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Tuscany Biking

Tuscany Biking

"To be in Tuscany is heaven...somewhere north of Rome, on a stretch where town and country, sunlight and seascape exist in spectacular harmony, one will be struck by the near certainty that here lies the most perfect spot on Earth. Art, architecture, literature, history, have done much to embellish what was already quite flawless," raved Condé Nast Traveler. We embellished a bit more with exclusive wine tastings, exquisite cuisine, lodgings of timeless elegance and beautiful routes that add up to the ultimate Tuscany biking trip.

Day 1 Pievescola

Meet in Florence  Shuttle to Podere Paugnano, an agriturismo (country retreat and working farm) where we sample fresh cheeses and enjoy a picnic lunch  Bike along quiet roads past olive orchards, expansive wheat fields and the hamlet of Montingegnoli  At Relais La Suvera, succumb to la dolce vita with a swim in the pool, an evening aperitivo and a feast of exquisite Tuscan cuisine.

Days 2-3 San Felice

Ride gently rolling hills to the 13th-century walled village of Monteriggioni  Pedal alongside vineyards, by farmhouses and through small villages and evergreen forest  After spinning to Abbazia di Coltibuono (or "Abbey of the Good Harvest"), taste homemade olive oil Bike through the famed town of Radda and visit a family-owned ceramics business  Explore the complexities of Tuscan wines during a tasting with a regional expert A local chef welcomes us into his home for dinner.

Days 4-6 Asciano

Point your wheels toward southern Tuscany, where stately cypresses crisscross open rolling hills Visit Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, a 14th-century abbey  The narrow streets of Montepulciano, Italy's highest hill town, are yours to discover  Enjoy lovely views during a spin through the Val d'Orcia  Tackle a big climb through a sea of vineyards en route to the classic hill town of Montalcino, home to world-famous Brunello wines At the Roman baths of Bagno Vignoni, dip your feet in thermal springs Venture into the heart of the Crete Senesi and discover Pienza, renowned for pecorino cheese, beautiful ceramics and Renaissance architecture.

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HISTORIC ELEGANCE: Premiere Inns

Relais La Suvera (1 night): This Small Luxury Hotels of the World member - originally a medieval castle - is acclaimed for its sumptuous guest rooms, swimming pool, spa and beautiful Italianate gardens.    

Borgo San Felice (2 nights): This Relais & Châteaux-member hotel is a beautifully restored medieval Tuscan hamlet with a swimming pool, tennis courts and a setting amid vineyards, olive groves and oak-covered hills.

Borgo Casabianca (2 nights): Offering a swimming pool and tennis court, this agricultural estate stands on a high ridge between the Chiana Valley and the famed Crete Senesi.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6

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
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

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!
Michael Kellum - 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.
Michele Cummings - 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!
Gaynell Kellum - 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!
Lucy Weaver - 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"
Michelle Ross - Atlanta, GA

Of the five Backroads trips we've taken, this was our favorite, so far. Hardest cycling, but the most rewarding.
Joseph Woods - Atlanta, GA

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.
Lynn Waxman - 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.
Amy Thornhill - 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.
Melanie Majerech - 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.
Tom Cason - 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.
Ken Schmidt - Tracy, CA