Italy: Cycling in Tuscany
Eight days. Cycling in the hills of Chianti and Southern Tuscany. Be prepared for many ascents and descents, great food and wine, and an abundance of views across exquisite Italian landscapes.
Tuscany straddles the Apennine hills in the heart of Italy, where cypress trees, olive groves, vineyards, and soft, verdant hills create a landscape reminiscent of Renaissance paintings. Giotto, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci traveled these same landscapes centuries ago, and fortunately, not much has changed. Their influence is evident in many towns and villages along the route, and as you ride quiet routes along sun-drenched ridges, you will enjoy expansive views over the landscape of their inspiration. Beginning near Florence with a pickup at Poggibonsi or Siena, you will spend the first two nights in spectacular San Gimignano, famous for its abundance of stone towers. You will then cross the Chiantigiana route through the premier wine region of Chianti. On your way toward the hills of Southern Tuscany, you will have ample opportunity to sample wine, honey and olive oil, as well as being fuelled by the gastronomic indulgence of some of the region’s finest chefs. You will repose in small inns known for their character and charm, and will fall, if you have not already done so, in love with the area which D.H. Lawrence referred to as "the perfect center of man's universe". After visiting Montepulciano and Montalcino, tasting what are perhaps Italy's most complex wines - the Vino Nobile and Brunello di Montalcino, and stopping to listen to the Gregorian monks chanting in an awe-inspiring cathedral, you will enjoy the evening ambience of your peaceful hotel in Pienza. If you can spare some extra time, we recommend that you plan to spend a day or more in Siena or Florence before or after your Freewheeling Adventure, to see the riches these ancient cities have on display.
The Plan:
Day 1:
Pick-up at the Siena train station at 15:00, or at Poggibonsi train station at 16:00, for a transfer to your idyllic hideaway in the Rennaissance gem of San Gimignano – town of medieval towers, high in the Chianti hills. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfasts)
Hotel La Cisterna, San Gimignano, www.hotelcisterna.it or
Hotel L’Antico Pozzo, San Gimignano, www.anticopozzo.com
Day 2:
Ride one of three loop options (30, 52, or 62km/19, 33, or 40mi) from San Gimignano. This is a wonderful introduction to the Tuscan countryside, with opportunities for wine tasting, idyllic picnics, and such an abundance of intriguing smells that your head will reel with delight. BL
Same lodging
Day 3:
An exhilarating 50km/32mi through forest and field on some of the least traveled roads in the region. You will ride through quiet villages, each with its share of history, character and charm, unique to this corner of the world. Linari and Piazza are two of the smaller villages often missed - you may visit both on your way to Radda in Chianti. BLD.
Relais Fattoria Vignale, Radda in Chianti, www.vignale.it
Day 4:
A 65km/41mi loop ride in the delightful hills of Chianti, with choices about whether you go to the highest point in Chianti at Monte Luco, or a more leisurely pedal through vineyards and olive groves, followed by a visit to Castelli di Brolio, one of the most respected wine producers of the area. Wine tasting, lunch, and a short ride back to your inn await you. BL
Same lodging
Day 5:
A challenging 84km/53mi ride along the ridge road to Asciano, then through gentle cypress-lined lanes to the southern Tuscan hills finishing just outside Montepulciano and Pienza. In this area, you’ll have chances to try the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, famous as far back as the year 790! The '97 & '98 vintages are said to be the best in over 50 years! You will stop for lunch near the Abbaie di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, where you can visit renaissance frescoes, the cloisters, and bask in the mid-day peacefulness. BLD
Locanda La Costa, Montefollonico, www.lacosta.it
Day 6:
62km/40mi. A loop ride through some of the finest hill towns of Southern Tuscany. You’ll visit Montefollonico, Monticchiello, Castellúccio, and a village where much of the English Patient was filmed. While in Montepulciano you’ll have the opportunity to visit the little 18th century church of San Bernardo, Palazo Bucelli, with its Etruscan and Latin inscriptions in the lower walls and, the famous Montepulciano Piazza Grande which is surrounded by 14th & 15th century buildings. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore Pienza, which served as the set of Zefferelli's Romeo and Juliet. This ideal town was a dream of Pope Pius II, who died before its completion. However, despite the passage of time the harmony he felt has not been disturbed. BL
Relais Il Chiostro di Pienza, Pienza, www.relaisilchiostrodipienza.com or
Podere Dionora, Montepulciano, www.dionora.it
Day 7:
72km/45 mi. You’ll follow a delightfully quiet route as you make your way to the Roman Baths of Bagno Vignoni, where the Town Square is a thermal spring. You’ll then cross the hilly Val d’Orcia, stopping to reflect upon life at the abbey in San Ántimo, where you may hear the monks sing Gregorian chants. You can stop for a walk and lunch in Montalcino, buy some wine and honey at the castle, then ride downhill toward San Quirico d’Orcia and back to your hotel to prepare for our final feast together. BD
Same lodging
Day 8:
Following your breakfast, there is a morning transfer to Chiusi-Chianciano train terminal (a stop on all major Florence-Rome lines). B
The Details:
| Start: | Siena train terminal 15:00, or Poggibonsi train terminal 16:00, day one. |
| Finish: | Chiusi train terminal near Montepulciano 10:00, day eight. |
| Guided Cost: | $3695 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 5 light picnic lunches, 4 dinners, guide and van support, maps and route notes, luggage handling, taxes) |
| Self-Guided: | $2995 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, maps and route notes, luggage transfers, 2 required transfers, taxes) |
| Single Occupancy: | $685 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid or Racing: $250 |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Sep 19-26, 2010. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates, or to add a new departure |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | May 1-8, May 22-29; Jun 19-26; Sep 18-25. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates, or to add a new departure |
| Self-Guided Dates: | You choose! Best months are mid-April to mid-October. |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
