Tuscany Biking
You'll quickly understand the allure of southern Tuscany as you pedal between villages so intimate, you will experience the sounds and aromas of pranzo (the midday meal) as it's being prepared inside Italian homes. While there are plenty of hills to climb, your efforts will be well rewarded. After spinning through rolling vineyards, past undulating wheat fields and over chalky white hills by day, savor pecorino cheese, homemade pasta, fruity olive oils, celebrated Brunello wines and the warmth of Italian hospitality each evening.
Days 1-2 castelnuovo dell'abate
Meet in Siena 
Warm up with a pleasant rolling ride along the flank of Monte Amiata, Tuscany's tallest mountain Pedal through vineyards yielding southern Tuscany's prestigious Brunello di Montalcino wine Tranquil roads lead past the Abbazia Monte Oliveto Maggiore, the region's most notable monastery, and the exposed chalk hills known as biancane.
Day 3 pienza
Visit the ancient spa town of Bagno Vignoni, where Catherine de' Medici was known to linger Follow country lanes to the quaint village of Castelmuzio In Pienza, one of Tuscany's Renaissance gems, marvel at architectural masterpieces and shop for ceramics For dinner, savor such Tuscan favorites as panzanella, pappardelle al sugo and acquacotta.
Days 4-6 Farneta
In medieval Montepulciano, Tuscany's highest hilltop town, discover hidden piazzas, visit the famous Tempio di San Biagio pilgrimage church and perhaps taste Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Pedal through the Val di Chiana, where Chianina cows contentedly graze Climb to the postcard-perfect Etruscan village of Cortona for a guided walking tour of its ancient town center, gaining insight into its storied past Bike along picturesque roads of the Val di Chiana to Lago Trasimeno, the country's fourth-largest lake and a favorite vacation spot of Italians.
MEDIEVAL MASTERPIECES : Premiere Inns
Castello di Velona (2 nights): Set on a hill above the Val d'Orcia, this elegant Renaissance castle welcomes you with a sparkling swimming pool, antiques and broad views of the countryside.
Relais Il Chiostro di Pienza (1 night): Originally a 15th-century convent, this hotel is situated in the heart of town and offers tastefully furnished guest rooms and a pool.
Villa Petrischio (2 nights): Set on a quiet hill, this lovely four-star hotel, nestled in pine trees, was built in the 18th century for the Lombardi counts who wanted to be close to the Abazzia Farneta.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- 10, 12, 19 miles
- 0 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 21, 37, 44 miles
- 1000 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 25, 41, 54 miles
- 2000 - 5000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 29, 43 miles
- 1500 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 21, 44, 51, 66 miles
- 500 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 21 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Please note: Terrain in Tuscany is hilly and the routes can be more challenging than the mileages suggest.
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
- 8/10-15Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/7-12Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/21-26Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/5-10Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.)
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/28-7/3Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1080 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/12-17Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1080 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/9-14Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1080 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/13-18Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1080 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/20-25Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1080 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/4-9Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1080 for sgl. occ.)
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
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.
Trip praise
This truly was a remarkable, memorable trip. I feel that biking allowed us to truly experience Italy in an intimate way. We met people on the roadside picking mushrooms...we could see Tuscany, feel Tuscany, and smell Tuscany!- Sammamish, WA