As we cycle through Tuscany's natural beauty, we'll experience thrilling riding along steep valleys, dense forests, rivers and the legendary routes from Volterra to San Gimignano, Monteriggioni and on to Siena.
After arriving in Pisa we'll drive through the Tuscan landscape, arriving at our first accommodation in Volterra, one of the many historical towns we'll be visiting throughout the week. The subsequent days will see us following quiet roads, riding past picturesque farmhouses nestled amidst olive groves, vineyards and forests on our way to the medieval towns of Abbadia Isola, Monteriggioni, Buonconvento and Siena. Towns steeped in Italian Renaissance atmosphere, scattered with great restaurants, superb gelaterias and the excellent wines of Chianti and Montalcino, what better way to visit Tuscany?
Our Taste of Tuscany holiday is run as a fully guided tour with two set departures per year. However, if you enjoy a little more freedom and flexibility then we do have a slightly gentler, self-guided version of this holiday available.
Day 1: Arrival into Pisa Airport - Transfer to Volterra
After transferring from Pisa airport you will check in at your hotel in Volterra. Located just a short distance away from the old part of town, you should have time (depending on flight times) to walk around and enjoy your first day in Tuscany. In the evening you can enjoy a nice dinner full of local specialties and meet the other members of your group. (Transfer approx. 1.5 hrs).
Day 2: Volterra to San Gimignano (B, L)
We’ll leave the walls of Volterra behind us and will soon embark on a breathtaking descent. Riding past isolated farmhouses surrounded by green fields, between rows of olive trees and cypresses, we’ll soon be well acquainted with just how beautiful this part of Italy really is.
We’ll follow the Val D‘Elsa on a rolling road that will take us from rural countryside to a more mountainous area of dense forest. We are now in the ‘Oasi Naturale di Castelvecchio” whose special micro climate has allowed the existence of a strong biodiversity and the survival of rare bird species such as the peregrine falcon.
Soon after lunch, the view will open up and we’ll get a glimpse of the towers of San Gimignano. This fascinating “town of towers” is one of the prettiest and best-preserved medieval settlements in the whole of Italy. San Gimignano is also known for its white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano which is grown in the area. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and we’ll take a walk through its narrow streets – a great opportunity for our first Italian gelato! (Our hotel for the night is usually just outside of San Gimignano).
Approx. distance: 25 Miles / 40 Kms
Day 3: San Gimignano to Monteriggioni (B, L)
Today we’ll start heading south, descending towards the plains of Colle Val d‘Elsa. We’ll ride past woodland and cultivated fields making our way towards the hill-top town of Casole d‘Elsa. The last four kilometres are challenging but the view from the top of the climb will hopefully outweigh the effort.
We should have some time to wander through this authentic medieval town, far away from the tourists and clichés of Tuscany.
We’ll leave Casole d‘Elsa on a rolling road passing small stone villages scattered throughout the countryside. Sections of the route are part of the Via Francigena, the pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome.
This ancient road will lead us straight to our accommodation, in an ancient medieval village, surrounded by vast vineyards; an ideal place to taste the local wines. You’ve earned it!
Approx. distance: 25 Miles / 40 Kms
Day 4: Monteriggioni to Buonconvento (B, L, D)
Today we face the longest and most difficult stage of the week, with a roller-coaster route through the western side of Siena. Don’t worry though, each new climb will be rewarded with a fantastic descent!
The first of our climbs takes us to the Castle of Monteriggioni with its 13th century architecture. The massive walls here are linked with Dante’s Divine Comedy and, at that time, served as a defensive stronghold of the town of Siena against rival Florence.
The road continues rolling through the Val di Merse, a natural bridge between the Sienese hinterland and the Tyrrhenian coast. Here we’ll discover Le Crete, the ‘badlands’ of Tuscany with classic scenes of rolling landscape lined with cyprus trees.
We’ll stop in the Etruscan hamlet of Murlo, yet another small stone fortified village, ideal for a coffee or ice cream break.
We’ll continue our ride towards Buonconvento, our home for the evening. One we have freshened up, a short transfer will take us to the outskirts of Montalcino, where we will visit a family-run organic winery and enjoy a taste of Brunello wine overlooking the rolling hills.
Approx. distance: 37 Miles / 60 Kms
Day 5: Buonconvento to Asciano (B, L, D)
After breakfast we’ll set off for a stunning ride through the spectacularly eroded clay badlands landscape.
The Lauretana route was once a paved Roman road filled with travellers, artists and pilgrims and it will lead us to the famous 13th century monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore with its colourful frescos and botanical garden.
After admiring the artwork and replenishing our souls and stomachs, we’ll continue along the winding road over vast open fields before our next stop at San Giovanni D‘Asso. Moving on we’ll reach Asciano, a walled city that has its origins in the founding of Rome.
The legend goes that the sons of Remus (Aschio and Senio) fled the newly founded city of Rome that their uncle Romulus ruled. Senio camped on the banks of the river Tresa, while Aschio settled on the left bank of the river Ombrone, founding new settlements, Asciano and Siena respectively.
Approx. distance: 25 Miles / 40 Kms
Day 6: Asciano to Siena (B, L)
Today is our final day on the bikes with Siena our destination. We’ll head back onto the Lauretana route towards Castelnuovo Berardenga’s. Considered a marginal suburb of Siena, it’s actually a city full of charm, character and history.
After having a look around Castelnuovo Berardenga’s architecture and gardens, we’ll be on our way again, following a mix of tarmac and gravel roads as we get closer to Siena, with glimpses of bell towers and churches. Entering Siena from the Porta Romana will lead us straight to the heart of the city: Piazza del Campo where the famous Palio takes place. We deserve a toast with a glass of wine to celebrate the end of the tour in one of the elegant bars overlooking this vibrant square, (and since we’ve spent the week cycling through Chianti country this may just be our tipple of choice)!
Approx. distance: 31 Miles / 50 Kms
Day 7: Departure from Siena - Transfer to Pisa Airport (B)
Today we say ciao to this beautiful part of Italy and transfer back to Pisa airport for flights home. (Transfer approx. 2 hours)
SØK
-8.png)
Download PDF 
