Tuscany Cycle Siena & Chianti

Start in the hilltop town of San Quirico D'Orcia, one of the most beautiful

and charming medieval towns of the Orcia Valley.

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Today we head towards Pienza, a charming town full of history and culture.

From here we cycle to the beautifully situated wine centre of Montepulciano,

famous for its Vino Nobile. We then head towards the mediaeval village of

Monticchiello and on to the well known thermal bath of Bagno Vignoni, before

making our way back to the hotel.

A classic day's riding, showing Tuscany at its most picturesque. Following

back roads, we head out of San Quirico with a first stop at Montalcino. We

then descend on the road to Buonconvento and ride back up to Murlo passing

by Bibbiano. From here we ascend the short but steep Rospatoio Pass and take

a lovely road section via Ville di Corsano, as we approach the splendid

gothic city of Siena.

Siena is one of Italy's best-preserved medieval towns with one of the world's

most gracious squares, the Campo. There is plenty to see in Siena and its

sights are best explored on foot as the town is compact but hilly. There are

many museums and buildings of interest to visit, such as the impressive

Duomo. Alternatively you may choose to head out for an unguided ride. On the

June 30th departure you will get the chance to be in Siena during the 'Palio

Horse Race', one of Italy's most famous annual sporting events and experience

the thrilling atmosphere around it. Held in honour of the Virgin Mary, ten

of the city’s seventeen contrade, or districts, are represented by a horse

and jockey in each race and will compete against each other during this

event. It has been held in Siena’s civic hub, Piazza del Campo, since 1644

and local people get involved to a level that it is still common for

‘mixed-marriage’ couples to separate for the days leading up to and

including the race if the contrada of the husband and wife both have a horse

in contention.

From Siena we head directly into the heart of Chianti. Our picturesque route

takes us via some lovely small villages and hamlets, as well as some

spectacular vineyards and castles, such as that of Castello di Brolio. Here

there is the option to taste some of the area's finest wines. We then cycle

on to Gaiole for lunch and after a gelato stop in Radda, we follow our final

section to Castellina in Chianti, where we stay for two nights.

From Castellina, we ride through rolling countryside before taking an

amazingly scenic descent into the lower valley. From Poggibonsi we head

towards the distant towers of San Gimignano, nestled between the hills and

small hamlets. The Unesco town is one of the most visited and interesting

sights in Tuscany; famous for its towers, Vernaccia wine & Safron. We spend

a few hours enjoying the atmosphere, walking by the walls and admiring the

town's high towers. Our return route involves a long but beautiful climb

before reaching Castellina and enjoying a well deserved gelato. 

Our final spectacular ride passes through Panzano in Chianti towards the

market town of Greve in Chianti. This is described as one of the most scenic

roads which links Florence with Siena through the Chianti hills. Here we have

time to admire the triangular piazza which hosts the famous Chianti wine

festival before heading towards Strada and Impruneta, known for their local

terracotta production. In Impruneta we stop for our lunch. We finish by

taking a panoramic road towards Florence, cycling all the way to Piazzale

Michelangelo for a final group shot. We will arrive in Florence in the early

afternoon, giving you time to start exploring this wonderful city of the

Renaissance including the Cathedral and Baptistry – the oldest building in

the city. Also see the Ponte Vecchio, the superb bridge over the river Arno,

lined with goldsmiths and the most famous symbol of the City.

End in Florence. Please speak to our sales team if you would like to book

extra nights in this magnificent city.

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