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CYCLING IN TUSCANY
Tuscan Delights on a Bike!
  Tuscany means art, culture, rolling vineyards, cypress trees and ancient hill villages. You will experience all of these to the full cycling around this wonderful countryside. There are fine wines to taste in the vineyards of Chianti and your hotel, on the central Piazza of San Gimignano, is set amidst architectural splendour. Cycling among rolling hills and along the ‘strade bianche’ will lead you on to the old Etruscan stronghold of Volterra. You will marvel at the beauty of the medieval village of Monteriggioni. South of Siena the landscape of Tuscany is at its most charming with the opportunity of a visit to the old monastery at Monte Oliveto Maggiore. We end our tour in Siena, a magical town fabled in traveller’s tales for centuries.
Arrival in San Gimignano is a fine introduction to ancient Tuscan hill towns. The famed and numerous towers date back to the 11th century. There is time to look around before setting out on your short first days circular ride, through rolling vineyards and along a delightful river valley. Don’t forget, there are always opportunities to do a bit of wine tasting along the way.
Next, you continue on route to Volterra over the hills to this fortress town where you will have time to explore and visit the Etruscan museum. We then continue onto Monteriggioni crossing the natural reserve of Tatti to the medieval town of Casole with time to visit the monastic settlement of Abbadia Isola. Then we cycle into the Chianti hills where you have the opportunity to sample the famous wine before arriving at Radda. This ancient capital of the Chianti League has maintained its charm. Today it is a centre of small agricultural Aciendas, top quality wine and olive oil production and artisans producing furniture and ceramics. The riding then continues onto and finishes in historical Siena the honey biscuit coloured city that hosts the famous Palio horse race twice a year!
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Accommodation
7
nights/8 days - In San Gimignano we spend two nights, our 3* hotel is located in an enviable location at the very heart of the town and dates back to the 14th century.
In Volterra we use a 4* hotel right in the historical centre, this hotel also boasts a swimming pool.
Onto Monteriggioni we use a room rental which is located in the oldest building of the village, all rooms are ensuite and offer good views of the town. In
Radda, we stay at a superb farmhouse B&B that our clients rave about.
We use a 3* hotel in Siena which offer rooms with nice views facing the ancient town, and is located within walking distance from the famous Piazza del Campo.
Terrain Rolling countryside with some steep hills making this an enjoyable and varied cycling holiday.
Sherpa
Notes Bike Hire
A 21 speed hybrid bike equipped with lock, panniers, repair kit and water bottle. You are advised to bring your own cycle helmet. Accommodation and Meals
Dinner, bed and breakfast on 1 day, bed and breakfast on 6 days, in 3 & 4 star hotels, 1 room rental and 1 excellent farmhouse. Start and End of Tour
Nearest airport is Pisa. Bus or train to San Gimignano,
The tour finishes in Siena. Bus or train to Pisa for your return flight.
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vacations
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