Compare Tuscany: Cycle Siena & Chianti by Exodus Travels vs Tuscany Cooking Vacations: Treasures of the Tuscan Sun by Access Trips
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5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 2,925 | $ 2,990 |
| Price Per Day | $ 366 | $ 598 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts are included and are Continental in style, consisting of coffee or tea, cereals, cheese and cold meat, bread, pastries, yoghurt, jam and/or honey. Tuscan food is authentic and surprising – pizza and pasta are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the diverse cuisine on this trip. Starters may include antipasti of cured meats or a crostini di fegato made from toasted bread slices topped with chicken liver pâté . Soup options may include the classic bean dish of zuppa di fagioli or ribollita, a delicious, hearty vegetable and bread soup. For mains, you might try the truffle-infused pasta dish tagliatelle al tartufo or a mouth-watering T-bone steak delicacy known as bistecca alla Fiorentina. End your meal with cantucci biscuits dipped into a glass of the sweet dessert wine known as vin santo for a true taste of Tuscany. While Tuscan cuisine has a strong meat focus, vegetarians can be well catered for. Please inform us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking. | N/A |
| Description |
The Tuscan landscape is one of the most evocative and romantic in Europe, with cypress tree-lined roads, olive groves, vineyards, ancient hilltop towns and, of course, classic Renaissance cities. Our group cycling tour is carefully planned to take in the best of Tuscany without feeling rushed: part of the joy of the Italian lifestyle is sitting and watching the world go by with a glass of wine in your hand. We ride through historically diverse areas of Tuscany, such as the Chianti hills and beautiful countryside around Montepulciano. Riding north, we discover a wonderfully scenic region, home to some of Tuscany’s most beautiful towns and villages. We then enjoy the magnificent Piazza del Campo in Siena before biking past the towers of San Gimignano and on to our final destination in Florence. Following country roads wherever possible, we mix point-to-point and circular rides to make a perfect cycling tour of this region.Ride along the back roads of classic Tuscany |
Explore the traditional hill towns of sun-kissed Tuscany on our sumptuous 5-day Tuscany cooking vacation. Wine-drenched hillsides, art-filled cities, and soft sunsets over swathes of olive groves and truffle forests—Tuscany epitomizes la vera Italia. The heart of our tour is the enchanting village of Cortona, the star of Frances Mayes’ inspiring bestseller Under the Tuscan Sun. You just might run into the town’s famous resident of Bramasole during a daily stroll to the piazza. Explore the region through its cuisine and, of course, through some of the best wines in Tuscany. Learn to cook an authentic Italian meal from local chefs, visit farms and nearby food producers, relax in lush, rolling vineyards, and sip and taste your way through iconic Montepulciano, Pienza, Siena. Hunt truffles with adorable truffle dogs. Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant with an exclusive tasting menu. Our Tuscany culinary vacation is a relaxing getaway on its own, or continue exploring with visits to Sicily or Florence. |
Day 1 Start at your hotel in the Orcia Valley
We start in the Orcia Valley, staying in one the local hilltop towns, San Quirico D'Orcia or Pienza. There’ll be a welcome briefing at the hotel, where we gather as a group to go over the trip ahead.
Day 2 Circular ride through classic Tuscan countryside via the wine town of Montepulciano and thermal spa village of Bagno Vignoni
Today we enjoy a circular ride in the Orcia Valley. Taking in Pienza and San Quirico d'Orcia, we cycle to the beautifully situated wine centre of Montepulciano, best known for producing vino nobile. We then head towards the medieval village of Monticchiello and on to the well known thermal bath of Bagno Vignoni, before making our way back to the hotel.
Day 3 Ride through vineyards and the walled town of Murlo to Siena
A classic day's riding, showing Tuscany at its most picturesque. Following back roads, we head out of San Quirico with a first stop at Montalcino. We then descend on the road to Buonconvento and ride back up to Murlo, passing by Bibbiano. From here, we ascend the short but steep Rospatoio Pass and take a lovely road section via Ville di Corsano as we approach the splendid gothic city of Siena. If staying in Pienza (26 August 2023 departure), today's ride is an extra 6mi (10km).
Day 4 Free day in Siena to explore or relax
Siena is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Italy and home to the grand Piazza del Campo. There is plenty to see in Siena and its sights are best explored on foot as the town is compact but hilly. There are many museums and buildings of interest to visit, such as the impressive duomo (cathedral). Alternatively, you may choose to head out for an unguided ride.
Day 5 Ride via Gaiole and Radda to Castellina in Chianti
From Siena, we head directly into the heart of Chianti. Our picturesque route takes us via some lovely small villages and hamlets, plus spectacular vineyards and castles, such as Castello di Brolio. Here there is the option to taste some of the finest regional wines. We then cycle on to Gaiole for lunch and, after a gelato stop in Radda, follow our final section to Castellina in Chianti, where we stay for two nights.
Day 6 Circular ride through the Chianti hills via towers of San Gimignano and Monteriggioni
From Castellina, we ride through rolling countryside before taking a scenic descent into the lower valley. From Poggibonsi, we head towards the distant towers of San Gimignano, nestled between hills and small hamlets. The Unesco-recognised town, famous for its towers, vernaccia wine and saffron, is one of the most visited and interesting sights in Tuscany. We spend a few hours enjoying the atmosphere, walking by the walls and admiring the high towers. Our return involves a long but beautiful climb before reaching Castellina and a well-deserved gelato.
