Tuscany, Italy: Road Bike Tour

For the avid cyclist, pedaling along the roads of Tuscany is a must in one’s life. Our bike tour in Tuscany focuses on all the key elements that make this region of Italy so special: exploring the rolling hills covered with vineyards, climbing up to medieval villages that are perched atop craggy hills, soaking up the Tuscan sun, and savoring the delicious food and wine. We begin our week by meeting in the famous town of Siena and after a short shuttle to Radda in Chianti, we’ll assemble bikes, have a few introductory talks and then go for an afternoon spin. As Radda’s name implies, you’re deep into the celebrated Chianti wine growing region. Besides the fantastic cycling that is in store for you, you have adequate time off the bike to drink in the region’s other wonders. Mid-week, we change hotels as well as scenery as you bike south to the village of Pienza. Superbly situated in southern Tuscany, Pienza is our cycling base for the remainder of the bike tour. From here, we are well situated if you’d like to climb of one of the highest peaks in the region, Monte Amiata, which is frequently used in the Giro d’Italia. But the cycling in this part of Tuscany isn’t just about climbing. We also include another of the famous wine towns, Montalcino, as part of route. In fact, we encourage our guests to think beyond just the wonderful cycling: to unwind, experience the surroundings and enjoy La Dolce Vita, the sweet life of a bike tour in Tuscany.

BIKE TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Climbing up to the hilltop towns of Radda, San Gimignano, Pienza and others
- Savoring the incredible food and wine for which Tuscany is so well known
- Pedaling along small vineyard roads with twisty climbs and swooping descents
- Cycling to the top of the Monte Amiata
- Experiencing “la dolce vita” firsthand, like every cyclist should at least once in their lives

QUICK FACTS

- Challenging cycling routes for avid cyclists
- 100% GPS routes (bike GPS provided for your use during trip).
- Four Star Accommodations
- Most Meals Included (breakfast every day, some lunches, and most dinners)
- Fully supported / guided tour with van and trip leader(s)
- No shuttling required to/from the ride. You can always ride door to door if you wish. Van support always an option too.
- Small groups (max 10) for a more personalized experience
- Maximum flexibility of when you travel. You pick the dates you'd like to go and we arrange it for you.

TOUR OVERVIEW AND DAILY ITINERARY
Arguably one of the most iconic regions for cycling, Tuscany delights those exploring it on two wheels. We start off our bike tour in Siena and the Chianti region, then spend the latter half of the week in the southern Tuscan town of Pienza. While not mountainous like the Alps or Dolomites, this part of Italy is certainly not flat. The small, country roads seem to perpetually rise and fall as they roll over this varied landscape. Frequently here, the hilltops are decorated with imposing, walled medieval towns, just waiting to be explored. After your ride, savor a Tuscan meal or a glass of world class wine while taking in the beautiful vistas that have made this part of Italy so famous.

Day 1
You meet your trip leaders in Siena. We will have a short shuttle to our home for the next few nights, Radda in Chianti. There will time to assemble your bikes and have a short introductory talk about the week before you saddle up for your first ride of the week. In the evening, following a welcome drink, we dine together as a group. Ride: 28 km (17 miles) with 506 m (1660 feet) of climbing

Day 2
As part of your first full day of riding, you ride a westward loop out through the famous walled town of San Gimignano. The route is abundant with incredible views, small twisty roads and vineyard lined hills. As you approach San Gimignano, you’ll see the town’s towers reach up into the sky. Get ready for a climb into town yourself, but don’t use up all of your energy quite yet. You’ll need something left for the climb back into Radda in Chianti. Join the group for dinner tonight as we share another fine Tuscan meal. Ride: 93 km (58 miles) with 1600 m (5,250 feet) of climbing.

Day 3
A day of rolling countryside awaits you. With roads that are either climbing or descending, you’ll be treated to fantastic views of vineyard covered hills, cypress lined roads and ancient towns perched above valleys. Today is a great day to take a mid-ride break and share an espresso alongside locals in a cafe. It’s also a nice day to catch up on any shopping once back in Radda, as our next hotel will be in a more rural location. Dinner will be on your own tonight. Ride: 83 km (52 miles) with 2103 m (6900 feet) of climbing.

Day 4
Today your bike tour in Tuscany will take your from Radda in Chianti to Pienza. The route runs from north to south through an area known as the Crete Senesi (Sienese Clays), named after the grey color of the soil. Sometimes referred to as a lunar landscape, the area is perhaps even better known for its white truffles. Once arriving in Pienza, maybe you’ll want to take a short spin through town and admire the views across the surrounding hills, before arriving at our authentic Tuscan farmhouse just outside of town. Dinner tonight will be as a group. Ride: 96 km (60 miles) with 1800 m (5900 feet) of climbing.

Day 5
We’ve saved the biggest day of the riding in Tuscany for last. On the schedule is Mont Amiata, one of the highest peaks in this part of Italy. Its slopes easily compare with more famous climbs in the French and Italian Alps. The Giro d’Italia has frequently used Monte Amiata as part of its route. We ride around to the west side of the mountain, to Castel del Piano, before beginning our climb. Your legs will sure to be tested on this ride. Once you summit you also get to enjoy the sinuous descent down the other side. You finish off the ride and the entire bike tour, savoring your accomplishments. A shorter option, but no less stunning, will visit the town of Montalcino, famous the world over for its wine, Brunello di Montalcino. Our farewell dinner tonight will be together as a group. Ride: 97 km (60 miles) with 2150 m (7050 feet) of climbing. Montalcino Option: 68 km (42 miles) with 1280 m (4200 feet) of climbing

Day 6
After one last breakfast together, we say our goodbye and you shuttle back to Siena for your departure.

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