BEST OF TUSCANY

What better way to explore sun-ripened Tuscany than cycling? An epic journey for art lovers, history buffs, and gourmands alike, this trip is an intimate portrait of a rightly celebrated region. By day, we'll pedal over a rolling quilt work of farmland and vineyards. By night, it's charming hotels and rustic villas in Tuscany’s unforgettable hilltop towns. From the cultural treasures of Florence and Siena to Chianti's gold-plated landscape, Tuscany is a place whose pleasures must be seen (and tasted) to be believed.

Day 1

We begin our days under the Tuscan sun in Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Even return visitors can’t help but feel a sense of awe when walking the streets of this hallowed city – the site of some of the Western world’s crowning artistic, architectural, literary, and scientific achievements. Later we’ll gather for a group dinner of traditional Northern Italian cuisine. Bring your appetite, but leave your watch behind. As the Italian saying goes, "At the table you don't grow old."

Day 2 - Florence to Greve

During the ride from Florence, we enter the area known as Il Chianti, the only region authorized to produce Chianti Classico wine. You'll fall under the spell of

the picturesque Tuscan countryside with its rolling hills trussed with vineyards and olive groves.

23 miles

Day 3 - Greve to Siena

We’ll continue riding through the beautiful region of Chianti, riding through the scenic wine towns of Radda in Chianti and Castellina in Chianti, before finishing our ride at the fortified town of Monterregioni.

35 miles

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Day 4 – Siena layover

After a lively walking tour of Siena, you’ll have the rest of the day to spend as you like. You can either join us for an optional ride to lovely San Gimignano or get better acquainted with Siena. If you opt for the latter, be sure to visit Siena’s monumental cathedral, or Duomo, and the Piazza del Campo, site of the annual Palio horse race. And don't forget to sample one of the region's chief exports, ruby red Chianti from the outlying hills.

Day 5 Siena to Montalcino

After a short morning transfer, we’ll continue our survey of sun dappled olive groves and vineyards en route to Montalcino, with respites at the 14-century monastery, Monte Oliveto Maggiore and the charming town of Buonconvento.

Despite its imposing posture, Montalcino is a welcoming town whose sloping Medieval alleyways and masonry make it a daytripper’s paradise. You’ll be well rewarded for the steep approach by the resplendent valley views from the top. Our home for the night, the charming Vecchia Oliviera Hotel, began life as an olive oil mill. After some down time, perhaps including a dip in the pool, we’ll sample some of Montalcino’s famous Brunello wine at an enoteca within the fortress walls.

Day 6 Montelcino to Pienza

Our final ride winds through a series of villages that dot the incomparable Val D’Orcia region, ending in Pienza. Thought by many to be the archetypal Renaissance town, Pienza is the first example of the humanist urban design that would later spread throughout Europe. Here, nestled in one of the most evocative towns in Italy, we’ll stay at the Chiostro di Pienza hotel – an historical hotel set inside a Medieval monastery. But not before gathering for our grand send-off, a bountiful Tuscan meal.

Day 7

Transfer to the Florence airport