Biking Treasures of Tuscany Self-guided
(regular, moderate & mini-break versions)
 Famous
for its Chianti wines, the magnificent cities of Florence and
Siena and its peaceful nature, Tuscany reveals its very soul
with placid hills, wide pastures and neatly harvested vineyards
and offers the attentive traveler a continuous sequence of stimulating
highlights. This wonderful region in the very heart of Italy
has always been the preferred aim for visitors from all parts of
the world.
Each day brings a new sensation of peace and surprise
as one cycles the seven day journey from Chianciano Terme in southern
Tuscany to the very capital of the region, Florence. Bike along
the green meadows of Crete where the superb cheese made from sheep's
milk is produced, to the wine region of Montalcino, one of the most
exclusive wine areas in Italy. Visit many small villages with
their charming historical centers, cathedrals and medieval Renaissance
town halls such as in Montelpulciano, Pienza, San Gimignano and
Siena. Visit Tuscan towns and villages which have retained their
medieval charm throughout the centuries and get to know the locals,
who welcome you in a warm and friendly manner.
Besides the culture, you will not be disappointed
by the Tuscan cuisine, which is simple, yet overwhelming at the
same time. Most characteristic are dishes such as ribollita,
bread soup with vegetables and the crostini, toasted white bread
with various delicious sauces and more local specialties that will
delight you in the restaurant of your hotel or in the small trattorias
you will pass en route.
Day 1 - Individual arrival in Montepulciano.
Montepulciano, in the heart of the wonderful Tuscan landscape. Have
a look at the 16th century palaces and churches that overlook
beautiful Lake Tresimeno. Relax by the lake, near where Hannibal
defeated the Romans in 217. The hotel staff will give you all of
the maps and detailed route notes that you will need for the trip.
Overnight, Montepulciano.
Day 2 - Bike from Montepulciano to the resort
of Bagno Vignoni. Upon reaching the small thermal resort of
Bagno Vignoni, refresh yourself with a footpath in the hot waters.
In the 15th century these waters were visited by Lorenzo di Medici,
called 'The Magnificent'. Continue on to Montalcino with time for
a wine tasting. Overnight, in or near Montalcino.
Day 3 - Have time to visit Montalcino and
bike to the famous church of Sant'Antimo. Montalcino is the center
of the very small and famous wine region of Brunello. This is
one of the most famous and most expensive Italian red wines, produced
only in small quantities in the Montalcino region. Overnight, near
Montalcino.
Day 4 - Start riding in Montalcino. The road
leads through the characteristic rolling Tuscan landscape to Siena,
one of Italy's most beautiful towns. Spend the rest of the
afternoon exploring the cathedral, and central Piazza del Campo.
Overnight, Siena.
Day 5 - Cycle from Siena to medieval San
Gimignano called la citta delle belle torri or, 'the town of the
beautiful towers'. It has completely guarded its medieval quality
and is one of the architectural treasures of the world. As everywhere
in Tuscany you will find good wine. Try the white Vernaccia di San
Gimignano. Overnight, near San Gimignano.
Day 6 - Bike from San Gimignano through silver
glimmering olive groves and cypress alleys to arrive in Florence.
You will get into town by passing over one of the Arno bridges.
Your hotel is conveniently located in the center of town, a perfect
starting point for sightseeing! Overnight, Florence.
Day 7 - Tour ends after breakfast. Extensions
are available for Florence.
Meeting Point: Hotel in Montepulciano
Ending Point: Hotel in Florence
Arrival/Departure Information: Montepulciano is a two-hour
train ride from Florence. Purchase an Italy Rail Pass or purchase
point to point tickets locally.
Terrain: Moderate to challenging. Many moderate inclines/declines,
some steep inclines/declines and some flat. Combination of bike
paths, dirt roads, rocky paths and city streets.
Average Daily distances:20-40 miles, 4-6 hours
Bicycle equipment: 18-21 speed hybrid/mountain with helmet,
water bottle and holder, key lock, km-counter, front bag and map-holder,
tool kit and spare tube.
A gel slip-over and toe clips can be requested. Participants may
bring their own seat, toe clips and pedals. Need height and inseam
measurement for bicycle.
Rating: Accommodations are in traditional
3 star inns. Recommended for independent travelers.
2006 Self-Guided Dates: April - October
Price per person in US$: Triple: 1269, Twin: 1469, Single:
1729
Biking Moderate Tour of Tuscany Self-guided
This tour leads through the magnificent Tuscan landscape
between the medieval merchant towns of Siena and Lucca. It is specially
designed to offer a less challenging approach than ‘Treasures
of Tuscany’. In the splendid landscape of rolling hills there
still remain some daily ascents, but the route follows mainly small,
even roads. Apart from the beauty of the nature, the tour presents
many highlights of the Tuscan culture, like Siena, San Gimignano,
Lucca, Pisa and small unknown historical villages.
