This tour is a trip through time, from the Etruscans tombs to Romans remains, from Medieval hilltowns to renaissance basilicas. It also offer a great diversity of landscapes, from the vineyard-covered hills of Chianti and Brunello to the geometrical cypress-crested moulds of Crete.
Day 1:
Arrival in Poggibonsi, where you will be met by our representative who
will drive you to your villa in Staggia— near Castellina in Chianti — where
you will enjoy an excellent supper.
Day 2 - Villa lecchi/Colle Vald'Elsa/San Gimignano (35 km)
Departing from villa Lecchi, you'll encounter the fortified town of Monteriggioni,
its round shape dominating the surrounding plain; then follows Colle
Val d' Elsa, home to many its glass blowing artisans, including a few
who welcome visitors. San Gimignano and its historical towers will require
more time, including several hours of (window) shopping, and then it's
back to Villa Lecchi.
Day 3: Villa Lecchi/Castellina in Chianti/Siena (52 km)
A nice day through winding roads around Chianti, deep in a landscape of
verdant vineyards and several superb wineries. The journey ends in Siena — perhaps
with an ice cream —at one of the most famous squares in Italy:
Piazza del Campo. Free dinner.
Day 4: Siena /Buonconvento (32 km)
Another day on the quiet roads near Chianti, with the landscape changing
from lush vineyards to the more linear cypress-crested hills of Crete,
near Buonconvento. Murlo is a lovely village to stop in on your way to
the delightful farm where you're spending the night. In summer you will
be glad to take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, but in autumn
a relaxing massage and a sauna at the farm will be just what the doctor
ordered.
Day 5: Buonconvento/Montalcino (46 km)
The day begins with steeps slopes until you reach the asphalt, and then
road to the Monte Oliveto monastery is gradual. You will spend the night
in a nice hotel in Montalcino, where the famous wine Brunello takes its
name.
Day 6 – Sant’Antimo Abbey
From the bastions, which give a 360 degree view, you can enjoy this fortified
town of rare beauty. The descending trail will lead you to the beautiful
and peaceful church of Sant’Antimo where you may be able to listen
to Gregorian chants, a true balm for the soul.
Day 7: Montalcino/Pienza/Montepulciano (45 km)
A very full day as you will travel from the thermal square of Bagno Vignoni,
to Pienza — a Renaissance jewel redesigned by the Pope Pio II.
The town today is charming and liveable, and serves as an agricultural
centre best known for pecorino cheese, and truffle production. A dirt
road will take you to Montichiello, a nice little village where you can
stop for lunch or a cappuccino. Eventually, you'll make your way to Montepulciano,
which gives its name to the Vino Nobile de Montepulciano, one of Italy's
legendary wines.
Day 8:
Alas, all good things must come to an end, and that cliche marks the end
of our services. You will depart from the Chiuso railway station to your
next destination in Italy.
2011 Season
We're ready when you are! Call our office, and we'll set everything up for you.
Prices
$2495 per person, minimum of two people
Hybrid bike rental: $215 CDN
Road bikes are available at $329
Inclusions
• 5 nights' in half-board
• 2 nights in a B&B
• transfers, when needed
• luggage transfers at each change of inn
• detailed road book and map
If you want to do this bike tour of Tuscany, but prefer the convenience of a guide, then we can accommodate you! As a guided tour (minimum of 4 people), the charge is $2995 based on double occupancy. Call our office for details; it's so exciting when you do! Please have a look at our guided tours of Tuscany page, too.
