Backroads | Tuscany Biking

Tuscany Biking

Even to the first-time visitor, the Chianti landscape seems instantly familiar and soothing: gracefully rolling vineyards, stately cypress trees and artfully weathered hillside villas create a backdrop straight out of a Renaissance painting. Pedaling into the hills and through such beloved towns as San Gimignano and Volterra, is a perfect way to see the countryside up close and get a feel for the pace of Tuscan life—a pace you’ll adopt quickly and effortlessly. At day’s end, settle into luxurious accommodations and savor hearty Tuscan cuisine and an array of celebrated wines.

Days 1-2 san felice

Meet in Florence Enjoy lunch at Castello di Gargonza, a 13th-century village that once hosted Dante Alighieri Embark on a warm-up ride past the vineyard-laced hills, cypress-lined lanes and olive groves of the Chianti region During a private tasting at Badia a Coltibuono, savor olive oils crafted under the care of Lorenza de’ Medici and visit cellars stocked with aging fine wine Bike the hills to Radda in Chianti, the center for Chianti Classico wine production.

Days 3-4 san gimignano

Pedal the scenic route to the World Heritage site of San Gimignano, a magnificent village whose 12th- and 13th-century towers crown the skyline Experience the town’s colorful past with a local guide Quiet country roads lead to the Etruscan city of Volterra, famous for its alabaster artisans, and wander its maze of cobblestone streets Linger to visit the Museo Etrusco Guarnacci or pedal back to San Gimignano through a classic Tuscan landscape.

Days 5-6 pievescola

Spin through quintessential rolling Tuscan hills on an unforgettable ride to Casole d'Elsa, a medieval town with most of its city walls still intact Enjoy a final cruise through the gorgeous rolling farmland of the Montagnola, a favorite area of local riders.

HISTORIC ELEGANCE : Premiere Inns

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

La Collegiata (2 nights): Originally a Franciscan convent built in 1587, this Relais & Châteaux member overlooks the heart of the Chianti wine region and the towers of San Gimignano and offers an exclusive and comprehensive wine list along with elegant dining, a wellness center, spa treatments and a poolside bar.

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

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1

Level 2 1 Route Option Available
22 miles
500 - 1000 feet elevation gain

Day 2

Levels 3 to 4 3 Route Options Available
31, 39, 45 miles
3000 - 4000 feet elevation gain

Day 3

Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
22, 43, 49 miles
1000 - 3000 feet elevation gain

Day 4

Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
13, 18, 37 miles
500 - 2000 feet elevation gain

Day 5

Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
28, 47, 64 miles
2000 - 4000 feet elevation gain

Day 6

Level 2 1 Route Option Available
24 miles
1500 - 2000 feet elevation gain

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

9/21-26Price: $4898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1100 for sgl. occ.)

The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel Variation: On Days 1 & 2, we stay at La Collegiata in San Gimignano; on Day 3, we stay at Relais Borgo Scopeto in Vagliagli; and Days 4 & 5, we stay at Relais Borgo San Felice. As a result, routes and activities will vary slightly.

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

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

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

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 5 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