Day 1 - Individual arrival to your hotel
in Siena, one of the best preserved medieval cities of the world.
Overnight, Siena.
Day 2 - Bike through vineyards, olive
groves and sunflower fields in the Chianti hills, Italy’s
most famous wine-producing region. End your trip in the small city
of San Gimignano, which is well known for its numerous medieval
towers. Overnight in San Gimignano.
Day 3 - A beautiful long descent leads to
Certaldo. Bike on through unspoilt landscape to San Miniato al Tedesco,
a little town high above the Arno river. Overnight in San Miniato
al Tedesco or Santa Croce sull’Arno.
Day 4 - Today bike through the Arno valley
and through a pleasant region of farmhouses, fields and vineyards
to the splendid city of Lucca, which presents beautiful squares,
churches and monuments and also very nice restaurants and shopping
opportunities. Overnight in or near Lucca.
Day 5 - A trip in the surroundings of Lucca
leads you past the countryside villas of Luccan aristocrats
as well as simple but beautiful Tuscan farmhouses. Overnight in
or near Lucca.
Day 6 - Enjoy an easy ride to Pisa where
you can visit the famous Leaning Tower and the Cathedral.
Return with your bikes by train. Overnight in or near Lucca.
Day 7 - Tour ends after breakfast.
Meeting Point: Hotel in Siena
Ending Point: Hotel in or near Lucca
Arrival/Departure Information: Siena is easily reached by
train from Rome in about 3 hours and from Florence in 2 hours. Lucca
to Florence by rail is only 1 hour.
Terrain: Easy to Moderate
Daily distances:20-40 miles daily, 4-6 hours.
Bicycle equipment: 18-21 speed hybrid/mountain with helmet,
water bottle and holder, key lock, km-counter, front bag and map-holder,
tool kit and spare tube.
A gel slip-over and toe clips can be requested. Participants may
bring their own seat, toe clips and pedals. Need height and inseam
measurement for bicycle.
Rating: Accommodations are in traditional 3 star inns. Recommended
for independent travelers.
2006 Self Guided Dates: Daily departures April - October
Price per person in US$: Triple: 1249, Twin: 1419, Single:
1709
Both Packages Include:
Day 1 Individual arrival in Montepulciano. Montepulciano,
in the heart of the wonderful Tuscan landscape. Have a look at the
16th century palaces and churches that overlook beautiful Lake Tresimeno.
Relax by the lake, near where Hannibal defeated the Romans in 217.
The hotel staff will give you all of the maps and detailed route
notes that you will need for the trip. Overnight, Montepulciano.
Day 2 Time for a morning tour
of Montepulciano after receiving the bikes. Bike from Montepulciano
to the resort of Bagno Vignoni. Upon reaching the small thermal
resort of Bagno Vignoni, refresh yourself with a footpath in the
hot waters. In the 15th century these waters were visited by Lorenzo
di Medici, called 'The Magnificent'. Continue on to Montalcino with
time for a wine tasting. Overnight Montalcino.
Day 3 From Montalcino head through
the rolling Tuscan landscape and the Brunello region to Siena, one
of Italy's most beautiful town. Spend the rest of the afternoon
exploring the cathedral, and central Piazza del Campo. Overnight,
Siena.
Day 4 Cycle from Siena to medieval
San Gimignano called la citta delle belle torri or, 'the town of
the beautiful towers'. It has completely guarded its medieval quality
and is one of the architectural treasures of the world. As everywhere
in Tuscany you will find good wine. Try the white Vernaccia di San
Gimignano. Overnight in or near San Gimignano.
Day 5 Tour ends after breakfast.
Meeting Point: Hotel in Montepulciano
Ending Point: Hotel in San Gimignano
Arrival/Departure Information: Montepulciano is a two-hour
train ride from Florence.
Terrain: Moderate to challenging
Daily distances:20-40 miles daily, 4-6 hours.
Bicycle equipment: 18-21 speed hybrid/mountain with helmet,
water bottle and holder, key lock, km-counter, front bag and map-holder,
tool kit and spare tube. A gel slip-over and toe clips can be requested.
Participants may bring their own seat, toe clips and pedals. Need
height and inseam measurement for bicycle.
Rating: Accommodations are in traditional
3 star inns. Recommended for independent travelers.
2005 Self Guided Dates: Daily departures April - October
Price per person in US$: Triple: 889, Twin: 1049, Single:
1469
Package Includes
4 nights accommodations with private facilities.
Daily full breakfast.
Bicycle and equipment.
Local contact for questions.
Luggage transfers while on trip.
Detailed route notes and map.
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