Tuscany Biking: A Taste of… (trip)

Tuscany Biking: A Taste of Tuscany in Chianti Classico

  • Florence, Italy
  • Active & Adventure
Italy

from $2,998* per person6 DaysApril-October
Boutique accommodations Exertion level: 6
Operator: Backroads 26 people max
To D.H. Lawrence, Tuscany was "the perfect centre of man's universe." Poet Shelley called the region a "paradise for exiles." Dante, a Tuscan native, more than likely called it "divine." You'll undoubtedly conjure up a few superlatives of your own as you pedal from one unbelievable view to the next, gaze in awe at incredible Renaissance art and architecture, and savor delicious pecorino cheese, homemade pasta, fruity olive oils and celebrated Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino wines. Few things in this world live up to the hype. We're delighted to report that everything you've ever heard about Tuscany is true.

  • A quintessential Tuscan experience from south to north
  • Explore some of the region's most celebrated towns, including Montepulciano, Pienza, Montalcino, Siena and Radda in Chianti
  • After a dinner of local specialties, taste fine wines with a sommelier
  • Pedal rolling hills past Brunello, Chianti Classico and Sangiovese vineyards
  • Relax at day's end in cozy historic hotels, all with swimming pools

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Itinerary

Day 1 A quintessential Tuscan experience from south to north Kick things off with a picnic of Tuscan treats at an organic farm that produces olive oil, butter, salami and prosciutto  From the flanks of Mount Amiata, warm up your legs on a rolling route through the countryside. 

Day 2 Before a dinner of local specialties, taste fine wines with a sommelier Get to know southern Tuscany en route to the Roman thermal baths in Bagno Vignoni  Wander around Montepulciano, chock-full of hidden squares, Renaissance palaces and ornate churches  Stop at an enoteca to experience the region's claim to fame, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano  In Pienza, sample delicious pecorino (sheep's milk) cheese.

Day 3 Relax at day's end in cozy historic hotels, all with swimming pools   Indulge in a picnic feast beneath the arches of Monte Oliveto Maggiore Abbey  Bike past exposed chalk hills known as biancane, often depicted in 14th- and 15th-century Florentine and Sienese paintings  A Tuscan kitchen whirs into action at a fun cooking demo.

Day 4 Trade the open undulating hills of southern Tuscany for the wooded, olive tree-lined roads of the north  Spin past sun-baked pastures dotted with sheep and crumbling stone farmhouses Author Dario Castagno joins us for an engaging Q&A session   Explore Siena on your own.

Days 5-6 A wine lover's paradise: Brunello, Chianti Classico and Sangiovese vineyards all around You'll love visiting some of Chianti’s most adored towns, such as Gaiole, Radda and Castellina  Browse family-owned Ceramiche Rampini for amazing hand-painted ceramics  Relax at our villa or challenge your quads on a well-known training climb for local cyclists.

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