8
17 852
Arrive at the Agriturismo La Pietriccia and enjoy a stroll to the old town, before your evening briefing by the owner, Stefano, and the first of many home cooked dinners. (Staying at the Agriturismo La Pietriccia for 7 nights, Half Board)
Start the week with mountain views and forest tracks as you head to the small town of Montallese and on to Lake Chiusi. After a lunch-break take the long distance path of Sentiero della Bonifica to the Lake of Montepulciano, a nature reserve ideal for bird-watching before heading back to the agristurismo in time for dinner.
Distance in Km: 41
Distance in Miles: 25.5
You will be transferred to Radicofani, the highest point in the Val d'Orca, for incredible views. From here cycle to Contignano, famous for its pecorino cheese and a perfect spot for lunch before a downhill stretch through the forest and past the beautiful private gardens of La Foce. The back to the agristurismo in time for wine and local produce tasting in the old town before dinner.
Distance in Km: 34
Distance in Miles: 21
Descend along country tracks passing a truffle-growing area before crossing the Astrone stream. Cycle through beautiful valleys to the medieval town of Sarteano before carrying on to Cetona, then climb to Mondo X where you can find one of the best restaurants in Italy, La Frateria - a beautiful convent started by St Francis in 1212. Head back to your hotel in time for your dinner.
Distance in Km: 39
Distance in Miles: 24
Spend the day relaxing or walk into Chianciano Terme. On your way back to the hotel you could use you thermal spa voucher and relax in the healing waters. In the afternoon begin your cookery class where you will learn classic Italian techniques and eat the meal you prepare for dinner.
Cycle through acres of vineyards on your way to Montepulciano and stop to take in views of the famous Mount Amiata. Explore Montepulciano's winding medieval streets before cycling back to Chianciano.
Distance in Km: 36
Distance in Miles: 22
After a short transfer to Pienza take time to explore the town - it is one of the cheese capitals of Italy - and its beautiful medieval historic centre. Perhaps pick up a sandwich filled with porchetta or a slab of rich and creamy Pecorino. The ride takes you downhill to cross one of the stunning plains of the Val d'Orcia, and a short detour takes you to Roman Bagno Vignoni with its roman baths and sulphur springs. Follow a long straight Roman road then cross the valley and climb up and down into Chianciano.
Distance in Km: 35
Distance in Miles: 22
7 nights single centre accommodationAll buffet breakfasts and 4-course
evening mealsManagement by local hotelierHigh quality mountain bikesGPS route
directions and mapsWine, olive oil and local produce tastingOne Spa
entranceOne Cookery class
Tuscan food is based on the Italian idea of 'cucina povera' (poor cooking);
simple inexpensive meals that can be made for large groups. Whilst this was
once dictated by the economy and expense of the produce, the tradition has
remained. The cuisine of this region doesn't use complicated seasonings or
elaborate recipes, and instead focuses on fresh, high quality ingredients
that allow the natural flavours in each dish to shine through. Typical dishes
include fagioli con salsiccia (cannellini beans with sausage), tagliatelle al
tartufo (pasta in a truffle sauce) bistecca Fiorentina (a T-bone steak often
large enough to share!), pici (a fat, handmade spaghetti, often served with
tomato and garlic sauce or game meat). Don't miss the local cacio and
pecorino cheeses, and sample the famous wines: Nobile di Montepulciano and
Brunello di Montalcino.
7 nights single centre accommodationAll buffet breakfasts and 4-course
evening mealsManagement by local hotelierHigh quality mountain bikesGPS route
directions and mapsWine, olive oil and local produce tastingOne Spa
entranceOne Cookery class
Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle
independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the
logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation and provide you with
route directions so that you can cycle at your own pace. The hotelier,
Stefano, will be there to meet you and will be available, throughout the
trip, should you need assistance.As this is a self-guided holiday there is no
group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you,
but you will not be organised together. The route directions contain an
emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies,
the hotelier will be able to arrange a taxi or pick you up themselves. They
may wish to charge for this service.
HotelYour base for the week is the modest but comfortable Agriturismo La
Pietriccia, which stands on a hill with great views of Chianciano Vecchia.
Stefano who runs the agriturismo will welcome you with his enthusiasm for
everything to do with nature in the surrounding area. He will also lead the
cookery course for you during your stay, and teach you all about the artisan
products in the local area. The hotel produces 65% of what it serves on your
table, and is surrounded by its own farm and orchards. There is a lovely
terrace and swimming pool and lovely shady grassy area that looks out across
the valley, where in the heat of summer you can take your dinner outside.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. The
hotelier, Stefano, is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the
beginning of the week to go through the routes and point out particular
places of interest. Please note: the cycling transfers included in this tour
are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A
supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy
of a room will apply if only 1 person is travelling on a departure date.
Tuscan food is based on the Italian idea of 'cucina povera' (poor cooking);
simple inexpensive meals that can be made for large groups. Whilst this was
once dictated by the economy and expense of the produce, the tradition has
remained. The cuisine of this region doesn't use complicated seasonings or
elaborate recipes, and instead focuses on fresh, high quality ingredients
that allow the natural flavours in each dish to shine through. Typical dishes
include fagioli con salsiccia (cannellini beans with sausage), tagliatelle al
tartufo (pasta in a truffle sauce) bistecca Fiorentina (a T-bone steak often
large enough to share!), pici (a fat, handmade spaghetti, often served with
tomato and garlic sauce or game meat). Don't miss the local cacio and
pecorino cheeses, and sample the famous wines: Nobile di Montepulciano and
Brunello di Montalcino.
Alternative Air TravelAlternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area
and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If
you would like to use one of the many 'low cost' airlines, we can book these
on your behalf (£30 admin fee per person). We can also book UK shuttles to
connect with your onward flight, please call for details and
prices.Alternative transfersIf you require alternative transfers, then we can
usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).Self
driveWe can arrange various channel crossings for you. Please call for
details and prices.
Air-rail prices include our standard flights, onward rail and station
transfersBritish Airways Heathrow to Rome Fiumicino 07:30/10:30 then rail
Rome Termini to Chiusi 13:00/14:49 and transfer to hotel 25 minutes. Return:
Transfer to Chiusi station 25 minutes then rail Chiusi to Rome Termini
10:54/12:48 then British Airways Rome Fiumicino to Heathrow
17:25/19:05.Business/club/first class seats are available on request.Standard
transferstandard return transfers are only included for flight inclusive
bookings from Chiusi train station at 14:49, and back to Chiusi train station
at 10:15. Customers booking a land only trip will be able to add
arrival/departure transfers at a supplement payable in advance.
April and May departures can expect warm days, although rain is always
possible. Nights may still be rather cool. Early June is similar, with the
days becoming progressively hotter and the evenings much warmer. September
and October are cooler and wetter, yet visibility is usually better. We
strongly recommend a fleece-lined jacket or warm sweater in May, September
and October.
Allow about €5-20 per day for lunch, depending on whether you have a
picnic, snack or a light restaurant meal. For evening meals you should allow
about €15-30 including drinks, although it is possible to spend more than
this if you choose expensive dishes or drinks.
Travel insuranceVisas or vaccinationsArrival & departure transfers (available
on request)Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory
supplement)Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on
a departure date)
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.