A Taste of Tuscany Cycling

A Taste of Tuscany Cycling

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8 Days From

$1940

A Taste of Tuscany Cycling

8 Days Starting and ending in Chianciano Terme, Italy

Visiting: Chianciano Terme, Lake Chiusi, Radicofani, Sarteano, Montepulciano, Pienza

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

C07ST

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Group size:

2 - 6

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

13-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Activities:

Cycling, Walking, Wine Tasting

From: $1940

NB: Prices correct on 18-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure with "A Taste of Tuscany Cycling" tour, where you'll immerse yourself in the heart of Italy's enchanting Tuscany region. Experience the thrill of cycling through the breathtaking UNESCO-listed Val d'Orcia, while indulging in the rich flavors of traditional Tuscan cuisine and wine. Your journey begins and ends in Chianciano Terme, with a week-long stay at the charming Agriturismo La Pietriccia, offering warm hospitality and stunning views. Explore the picturesque towns of Montepulciano and Pienza, renowned for their exquisite wines and cheeses. Enjoy guided routes with GPS directions, high-quality bikes, and savor local produce tastings. Relax with a thermal spa visit and relish in the simplicity of Tuscan life. This tour promises a perfect blend of exhilarating cycling, cultural exploration, and culinary delights, all set against the backdrop of Tuscany's rolling hills and historic towns.

Highlights

  • Fabulous local insight into traditional Tuscan life: the food, the wine, the culture

  • Exhilarating cycling across the UNESCO Val d'Orcia

  • Delicious classic, home-cooked Tuscan cuisine with 'km 0' cooking (all local food)

  • Visit the wine and cheese towns of Montepulciano and Pienza

  • Explore the medieval town of Sarteano and the beautiful convent of La Frateria

  • Cycle through acres of vineyards on your way to Montepulciano

  • Discover the Roman baths and sulphur springs at Bagno Vignoni

  • Enjoy a thermal spa experience in Chianciano Terme

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Chianciano Terme

Location: Chianciano Terme

Accommodation Name: Agriturismo La Pietriccia

Meals Included: Dinner

Arrive at the Agriturismo La Pietriccia and enjoy a stroll to the old town, before your evening briefing by the owner, Stefano, and the first of many home cooked dinners. (Staying at the Agriturismo La Pietriccia for 7 nights, Half Board)

Day 2 : The Lakes Circuit

Location: Lake Chiusi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Start the week with mountain views and forest tracks as you head to the small town of Montallese and on to Lake Chiusi. After a lunch-break take the long distance path of Sentiero della Bonifica to the Lake of Montepulciano, a nature reserve ideal for bird-watching before heading back to the agristurismo in time for dinner.

Day 3 : Radicofani

Location: Radicofani

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

You will be transferred to Radicofani, the highest point in the Val d'Orca, for incredible views. From here cycle to Contignano, famous for its pecorino cheese and a perfect spot for lunch before a downhill stretch through the forest and past the beautiful private gardens of La Foce. The back to the agristurismo in time for wine and local produce tasting in the old town before dinner.

Day 4 : Sarteano Loop

Location: Sarteano

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Descend along country tracks passing a truffle-growing area before crossing the Astrone stream. Cycle through beautiful valleys to the medieval town of Sarteano before carrying on to Cetona, then climb to Mondo X where you can find one of the best restaurants in Italy, La Frateria - a beautiful convent started by St Francis in 1212. Head back to your hotel in time for your dinner.

Day 5 : Free Day

Location: Chianciano Terme

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend the day relaxing or walk into Chianciano Terme. On your way back to the hotel you could use you thermal spa voucher and relax in the healing waters. In the afternoon begin your cookery class where you will learn classic Italian techniques and eat the meal you prepare for dinner.

Day 6 : Montepulciano Circle

Location: Montepulciano

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycle through acres of vineyards on your way to Montepulciano and stop to take in views of the famous Mount Amiata. Explore Montepulciano's winding medieval streets before cycling back to Chianciano.

