Backroads | Tuscany Biking

Tuscany Biking

If you dream of experiencing the full spectrum of Tuscany in a single vacation, this sensational eight-day cycling journey may be the perfect trip for you. The itinerary showcases the region's diversity and highlights some of its most prized possessions - including those signature hills! Visit the beloved hill towns of Cortona and Pienza, and ride past the famed vineyards and peaceful woodland of Chianti. Experience the wide-open landscapes of southern Tuscany and the hamlets of Montepulciano and Montalcino, where the incomparable Vino Nobile and Brunello wines are born. Off your bike, discover unforgettable Renaissance art and architecture, and refuel with hearty cuisine. Join us for the best Tuscany has to offer.

Days 1-2 curina

Meet in Siena Spin past world-famous vineyards in the heart of the Chianti wine region Treat yourself to the perfect cappuccino or refreshing gelato in such renowned towns as Radda and Castellina Check out Castellina's old ramparts, fortress and arcaded walkway.

Day 3 cortona

Pedal gentle terrain in the captivating Val di Chiana, renowned for its prized Chianina cattle Shop for unique handicrafts in the historic hill town of Cortona.

Days 4-5 rocca d'orcia

Head through a landscape of rolling hills, farmland and quaint villages into the Val d'Orcia Visit medieval Montepulciano and discover hidden piazzas, a welcoming enoteca and the Tempio di San Biagio pilgrimage church Ride through a classic Tuscan tableau of cypress trees, pines and olive groves to the famous monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore In the ancient village of Bagno Vignoni, see a Roman bath favored by members of the Medici family A side trip leads to Pienza, one of Tuscany's Renaissance gems Tackle the challenging ride to Montalcino.

Days 6-8 Sovana

Enter Tuscany's Maremma region Bike to the sleepy hamlet of Sovana, known for its rich Etruscan heritage Visit the fairy-tale village of Pitigliano, where high tufa cliffs tower above bright green valleys Soak in the therapeutic waters of Saturnia Hot Springs, used for centuries by the Etruscans and the Romans Shuttle to Orvieto.

A GRACIOUS WELCOME: Casual Inns

Villa Curina (2 nights): This Renaissance villa welcomes us with traditional and modern décor, a large pool and tennis court.

Hotel San Michele (1 night): Enjoy a night in the heart of town at this beautifully restored 13th-century manor house.

Hotel San Simeone (2 nights): At this splendidly restored gem, bask in an atmosphere of style and elegance in a magnificent hilltop location overlooking the Val d'Orcia.

Sovana Hotel & Resort (2 nights): This inviting hotel offers elegantly furnished rooms, exposed-beam ceilings and terra-cotta tile floors.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1

Level 1 1 Route Option Available
15 miles
1000 feet elevation gain

Day 2

Levels 3 to 5 3 Route Options Available
30, 51, 61 miles
1000 - 4000 feet elevation gain

Day 3

Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
19, 39, 43 miles
500 - 2000 feet elevation gain

Day 4

Levels 2 to 4 4 Route Options Available
25, 39, 42, 54 miles
1000 - 4500 feet elevation gain

Day 5

Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
26, 35, 51 miles
1000 - 4500 feet elevation gain

Day 6

Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
29, 44, 61 miles
1500 - 3500 feet elevation gain

Day 7

Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
30, 47 miles
2000 - 3500 feet elevation gain

Day 8

Conclusion of Trip

Trips For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Activity Level	Average Time	Average Distance
		Biking	Walking & Hiking
Level 1	2-3 hours	10-20 mile	2-5 miles
Level 2	2-4 hours	21-30 miles	5-7 miles
Level 3	3-5 hours	31-40 miles	7-9 miles
Level 4	4-6 hours	41-55 miles	9-11 miles
Level 5	5-7+ hours	56-75+ miles	11-13+ miles

2008 DATES

CLASSIC TRIPS

SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS

8/31-9/7Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1070 for sgl. occ.)

The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel variation: On Nights 4 & 5, we stay at Osteria dell`Orcia in Castiglion d'Orcia.

2009 DATES

CLASSIC TRIPS

5/31-6/7Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1110 for sgl. occ.)

SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS

8/30-9/6Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1110 for sgl. occ.)

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Guest Trip Reviews

If you love challenging climbs, outstanding vistas, great food and insights into local art and history this has got to be an almost perfect vacation. I admit I was almost in tears as I made my final descent back to my hotel on the last day. Great leaders and great fun.

Chris Staines - Komoka, ON

The trip was by far the best vacation we have ever been on. Every aspect of the trip exceeded our expectation from the accommodations, to the quality of the leaders to the bike routes! It was the best biking we have ever done in our lives! It is not a matter of "if" we do a Backroads trip in the future, but "when" we can work it into our schedule!

Jon Penny - Durango, CO

The region and location of the hotels and resorts were perfect! It was everything I dreamed it would be.

Lucinda Fromer - Batesville, IN