Classic Tuscany
Six-Day Self-Guided Tour
Would you like to discover Tuscany on your own, by bike, but
without having to lug all your possessions around on your back or
your rack all day long?
Marco and Giuliana have the perfect solution for you. Their Classic
Tuscany Bike Tour offers you detailed itineraries, sightseeing
suggestions, restaurant recommendations and marked maps for five
glorious days of bike touring over hill and dale, through one
enchanting hill town after another, past miles and miles of classic Chianti vineyards and silvery
olive groves. The secret routes they've been using for years keep you away from traffic and,
except in a very few brief stretches, you'll avoid the roads most cars use. You're welcome to
bring your own bikes and gear, or you can use one of their state-of-the-art Cinelli hybrids. Every
evening you'll breeze up to your hotel, where you'll find your bags already waiting for you. If
you ever have trouble along the way, there's a hot line to call for emergency repairs (and a
cellphone to use to call it!).
Itinerary
San Biagio
Montepulciano
Day One
Arrive in beautiful Montepulciano, the jewel of southern Tuscany.
You'll be met at the train station in nearby Chianciano, then taken to a
lovely three-star hotel in the center of town. Before dinner at one of
our recommended restaurants, take a sunset stroll through the
picturesque streets and piazzas.
Castelmuzio
Day Two
Ride from Montepulciano to Pienza, with stops along the way to visit
Montefollonico, Trequanda, Castelmuzio and the remote convent
where The English Patient was filmed.
Late afternoon arrival in the Renaissance masterpiece Pienza, where
you'll settle into your three-star hotel. Be sure to take a stroll through
this gorgeous town, and maybe reward yourself with some ice cream
at our favorite gelateria.
Level: Moderate to easy
Distance: 34.5 km.
Pienza
Day Three
Ride from Pienza to Montalcino, with a pause in fairy-tale Bagno
Vignoni, a miniature spa that is among the most unique towns in
Europe. You can have lunch in Castiglione d'Orcia, then push on to
the monastery of Sant'Antimo, where you might catch one of several
vesper services performed each day by the monks. The famed wine
town of Montalcino is your destination. Visit the fortress to see a
breathtaking view of the entire valley you've just biked, then reward
yourself with dinner at our favorite wine cellar. Accommodations are
at a panoramic three-star hotel.
Level: Moderate to strenuous
Distance: 46 km.
Bagno Vignoni
Day Three
Ride from Montalcino to Siena. On the way you'll coast along the
forested crest of a ridge, home to the famed Monte Oliveto Maggiore
monastery. Stop here to visit the beautiful buildings and perhaps have
lunch at the restaurant. Afterwards, you'll travel through the
fascinating area called Le Crete, Tuscany's answer to The Badlands.
Late afternoon arrival in Siena. Your three-star hotel is right in the
center of town.
If you'd like to get to Siena earlier in the day, ask Marco to shuttle you
part of the way in the morning or afternoon.
Level: Moderate to strenuous
Distance: 60 km.
Chianti
Day Four
Ride from Siena to Radda in Chianti. Along the way you can visit
Castelnuovo Berardenga, a medieval town that marks the gateway to
Chianti country. Not far away is Castello di Brolio, a bona fide castle
that you can visit. There's also the chance to shop at a first-class
ceramics workshop (ask them to ship your purchases home!).
Accommodations tonight are in a gracious country inn right at the edge
of town.
Level: Moderate
Distance: 54.4 km.
Sant'Antimo
Day Five
Ride from Radda to Florence. Panoramic views abound today, as you
pass through Panzano and Greve in Chianti. Your route culminates
dramatically at Piazzale Michelangelo, a panoramic belvedere high
above Florence. You've seen it in all the movies! From here it's a
surprising downhill coast to the Lungarno, where your three-star hotel
awaits you.
Level: Moderate
Distance: 46 km.
Included in the Price:
Six nights in three-star hotels
(double room with private bath)
Six breakfasts
Five bike tours
Clearly marked road maps and itineraries
Sightseeing, restaurant and shopping suggestions
Five baggage transfers
Transfer from Chianciano train station to Montepulciano
Pick-up of bikes and gear in Florence
Five days bike rental (includes adjustments and gear)
Emergency road assistance
Cellular telephone (one per party)
Optional shuttle service on Day Five
(reservations required)
Photographs of all accommodations are available by email
Price Per Person:
US$950.
Bike Rental:
US$100.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Italy
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
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