Bicycle tours – The heroes’ hills of Tuscany *road bike*

Day 1 – Arrival in Pisa

Arrival in Pisa. The city is famous all over the world for its magic Piazza dei Miracoli with the characteristic leaning tower, the bell tower of the city cathedral.
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1987, besides a large number of monuments it also offers the friendly and lively atmosphere of a university city. Overnight.

Day 2 – Pisa-Volterra (75 km, vertical up 810 m)

 Your first day of cycling is a less strenuous ride starting from the city of Pisa. Cycling along the Arno River you will reach Pontedera, home to the wine company Castellani, and a sweets factory called Amedei and then Ghizzano, a pleasant village surrounded by vineyards. Finally you arrive to Volterra, a walled medieval mountaintop town famous for its alabaster works. Immerse yourself in the backdrop and enjoy its local sights, such as the Roman Theatre and the Etruscan museum Guarnacci. Overnight

Day 3 – Volterra-Siena (70 km, verticale up 1140 m)

Traveling along the Via Francigena you will arrive to San Gimignano, where you will experience a legitimate taste of a medieval city. This UNESCO-awarded walled hamlet is known for its many towers. Visit Colle Val d’Elsa, dubbed as Italy’s Bohemia. This area, named after an old Etruscan hero, is known for being a significant industrial center with medieval architecture. You’ll even get to visit small, busy villages before you reach Monteriggioni and its remarkable Roman abbey (Abbadia a Isola) before your arrival in Siena, easily distinguish by old brick buildings and the crown of Torre del Mangia. Overnight

Day 4 – Siena-Montalcino-Siena (115 km, vertical up 1730 m)

Leaving the city center, you will be cycling through lush, green hills to get to the renowned Brunello vineyards. Don’t stop yet, your wine-tasting session happens at Montalcino, just a few kilometers from the presses. After a glass or two, you can start cycling your way to Asciano. Get your much needed tranquil moment at
Monte Oliveto Abbey, known as the Crete Senesi, home of all things Tuscan. From where you stand, you will see a patchwork of fields with pillars of cypress trees, rolling hills, more vineyards, and hidden villages that seem to hide from the dense forest. Choose your route: explore more of the land’s secrets by cycling the long option
(115 km) or cut it short to a 70km ride by taking a train from Montalcino to Siena. Overnight.

Day 5 – Siena-Radda in Chianti (45 km, vertical up 970 m)

Today first stop is Castagnolli, where you will admire the Brolio Castle, home to the Ricasoli family and today a well-managed wine cellar, too. Then you will reach
Meleto Castle, its stern-looking architecture tucked in the elevated, tree-covered lands. End of the daily stage is Radda in Chianti, a classic Chianti village nestled
inside the verdant hill region, among remnants of the Etruscan age where you can find the medieval palace of Pretorio as a landmark. Overnight.

Day 6 –  Radda in Chianti-Florence (70 km, vertical up 970m)

Today you will discover Tuscany’s “road of wines”! Indulge yourself in the local wine flavors and take a break stop at Greve’s public square. You’ll recognize it
easily–it’s a triangle! Your last cycle day will bring you even to a small town called Mercatale, a little town surrounded by the hills of Chianti, also famous for its wineries. After ten kilometers trot off to Impruneta, a neighboring district filled with terracotta art. Back on your saddle, Florence is waiting for you! Tuscany’s
capital is known for its wealth in culture, architecture and art. This bustling metropolis is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and you can immediately see hints of artisan decor embellished upon buildings and squares. Overnight

Day 7 –   Florence

Day at disposal to visit the city. Activities can be booked. Overnight

Day 8 – Florence/departure

Free transfer to the train station or airport and end of the tour (or proceed with your Italian trip)

Difficulty: CHALLENGING

 Total length: 375 km

Total vertical up: 5,620 m

This is a demanding tour because of the sloping landscape of Tuscany. There are some long and difficult ascents. However, it is easy to shorten the stage or to find different easier ways to the next hotel.
Activity level
Hilly areas, numerous climbs and downhill stretches. Suitable for regular cyclists with a good level of fitness