Welcome to Hooked on Cycling Holidays and our cycling holiday just south of Siena. This biking vacation in Tuscany we have graded as a level 2 self guided off road experience. This region south of Siena is know as the Val d'Orcia. The Tuscan landscape of the Val d’Orcia will warm your heart like a classic photograph as you penetrate its natural beauty. You are in for a thrilling ride along steep valleys, dense forests, rivers and the legendary “badlands” eroded clay slopes. You will cycle on your mountain bike by picturesque farmhouses nestled amidst olive groves, vineyards and fig trees on your way to the hot spring hamlet of Bagno Vignoni and the heavenly Rennaissance city of Pienza. You shall visit captivating palaces, Romanesque churches, thermal baths, and prestigious wineries serving the divine local red “Brunello”. Soaring up high on invigorating hilltop towns, you’ll revel in delight. You will stay 4 nights in a quintessential Tuscan Estate with onsite wellness resort and organic food production. The restaurant serves entrees prepared primarily with their own local produce.

Available daily from 1st April to 31st October
Level 2 self guided tour

Day 1 Arrival in Pieve a Salti
Upon arrival in the charming medieval town of Buonconvento ( easily accessed from Pisa by train ) , rich in history and architecture with 700-year old walls, a transfer will take you to the agriturismo (farm) where you will be staying, nestled amidst the splendid countryside. A delicious Tuscan dinner awaits you! If you have rented bikes with us, they will be waiting for you at the accommodation. This is a fabulous Tuscan Estate.

Day 2 or 3 Circular ride from Pieve a Salti to Monte Oliveto Maggiore 11.3-15 miles ,  18-24km
In the morning, bike through the spectacular eroded clay landscape called the “badlands”. Later, within the thick woods of the Crete Senesi, enter the renowned monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore with its delightful frescos and botanical garden. After replenishing your soul and admiring the frescos, follow a winding route through lush woodlands on top of fascinating clay cliffs. Live it up!

Day 2 or 3 Circular ride from Pieve a Salti to La Befa and Murlo 28 miles ,  45km
Enjoy an exhilarating ride on narrow trails by the Crevole River, then up a former mining railway track to Murlo. Cycle along steep cliffs and immerse yourself in the bountiful, uncontaminated countryside. Continue down striking rocky tracks with some nice technical sections and inhale the sweet smell of bright yellow flowers on route to La Befa. Return amidst an enchanting oak forest.

Day 4 Ride Pieve a Salti to San Quirico 22 miles 34km
Day 4 is rather relaxing as you begin with a long descent above the Asso valley then on sand tracks gazing over enchanting 360° views of Southern Tuscany’s majestic landscape. Follow an ancient pilgrimage route to the fortified medieval town of San Quirico d’Orcia. On your way back, you will encounter a serene little lake and charming church surrounded by unusually high cypresses.

Day 5 or 6 Circular ride from San Quirico to Bagno Vignoni 10 miles 16 km
Begin your day cycling through an oak forest rich in wild life. Follow uphill on wide gravel roads and admire views of the robust castle of Ripa d’Orcia. Ride some pebbly hairpin curves into the Orcia valley, then along wooded river banks until you triumphantly enter the stunning medieval hamlet of Bagno Vignoni, with its healing baths, home to the legendary water nymphs.

Day 5 or 6 Circular ride from San Quirico to “Animal Farm” 14 miles 22 km
Follow a quintessential Tuscan gravel road down until you reach a serene pond and tiny church. Reach the hidden, half-abandoned “Animal farm”, where the Cinta Senese pigs run the show. Underneath steep cliffs, along a fresh stream, and surrounded by dense woods, this is an alluring, passionate setting. A long winding climb leads you back to San Quirico.

Day 5 or 6 Circular ride from San Quirico to Pienza 24 miles 37 km
Ride across an arched medieval bridge and past the Tuoma stream where the road climbs and opens, revealing breathtaking views. A winding road leads you past isolated villages and along an extensive row of cypress trees to the stunning Sant’Anna in Camprena monastery. Continue on for a visit of the exquisite town of Pienza. Return to San Quirico on a delightful strada bianca.
 
Day 7 Ride San Quirico to Pieve a Salti 21 miles 33km
Pedal through sunflower fields to the heart of the Brunello wine district. Ride steeply up an asphalt road to the fortified hilltop city of Montalcino and visit its magnificent 14th century fortress and Palazzo Comunale. Here you can sample the Brunello wine , even arrange a crate to be delivered home. With the Monte Amiata volcano silhouetted behind, cycle along seemingly endless olive groves and vineyards until suddenly; you’re back in the “badlands” – an impressive climax to this off road tour.

Day 8 Departure after breakfast
You will be taken to Buonconvento train station for your onward journey.

Accommodation:
Fattoria Pieve a Salti
The Fattoria Pieve a Salti is a true organic agriturismo (farm) nestled amidst the magnificent rolling countryside of the Crete hills south of Siena. This large Tuscan estate produced olive oil, organic cereals and much of the typical regional cuisine which you will enjoy at their restaurant. There are forty cozy room and apartments, some on the main farm while others are dotted around the vast estate.
The bedrooms are furnished in the typical Tuscan farmhouse style and all rooms have private bathrooms, telephone, hair dryer and central heating – however there is no TV or AC.
There is a large outdoor pool near the restaurant and heated indoor pool in the wellness center where they also offer, for a fee, Turkish bath and sauna, massage and manicure and pedicure. Enjoy an idyllic calm.

Hotel Palazzuolo, San Quirico
This comfortable 3* hotel has a large swimming pool, restaurant, and terrace for outside dining when the weather is nice. It also has several common areas in which to relax. The hotel is located on a farm in outskirts of San Quirico and produces much of the fine food sold on the premises. The estate has a large park and accompanying small lake as well. From the hotel you have spellbinding views over the rolling Tuscan hills and on clear evenings, you can see the lights and towers of Siena

Tariff 2010

How to get there
By Plane
Fly to Pisa Florence or Bologna airports and then by train to Buonconvento where we shall arrange your short transfer to the accommodation ( 5 minutes )

To View our other cycling holidays in Italy
Click below to view our Walking Holidays in Italy

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