Day 7 : Pienza And Bagno Vignoni

Location: Pienza

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After a short transfer to Pienza take time to explore the town - it is one of the cheese capitals of Italy - and its beautiful medieval historic centre. Perhaps pick up a sandwich filled with porchetta or a slab of rich and creamy Pecorino. The ride takes you downhill to cross one of the stunning plains of the Val d'Orcia, and a short detour takes you to Roman Bagno Vignoni with its roman baths and sulphur springs. Follow a long straight Roman road then cross the valley and climb up and down into Chianciano.

Day 8 : Leave Chianciano Terme

Location: Chianciano Terme

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leave Chianciano Terme.

What's Included

  • All buffet breakfasts and 4-course evening meals

    Enjoy all buffet breakfasts and 4-course evening meals during your stay.

  • GPS route directions and maps

    Receive GPS route directions and maps for your cycling adventure.

  • High Quality Bikes

    High quality bikes are provided for your cycling tour.

  • Wine, olive oil and local produce tasting

    Participate in wine, olive oil, and local produce tasting sessions.

  • 1 thermal spa entrance

    Enjoy one entrance to a thermal spa during your trip.

  • Accommodation

    Stay at the Agriturismo La Pietricca for 7 nights, with half board included.

  • Management by local hotelier

    The tour is managed by a local hotelier, ensuring a personalized experience.

  • RideWithGPS navigation app

    Access the RideWithGPS navigation app for easy route tracking.

  • Cookery class

    Participate in a cookery class to learn classic Italian techniques.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Visas or vaccinations

    Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Arrival & departure transfers

    Arrival and departure transfers are not included but are available on request.

  • Single accommodation

    Single accommodation is not included but is available on request with a compulsory supplement.

  • Solo traveller supplement

    A solo traveller supplement applies when only one person is traveling on a departure date.

Food

Tuscan food is based on the Italian idea of 'cucina povera' (poor cooking); simple inexpensive meals that can be made for large groups. Whilst this was once dictated by the economy and expense of the produce, the tradition has remained. The cuisine of this region doesn't use complicated seasonings or elaborate recipes, and instead focuses on fresh, high quality ingredients that allow the natural flavours in each dish to shine through. Typical dishes include fagioli con salsiccia (cannellini beans with sausage), tagliatelle al tartufo (pasta in a truffle sauce) bistecca Fiorentina (a T-bone steak often large enough to share!), pici (a fat, handmade spaghetti, often served with tomato and garlic sauce or game meat). Don't miss the local cacio and pecorino cheeses, and sample the famous wines: Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino.

Accommodation

Your base for the week is the modest but comfortable Agriturismo La Pietricca, which stands on a hill with great views of Chianciano Vecchia. Stefano who runs the agriturismo will welcome you with his enthusiasm for everything to do with nature in the surrounding area and will also teach you all about the artisan products in the local area. The hotel produces 65% of what it serves on your table, and is surrounded by its own farm and orchards. There is a lovely terrace and swimming pool and lovely shady grassy area that looks out across the valley, where in the heat of summer you can take your dinner outside.

Mode of Transport

Transportation includes cycling across the scenic landscapes of Tuscany, with transfers provided to key starting points such as Radicofani and Pienza. High-quality bikes are included, and GPS route directions and maps are provided for a seamless cycling experience.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The accommodation is at Agriturismo La Pietricca, a modest but comfortable farmhouse hotel with great views of Chianciano Vecchia. It features a terrace, swimming pool, and a grassy area for outdoor dining.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour includes all buffet breakfasts and 4-course evening meals. The meals are home-cooked and feature local Tuscan cuisine.

  • Are there any special activities included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes wine, olive oil, and local produce tasting, as well as one entrance to a thermal spa.

  • What kind of cycling experience can I expect on this tour?

    The tour offers exhilarating cycling across the UNESCO Val d'Orcia, with routes that include mountain views, forest tracks, and visits to towns like Montepulciano and Pienza. High-quality bikes are provided.

  • Is there a free day during the tour, and what can I do on that day?

    Yes, there is a free day where you can relax, enjoy an olive oil tasting at the agriturismo, visit the Etruscan Museum of Chianciano Terme, or use your thermal spa voucher.

  • What is the focus of the cuisine during the tour?

    The cuisine focuses on traditional Tuscan dishes, emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients with simple, yet flavorful recipes. You can expect to try local specialties like pecorino cheese and famous wines such as Nobile di Montepulciano.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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