On this guided Tuscany bike tour, you’ll cycle from Lucca in the north to Florence in the south, passing through world-famous destinations like Pisa, San Gimignano, Siena, and the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci. Along the way, you’ll ride through vineyards, olive groves, and terraced hillsides, with opportunities to taste Chianti wines, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, and farm-to-table Tuscan cuisine. Evenings bring stays in charming medieval towns and a night in a traditional agriturismo farmhouse, where you’ll learn how olive oil and wine are still produced today. Throughout the tour, art and history are never far away. Marvel at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, climb the medieval towers of San Gimignano, wander Siena’s shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, and cap your journey in Florence, home to Michelangelo’s David and Brunelleschi’s iconic Duomo. You will be accommodated in charming 3- and 4-star hotels during your tour. For a treat, you will stay in a family-run Tuscan farmhouse ‘Agriturismo’ for a night. Located in the Chianti wine region of Italy, on the Montalbano Hills, you will experience the slower rural life of Italy, as well as their “slow-food”. With surrounding slopes of vineyards and silver olive groves, it goes without saying you will get to taste their extra virgin olive oil and famous red Chianti DOCG wine. Their white wine and the local vin santo (a sweet wine enjoyed with dessert), together with local dishes prepared on the farm, will be a highlight. This is a great tour for active people (who regularly run, bike, or work out) without much bicycle touring experience. Also great for intermediate to advanced cyclists who want a fun vacation, enjoying some hills every day. You will ride 19 - 45 mi (31 - 72 km) per day, on rolling to hilly terrain, with a few steeper or longer climbs, using paved backroads with little traffic (on some shorter stretches we may share the road with cars), as well as on hard-packed gravel roads with very little traffic. Experienced cyclists who want longer, optional rides at the end of the programmed ride will have these available most days. There are two days with optional loop rides, for those who prefer to stay in town to explore or relax during the day. If the terrain is just a bit too daunting, ask for an electric bike. Vehicle support is provided on most cycling days. With a group of 8 or more participants, vehicle support is provided everyday (no additional cost).
Hotel
