Classic Chianti Cycling
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 11-day tour through the heart of Tuscany, where you'll experience the region's rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine. This multi-day tour takes you through picturesque towns, medieval cities, and lush valleys, with plenty of opportunities to sample local delicacies and wines. You'll start in the ancient town of Volterra, journey through the beautiful Era Valley, and visit the charming cities of Certaldo, Colle di Val d'Elsa, Siena, and Florence. The tour concludes with a scenic bike ride back to Volterra, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your Tuscan adventure.
Included
All buffet breakfasts and 5 evening meals included.
Italy’s most famous export is probably its cuisine and the traditional dishes of Tuscany are the most influential and revered.
The region’s food is based on cucina povera, ‘poor/peasant cookery’, a rural cuisine based on available natural ingredients: olive oil, unsalted bread, pulses and vegetables, wild mushroom or porcini, and salt-cured meats such as salame and prosciutto. In particular, Tuscan olive oil is renowned for its quality and is the most important ingredient in the region’s cookery. You will find it in almost every dish - as a salad dressing, poured over vegetables and into soups and even as a replacement for butter on
bread (very nice with a sprinkling of salt!).
Standard transfersFor air inclusive bookings transfers are included from Pisa airport at 11:35, and back to Pisa airport at 09:00.
The hotels we’ve selected for this holiday are among our best, and include a magnificently restored 12th century abbey, a wonderfully renovated, stylish watermill which dates back to the 16th century and belonged to the famous Medici family, and a family-run, traditional hotel overlooking the soaring towers of San Gimignano.
Headwater wine service
Route notes and maps
High quality bikes
Map
Attractions
Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano
Porta Camollia, Siena
Castle of Verrazzano
piazza del Campo
Uffizi Gallery
Tower of Mangia
Florence Baptistery
piazza della Signoria
Porta Tufi
Palazzo Salimbeni
Porta Romana
Siena Cathedral
SanGimignano1300
Loggia dei Lanzi
Ponte VecchioDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Volterra
Day 1: Arrival in Volterra
Begin your Tuscan adventure in the ancient city of Volterra. After settling into your accommodation at Hotel San Lino (or similar), take some time to relax by the hotel pool. Later, explore the city's labyrinth of cobbled streets and hidden squares before enjoying a delicious dinner. Your stay includes breakfast and an evening meal.
Day 2 – Day 2: Volterra to Certaldo
Day 2: Volterra to Certaldo
- piazza della Signoria
- Porta Tufi
- Galleria Continua
- More
Start your day with a thrilling downhill ride from Volterra into the picturesque Era Valley. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside as you cycle towards the quaint hamlet of Castagno. After a coffee break, continue your journey to Gambassi Terme, a charming spa town with cobbled streets and a 12th-century church. After lunch, follow the famous Via Francigena to the medieval town of Certaldo. Your stay at Hotel Certaldo (or similar) includes breakfast.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Certaldo
Day 3: Exploring Certaldo
- Porta Romana
- More
Spend the day exploring the stunning town of Certaldo, the birthplace of Boccaccio. The town is divided into two parts: the medieval Certaldo Alto, home to ancient buildings and offering spectacular views across the Val d'Elsa, and Certaldo Basso, the modern part of town with shops, bars, and restaurants. You can also choose to relax by the pool at Hotel Certaldo (or similar). Breakfast is included in your stay.
Day 4 – Day 4: Certaldo to Colle di Val d'Elsa
Day 4: Certaldo to Colle di Val d'Elsa
- Castle of Verrazzano
- Chiesa di Sant'Agostino
- Loggia dei Lanzi
- More
Today, you'll explore the wine country between Certaldo and Colle di Val d'Elsa. Follow the official Chianti Wine Route, with plenty of opportunities for wine tasting. Visit the old town of Poggibonsi, a perfect lunch stop, and explore the ruins of its 15th-century fortress. End your day with a leisurely ride through meadows and a valley of poppy and sunflower fields to Colle di Val d'Elsa. Your stay at Palazzo San Lorenzo (or similar) includes breakfast and an evening meal.
Day 5 – Day 5: Day Trip to Siena
- Siena
- More
- piazza del Campo
- Tower of Mangia
- Palazzo Salimbeni
- Siena Cathedral
- More
Today, take a short bus ride from Colle di Val d'Elsa to the medieval city of Siena. Visit the Palazzo Pubblico, admire its pre-Renaissance frescoes, and climb the Torre del Mangia for the best views of the town and surrounding countryside. Enjoy lunch or a drink in the beautiful shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. Return to Colle di Val d'Elsa for your overnight stay at Palazzo San Lorenzo (or similar), which includes breakfast and an evening meal.
Day 6 – Day 6: Relaxing in Colle di Val d'Elsa
Day 6: Relaxing in Colle di Val d'Elsa
- Porta a Selci
- More
After a busy day yesterday, enjoy a relaxed morning in Colle di Val d'Elsa. Explore the historic town, visit the cathedral, museums, and Renaissance buildings. After lunch in the old square, unwind in the hotel's spa. Before dinner, take a stroll along the River Elsa and watch the dramatic rapids. Your stay at Palazzo San Lorenzo (or similar) includes breakfast.
Day 7 – Day 7: Day Trip to Florence
- Florence
- More
- Fattoria Viticcio
- Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano
- Uffizi Gallery
- Florence Baptistery
- Ponte Vecchio
- More
Today, take a local bus to Florence, one of the world's most beautiful cities. Explore the Uffizi Museum, marvel at the Duomo and Baptistery, and cross the Ponte Vecchio to the quieter side of the Arno to visit the Boboli Gardens. After a day of exploration, return to Colle di Val d'Elsa for your overnight stay at Palazzo San Lorenzo (or similar), which includes breakfast.
Day 8 – Day 8: Colle di Val d'Elsa to Pescille
Day 8: Colle di Val d'Elsa to Pescille
- Porta Camollia, Siena
- Castle of Verrazzano
- SanGimignano1300
- More
Get back on your bike and enjoy the rolling views as you ride up to Casole d'Elsa, a beautiful village with ancient buildings and stunning views. After exploring the village and having lunch, cycle north through scenic countryside towards the medieval towers of San Gimignano. Your final destination for the day is Pescille. Your stay at Hotel Pescille (or similar) includes breakfast and an evening meal at a local restaurant.
Day 9 – Day 9: Exploring San Gimignano
Day 9: Exploring San Gimignano
- SanGimignano1300
- More
San Gimignano, known for its distinctive skyline, is just a short cycle away. Spend the day exploring its narrow streets and hidden cobbled squares. After a day of exploration, return to your tranquil hotel in Pescille for a refreshing dip in the pool. Your stay at Hotel Pescille (or similar) includes breakfast and an evening meal at a local restaurant.
Day 10 – Day 10: Pescille to Volterra
Day 10: Pescille to Volterra
- SanGimignano1300
- More
Start your day with a short downhill ride to San Gimignano before climbing up through classic Tuscan landscapes. Enjoy the downhill cycle into the pretty Era Valley, and pedal through open countryside with spectacular views. The final climb takes you back to the ancient cobbled streets of Volterra. Your stay at Hotel San Lino (or similar) includes breakfast and an evening meal.
Day 11 – Day 11: Departure from Volterra
Day 11: Departure from Volterra
Your Tuscan adventure comes to an end in Volterra. Depart at your leisure and take with you the unforgettable memories of your journey through the heart of Tuscany.
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