Teachers' Travel             Sherpa
2008

Independent  Bicycle Tours

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany   Independent Cycling  Tour Details

Cycle at your own pace through the most beautiful countryside of Europe. Luggage is shipped from inn to inn. You have a map and detailed route instructions plus as a local representative who can be called for assistance.

In Tuscany we find art, history, culture, great wine, medieval hill villages that have changed little over the centuries. But mostly you remember the warmth and fun-loving attitude of the Italian people.
Cost:                           720 UK    $1504 Cdn   based on double.
Single supplement:    285 UK    $  595 Cdn
        Bike rental 78 Euros paid locally.

Start Dates:  Any day April to October. Duration: Seven nights
Tour Profile:  Moderate. Rolling countryside with some hill-top villages..
Bikes: 21 speed hybrid bikes with panniers, repair kit and water bottle.

Included:  Seven nights accommodation, breakfast daily, one dinner, luggage transfer, route maps and notes, local representative for assistance.

Accommodation

In San Gimignano we spend two nights, our 3* hotel is located in an enviable location at the very heart of the town and dates back to the 14th century. 
In Volterra we use a 4* hotel right in the historical centre, this hotel also boasts a swimming pool.
In Monteriggioni we use a room rental which is located in the oldest building of the village, all rooms are ensuite and offer good views of the town. In Radda, we stay at a superb farmhouse B&B that our clients rave about.  We use a 3* hotel in Siena which offer rooms with nice views facing the ancient town, and is located within walking distance from the famous Piazza del Campo. 

Itinerary :   Start Point: San Gimignano   End of Tour: Siena

Day 1: Arrive in San Gimignano. If you haven't organized the private transfer then please let us know at approx what time you will be arriving so that we can organize for your bikes to be delivered to the hotel. Alternatively your bikes will be delivered on the morning of Day 2.

Day 2:  Your are free to relax around San Gimignano or alternatively  you can do a circular ride to Certaldo riding through Vernaccia’s, San Gimignano’s white wine vineyards. Distance: 38km

Day 3:  San Gimignano – Volterra. A spectacular ride westwards over the hills to the Etruscan fortress town of Volterra. Distance: 37km. For those clients that are fitter and who want a more challenging day today then a visit to the Monastery of San Vivaldo is also an option. Distance: 48km

Day 4: Volterra – Monteriggioni. Two options are available to you again today. Option 1 which passes through the  small town of Colle di Val d’Elsa. Distance: 41km. Option 2 which crosses the natural reserve of Tatti, the medieval town of Casole. Distance: 59km. Both rides visit the monastic settlement of Abbadia Isola.

Day 5: Monteriggioni – Radda in Chianti. Today you will be cycling into the Chianti hills and you will have the opportunity to sample several Chianti wines. The high point of today ride is Fonterutoli and the incredible open views. Distance: 45km

Day 6: A circular ride today throughout the Chianti hills visiting some of the most beautiful villas, castles and land church. Distance: 39km

Day 7: Radda in Chianti – Siena. Your last day is an easy short ride which will lead you to the interesting “Palio” town of Siena. En route why not visit the cantines and test the wines of Dievole. The proprietor is always ready to lead you on a memorable tour. Distance: 28km

Day 8: End of Tour in Siena.