A Taste of Tuscany Self-Guided Cycling

The adventure

This single-centre self-guided cycling holiday introduces you to quintessential Tuscany; it has all the ingredients to create a wonderful lasting impression of this rightly famous region: the landscapes, the food, the people and, of course, perfect cycling routes. This is not just a cycling holiday it is an immersion into local Tuscan life, from wine and oil sampling to hot thermal spa baths and the

At a glance

Day by day

Your journey through

Italy

Showing Days 1-7

8-day itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Chianciano TermeArrive at the Agriturismo La Pietriccia and enjoy a stroll to the old town, before your evening briefing by the owner, Stefano, and the first of many home cooked dinners.

Chianciano Terme

Arrive at the Agriturismo La Pietriccia and enjoy a stroll to the old town, before your evening briefing by the owner, Stefano, and the first of many home cooked dinners.

Day 2The Lakes CircuitStart the week with mountain views and forest tracks as you head to the small town of Montallese and on to Lake Chiusi. After a lunch-break take the long distance path of Sentiero della Bonifica to the Lake of Montepulciano, a nature reserve ideal for bird-watching before heading back to the agristurismo in time for dinner.

Start the week with mountain views and forest tracks as you head to the small town of Montallese and on to Lake Chiusi. After a lunch-break take the long distance path of Sentiero della Bonifica to the Lake of Montepulciano, a nature reserve ideal for bird-watching before heading back to the agristurismo in time for dinner.

Day 3RadicofaniYou will be transferred to Radicofani, the highest point in the Val d'Orcia, for incredible views. From here cycle to Contignano, famous for its pecorino cheese and a perfect spot for lunch before a downhill stretch through the forest and past the beautiful private gardens of La Foce. Then make your way back to the agristurismo to enjoy the rest of your day.

Radicofani

You will be transferred to Radicofani, the highest point in the Val d'Orcia, for incredible views. From here cycle to Contignano, famous for its pecorino cheese and a perfect spot for lunch before a downhill stretch through the forest and past the beautiful private gardens of La Foce. Then make your way back to the agristurismo to enjoy the rest of your day.

Day 4Sarteano LoopDescend along country tracks passing a truffle-growing area before crossing the Astrone stream. Cycle through beautiful valleys to the medieval town of Sarteano before carrying on to Cetona, then climb to Mondo X where you can find one of the best restaurants in Italy, La Frateria - a beautiful convent started by St Francis in 1212. Head back to your hotel in time for your dinner.

Sarteano Loop

Descend along country tracks passing a truffle-growing area before crossing the Astrone stream. Cycle through beautiful valleys to the medieval town of Sarteano before carrying on to Cetona, then climb to Mondo X where you can find one of the best restaurants in Italy, La Frateria - a beautiful convent started by St Francis in 1212. Head back to your hotel in time for your dinner.

Day 5Free DaySpend the day relaxing, enjoy an olive oil tasting at the agriturismo or walk into Chianciano Vecchia to see the Etruscan Museum of Chianciano Terme. On your way back to the hotel you could use your thermal spa voucher and relax in the healing waters.

Spend the day relaxing, enjoy an olive oil tasting at the agriturismo or walk into Chianciano Vecchia to see the Etruscan Museum of Chianciano Terme. On your way back to the hotel you could use your thermal spa voucher and relax in the healing waters.

Day 6Montepulciano CircleCycle through acres of vineyards on your way to Montepulciano and stop to take in views of the famous Mount Amiata. Explore Montepulciano's winding medieval streets before cycling back to Chianciano.

Montepulciano Circle

Cycle through acres of vineyards on your way to Montepulciano and stop to take in views of the famous Mount Amiata. Explore Montepulciano's winding medieval streets before cycling back to Chianciano.

Day 7Pienza and Bagno VignoniAfter a short transfer to Pienza take time to explore the town - it is one of the cheese capitals of Italy - and its beautiful medieval historic centre. Perhaps pick up a sandwich filled with porchetta or a slab of rich and creamy Pecorino. The ride takes you downhill to cross one of the stunning plains of the Val d'Orcia, and a short detour takes you to Roman Bagno Vignoni with its roman baths and sulphur springs. Follow a long straight Roman road then cross the valley and climb up and down into Chianciano.

Pienza and Bagno Vignoni

After a short transfer to Pienza take time to explore the town - it is one of the cheese capitals of Italy - and its beautiful medieval historic centre. Perhaps pick up a sandwich filled with porchetta or a slab of rich and creamy Pecorino. The ride takes you downhill to cross one of the stunning plains of the Val d'Orcia, and a short detour takes you to Roman Bagno Vignoni with its roman baths and sulphur springs. Follow a long straight Roman road then cross the valley and climb up and down into Chianciano.

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