Short description
From the cypress-lined paths of Gladiator to the beautiful villa featured in Kenneth Brannaghs Much Ado About Nothing, this dreamy Tuscan self guided cycling tour seems to take you from one beautiful film set to another.
The itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive in Cortona
This lovely hillside town is a natural balcony for the Val di Chiana with stunning views towards Lake Trasimeno, Montepulciano and the Tuscan hills. There will be time today to wander its medieval streets before returning to your hotel where youll be fitted out with your E-Bike and briefed on how to use it before your first taste of Umbrian cuisine.
Day 2 |Cortona to Montefollonico
Today youll begin your adventure across Tuscany, cycling across the plain of the Val di Chiana towards the rolling Tuscan hills. Stop mid morning for a break and a gorgeous espresso then enter the renowned wine area of Montepulciano. Here, you can sample a few more delicious tipples over lunch. Youll then continue towards Montefollonico, where you will stay the night, through spectacular scenery that typifies everything youve always envisaged Tuscany to be.
Day 3 | Montefollonico to San Quirico d'Orcia
Yet more verdant panoramas await today as you venture deeper into Tuscany through rolling vineyards. From Montefollonico, youll cycle towards Petroio and Castelmuzio, the latter of which is our preferred lunch spot on this day. After lunch you will pass the Monestry of S. Anna in Camprena, famous for its use in The English Patient amongst other things. You end your ride in San Quirico dOrcia, one of the regions most picturesque medieval towns.
Day 4 | San Quirico d'Orcia Rest Day or Optional Round Trips
A choice is available today. Either spend the day relaxing in San Quirico, wandering the postcard perfect streets and exploring the tastes of Tuscany, both on your plate and in your wine glass. If you long for another day in the saddle, there are round trip options of 1 hour 45 minutes and 3 hours in duration, taking in the countryside and some charming towns in the surrounding area.
Day 5 | San Quirico d'Orcia to Castello di Leonina
Today youll ride through a dramatic change of scenery as you enter the Crete Senesi, where the characteristic mattaionesoil can produce some unusually mesmerising vistas. The halfway point today is Asciano, where you will want to stop and explore the streets on foot. We advise lunch here too, perhaps a wood fired pizza in La Mencia, our favourite spot. Your route then winds north-west towards Siena, dropping you off at Castello di Leonina.
Day 6 | Castello di Leonina to Lucignano
The quiet country lanes in this part of the world are a delight to ride along and will take you away from the Creta Senesi today to the extraodinary Lucignano. Lucignano is a compact medieval settlement with a rich and vibrant history, so we suggest arriving early, enjoying some lunch and getting to know the town and its quirky atmosphere.
Day 7 | Lucignano to Cortona
After a night in Lucignano, its tme to head back toward Cortona. The route takes you through the Val di Chiana, home to Chianina cattle, one of the largest and one of the oldest cattle breeds in the world. These cattle are raised for their beef and our carnivorous guests will definitely enjoy a steak in these parts, the local cut of choice is a Fiorentina. Before long youll spot the white outline of Cortona in the distance, guiding you in towards another great nights sleep.
Day 8
After your final long, lazy breakfast in the Tuscan hills, we say Arrivederci.
Key information
- Highlights
- Fully serviced electric bikes water bottle and accessories
- Bed & breakfast basis as standard
- 3 & 4 star accommodation (unless otherwise stated)
- Tour information pack upon arrival
- Detailed navigational material often including GPS maps
- Local support whenever needed
- Flights and transfers not included as standard but available on request
- Full financial protection through ABTA and ATOL