Day 7 Cycle to Florence via Panzano and Greve in Chianti
Our final ride passes through Panzano towards the market town of Greve in Chianti. This is considered one of the most scenic roads in Tuscany, which links Florence to Siena via the Chianti hills. On arrival in Greve in Chianti, we have time to admire the triangular piazza that hosts the Chianti wine festival before heading towards Strada and Impruneta, known for their terracotta production. In Impruneta, we stop for lunch. We finish by taking a panoramic road towards Florence, cycling all the way to Piazzale Michelangelo. We will arrive in Florence in the early afternoon, giving you time to start exploring this wonderful Renaissance city, including the cathedral and Baptistery of Saint John. Don’t miss the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge lined with jewellers, which connects the two banks of the river Arno.
Day 8 End Florence.
The trip comes to an end after breakfast. However, if you’d like a little longer to explore this magnificent city, please speak to your sales representative.
DAY 1: Your Tuscany Culinary Tour Begins
Meals: None
Welcome to Tuscany, Italy’s rustic, tranquil and historic heartland and home to world class wine and cuisine, lush rolling landscapes, and medieval hill towns. Your culinary tour of Tuscany begins as we pick you up from your Florence accommodations or the Florence airport. Our destination today is Cortona, the stunning setting for the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun.”
On our way to Cortona, we’ll visit Siena, arguably Italy’s most beautiful medieval city, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set on three hills in the Chianti region, Siena is a must-see on any visit to Tuscany. Siena’s heart is its central piazza called Il Campo, which is best known worldwide for the famous Palio di Siena, a horse race run around the piazza twice each summer. We’ll tour the ancient town on foot, stopping at its most renowned bakery to taste the local “Ricciarelli,” a traditional Sienese cookie made from almonds, sugar, and egg whites.
We’ll then all transfer to our lovely boutique hotel, walking distance to Cortona’s central piazza. Dinner tonight is at your leisure.
DAY 2: Cortona Walking Tour & Italian Cooking Class
Meals: Breakfast, tastings and Dinner
This morning we begin with a 3-hour walking tour of beautiful Cortona to uncover together its two thousand year history. Your local guide will introduce you to the town’s two main churches: the San Francesco Church, dating from the 13th century, and the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, rebuilt in the 15th century on the remains of an even older church. You’ll also visit the charming main town square, Piazza della Repubblica, home to Town Hall and several Renaissance palaces, before visiting the Etruscan Museum to discover Cortona’s central role in the Etruscan Confederation and into the Roman period. During the walking tour, we’ll also take a break for coffee and pastries with our guide to relax and immerse ourselves in the relaxed rhythm of local life. After the tour you’ll take time for lunch at your leisure.
This afternoon we will walk to the historic center of Cortona for one of the most interesting and traditional cooking classes in Tuscany. We’ll meet Antonella, an eclectic and talented chef who is also a journalist and expert on local culture. Her charming kitchen has a massive fireplace and a view of the ancient alleys and roofs of Cortona. Working with the best seasonal ingredients, Chef Antonella will guide you in the hands-on preparation of an unforgettable meal, from antipasto to dessert, including the local pici pasta with ragù. We’ll then sit down at the large kitchen table for our hearty dinner paired with the perfect wine. Saluti!
DAY 3: Pienza, Montepulciano & Wine Tasting
Meals: Breakfast and tastings
Our Tuscany culinary tour continues as we spend the day exploring the world-famous wine region of the Val d’Orcia. We’ll start with a tour of a local food producer, visiting for example a greengrocer, a butcher, or a beekeeper to learn the customs and traditions of rural life and sample a few delicious local products.
Our destinations this afternoon are the beautiful hill towns of Pienza and Montepulciano, famous for their excellent cheese and wine production. In Pienza you’ll enjoy a private guided tour to take in the main highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the imposing Palazzo Piccolomini which offers breathtaking panoramas over the valley and was an iconic feature in Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet. We’ll also stop into an artisanal shop where the same family has been aging the finest local cheese for generations. You will have the opportunity to taste pecorino di Pienza cheese at different ages, as well as Italy’s famous balsamic vinegar.
From there we’ll continue to Montepulciano, where you’ll have some free time to enjoy a leisurely lunch and explore on your own. Then you’re in for a delightful surprise. Unbeknownst to most people, beneath the main square of Montepulciano lies an ancient Etruscan cavern that was converted to a wine cellar in the 16th century and has housed the finest regional wines ever since. After touring the cellars, we’ll taste several of Talosa Winery’s award-winning wines accompanied by local pecorino cheese and bruschetta.
DAY 4: Truffle Hunt & Michelin-Rated Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
One of the highlights of our Tuscany culinary tour is a truffle hunt, which takes place in a “tartufaia” (woodlands where truffles are found) on a family farm and vineyard. Together with our truffle expert and his trained dogs, we stroll through the woods as the dogs sniff out the precious truffles. You’ll even have the chance to handle the truffle dogs directly if you are interested. During the walk, our guide will give you an introduction to the world of Italian truffles, particularly the species of truffles in Tuscany. We’ll learn where and how the truffles are found, how to preserve them properly at home, how they are used in cooking, and what recipes complement them the most. After the hunt, we will head to the farmhouse with our new-found treasure, just in time for lunch al fresco that is paired with the lovely wines that are produced on-site. Our farm-to-table meal includes truffles and other local and seasonal ingredients, such as handmade pasta from flour milled on the premises, local meats and cheeses, and herbs from the garden.
For one of the highlights of Tuscan food this week, our dinner is at the Michelin-starred Il Falconiere, run by award-winning executive chef Silvia Regi Baracchi. This is a meal you may never forget!
DAY 5: Our Tuscany Culinary Tour Ends
Meals: Breakfast
Our culinary tour of Tuscany is over today, but if you want more, we can deliver! Ask us about our 3-day/2-night Florence extension, which you can enjoy either before or after your Tuscany cooking vacation.
