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 experience.
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 Cross through the grand Porta Nova into historic Colle Val d'Elsa, known for its handcrafted crystal, and explore narrow streets flanked by 16th- and 17th-century palazzi.
Days 2-3 Pedal rolling hills in the heart of Chianti
to Monteriggioni, an impeccably preserved 13th-century walled village The hidden nooks of Via delle Volte, Castellina's unique arcaded passageway, tempt exploration We’re invited to the private Badia a Coltibuono estate to try olive oils crafted under the care of Lorenza de’Medici Ascend to the ancient hilltop town of Radda, the center of Chianti wine production Dine with a Tuscan chef at his lovely villa.
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
- Visit and dine with a Tuscan chef in his home
Premiere Inns
Palazzo San Lorenzo (1 night): Recently remodeled into a stylish modern hotel, this palazzo, tucked within the old town walls, was built as a hospital in 1635 by the influential Usimbardi family. (pool, spa)
Borgo San Felice (2 nights): Described by Hideaway Report as an "enchanting resort enclave set within a restored medieval hamlet fringed by olive groves and vineyards in the Chianti Classico region." A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa, tennis)
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)
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 19, 31 miles
- 550 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 29, 40, 52, 60 miles
- 1900 - 3470 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 4 Route Options Available
- 20, 31, 38, 48 miles
- 1910 - 3900 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 25, 34, 45, 66 miles
- 1100 - 3600 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 22, 39, 55 miles
- 1900 - 4300 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 14 miles
- 800 feet elevation gain
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.| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
2012 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 4/22-27Price: $4498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 5/6-11Price: $4498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel Variation: On Days 2 & 3 we stay at Villa Curina Resort in Castelnuovo Berardenga. - 5/13-18Price: $4498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 5/20-25Price: $4498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 5/27-6/1Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/3-8Price: $4498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/10-15Price: $4498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/17-22Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/24-29Price: $4498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/1-6Price: $4498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/8-13Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/15-20Price: $4498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1830 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel variation: On Days 2 & 3 we stay at Hotel Le Fontanelle in Siena. As a result, activities may vary somewhat. - 7/22-27Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/29-8/3Price: $4498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/5-10Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/12-17Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/19-24Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/26-31Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/2-7Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/9-14Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/11-16Price: $4498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/16-21Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/18-23Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1930 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel Variation: On Days 4 & 5 we stay at Castello Banfi-Il Borgo in Montalcino. - 9/23-28Price: $4498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/25-30Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1930 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel Variation: On Days 4 & 5 we stay at Castello Banfi-Il Borgo in Montalcino. - 9/30-10/5Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/2-7Price: $4498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/7-12Price: $4498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/14-19Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/21-26Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1630 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
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
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
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
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
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