Compare Tuscany: Cycle Siena & Chianti by Exodus Travels vs Tuscan towns & countryside by Audley Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 2,925 | $ 4,815 |
| Price Per Day | $ 366 | $ 688 |
| Highlights |
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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 |
Seat of the Roman Empire, leading light of the Renaissance and fervent advocate of la bella vita, Italy is renowned for its art, architecture, style and passion. Such is the depth of Italy’s cultural treasures, even the most modest church façade can hide work by the likes of Michelangelo. Our Italy specialists draw on their deep-seated connections with the country to help you unravel Italy’s well-known highlights, from Rome's ancient Colosseum to the untouched medieval towns of Tuscany and the lagoon city of Venice. They also use their first-hand knowledge to show you Italy's lesser-known ways of life. You might find yourself truffle hunting with an expert and his dog in Tuscany’s hillsides, sampling street food in Palermo, Sicily, exploring the characterful villages of Puglia, or hiking through terraces of vines to reach the tiny villages of Liguria’s Cinque Terre. Whether you explore great cities, alpine lakes, or Roman relics, our specialists can help you unlock Italy’s hidden secrets, from exploring Pompeii without the crowds to uncovering the many delicacies of Italy’s gastronomic capital, Bologna. |
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 Lucca
Pisa , Lucca
You’re met at the airport today for a private car transfer to your hotel in Lucca. On the way you will stop in Pisa where you will meet your guide and explore the city famed for its leaning tower.
Day 2 Lucca
Lucca
Today, you will meet with your guide for a walking tour of Lucca, exploring the walled city. The afternoon is yours to further explore the city, perhaps walking or cycling along the walls that date back to the 17th century.
Day 3 Gaiole in Chianti
Tuscany , Gaiole in Chianti
This morning you will meet with your driver and leave western Tuscany and head to the Chianti region. Before reaching your hotel, you will make stops in the medieval city of Siena, famed for its Palio horserace, for a private walking tour with your guide and the hilltop town of San Gimignano where you will have free time to explore.
Day 4 Gaiole in Chianti
Gaiole in Chianti
Today is a free day to explore the surrounding countryside or relax by the pool.
Day 5 Gaiole in Chianti
Florence , Gaiole in Chianti
Today you will journey to Florence and on to the Uffizi gallery where you will meet your private guide for a tour of the gallery which holds a number of Renaissance artwork's.
Day 6 Gaiole in Chianti
Tuscany , Gaiole in Chianti
This morning you will meet with your private driver and visit two vineyards in the Chianti region. At both estates you will be given a tour of the property and enjoy tastings of their wines. In between, you will be treated to a hearty Tuscan lunch.
Day 7 Return home
Gaiole in Chianti
Your private driver collects you and takes you to Pisa airport for your onward flight.
