hotel in few minutes we will be out of the city of Florence and surrounded by the hills. We'll continue along the road to Volterra and enter the Chianti area. A wonderful side street with very little traffic will lead us, among olive groves and vineyards to the village of Tavarnelle. In the afternoon wine tasting in the the hotel cellar.
Day 4: Tavarnelle Val di Pesa – San Gimignano, 37 km, ascent 500 m.
From Tavarnelle along a beautiful road immersed in the Val d'Elsa we will reach the medieval village of Certaldo, famous for being the birthplace of Giovanni Boccaccio, author of the Decameron.
After a brief visit to the old village we'll continue to San Gimignano. Before arriving at the hotel, we will stop in a cellar for a visit and wine tasting of Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
Day 5: San Gimignano - Siena, 42 km, ascent 550 m.
The last leg of the tour runs entirely along the ancient path of the Via Francigena. The course includes 3 km of dirt road (easily accessible with any type of bike) and will take us to discovery two of the most famous and characteristic medieval villages: Colle Val d'Elsa and Monteriggioni.
Day 6: end of services and individual departure from Siena.
What is included in the price:
5 nights 3/4 star hotel accommodation in twin/double room;
5 breakfast buffet;
1 wine tasting in Tavarnelle to taste Chianti Classico;
1 wine tasting in San Gimignano
Luggage transfer;
Private Van that travels with the group;
Expert cycle guide;
Technical support;
Mountain bike, helmet and repair kit.
Difficulty: The stages are short, about 30-40 kilometers, and are extended over a hilly terrain. Everyone can face this route although it's recommended a minimum of preparation and training.