Tuscany Chianti Cycle Tour

Tour information provided and bikes are handed over on arrival at your pre-tour meeting late afternoon. Take time to explore this spa town, maybe sample the healing waters or relaxing massage. Montecatini has many restaurants to choose from.

Cycling on small paths through olive groves of Montecatini Terme through the vast plains of the valley of Valdenievole to Vinci which is the birthplace of Leonardo. You can visit the Vinci museum’s which has a collection of many of his machines he invented, you can also visit his house where he was born before making your way back to Montecatini Terme.

Today you have an option, to cycle passing the small medieval town of Monte Carlo which is famous for its wines on your way towards Lucca or alternatively by train to Lucca.  Once in Lucca, you can then take a city tour by cycling along the city walls which are 5km long and you can cycle all around the top of them. Then it is on to the lake of Massacciuccoli also known as lake of Giacomo Puccini and on to Pisa, where you can visit the famous landmarks, Miracle square with its leaning tower, cathedral and baptistery. Climb the leaning tower and visit the cathedral.

Cycling from Pisa along the river Arno and then on cycle paths and lanes to the idyllic spring town Casciana Terme. Today’s route is generally flat with some small climbs. You shall pass many fertile fields growing such items as peaches, grapes producing sweet wines and of course olives.

Cycling through vineyards and soft hills to San Gimignano. Now you are inland from the coast the landscape is more undulating, you will cycle through many little historic villages some as though time has stood still. Eventually arriving in San Gimignano sitting on top of the hill. This ancient fortified town is beautifully restored and you can spend many hours looking around walking through the cobbled streets. Of course, it is often better in the evening when the daytime tourists have gone home.

Through Tuscany’s wonderful landscape to the architectonic paradise Siena. The quiet roads will lead you through the rolling countryside to this fabulous city. Many chances on your route to stop at the local bar and take a coffee and watch the time go by. This is one of Italy’s most wonderful Roman cities. The old town is a must to explore, see the large square and town hall, notice it is the only building with a clock. This is because in ancient times the city leader had control over time and therefore the residents of the city. Twice per year, a famous horse race takes place in this old square, 10 horses and 20 thousand spectators crammed in the centre.

Today leaving Siena you cycle through the hilly Chianti region, where the “Chianti Classico” wines come from. You are heading for Greve in Chianti with its lovely town square and wine sample museums. From there you drop off your rental bikes and take a bus transfer into Florence. This bus eliminates a busy section of the roads into Florence. Now you have time to explore this very art city with this great Basilica and little streets. If you have your own bikes these are transferred into Florence.

Individual departure or extension of your stay.