Few things in this world live up to the hype. But everything you've ever heard about Tuscany is true. It's not a destination. It's an experience. Rides lined with cypress trees overlooking the patchwork vineyards below will stop you on your bike. And no view will compare to that view. Until you round the next bend and see another. It's a wonder anyone ever finishes the rides. And that's only what you'll see; imagine the wines and flavors you'll discover.
Day 1 The quintessential Tuscan journey - great for cyclists of all levels
Sample fresh cheeses at an agriturismo before biking quiet roads past olive orchards, farmhouses and wheat fields Pedal to medieval Greve and explore nearby Montefioralle, the home of Amerigo Vespucci, the Tuscan explorer who discovered New York Harbor.
Days 2-3 Pedal rolling hills in the heart of Chianti
to Badia a Coltibuono (“Abbey of the Good Harvest”) where you’re treated to a private tour and olive oil tasting
The hidden nooks of Via delle Volte, Castellina's unique arcaded passageway are a delight to explore Ascend to the ancient hilltop town of Radda, the center of Chianti wine production.
Day 4 The narrow streets of Montalcino,
known for having the region's finest wines, are yours to discover Point your wheels toward southern Tuscany, where stately cypresses crisscross open rolling hills Our route leads through the chalk hills of the Crete Senesi, often depicted in 14th- and 15th-century Florentine paintings.
Days 5-6 Taste world-famous Brunello
Pedal through the undulating wheat fields and hilltop towns of the Val d'Orcia In Pienza, marvel at the famed Renaissance architecture and sample splendid pecorino cheese.
Trip Highlights
- The quintessential Tuscan journey - great for cyclists of all levels
- Pedal our favorite Tuscan roads with ample shuttle support
- Handpicked hotels that represent Tuscany's finest
- Taste the region's most acclaimed wines with a local sommelier
- Picturesque hilltop towns brimming with medieval architecture
Premiere Inns
Castello del Nero (2 nights): Situated on a hilltop overlooking rolling vineyards and olive orchards in the Colle Fiorentini, this former castle is steeped in Tuscan charm. (pool, spa)
Relais Borgo Scopeto (1 night): Once owned by the Sienese cathedral in the 1200s, this elegant estate offers commanding views of Siena and the Mangia Tower. (pool, spa)
Castello di Velona (2 nights): This 11th-century fortress features terra-cotta floors, individually decorated rooms and stunning views of the Val d'Orcia. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool, spa)
Routes 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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 23 | 1400 | ||||||||
| 2 | 21* | 1800 | 31* | 2400 | 48* | 3800 | 59 | 4300 | ||
| 3 | 29* | 2500 | 38* | 2800 | 44 | 3400 | 56 | 4300 | ||
| 4 | 23* | 900 | 37* | 1600 | 50 | 3100 | 64 | 3700 | ||
| 5 | 21* | 2000 | 31* | 2100 | 44 | 3500 | 61 | 4400 | ||
| 6 | 14 | 900 | ||||||||
There is less than 5% of riding on hard-packed dirt on this trip. Since the overwhelming majority of the trip is paved, we've elected to use standard road bike tires on our titanium road bikes. Most guests find this to be the right answer. If you prefer to skip the dirt, a shuttle is always a possibility.
