Southern Tuscany

Terracotta rooftops, sophisticated hilltowns and gentle green vineyards...no other region conjures up such classic Italian images. Known as the Terra di Siena, we pedal through a landscape of lush greens, rusty reds and golden ochres. The towns we visit are off-the-beaten path, tucked away just south of Siena and bordered by the region of Umbria. This is a land where the farrners still tend their fields, the locals meet in the piazza every afternoon and celebrations are marked by homemade pasta and Tuscany's renowned wines.

Our tour begins in Codona, an ancient Etruscan town made famous by Frances Mayes' book Under the Tuscan Sun. We pedal through classic towns such as Montichiello and Montepulciano, famous for it's Vino Nobile wines. We overnight in the Sienese Crete, just outside of Pienza, a perfect little Renaissance town lined with local wine merchants. Other highlights include the Roman spa town of Bagno Vignoni, the authentic wine village of Montalcino.

Our inns range from luxurious Relais & Chateaux estates to genuine Tuscan villas. Our meals highlight the best of the region: salty pecorino cheese, panzanella, hand-rolled pasta and the smooth Brunello di Montalcino that has made Tuscany so famous.

Our bicycle tours are created as a vacation, not a race. This7 day tour of Toscana gives one a great taste of Italy. Our routes wind along sunflower fields, olive groves and vineyards. Our terrain starts off relatively level and gets gently rolling to rolling as the week unfolds. Some of the later days and optional routes include hills and climbs. Our Terra di Siena tour is recommended for moderate bikers but athletic beginners who want the reward of some spectacular scenery should also join us. Remember. our pace on all days is relaxed.

Days 1,2 and 3 - Meet in Arezzo. We spend our first two days exploring Cortona, best known as the setting for Under the Tuscan Sun. Visit the Museo Civico, with works by Pinturicchio and Signorelli or shop in the antique stores that line the main street before we meet at a local farmer's house for a tasting of his freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil. The next morning takes us to Lake Trasimeno, where Hannibal defeated the Romans in 217 bc. Ferry over to the islands or search out the Etruscan tombs that are scattered throughout the periphery. Dinner at a favorite trattoria features crusty bruschetta with plum tomatoes & basil, spicy saIsiccia and biscotti soaked in sweet Vin Santo.

On day 3 we cycle toward Montepulciano. Stop to sample the hearty Vino Nobile of the area at one of the many estates dotting the countryside, or continue straight on to Montepulciano to explore the Gothic church of San Francesco and its octagonal Renaissance temple.
Three nights at at an elegant 16th c. manor hotel.
Our bike routes - Day 1:11 miles of gently rolling terrain. Day 2: 28 miles of flat to gently rolling terrain. Optional route: +20 miles. Day 3: Rest day or 20 or 32 miles of gently rolling terrain. Climb into Montepulciano (32 mile route). Optional routes also available.

Days 4 and 5 - Bold cypress trees line our route through the Val d'Orcia, where we cycle through a landscape that inspired Renaissance painters from Piero della Francesca to Raphael. Next, the Roman baths at Bagno Vignoni and the town of Pienza, a sophisticated Renaissance gem designed by Pope Pio II. The following day is a dazzling ride through the Sienese Crete to the Abbey of Sant'Anna in Camprena. Optional route through Monticchiello and Montepulciano.
Two nights near Pienza, in an inviting villa that we have reserved just for us. Amenities include a beautiful pool and superb views of the Tuscan countryside.
Our bike route - Day 4: 26 miles of flat to gently rolling terrain. A few hills at the end of the route. Day 5:18 miles of gently rolling terrain. One climb into Pienza. Optional ride to Bagno Vignoni: 20 miles of gently rolling to rolling terrain. Other routes are available of 30 + miles. Rolling terrain.

Day 6 and 7 - A winding gravel road leads us past a 15th c. castle before the chime of church bells signals our arrival into Montalcino. Rows of red grapes radiate from town and merchants shops line the streets, displaying their precious Brunello. Stop by an enoteca for a tasting before our farewell feast at Poggio Antico, an excellent restaurant with creative renditions of Tuscan favorites.
One night at La Vecchia Oliviera, a small inn built along the Roman walls of Montalcino. On day 7, breakfast at the inn before our late morning drop-off at the Chiusi train station. We highly recommend a layover day in Florence or Siena.
Our bike route - 30 miles of gently rolling terrain. 3 mile climb at the finish (van transfer available.) About 8 miles of today's ride are on 'white roads" (packed dirt roads). Optional routes to Sant'Angelo in Colle: 16 miles of hilly terrain.

Length: 7 days/6 nights
Daily Mileage: 15-38 miles on gently rolling to rolling terrain. Some hills and climbs.
Dates: 2002 - May 12-18 / Jun 16-22 / Sep 22-28 / Sep 29-Oct 5 / Oct 2-8
Cost: $2650 Bike rental: $150 Single Supplement: $450

Included: