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SOUTH OF SIENA
A Cycling Holiday Through Tuscany
  For a more remote and wild taste of Tuscany try this cycle tour that takes you to the South of the ancient city state of Siena. This should appeal particularly to those who are looking for cycling a little more off the beaten tourist trails and through more challenging terrain. There is a good mix of forests, vineyards, fortified villages and hilltowns such as Montalcino and Montepulciano. Along the route there are many opportunities to taste many of the great local wines.
From the friendly bustle of medieval Siena we pedal out into undulating, green Tuscany. From the Chianti hills a visit is made to the Etruscan village of Asciano and along the rolling ochre ridge of the ‘Crete Sensei’ and on to the Benedictine monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore where you should have enough time to look around the frescoes and treasures that adorn the complex. After a night’s rest at Buonconvento, it is time to storm the fortifications of Montalcino! The route passes through the great wine estates that are home to Brunello, one of the finest wines in Italy. There will be scope for wine tasting, but mind how you go, you need some legs left to climb up into
Montalcino!
Continuing the ecclesiastical theme the ride takes you via the Romanesque Abbey of San Antimo to the hot springs in Bagno Vignoni where you can soothe muscular aches in the company of the ghosts of Popes and Medicis. There is a whole day spent here to luxuriate in the sulphurous surroundings, but there is also an optional ride to reach the fortifications of Rocca d’Orcia and its church, San Quircio. There follows perhaps the best day’s riding to Montepulciano via the Renaissance jewel of Pienza, providing many photo
oportunitites, and then through the village of Monticchiello to climb to our night’s stop. The final day’s ride is fairly easy leading past Montepulciano Lago (lake) and onto Lago Trasimeno. There is an extra ride available should you want to extend your stay, visiting the most beautiful Italian Lakes. This is a tour for the reasonably fit cyclist who likes a bit of a challenge and is at home in hilly terrain and is accustomed to cycling around 50km a day. Some off road sections are possible on this tour, and you will be pleased to know that good quality mountain bikes with front suspension are available for this purpose.
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Accommodation
7
nights/8 days - In Siena we use a 3* hotel which offers quiet rooms with nice views facing the ancient town and is within walking distance of the famous Piazza del Campo. The 3* hotel in
Buonconvento is quite modern. Our first choice 3* hotel in Montalcino is in the heart of the town, where magnificent panoramic views are possible, and it has a refreshing pool. In
Bagno Vignoni we stay in a 3* hotel overlooking the ancient thermal pool.
The night in Montepulciano is spent in a pleasant ‘Meuble’ (hotel without restaurant) located in a renovated medieval hospital. Your last night is usually booked in a pleasant Inn near the lakeside in
Castiglion del Lago.
Terrain
A hilly, undulating tour with some long ascents up to the hill towns.
Sherpa
Notes Bike Hire
24 gears, front suspended MTB equipped with lock, panniers and repair kit. You are advised to bring your own cycle helmet and waterbottles. Accommodation and Meals
Bed and breakfast throughout. Mainly in 3* hotels. Start and End of Tour
Siena is easily reached by bus from Rome or Florence and by train from Pisa via Empoli.
The tour ends in Castiglion del Lago and is well connected with Chiusi from where, by train, you can quickly reach Pisa, Florence and Rome.
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