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/26-31 Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/2-7 Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/16-21 Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/23-28 Price: $4598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/30-7/5 Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/7-12 Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/14-19 Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/21-26 Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/28-8/2 Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/11-16 Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/25-30 Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/1-6 Price: $4598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/8-13 Price: $4598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/10-15 Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/22-27 Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/24-29 Price: $4598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/29-10/4 Price: $4598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/1-6 Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/6-11 Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/13-18 Price: $4598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/20-25 Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1330 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
We had a fabulous time - our leaders were fantastic!! We loved the fact that support was always available and that we periodically saw the other group members on the road but for much of the time it was just the two of us enjoying the scenery and the ride. We can't wait to come back and do another Backroads trip. Meals were fantastic and we totally enjoyed the flexibility to ride as much or as little as we wanted. All in all it was definitely the best vacation ever--can't wait to download my 500+ pictures--everywhere was "una bella vista"- Atlanta, GA
This was a dream trip! It was definitely challenging (in a good way!) as well as extremely rewarding and enjoyable. I'd do it again in a heartbeat!- Allen, TX
We had a spectacular trip. I made the comment to my wife after the very first day of biking that I could go home today and feel like all my expectations had been fulfilled - and that was just the first day! We had been dreaming of and planning this trip for so long, that I was afraid I would be expecting too much. But it was so much better than we had even hoped for. Thanks, Backroads, for the trip of a lifetime! Now my only thought is how could the next Backroads trip possibly compare with this one--but I bet it will be exciting to find out!- Allen, Texas
This was the best trip I have taken in my entire life! Everything was perfect. Our trip leaders were the greatest, our fellow travelers were great people and Tuscany is amazing. I cannot wait to go on another Backroads trip.- Toronto, ON
Stunning scenery, beautiful rides, superb Italian cuisine, lovely stops in medieval, quaint towns. At Relais La Suvera I felt like I was dining in a castle fit for a king and queen with outstanding, fresh, local, rustic, simple Italian dishes, each one like a treasured work of art!- Jasper, IN
Once again Backroads delivered! This trip was physically very rigorous but totally enjoyable thanks to the attention to detail and quality of the leaders. Tuscany is beautiful and the intimate experience of seeing it by bike was intoxicating! Taglatelle with funghi porcini and a nice Chianti Classico may have added to the experience.
Our first Backroads trip far exceeded our expectations! The weather was gorgeous every day. How did you arrange that? The guides adapted amazingly to the needs of the group. They were knowledgeable, thorough, fun, and around when you needed them. The hotels were quite lovely. La Suvera was very special. The biking was phenomenal! We did it all! How you got together such a perfect travelling group of people was quite a feat! We thoroughly enjoyed everyone and everyone was very gracious, warm & friendly. Can't wait for our next Backroads trip.- Montreal, QC
We had a wonderful time, as usual! Everything ran smoothly (due to our stellar leaders), the biking was so scenic it seemed unreal, the food and wine were superb, and the companionship interesting and fun. Can't wait for our next trip with y'all.- Winter Haven, FL
Incredible! Still thinking and dreaming about it...Even though the trip was only 6 days, I feel like we packed in a few weeks' worth of experiences.- Snoqualmie, WA
The trip was very special from all standpoints. Good group of guests, excellent leaders and super locations. The area and route chosen were truly remarkable. Every turn in the road revealed a stunning vista that took your breath away. Probably the only cycling trip with the physical demands we experienced on which I could gain weight. Thanks, we will be back and are already putting the next trip together.- Greensboro, NC
Excellent trip and assistance throughout the tour. Backroads was my first 'active' vacation and I'm never going back to a relaxing day at the beach . . . I feel more refreshed after doing, seeing and learning interesting things while making new friends within our group.- Tracy, CA
Of the five Backroads trips we've taken, this was our favorite, so far. Hardest cycling, but the most rewarding.- Atlanta, GA
It was awesome! This trip was a graduation present for my daughter. We had an amazing experience and sharing this experience with her was a gift to me! Thank you and I am looking forward to another Backroads adventure!- Kingwood, TX
You have brought us such joy over the years and 12 Backroads trips. Thank you for all the research and hard work in making our trips joyful memories that we will always treasure.- Excelsior, MN
I chose this trip because I wanted challenging biking in addition to beautiful scenery. I got it! It was the hardest and farthest biking I have ever done. I feel that I really accomplished something. The first part of the trip - through the Chianti region was spectacular. I honestly feel sorry for anyone that doesn't get to experience the region on a bike. Every view was a postcard.- San Mateo, CA